Iceland is ready to welcome you and our agency ensures that you can travel safely – Read more

From Langisjor to Eyjafjallajökull

©Julien Ratel
iceland trekking
Your adventure travel

Duration
8 days / 7 nights

Experience trekking in Iceland!

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

The route
Step 1 -2 / 11
Step 1 / 11

Step 1

Reykjavík

Leave your Reykjavik accommodation early in the morning for your transfer to Langisjór

Step 2 -3 / 11
Step 2 / 11

Step 2

Langisjór

The splendid Langisjór Lake meaning "the long sea"

Step 3 -4 / 11
Step 3 / 11

Step 3

Sveinstindur

he landscape is mystical and seems inhabited by legendary Nordic spirits.

Step 4 -5 / 11
Step 4 / 11

Step 4

Skælingar

Grassy pastures and surprising lava formations where sheep graze freely

Step 5 -6 / 11
Step 5 / 11

Step 5

Álftavötn

The magnificent Ófaerufoss waterfall and an idyllic setting, on the edge of Alftavötn, "swan lake"

Step 6 -7 / 11
Step 6 / 11

Step 6

Strútur

A delicious hot water spring will provide an opportunity for rest

Step 7 -8 / 11
Step 7 / 11

Step 7

Hvanngil

The charming Hvanngil valley, a vegetated oasis at the desert's edge.

Step 8 -9 / 11
Step 8 / 11

Step 8

Emstrur

You'll see waterfalls that have not even been named yet and join Emstrur, close to Markarfljótsgljúfur's spectacular gorge

Step 9 -10 / 11
Step 9 / 11

Step 9

Thórsmörk

"The forest of Thor," amidst a verdant oasis shielded by the snow peaked mountains

Step 10 / 11
Step 10 / 11

Step 10

Fimmvördurháls

The last hike before we reach the peak of Fimmvörðurháls, site of Eyjafjallajökull's March 2010 eruption

Step 11 / 11
Step 11 / 11

Step 11

Reykjavík

Transfer back to Reykjavík in the afternoon, arrival in the capital around dusk.

Map Hide Map
Request Quote

Your trek from Langisjor to Eyjafjallajökull day by day itinerary

Day 1

Reykjavík - Landamannalaugar - Langisjór

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 

Day 2

Sveinstindur - Skælingar

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 

Day 3

Skælingar - Álftavötn

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 

Day 4

Alftavötn - Strútur

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 

Day 5

Strútur - Hvanngil

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 

Day 6

Hvanngil - Emstrur

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 

Day 7

Emstrur - Básar (Thórsmörk)

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 

Day 8

Fimmvördurháls - Reykjavík

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 

Request Quote

Your accomodation during your from Langisjor to Eyjafjallajökull

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 Quote

Quote on request for private groups only

It is possible to schedule a private departure date. Final price is based on the number of participants and the season. Ask for a quote.

Included in this travel

  • 7 days with a professional Icelandic mountain guide
  • All meals from lunch on day 1 to lunch on day 7
  • Transfer to and from your accommodation in Reykjavik
  • Nights in mountain huts

Not included in this travel

  • Flights and airport transfers
  • Meals and accommodation in Reykjavík
  • Drinks
  • Tips and extras
  • Showers in the mountain huts (about 500 ISK – for five minutes of hot water)
Request Quote

Friendly advice for your trek from Langisjor to Eyjafjallajökull:

  • Don’t cut corners when it comes to the quality of your equipment. Bring protection against potential cold and rain, a quality overcoat and shoes…
  • Prepare yourself before your departure and leave with shoes that are already moulded to your feet.

Staff

  • Experienced English-speaking guide. If the weather is good, this trek will seem more like a less challenging hike, if not, you’ll be glad to have the knowledge and support of your guide!
  • An Icelandic driver, generally English speaking.
Request Quote
Your adventure travel

Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Highlights

  • The brand new lava fields and craters of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano
  • The lava flows of Laki along the river Skaftá and Eldgjá explosive fissure
  • Baths in the hot water rivers of Landmannalaugar and Strútslaug
  • The Katla volcano that lays dormant under the Mýrdalsjökull glacier
  • Vast expanses of black volcanic sand
  • Nights spent in mountain huts!
Our Guarantees