Rettarfell (Réttarfell) hike
Rettarfell (Réttarfell) hike
Duration: 1.5 hours. Difficulty: a relatively short hike with some steep sections and an ascent and descent of around 300m. The path can be stony and some sections are badly eroded. Care is needed in places. Interest: a short, sharp climb to a fabulous viewpoint over the area. Start/End: by the hut at Basar and take the trail to the right of the hut bearing left just before the toilets.
The trail begins to climb immediately, at first through birch woodland which in summer has many flowers including beautiful orchids. After about 10 minutes emerge at a viewpoint clear of the forest. Note a track to your left, which you may choose to return by if you opt for the circular route.
The trail now crosses a boulder section to reach a saddle, which you will see up ahead of you. The peak you will now climb is to your right and you can see the trail snaking up the hillside. Before tackling it takes a little detour by continuing straight ahead and peer down into the gorge of Hvannargil. (Note: since 2010 it is no longer possible to descend by this route as the river had changed course and washed away the path – check with the warden).
Now backtrack to the saddle and take the steep trail up Rettarfell for an even better view.
Descend by the same route to the saddle and (having checked the state of the path with the warden) take the path towards the large peak of Utigonguhofdi (you can also take the same route back from the saddle by which you arrived).
After a fairly level section, the path drops to another saddle, where you bear sharp left. This trail now contours around the flank of the hill, under some wonderfully eroded rock formations. It then joins the original trail you took on your ascent back down to Basar.