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A 13 days from / to Reykjavik including a 6 day-overland discovery followed by a 6 day-hut to hut assisted trek- Difficulty Level: moderate to strenuous with 6 to 8 hours daily hiking during the trek Multi-national group - English speaking guide - 6 to 12 participants
We offer two options for the accommodation during the discovery part of this journey:
1. A Comfort version with 7 nights in double or single rooms in B&B and hotels
2. A Spartan version with 7 nights in sleeping bag accommodation in Youth hostels
During the trekking part of the trip whatever the chosen version is, all the 5 nights are in sleeping bag in huts
This trip is specially designed for those who are planning an outdoor holiday in Iceland, but are hesitating between taking part in a proper trek or discovering a larger part of this great, diverse island by 4x4 vehicle. The first week is an overland journey on the South Coast with lots of wonderful, shorter walks. The second week is a serious trek, crossing some of the most spectacular landscapes of the interior. Importantly though, it is supported by a 4x4 truck that carries all personal belongings, heavy equipment and supplies.
This walking trip is specially suited for nature lovers, who dream of discovering the unique mountains and shores of Iceland on foot. Highway Number One on the South part of Iceland is truly among the world's most spectacular driving routes - a narrow black ribbon of tarmac running through ever changing sceneries. To it's South, the immensity of the Atlantic Ocean, with more than 10000 miles of open water before the coast of Antarctica.
We will discover the most secret part of the Southern Highlands and the strange but magnificent South Coast that hosts the huge Vatnajökull glacier. Hiking frequently, we will experience the stunning diversity of this "huge small land". Stopping by small settlements such as Vík í Myrdal or Kirkjubæjarklaustur, we will also have a chance to meet the original Icelandic culture, the result of a long fight between this courageous people and nature's harsh forces. To the North, a mysterious chaos of mountains, volcanoes and glaciers - and the highlands spirit is always calling you. But how to answer these calls? Well, we know some secret trails...
The second part of the trip is a beautiful assisted trek crossing the most dramatic part of the highlands from Hrafntinnusker to Eldgjá (Eastern route) ot to Tindfjöll (Western route). Presenting no difficulty for good walkers, each member carries only a light daypack. All equipment and luggage is transported by a 4x4 support vehicle, which will make numerous detours in order to meet us at our evening destination. The guide is linked by radio to our base station and to the 4x4 assistance vehicle if required.
Every day involves an average of 6-8 hours hiking. And we appreciate the importance of good food, so we provide what we believe is the finest cuisine to be found in the Icelandic mountains!
Please note: In case of some natural events (as last year's eruption of Eyjafjallajökull), the hiking part of this journey could be modified. If in case of insufficient bookings on the date you have chosen, or if the trip is fully booked, it can be replaced by a slightly different itinerary (same prices, same level, same spirit). We will let you know in time if some changes occur and we will send you the new modified itinerary for the hike.
(B: breakfast - L: lunch - D: dinner)
Rendezvous with your guide at your accommodation around 8hrs. Welcome on board! Drive East along the seashore, through vast meadows and moors, where innumerable horses and sheep graze. We pass under the sheer faces of the Eyjafjöll Mountains, topped by the glacier on Eyjafjallajökull, the volcano that erupted in April 2010. We stop at the beautiful waterfalls of Seljalandfoss and Skógafoss (optional visit to the Skógar folk museum). Visit of Dyrhólaey promontory (not in June because birds are nesting) and the wonderful black sand beach of Reynisfjara considered as one of the 10 most beautiful in the world.
Driving distance: 200 km - 4 hours driving
Hiking: 2-3 hours hiking
Elevation gain/loss: 200 m elevation gain/loss
Accommodation: hotel or hostel
Meals: B-L-D
Under the shadow of the impressive bulk of the Mýrdalsjökull glacier, we discover Vík and take a beautiful walk along the black sand beaches and over the huge basaltic cliffs. Thousands of puffins and a myriads other seabirds can be admired (puffins until mid-August).
Driving distance: 50 km - 40 minutes driving
Hiking: 4-5 hours hiking
Elevation gain/loss: 300 m elevation gain/loss
Accommodation: hotel or hostel
Meals: B-L-D
We then pass before the mighty Vatnajökull glacier, Europe's largest icecap, site of enormous sub-glacial eruptions and cataclysmic floods (the most recent being 2004). We then reach the awesome splendour of the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, where thousands of colourful icebergs remain prisoners. You can also take an optional (€25) boat tour through the lagoon. This is the easternmost point of our journey.
Driving distance: 190 km - 4 hours driving
Hiking: 2 hours hiking
Elevation gain/loss: 50 m elevation gain/loss
Accommodation: hotel or hostel
Meals: B-L-D
If weather permits, optional visit (25€) of the Ingólfshöfði promontory in the middle of nowhere, a natural birds reserve and settlement of Viking Ingólfur Arnarsson, officially the first settler of Iceland. We return west and cross 'another planet', through the endless moss-covered lava fields of Eldhraun, vomited by the hundred craters of the Laki eruption of 1783 (the world's biggest, continuous eruption of historical times).
