Walking In Iceland

We arrive in the country's capital, Reykjavik, and check into our hotel. Reykjavik is a city of striking contrasts - shaped by the energy of the earth, bustling with the energy of a cosmopolitan capital and surrounded by the pure unpolluted energy of nature. Small corrugated iron houses nestle next to futuristic glass buildings; state-of-the-art facilities lie minutes away from rugged volcanic terrain; and international influences mingle with Icelandic traditions to create a unique culture where old embraces new.

Overnight Standard Hotel

Today starts with a walk through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Þingvellir National Park. Þingvellir is the original birthplace of the oldest existing parliament in the world and here the great tectonic plates of America and Europe meet and the rift valley is clearly visible. We next head to the geothermal area in Haukadalur, home to Geysir, the first ever recorded hot water spouting spring and Stokkur, which erupts approximately every 10 minutes and reaches between 20 and 40 metres high. The ground gurgles, bubbles and super heated water bursts out with enormous force. We continue to Gullfoss, the undisputed queen of Icelandic waterfalls and enroute we'll drive past Mt Hekla the most active volcano in Iceland. It last erupted in the year 2000 and is known as 'the Gateway to Hell'. We will arrive to Landmannalaugar (approximately 600 metres above sea level) through the Þjórsárdalur route and spend the early evening exploring the area and relaxing in the naturally warm river that runs beside the campsite.

Hiking:

The Laugavegur Trail trek is vehicle supported, so you will only be required to carry the clothing, equipment, food and drink that you'll need through the day and all other gear will be transported between the campsites for you.

Camping:

The camping on this tour is classified as basic and you will be in charge of putting up and taking down your own sleeping tent. The campsites are frequented by other travellers and there are toilets, showers and wash basins at all campsites, as well as a geothermal pool in Landmannalaugar. A large dining tent will be set up for our groups use only at each site. Please note that to use the shower facilities 500 ISK in coins will be required.

There is also the option on this tour of upgrading from tents at the campsite to the mountain huts. The mountain huts are large communal dormitories with bunk beds to sleep on.

Overnight Basic Camping Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We set off on the Laugarvegur Trail early this morning in Landmannalaugar. From the mountain hut by the campsite we stroll through the rough lava field of Laugahraun and carry on up onto the beautiful hills by Brennisteinsalda mountain and onto a plateau. The colours of the scenery on this section of the route are spectacular. Ancient rivers and streams mark the land so we will be going in and out of small gullies quite a lot. At this point we will have reached a higher elevation and you can expect there to be snow piles that we'll have to traverse. At Hrafntinnusker there is a mountian hut where we can have lunch and shelter if the weather is poor. Lots of obsidian, a naturally occurring volcanic glass, is scattered around and gives the place a mystic appearance. When the weather permits the views from the hut are amazing. Above 1000 metres there is nothing but bare rocks and rugged wasteland, on this immense Icelandic highland desert. Along the hills of Reykjafjöll we continue walking through gullies until we get to Jökultungur. There are some changes in the landscape and we face dark tuff mountains and glaciers. We also start to see some stubborn and hardy plants scattered around. We decend down the steep slopes into a green oasis, which is a pleasant contrast after the rough landscapes behind us. From there we walk to our campsite on the northern shore of Lake Álftavatn.

Walking: 24 km, 8-10 hours duration

Overnight Basic Camping Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After yesterdays long journey today's hike is going to be an easy and pleasant day walk. We cross Brattháls hill and head east for Hvanngil gorge. There we have to cross Bratthálskvísl River by foot. Soon after that we get to Kaldaklofskvísl stream that we cross via a bridge. From there we head for the hut and campsite of Emstrur and on our way we cross the river Blafjallakvisl. We will certainly get the chance to give our feet a refreshing wash today. We cross between two sandy hills and soon after that we'll see our destination for the night. If you have enough energy left after dinner we can walk to the unbelievable Markarfjlótsgljúfur canyon. The canyon is 200 metres deep and through it flows the powerful Markarfjót River.

Walking: 15 km, 6-7 hours in duration

Overnight Basic Camping Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The day starts with a crooked path down to Syðri Emstruá River which we'll cross on a bridge. The crossing takes careful navigation. After our crossing we'll head south to an area called Almenningar. The landscape now starts to change once again and we'll see peaceful streams shaded by arctic birch and surrounded by wild flowers. We take further refreshing river crossing today that are a bit more demanding than before, but by now we'll be experts. On the other side of this river we leave Almenningar behind and enter the Þórsmörk valley. From here we have a 40 minute walk to Langidalur hut and then on to Basar hut where we'll spend the night. This section is wonderfully scenic, as vegetation has spread over the area and Þórsmörk is undeniably one of the pearls of Icelandic nature.

Walking: 15 km, 6-7 hours duration

Overnight Basic Camping Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

You can sleep in and relax your tired bones and muscles after the 55 km long hike, enjoying the magnificent Þórsmörk valley, named after Thor, the Norse God of Thunder. We will take the bus down the off road track, crossing several glacier rivers and streams before reaching the main road. From here we drive through the infamous Volcano Alley, with Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull volcanoes to our north and the Vestmanneyjar Islands to the south. We will make stops at the Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls before arriving at the Sólheimajökull glacier. The glacier is a magnificent phenomenon, a rugged, raw and ever changing hub of ancient frozen water. We will explore the crevasse riddled outlet glacier with its amazing ice formations, sink holes and jagged ridges accompanied by an experienced glacier guide. Along the way we will find an ice wall on the glacier and try our hand at ice climbing. After this we will drive back to Reykjavík and settle into our accommodation.

Walking: 4.25 km

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning you are free to sleep in, explore Reykjavík on your own or choose from one of the optional trips; river rafting on the Hvítá River, whale watching from Reykjavík Harbour, or a snorkelling & lava caving combination in Þingvellir Naional Park. After the morning trips we all return and depart for the Blue Lagoon, for a relaxing soak in the warm geothermal waters and to enjoy the benefit of the silica that helps soften and moisturise our skin. We return to Reykjavik for our final night in Iceland and a chance to sample the nighlife.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

 The tour ends in Reykjavik after breakfast.

Included meals: Breakfast