Iceland Itinerary
Day 1
Transfer by bus from Keflavik International Airport to the hotel in Reykjavik.
Day 2
After an early breakfast we have a detailed briefing and then leave for the journey to Mt Hekla. We will spend approximately 3 hours trekking around the volcano area to discover lavaflows resulting from the last eruptions which took place in February and March 2000. From there we have an hour bus journey to Landmannahellir where we camp for the night.
Walk approx. 3 hours
Day 3
We leave from Landmannahellir with fantastic views of the nearby moberg, or table mountain, of Lodmundur, formed in a volcanic eruption beneath an earlier icecap. The magnificent lakes and lava-fields of Dómadalshraun dominate the beautiful route we follow to the multi-coloured mountains of Landmannalauger. We trek over grassy meadows, pass between rocky peaks and drop into stunning gorges before we are rewarded at the end of the day with the most spectacular view over the lava which flowed down the mountain in 1480. It is fascinating to see the difference between this lava and that from Mt Hekla and we can see the effect that 500 years of climatic erosion and plant colonization has had on the rock. We then have the fabulous opportunity to relax in the hot springs and soak those aches away.
Walk approx. 6 hours
Day 4 – Tuesday
This is possibly the most challenging day of the trip as we enter a remote and tricky part of the route. For safety reasons it is important to walk in groups and follow your guides’ instructions. From Landmannalauger we move over the Hrafntinnusker plateau at 800m.Walking up between the bizarre, seemingly unnatural rock structures of the
Brennisteinsalda lava flow, we come across areas of geothermal activity in the form of steaming vents and hot springs. The smell of sulphur is strong in the air and the rock is
richly coloured with mineral deposits brought up from the depths of the Earth. We climb for most of the morning and may even cross snowfields left over from the long Icelandic winter. We reach the mountain hut at Södull then the descent begins, heading south over rolling ridges of solidified lava before dropping steeply down the Álftavatn valley. The views are tremendous. Tired from a full day’s trek we make our wellearned camp on the eastern shore of Álftavatn Lake.
Walk approx. 9 hours
Day 5
An easier day today as we trek across the predominantly flat area along the northwest region of the mighty M´yrdalsjökull Glacier towards Hattafell. We wade through the icy stream that skirts the camp and after a few climbs and descents through meandering gullies we head out onto a dusty volcanic plain. We rejoin the road for a short distance before cutting off to the left and heading between the small peaks of Útigönguhöfdar. The final part of the day sees us skirting beautifully coloured volcanoes before dropping into our campsite at Botnar. For those who still have a little extra energy to burn, there is a chance to hike the 1km west to the edge of the Markarfljotsgljúfur canyon which is well over 100m deep. The rocks offer a stunning environmental niche for a number of plants and wildlife, most noticeably the storm petrels that nest in the canyon walls.
Walk approx. 6 hours
Day 6
Breaking camp we set off for Pórsmörk,Thor’s Wood. We continue in places along the Markarfljót’s canyon, dropping down into valley’s and then climbing back out of them. The path is steep and slippery in places. We continue down Pórsmörk glacial valley and are rewarded for our efforts by breathtaking views along the way of three separate glaciers: M´yrdalsjökull, Eyjafjallajökull and Tindfjallajökull. Our feet get a shock as we ford the icy Pröngá river. Then it’s a last push up and over Thor’s Wood itself before we head into our campsite amongst the small trees and slopes of Langidalur.
Walk approx. 8 hours
Day 7
On our final day of trekking we hike our way out of the Pórsmörk Valley along the Krossa River. The scenery is spectacular and there is a chance to see a hidden valley along the way. We finish the hike at a glacial moraine below a solitary finger of the mighty Eyjafjallajökull glacier. We cross the glacial meltwater river where we make time for a group photograph before meeting the vehicles and travelling back to Reykjavik for our evening celebration.
Walk approx. 5 hours
Day 8
Free day in Reykjavik.
Day 9
Transfer to Keflavik International and return to the UK.
