We start in
Landmannalaugar, a geothermal wonderland, and make our way south through the Highlands. On the way lies fields of obsidian, red and yellow mountains, black sands and sparkling white glaciers. We stop at different areas each night hiking from hut to hut and ending in
Thorsmork, a green valley nestled under the famous glacier
Eyjafjallajökull and Myrdalsjokull. All meals are included and your guide is there to provide local information and assistance. The Laugavegur trail together with Fimmvörðuhals pass was chosen one of
"20 Best Hikes in the world" by National Geographic.
ITINERARY:
Day 1: REYKJAVIK- LANDMANNALAUGAR - HRAFNTINNUSKER
The tour starts by the Tourist Information Center at Reykjavik's City Hall (Ráðhúsið) on Vonarstræti at 7.00. Vonarstræti is within walking distance of most hotels and guesthouses in central Reykjavík. You can also meet us at one of our other meeting points. The drive to Landmannalaugar takes about 3-4 hours; we will drive along the beautiful south coast and turn inland to pass Iceland´s most active volcano, Hekla. Our hike starts in the beautiful highlands of Landmannalaugar. As we walk through this geothermal wonderland, guests can expect to witness unbelievably colorful vibrant mountains and steaming hot springs. We walk by the beautiful hot spring, Stórihver, before crossing into the obsidian desert by Hrafntinnusker. We spend the night in a hut in Hrafntinnusker, one of the most remote spots in Iceland.
(L, r, D) Driving time: 3-4 hrs Distance: 12 km (7.5 mi) Walking time: 4-5 hrs. Ascent: 470 m (1540 ')
Day 2: HRAFNTINNUSKER - ÁLFTAVATN (WHOOPER SWAN LAKE)
After breakfast in the hut we head out again and walk along the Reykjafjöll mountains and then descend into the Jökultungur area. The geothermal activity has turned these gullies yellow and red. From the top of Jökultungur there is a great view over the Fjallabak area and lake Álftavatn which is our next overnight stop. Before reaching Álftavatn we cross an unbridged stream on foot. We spend the night in a hut by the beautiful lake.
(B, L, r, D) Distance: 12 km (7.5 mi) Walking time: 4-5 hrs. Descent: 490 m (1610 ')
Day 3: ÁLFTAVATN LAKE - EMSTRUR
We start the day with another refreshing stream crossing as we make our way past the green volcano Stórasúla and into the black desert of Mælifellssandur. On our way we will see Hattafell, a volcano with a strange flat top. We walk through this black glacial desert and into Emstrur where there is a chance to enjoy the view on Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers. Just before reaching the hut in Botnar we turn of the path to look at Markarfljótsgljúfur, almost 200 m deep canyon carved out by the glacial river Markarfljót. We will spend the night in the hut in a little green oasis, a welcoming sight after walking through the black sands.
(B, L, r, D) Distance: 15km (9.5 mi) Walking time: 6-7 hrs. Descent: 40 m (130 ')
Day 4: EMSTRUR-THORSMORK VALLEY - REYKJAVIK
We leave Emstrur behind and continue on our way to Þórmörk along the canyons. The trail takes us within a few kilometers from the great Mýrdalsjökull glacier. As we descend towards Almenningar a few trees can be seen, a sign we are getting closer to the coast. We walk at the foot of the characteristic mountain Einhyrningur and into the dense birch forest in Thorsmork. Thorsmork is a green valley situated between the rivers Krossa, Thronga and Markarfljot; offers a beautiful mountain view on volcanic glaciers Myrdalsjokull and Eyjafjallajokull. We return to Reykjavík in the evening at around 22:00. We will stop at the Tourist Information office at Reykjavik's City Hall, situated in the center of the city. From there, it is easy and convenient to catch a taxi or local bus.
(B, L) Distance: 15 km (9.5 mi) Walking time: 6-7 hrs. Descent: 300 m (985 ') Driving time: 3-3,5 hrs
The entries at the end of each day indicate the meals included (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, r=refreshment, D= Dinner)