DAY TO DAY PROGRAM
Day 1: Arrival to Reykjavik
Arrival to Keflavik International airport from an European destination. Flybus transfer to your hotel in Reykjavik, where you will enjoy this very first day in Iceland. Depending on your arrival time, we might be able to offer you a dip in the Blue Lagoon on arrival day for a supplement to the booking.
Day 2: Reykjavik-Landmannalaugar-Hrafntinnusker
We meet early morning at the Tourist Information Center at Reykjavík’s City Hall from where we board the scheduled bus which will take us to Landmannalaugar and the beginning of the famous Laugavegur trail.We pass small towns and villages on the way, and have the view of the south coast of Iceland. We will begin the trek around noon after a short break where we have a closer look at the mystical landscapes around Landmannalaugar. You will feel you have entered another world as you watch the geothermal hot spring pool, in a landscape filled with brightly colored rhyolite and mountain peaks.
Our destination will be the campsite at Hrafntinnusker. The Icelandic word “hrafn” means raven. Your guide will share some fascinating stories and geological information. The Hrafntinnusker camping ground is one of the most remote in Iceland. We get to know one another better – the kitchen tent is a great social hub!
Distance: 12km (7.5 mi). Walking time: 4-5 hrs. Ascent: 470 m (1540′).
Day 3:Hrafntinnusker – Àlftavatn
After breakfast in our kitchen tent, we head out for the second section of the trail, today our destination will be the lake-side camp site at Álftavatn (Swan Lake). We will trek along the Reykjafjöll mountains and then onto the magnificent Jökultungur area, here the geothermal activity over the years has painted the vibrant shades of red and yellow. From the top of Jökultunguryou will get fabulous views over Fjallabak and the lake, Álftavatn. To reach our camping ground we will need to cross an unbridged stream on foot – a new and exciting experience for many of the participants and a highlight for most! With our feet invigorated by the refreshing wade across the stream we will set up camp close to the lake. On a clear evening stunning and simply magnificent views will stretch as far as the eye can see in every direction.
Distance: 12km (7.5 mi). Walking time: 4-5 hrs. Descent: 490 m (1610′).
Day 4: Álftavatn-Emstrur (Botnar):
After breakfast your day will begin with another invigorating stream crossing as the trail takes us to Mælifellssandur, a beautiful black sand desert. On the way we will pass the green Mount Stórasúla and Mount Hattafell, which has a rather strange flat top. Our trek continues to Emstrur, in good visibility you will have truly spectacular views of the glaciers Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull, each hiding a volcano beneath its ice. Mýrdalsjökull is home to the mighty and capricious Katla, Europeans referred to this volcano as ‘The Gateway to Hell’ in the Middle Ages. We will deviate slightly from the trail to admire the Markarfljótsgljúfur, a magnificent 200 m deep canyon, shaped by the powerful actions of the glacial river, Markarfljót. Our camping ground for the night will be at Botnar, a refreshing green oasis surrounded by a black sand desert.
Distance: 15km (9.5 mi). Walking time: 6-7 hrs. Descent: 40 m (130′).
Day 5: Emstrur (Botnar) – Þórsmörk
We continue with the final section of the Laugavegur trail which takes us into Þórsmörk (Thormork). We will hike really close to Mýrdalsjökull, Iceland’s 4th biggest glacier. As we come closer to the valley of Þórmörk the landscape begins to change, an increasing number of trees will appear as we approach. On our way we will pass Mount Einhyrningur (Unicorn Mountain). We will spend the night at the camping ground in Þórsmörk surrounded by mind-blowing and very peaceful scenery. You have now completed the Laugavegur trail! Tomorrow we will continue on the Fimmvörðuháls trail.
Distance: 15km (9.5 mi). Walking time: 6-7 hrs. Descent: 300 m (985′)
Day 6: Þórsmörk – Magni – Modi-krateret – Fimmvörduhalls-passet – Þórsmörk
Today the fabulous high mountain pass at Fimmvörðuháls and the two new lava craters formed by the first eruption in 2010 are on the agenda. We will be ready to set off early in the morning. This is the last full day of our hiking trip but there is still plenty to look forward to! The trail will take us up through the high pass between the twin glaciers, Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull. You will see the place Magni and Móði who are named after sons of the Norse Thunder God, Þór (Thor), their names mean strong and brave. Your final night will be spent in Þórsmörk where we enjoy a farewell party, celebrating in the traditional Icelandic bbq dinner.
Distance: 16km (10 mi). Walking time: 7-8 hrs. Ascent: 800 m (2600′).
Day 7: Þórsmörk – Reykjavik
Today we start a little more slowly with a leisurely breakfast. We can then take some time to explore the amazing Þórsmörk surroundings before we make our way back to the city. There is a final hike up Mount Útigönguhöfði giving a fantastic overview of the whole valley. Those who prefer to can simply spend more time relaxing and enjoying the spectacular nature in this very beautiful place. We return to Reykjavik in the early evening at around 18:30.
Drop off is available at three locations back in Reykjavik: Miklabraut 101 Orkan gas station (by Kringlan shopping mall), Reykjavik Campsite and the City Hall on Vonarstræti. Taxis and local bus services are available from these points.
Distance: 6 km (3.5 mi). Walking time: 3 hrs.
Day 8: Departure
After breakfast you will take the FLYbus back to Keflavik airport in time for your return flight back to your final destination. If you have a late afternoon or evening flight you can consider to add on a visit to the Blue Lagoon before departure.
If you wish to see more of Iceland it will also be possible to add on extra nights, and spend some days at leisure, do scheduled tours or rent a car for a self-drive adventure.
Kindly note:
This is a guidet hiking tour. Meaning we will take your luggage from one camping site to the next in our follow cars. We recommend your luggage to be waterproof as we are crossing mountain rivers along the way. Remember to make sure especially electronics are secured in waterproofed bags.
You will need to bring your own sleeping bag and madras, if not possible you can rent it with us upon booking.