An amazing trek, starting at the foot of Hekla volcano, leading you through deserted highlands towards Skógar waterfall at the south coast of Iceland.
Trip difficulty: 3 out of 5 possible. Challenging.
Jeep assisted hike in breathtaking nature.
Specially designed for nature lovers, this exploration trek is ideal for travelers who dream of discovering the unique mountains of Iceland by foot. Trekking becomes pure pleasure without carrying a heavy backpack and staying at a cozy shelter each night. Each member carries only a light daypack so an average of 6-8 hours hiking every day becomes as pleasant as possible. A 4x4 truck carries all personal equipment and supplies. We appreciate the importance of good food, so we provide what we believe is the finest cuisine to be found in the Icelandic mountains! The isolation of some places we pass is complete. It is just the man and the mountains. $0 $0 Most of the hiking is off the beaten track, exploring hidden valleys, hot springs, deserts, rivers and numerous other features of the area. Botanists will be captivated by the many species of Icelandic flora and birdwatchers should keep binoculars ready as we surprise many ground nesting species, such as golden plover, ptarmigan and snow bunting. This trek will lead us from the foot of Mount Hekla, through the Icelandic rift, all the way to the Atlantic ocean. Each day will offer stunning but totally different new sights that compete the beauty of those seen the day before.
Guaranteed departures for 2012:
1st July
8th July
15th July
22th July
29th July
05th August
12th August
19st August
26th August
2nd September
9th September
You can add some of our great value multi adventure tours to your trekking for and unbeatable Iceland vacation. Check out our selection here.
You can also add some of our day trips to your trekking holiday if you feel like it. Check out our selection of summer day trips here.
Rough itinerary:
Day 1: Mt. Hekla – North Fjallabak
Day 2: Hrafntinnusker Caldera
Day 3: Ljósártunga - Hvanngil
Day 4: Emstrur Desert - Þórsmörk
Day 5: Þórsmörk - Skógar
Day 6: Skógar
See detailed itinerary below.
Price: 206.250 ISK per person.
Minimum 8 people.
Included in price: English speaking guide, transfer from/to Reykjavík by bus, 4x4 jeep transfer for food and equipment between campsites, food for 5 days (except breakfast on the first day and dinner the last day), accommodation during the trek in huts or tents.
Not included in price: Flights to/from Iceland, transfer from/to airport, accommodation and meals in Reykjavík, entrance fee for museums, swimming pools etc., drinks and other personal expenses, personal travel insurance.
Check out our equipment list for multi day treks.
Detailed itinerary:
Day 1
First section: Mt. Hekla – North Fjallabak
Estimated travelling time: 4 hrs driving + 5-6 hrs walking
Vertical alteration: ~ 150 m
Your guide will pick you up at your accommodation and right away we´ll leave Reykjavík by bus. The bus ride will take us through typical Icelandic countryside where innumerable horses and sheep graze in the summertime. After a while we reach the dramatic landscape of Mount Hekla, one of Iceland’s most active volcanoes, at the edge of the continental rift. We drive up along the foot of the volcano, crossing black ash and huge lava fields. Our trek starts before lunch. Crossing black wasteland and lava fields which surround the volcano, we walk in the direction of the majestic Mount Loðmundur, surrounded by beautiful little lakes.
Day 2
Second section: Hrafntinnusker Caldera
Estimated travelling time: 6 hrs
Vertical alteration: ~ 450 m
Today we´ll slowly climb to the top of the colorful plateau of Hrafntinnusker caldera. We´ll cross fields glittering with innumerable black stones called obsidian. The Icelandic word for obsidian rock is hrafntinna, meaning raven´s rock. The reason has got to be the shiny texture and bluish black color, which resembles the ravens feathers. During our trek, we´ll see a lot of this strange looking intense black lava, sharp as razorblades. Walking amongst countless bubbling and steaming hot springs, we head towards our overnight shelter by the banks of the raging Markarfljót glacier river.
Day 3
Third section: Ljósártunga to Hvanngil
Estimated travelling time: 6 hrs
Vertical alteration: ~ 250 m
Following the course of the Markarfljót majestic canyon, we descend south through hills of rolling grassland. Today we´ll be crossing clear and ice cold streams. That is an activity which will surely wake us up if by any chance someone is feeling sleepy. Hopefully we´ll be able to enjoy a spectacular view of Myrdalsjökull icecap.
Day 4
Forth section: Emstrur Desert
Estimated traveling time: 5-6 hrs
Vertical alteration: ~ 100 m
We´ll hike across a desert of black sand, completely deprived of vegetation. Well, the best way to describe this day is simply by these two words, desert day. We´ll walk along the impressive icecap of Myrdalsjökull glacier, so close that we feel we can almost touch it.
Day 5
Fifth section: Þórsmörk valley
Estimated traveling time: 6 hrs
Vertical alteration: ~ 500 m
We´ll hike along narrow canyons where powerful glacier rivers flow. As we approach Þórsmörk, “the valley of thor, the thundergod” the surroundings get greener and more lush. We might even be able to smell some green grass and arctic birch. We´ll spend our last night in Thórsmörk, surrounded by majestic outlet glaciers of Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull icecaps.
