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Landmannalaugar
Between Landmannalaugar and the magnificent Langisjór lake, you will enter the Icelandic wilderness where man has barely left any trace. This isolated region incorporates all the geological and natural characteristics of Iceland: volcanoes, colorful mountains, lakes, black sand deserts, gigantic glaciers, moss covered mountains, canyons and gorges, powerful glacial rivers, hot springs and lava fields. There is no place in the country where you will feel more “into the wild!” You will probably not meet much “traffic” along your way and will feel alone in the world to enjoy those splendid and incredibly diversified landscapes.
With about 4h to 9h of walking per day for 8 days* (*with a light backpack), trek Iceland is aimed for experienced hikers. However, the presence of an 4WD assistance vehicle transporting your food and equipment releases you from the burden of having to carry your own equipment, apart from a small day pack. Mountain slopes can be quite steep in Iceland, but the overall ascent is not overwhelming. Regarding the weather, well, its Iceland! You will sleep in huts and enjoy hot meals, made with fresh local products (fish, lamb, fruits and vegetables and dairy products.) They are prepared by the guide with the help of the group. You will even have the luxury of a barbecue sometimes.
Between 12 and 22km per day
Total distance: approx. 130 km
Average distance per day: 17km
Altitude: 450-1100m
Maximum ascent per day: 800m
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*This itinerary can also be reversed
Meeting early at the bus station in Reykjavík (BSÍ). Transfer to Landmannalaugar by bus. Arrival at Landmannalaugar by lunchtime. Afternoon spent hiking in Landmannalaugar’s colorful volcanic mountains. Relax in a hot river in the evening. Staying overnight at Landmannalaugar.
Transfer: 190km – 4h
Walking distance: 10-12 km
Walking time: 3-4 hrs
Elevation at departure and arrival: 600 m
Minimum elevation: 600 m
Maximum elevation: 950 m
Travel along the maze of the Jökulgil gorge and the colored peaks of Torfajökull’s caldera volcano-glacier, you will reach Hrafntinnusker plateau. All day long you will discover extraordinary landscapes along alternate trails that very few hikers use, despite their proximity to the main trail of Laugavegur.
Staying overnight in a mountain hut.
Walking distance: 17-18 km
Walking time: 7-8 hrs
Elevation at departure: 600 m
Elevation at arrival: 600m S
Minimum elevation: 600 m
Maximum elevation: 1100 m
You will cross the Hrafntinnusker plateau toward Háskerdingur peak. You will go around it before heading down to the desert plains of Maelifellsandur. In a few hundred meters, you will leave behind the colorful landscapes and their geothermal manifestations to discover the black volcanic sand and the whiteness of Mýrdalsjökull. Staying overnight in a hut at the foot of the Strútur mountain.
Walking distance: 21-22 km
Walking time: 8 hrs
Elevation at departure: 1000 m
Elevation at arrival: 600 m
Minimum elevation: 600 m
Maximum elevation: 1100 m
Not many people stay long enough to explore the area around Strútur. Going up to Torfajökull glacier or walking along Hólmsárlón lake are pretty magnificent hikes though! We spend the whole day exploring the region.
Staying overnight in the hut at the foot of Strútur mountain.
Walking distance: 15-20 km
Walking time: 6-8 hrs
Elevation at departure: 600 m
Elevation at arrival: 600 m
Discover the isolated valley, covered with erratic rocks and fluorescent moss extends between Torfajökull caldera and Svartahnúksfjöll mountains. On the way, at Strútslaug, a delightful hot natural spring will allow you to relax. Further on the way, you will discover the Eldgjá, the longest explosive rift in the world that was formed in the 10th century. There, a beautiful river of clear waterfalls into the fissure. End the day in an idyllic area, on the shores of Alftavötn, “the swan Lake.” Staying overnight in a mountain hut. Walking distance: 20-21 km
Walking time: 7-8 hrs
Elevation at departure: 600 m
Elevation at arrival: 460 m
Minimum elevation: 460 m
Maximum elevation: 700 m
You will explore an exotic part of Eldgjá, where the rift is at its widest (up to 600m) and deepest (approx. 200m). On the way, you will discover the waterfall, Ófaerufoss that terraces down into the fissure, and also the Gjátindur summit from where you can see the whole Fjallabak natural reserve as well as the Mýrdalsjökull and Vatnajökull glaciers. We go down to the banks of Skaftá river, in the middle of wide pastures and surprising lava formations, inhabited by imaginary elves and real sheep that graze here in total freedom.