Driving distance: 190 km - 4 hours driving
Hiking: 2 hours hiking
Accommodation: B&B or hostel
Meals: B-L-D
Eldgjá and the nearby Laki craters are part of the same volcanic system as Katla. The canyon is at its greatest 270 m deep and 600m wide. The first documented eruption in 934 was the largest flood of basalt in historical time. An estimated 18 km3 of lava poured out of the earth. We walk on the ridge of the fissure and down in it to admire the waterfall of Öfærufoss within the canyon.
Driving distance: 40 km -- 1 hours driving
Hiking: 4-5 hours hiking
Elevation gain/loss: 300 m elevation gain/loss
Accommodation: hotel or hostel
Meals: B-L-D
Drive through the amazing landscape of the Fjallabak trail to the colourful, rhyolite mountains of the Hrafntinnusker volcanic plateau and Torfajökull (best known as the Landmannalaugar mountains). Experience a vast array of fumaroles, hot springs, waterfalls, ice features and all colours of rock from white pumice to jet-black obsidian. Continuing on the trail of Fjallabaksleið ('the trail behind the mountains'), through incredible, ever-changing landscapes, we reach the dramatic scoria fields south of Mount Hekla, Iceland's most active volcano.
Driving distance: 250 km -- 5 hours driving
Hiking: 4-5 hours hiking
Elevation gain/loss: 300 m elevation gain/loss
Accommodation: hotel or hostel
Meals: B-L
Short walks - Overnight in hut in the mountain (B-L-D) or in a hotel or hostel in the countryside (B)
In the midst of this 13 days journey, we have a resting day in the hut of Landmannahellir or in the country side of Rangárvallasýsla South of Mount Hekla, in order to allow everyone to breathe and to isolate themselves a little, to rest in a comfortable and / or pleasant place and to do your personal occupations: laundry, reading, notes, photographs. Our staff, guides and drivers, which have a non-stop rhythm from June to September also need this relaxing day to renew their energy. Part of this time is also used for equipment maintenance, repairs, providing fuel and fresh food. If the nights framing this free resting day are spent in a village, meals are not included and at your charge. (1 lunch and 2 dinners). If the resting day takes place in a hut, the meals are included.
The second part of our journey is now continuing with Trek Trough the Black Raven Reefs
Slow climb to the colourful caldera of Hrafntinnusker. Walking among countless bubbling, steaming hot springs, we cross this pearl of the interior, famous for its incredible natural beauty. More obvious are the amazing rhyolite mountains, formed in incredible bands of pink, brown, green, yellow, blue, purple, black, white, orange and red and glittering with innumerable black, glass-like obsidian lava.
Hiking: 4-6 hours hiking
Elevation gain/loss: 500m-elevation gain
Accommodation: hut
Meals: B-L-D
Walking among countless bubbling, steaming hot springs, we cross this pearl of the interior, famous for its incredible natural beauty. More obvious are the amazing rhyolite mountains, formed in incredible bands of pink, brown, green, yellow, blue, purple, black, white, orange and red and glittering with innumerable black, glass-like obsidian lava… Down to Fjallabak South.
Hiking: 6-8 hours hiking
Elevation gain/loss: 500m-elevation loss
Accommodation: hut
Meals: B-L-D
Instead of going east to Eldgjá as in our Trek Origins (East) we turn South-West in the direction of the Tindfjöll Mountains. If the Markarfljót is known as a powerful muddy glacier river in the upper canyon it is still a beautiful stream of turquoise. This canyon finds its way through a very chaotic area at the limit of dark and clear rocks. Small secret valleys covered by grass and flowers bring us to the foot of the dark Tindfjöll. Camp at Krókur (The hook) on the bank of the river surrounded by green cones. We are sure that this is one of the best spots for meeting elves.
Walking: 7-8 hours hiking
Elevation gain/loss: 400m elevation loss
Accommodation:Camp
Meals: B, L, D
The Tindfjöll ridge was once the highest volcano of Iceland (over 9000 feet / 3000 m). 6000 years ago it collapsed completely and became a little Alpine chain with peaks welded by a small icecap. We explore a labyrinth of small smiling valleys and canyons sinking in the mountains. Depending on the weather and the group's fitness, the guide may propose to climb the Tindfjöll to have some great panorama view over the wilderness of South Öræfi from Mount Hekla to Mount Eyjafjallajökull, which erupted in April 2010.