Day 6
Sixth section: Þórsmörk - Skógar (The New Volcano!!!)
Estimated traveling time: 9-10 hrs
Vertical alteration: ~ 1000 m
Today is a long and rough day as we´ll cross the pass of Fimmvörduháls between Eyjafjallajökull and Myrdalsjökull glaciers. We climb some 800 m (2600 feet) before starting our long descent all the way to sea level. Close to the top of the pass we´ll cross a volcanic fissure formed in an eruption in April 2010. We are facing an 8 to 9 hours walk so this is by far the longest day of the trek. This stretch of the hike involves crossing some narrow ridges, so those who suffer from extreme vertigo may need to fight their fears. This is an extraordinary walk cause we´ll be hiking along craters and lava fields formed in the spring of 2010! Our trek ends at the foot of the stunning Skógafoss waterfall. If weather conditions do not allow this option, we walk out of Thórsmörk along the beautiful valley, exploring hidden canyons and glacial lagoons. We´ll arrive to Reykjavik late afternoon or evening. (For those taking the Westman Islands option, transfer to the airport or ferry terminal)
Please notice: Itinerary may be slightly modified, especially before the middle of July or in September. The duration of the daily hike is only indicative and can be shorter or longer depending on weather, on terrain condition and on average shape of the group.
Practical information:
As an accommodation in Reykjavík we recommend Reykjavík Backpackers.
Trip extension: This trip can be combined with the 6 day Spectacular South & Highlands discovery. You can also add 2 days to this trip by choosing to go on an extension to the Westmann Islands Archipelago.
Group size: Multi-national group 8 to 12 members (Note: for group sizes of 6-7 persons a small group surcharge applies) Fjallabak staff or Fjallabak representatives accompanying professionals (e.g. photographers, journalists etc…) and other discounted travelers such as children, are excluded from the participant count.
Transport: 4x4 vehicle, specially modified for Icelandic highland use. Vehicle also carries all luggage and specialist equipment. A tired member can travel in the vehicle if necessary.
Food: We pride ourselves on providing the best cuisine in the highlands! Breakfast is Scandinavian-style, with muesli, breads, jams, fish and cheese. Packed lunch, with a variety of sandwich fillings, from smoked meats and fish to local cheeses. Dinners involve fresh, local fish and meat dishes, with pasta, rice or potatoes, fresh vegetables and salad. Vegetarians and those with food allergies can be fully catered for with a range of tasty options. It is essential that you inform our office of any special food requirements at the time of booking!
Accommodation during the trip: Sleeping bag accommodation in mountain huts (usually one, comfortable, mixed bunkhouse) and depending on route and conditions, at the peak of the season 1 or 2 nights may be spent in spacious double tents equipped with comfortable mattress. Showers are available in most of the huts.
Trip preparation and notes: Walking level - Moderate. 6-day assisted trek, carrying a light day pack. This should present no serious difficulty for persons with at least some mountain walking experience, plus a good level of personal fitness. An experienced Icelandic guide assisted by a driver leads the trek. The group is expected to assist with all aspects of making and breaking camp, including meal preparation. Once in the mountains, each group becomes an independent entity. The camaraderie, teamwork and friendships forged, add much to the richness of each person’s experience. This trek passes through some areas of complete wilderness. Most of the trekking is off-track, with underfoot conditions constantly changing. Therefore, sturdy, well worn-in hiking boots are a must. Most days involve river crossings, so it is essential that all trekkers carry suitable footwear to change into. See our kit list for more information. We trek for 6-7 hours per day, on average, but this may be longer, dependent on weather conditions and group speed. Maximum altitude doesn’t rise more than 1300 m. Elevation change for most days should be no more than 600m, rising to 900m for the crossing of the Fimmvörduháls pass. This last day also involves crossing some narrow ridges, so those who suffer from extreme vertigo may choose to ride to the coast on the truck.
Itinerary & Security: The day by day itinerary as it is indicated here is subject to slightly change depending of natural circumstances (late or early heavy snow, eruption’s threat, river inundation, storm…) The guide knows the field perfectly and is able to judge exceptional circumstances. The guide and the driver of the assistance vehicle are connected via the Fjallabak’s VHS Radio channel. He is also connected to the huts wardens, to other colleagues working in the same area, to the civil security and the mountains rescue team. The remoteness of the terrain, coupled with an ever-changing climate can make this a most challenging environment; therefore, safety is our primary concern. Your guide and support vehicle are radio equipped. Our guides, all experienced mountaineers with extensive local knowledge, are fully trained in wilderness first aid and rescue procedures. To complement this, our personal clothing and equipment systems must be sufficient to ensure your comfort in all kinds of weather – see our gear list for advice.
Check out our environmental policy.
Disclaimer:
All hiking trips are undertaken on the responsibility of its participants. Wild Iceland does not assume any responsibility for accidents which are caused by its customers or can be traced to there own actions. Participants have to sign a waiver before undertaking all trips stating that they realize that all outdoor activities carry an inherit risk.
