Step 1
Reykjavík
Leave your Reykjavik accommodation early in the morning for your transfer to Langisjór
Thanks to the 2010 eruption, the Eyjafjallajökull volcano, had everyone talking about Iceland. We feel that it is high time to repair its reputation starting with this trek that will bring you to the brand new lava fields and craters that bear witness to the volcanoes recent mischief. From the Langisjór Lake, one of the least known jewels of Iceland’s volcanic rift, to the superb valley of Thórsmörk, you will discover, during this eight day trek a striking array of enchanting, spectacular and more than anything, varied landscapes that result from the area’s high volcanic activity. An intense trek that resembles the kind of epic journey that only Tolkien could dream up.
From the beginning of June to the end of September
Trek: 8 days with a light backpack. 4×4 assistance with equipment transportation.
Length of walks: from 4 to 8 hours
Total distance covered: about 135 km
Average distance covered per day: 17 km
Altitude: 450-1100m
Maximum change in altitude per day: 800m
Step 1
Leave your Reykjavik accommodation early in the morning for your transfer to Langisjór
Step 2
The splendid Langisjór Lake meaning "the long sea"
Step 11
Transfer back to Reykjavík in the afternoon, arrival in the capital around dusk.
Leave your Reykjavik accommodation early in the morning for your transfer to Langisjór, including a stop in Landmannalaugar for a soak in its hot water river. You then continue by 4WD to Langisjór. In the afternoon, you’ll climb to the summit of Sveinstindur (1090m) or hike in the mountain pass of the Fögrufjöll, which means “beautiful mountains” in Icelandic. Spectacular panoramas of the delta that is the source of the glacial river of Skaftá, the splendid Langisjór Lake meaning “the long sea,” and Vatnajökull’s icecap.
Staying overnight in a mountain hut.
Transfer: 240km – 5h
Distance walked: 13 km max.
Length of walk: 5h max.
Altitude at starting point: 600m
Altitude at ending point: 670m
Minimum altitude: 600m
Maximum altitude: 1100
Along the tumultuous Skaftá trail, the color contrasts between the red and black of the volcanic rock and the green of the moss is striking. Before going around Uxatindar, “the bull’s horns,” through Tröllagjá, “the walk of trolls,” we reach a picturesque lake nestled at the foot of rocky cliffs. The landscape is mystical and seems inhabited by legendary Nordic spirits. Descent to the bed of the Skaftá River, in the middle of grassy pastures and surprising lava formations where sheep graze freely.
Staying overnight in a mountain hut.
Distance walked: 15-16 km
Length of walk: 6-7h
Altitude at starting point: 600m
Altitude at ending point: 460m
Minimum altitude: 460m
Maximum altitude: 750
We now explore the western part of Elgjá, the Earth’s longest volcanic rift (well, at least above ground) that was formed in the tenth century. Discover it at it’s widest (up to 600m) and also it’s deepest (about 200m). On the path, we’ll discover Gjátindur’s summit from the top of which we overlook all of the Fjallabak natural reserve as well as the icecaps of the Mýrdalsjökull and Vatnajökull glaciers. Further along, the magnificent Ófaerufoss waterfall streams down the fault. We end our day in an idyllic setting, on the edge of Alftavötn, “swan lake”.
Staying overnight in a mountain hut.
Distance walked: 17-18 km
Length of walk: 7- 8h
Altitude at starting point: 460m
Altitude at ending point: 460m
Minimum altitude: 460m
Maximum altitude: 900m
Between the caldera of Torfajökull and the mountain pass of Svartahnúksfjöll, an isolated valley unfolds, spotted with jagged rocks and carpeted with fluorescent moss. On our way we will follow the western part of Eldgjá. A beautiful river of clear water flows from under waterfalls. Further along, in Strútslaug, a delicious hot water spring will provide an opportunity for rest.
Staying overnight in a mountain hut at the foot of mount Strútur.
Distance walked: 20-21 km
Length of walk: 5-6h
Altitude at starting point: 460m
Altitude at ending point: 600m
Minimum altitude: 460m
Maximum altitude: 700m
We traverse Maelifelssandur’s vast barren deserts, between the multicoloured mountain passes of Torfajökull on one side, and Mýrdalsjökull’s icecap on the other. Under our feet, black volcanic sand extends as far as the eye can see. We end our day in the charming Hvanngil valley, a vegetated oasis at the desert’s edge.
Distance walked: 14 -15 km
Length of walk: 5 – 6h
Altitude at starting point: 600m
Altitude at ending point: 580m
Minimum altitude: 580m
Maximum altitude: 750m
Crossing the vast expanse of rock and sand, in the middle of which, isolated peaks jut out as if beached on the floor of a dried up sea. We are approaching the Mýrdalsjökull glacier under which sleeps the volcano of Katla. Via impressive moraines, we descend into the valley that the glacier left behind, revealing twisting waterfalls that have not even been named yet. We climb back up to our mountain hut in Emstrur, close to Markarfljótsgljúfur’s spectacular gorge.
Distance walked: 18-19 km
Length of walk: 7- 8h
Altitude at starting point: 580m
Altitude at ending point: 480m
Minimum altitude: 360m
Maximum altitude: 600m
We progressively head out of the high plateaus walking along the gorge carved out by the Markarfljót River. We finish our journey in Thórsmörk, “the forest of Thor,” amidst a verdant oasis shielded by the snow peaked mountains.
Staying overnight at the foot of the glacial volcano of Eyjafjallajökull.
Distance walked: 19-20 km
Length of walk: 7- 8h
Altitude at starting point: 480m
Altitude at ending point: 240m
Minimum altitude: 360m
Maximum altitude: 600m
he last hike before we reach the peak of Fimmvörðurháls, site of Eyjafjallajökull’s March 2010 eruption. Scoria craters, new lava fields and spectacular vistas over the valley of Thórsmörk and it’s surrounding glaciers.
Transfer back to Reykjavík in the afternoon, arrival in the capital around dusk.
Transfer: 160km – 3h
Distance walked: 14 km
Length of walk: 7- 8h
Altitude at starting point: 240m
Altitude at ending point: 240m
Minimum altitude: 240m
Maximum altitude: 1050m
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.
Request QuoteIt is possible to schedule a private departure date. Final price is based on the number of participants and the season. Ask for a quote.