A Dark Scree Peak in the Hafnarfjall Massif

Tungukollur stands as one of the inner peaks of the Hafnarfjall massif, a broad mountain ridge that looms over the Ring Road between Reykjavík and Borgarnes. At 666–670 metres, it is lower than the massif's highest point, Gildalshnúkur at 844 metres, but its steep basaltic scree slopes give it an imposing dark appearance that hikers on the neighbouring ridge describe as unmistakable. The peak sits in a tract of near-empty Icelandic countryside — grasslands and rocky outcrops with fewer than two inhabitants per square kilometre — making it part of the quiet, open landscapes that characterise the Western Region.↗↗

The Seven Peaks Circuit

For hikers, Tungukollur is the highlight (and one of the hardest objectives) of the seven-peak traverse across the Hafnarfjall massif. This route begins with the more accessible summit of Hafnarfjall itself (787 m), then follows the ridge line eastward through the inner peaks, passing Gildalshnúkur before reaching the steep scree slopes of Tungukollur. The full circuit is considerably harder than the popular Hafnarfjall loop, both in terms of physical effort and navigation, and is best attempted only with solid fitness, good weather, and offline mapping.↗↗

Views Across Borgarfjörður

From the ridge and summit areas of the massif, the views open up across the entire Borgarfjörður inlet toward the Snæfellsnes peninsula — one of Iceland's most photogenic coastal stretches. Looking south, hikers can pick out the pointed top of Blákollur with the distant silhouettes of Akrafjall and Esja beyond. The dark profile of Tungukollur itself is the landmark most visible to those on the Hafnarfjall ascent, serving as both a destination and a reference point throughout the climb.↗

Getting There and Practical Advice

The Hafnarfjall trailhead — the starting point for the approach to Tungukollur — sits directly on Route 1, about 18.6 kilometres north of the Hvalfjörður intersection. From Reykjavík, follow the Ring Road northbound and turn right onto a gravel road for a small parking area with room for about a dozen cars. The trail is marked with red-tipped sticks and begins from a recently improved parking area with informational panels and garbage bins.↗

The Hafnarfjall loop (which offers views of Tungukollur) is approximately 12.7 kilometres with around 1,175 metres of elevation gain and takes about 4.5 hours of moving time. The full seven-peaks circuit to Tungukollur is considerably longer and harder. Sturdy boots are essential; hiking poles are recommended for balance. The ridge is exposed and very windy, so check conditions carefully. Summer and early autumn are the appropriate seasons, and snow can appear at higher elevations even in the fall.↗↗

Why Visit

Tungukollur won't appear on any guidebook itinerary as a standalone sightseeing stop, and that is part of its appeal. It belongs to the Iceland that rewards effort: a peak that reveals itself gradually over the ridge, first as a dark shape on the skyline, then as a steep scree climb that demands attention and care. For hikers who have done the Hafnarfjall loop and want more, the seven-peaks circuit offers one of the best undervisited day hikes in the Western Region — with views spanning fjords, peninsulas, and the open highlands beyond.↗↗