Staying overnight in a mountain hut.
Walking distance: 17-18 km
Walking time: 7-8 hrs
Elevation at departure: 460 m
Elevation at arrival: 460 m
Minimum elevation: 460 m
Maximum elevation: 900 m
The closer we get to Vatnajökull glacier and Fögrufjöll, “the beautiful mountains,” the deeper we get into the wild. Along Skaftá river, the landscapes become magical and seem haunted by legendary spirits. Under Uxatindar, “The Ox peaks,” and through Tröllagjá, “Troll gorge,” you will reach a beautiful small lake. Further along the path, you’ll walk along the animated Skaftá river and astonishing contrasts of colors between red and black volcanic rocks and green moss.
Staying overnight in a hut at the foot of the Sveinstindur mountain.
Walking distance: 15-16 km
Walking time: 6-7 hrs
Elevation at departure: 460 m
Elevation at arrival: 600 m
Minimum elevation: 460 m
Maximum elevation: 750 m
The trek is coming to an end. After so many beautiful landscapes, you would think the best is already behind you. But you haven’t yet seen the spectacular landscapes of the Fögrufjöll mountains. These mountains dominate the inland delta formed by the Skaftá river with the splendid view of Langisjór lake and the Vatnajökull’s huge icecap in the distance!
Transfer: 240km – 5h
Walking distance: 13 km max.
Walking time: 5hrs max.
Elevation at departure: 600m
Elevation at arrival: 670m
Minimum elevation: 600m
Maximum elevation: 1100m
Transfer to Reykjavík in the afternoon with arrival in the evening.
Accommodation is provided in well-kept mountain huts. They are heated, some even have electricity and hot water, but they remain nevertheless mountain huts with no luxury and little privacy. You will stay in shared rooms with bunks that you may be forced to share. But in this wild environment, especially if there is difficult weather, these mountain huts will seem like four star hotels! Your guides prepare your breakfast and dinners in the mountain huts. With your help of course! Lunch will be taken in the form of cold picnics on site during this trek Iceland.
Request QuoteDEPARTURE DATES AND PRICE PER PERSON
It is possible to schedule a private departure date. Final price is based on the number of participants, accommodation (mountain huts or camping) and the season. Ask for a quote.
Extensions (optional) during trek Iceland :
Extension in Skaftafell and Jokulsárlón: After or before your trek Iceland, you can spend 3 nights or more in Skaftafell National Park (in camping most of the time since places in hut is very limited). From the camping, you will have direct access to the walking trails, glacier excursion, ascend the highest point of Iceland (2110m), or visit the glacial lagoon of Jökulsárlón. We will provide maps and hiking instructions, food, reserve your nights in huts or provide the camping equipment, insure your transfer by bus and book your mountain activities with English-speaking guide and equipment included.
Self-drive extension: From Skógar, start your discovery of the island without losing time passing by Reykjavík. We deliver your rental vehicle in Skógar.
Reykjavík extension: You can take advantage of this trip to stay in Reykjavík a few days. We can book your accommodation, excursions and activities from Reykjavík. Visit some of Iceland’s most famous places: Thingvellir, Gullfoss, Geysir, Blue Lagoon, even Jökulsárlón! There are also a lot of activities available: whale-watching, horse-back riding, snorkeling, snowmobile, quad, lava cave exploration, ice climbing…
Sleep in an ice cave
Do you long to experience the deep cold? Well put on your crampons and helmet, grab your ice pick and traverse a glacier to explore an ice cave that will also be your accommodation for the night.
The exact location is confidential, but we can tell you that it is located 25 km from the Skaftafell region.
Once you have arrived at the Vatnajökull glacier, it’s time to meet your equipment! Helmets, crampons and ice picks will make sure you are properly prepared! Enter the ice cave and be amazed by the many focal points as you discover the various shades of blue created by the varied density of the ice.
After a local Icelandic diner, set out your sleeping bag and enjoy your night under the glacier. What an adventure!
This activity is available from mid-December to mid-March.
Note: This activity is not recommended for families and seniors.
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Sleeping in a yurt in Iceland
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Make your trip to Iceland unforgettable spending a night in a yurt!
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