Hiking: 6-8 hours hiking
Elevation gain/loss: 600 m elevation gain/loss
Accommodation: hut
Meals: B-L-D
Our trail crosses easily volcanic lava plateau during few hours. Vegetation disappears as we approach Mt Hekla again. Black slag and ash are covering all the landscape. Then our road rapidly goes down and as we approach the river Rangá, a horizon of grass opens in front of us. Many noisy waders as curlews and golden plovers welcome us. In fact they alarm their young telling them to stay immobile and hide in the moor as some disturbing giants are approaching. We reach the bank of Eastern Rangá for a last camp in the clear solitude of the backcountry.
Hiking: 6-8 hours hiking
Elevation gain/loss: 400 m elevation loss
Accommodation: hut
Meals: B-L-D
Crossing soft grassy plain we meat the ruins of older farms abandoned at the turn of the 20th century when a short but hard glacial period that lasted for 50 years forced many Icelanders to emigrate to the New World. At lunchtime we reach a country road at the antic farm of Keldur.Then, by bus we travel across the southern plain, to reach Reykjavik where we arrive in the afternoon.
Driving distance: 130 km - 2 hours driving
Hiking: 2-3 hours hiking
Elevation gain/loss: 100 m elevation loss
Meals: B-L
We cross the sands of Mælifellssandur. In the middle of this strange black flatness stands the solitary cone of Mælifell, covered in fluorescent green-coloured moss. We are able to explore the extraordinary landscapes between the southern flank of the Torfajökull caldera and the mighty dome of the Mýrdalsjökull icecap. Beneath this huge sheet of ice lies Katla, another of Iceland's angriest volcanoes. She last erupted in 1918 and is long overdue for another.
Hiking: 5-7 hours hiking
Elevation gain/loss: 200m-elevation loss/gain
Accommodation: hut
Meals: B-L-D
Proceed to the shores of the long and narrow Holmsárlón Lake. We reach the place nicknamed the red baptismal fountain. The waterfalls at the end of the turquoise coloured lake plunging into the red crater, is a sight to behold. Of course, we cannot resist taking a bath in Strútslaug, a nearby, natural hot spring pool.
Hiking: 7-8 hours hiking
Elevation gain/loss: 300m-elevation loss/gain
Accommodation: hut
Meals: B-L-D
We follow the fault of Eldgjá, the longest eruptive fissure on earth, today covered by moss and crossed by a clear stream. As large as the Laki eruption was, it was exceeded by Iceland's A.D. 934-940 Eldgjá eruption, which occurred in the same mountainous region. During the six years that this eruption was active, lava erupted from several vents along a discontinuous 75-km-long (47-mile-long) fissure system and buried more than 781 square km (302 square miles) of southern Iceland. Fortunately, huge eruptions like those at Eldgjá and Laki are very unusual; otherwise, life as we know it would probably not be. Though the hazards posed by lava flows and volcanic gas here on the Big Island are understandably important to us, they are still tiny in comparison to what our big blue planet is capable of.
Hiking: 6-7 hours hiking
Elevation gain/loss: 300m-elevation loss/gain
Accommodation: hut
Meals: (B-L-D)
After the soft landscape of Alftavötn, the 'lakes of the swans', in a short walk we join the trail of Fjallabak North, near the inhabited lands of the Skaftá district, bordering the enormous lava fields of Laki. Then, by bus, we travel on the Fjallabak North route or along the seashore of the South Coast, to reach Reykjavik where we arrive in the late afternoon.
Driving distance: 300 km - 5-6 hours driving
Hiking: 2-3 hours hiking
Elevation gain/loss: 300m-elevation loss
Meals: B-L
| Dates 2012: | ||
|---|---|---|
| BIZ 708 (East): | Jul 08 - Jul 20 |   |
| BIZ 722 (TFS-W): | Jul 22 - Aug 03 | |
| BIF 805 (East): | Aug 05 to Aug 17 |  |
| BIZ 819 (TFS-W): | Aug 19 - Aug 31 | |
| BIZ 902 (TFS-W): | Sep 02 - Sep 14 |   |
| Clear nights |
| Birds |
| Blueberries & mushrooms |
| | Colors of fall |
 | Northern lights |
| Fresh falling snow on summits |
IMPORTANT: We propose other different routes for the trek, others than the one described here above. If in case of insufficient booking on a date or if the trek is fully booked, or in case of some natural events the hiking part of this journey could be modified or even be replaced by a slightly different itinerary but with same price, same dates, same level, same organisation and same spirit. We will let you know in time if some changes occur and we will send you the new modified itinerary.
For other departure dates please check the following itineraries:
Small group surcharge:
+ 200€ for a small group of 5 participants + 300 € for a small group of 4 participants
If the group doesn't reach the minimum of 6 participants when booking your trip, a small group surcharge will apply and will be added on our final invoice. But, If at your arrival the group has reached the minimum size, we will refund this amount to you in cash in Iceland or by transferring it on your credit card. We will be grateful if you have paid this extra charge and that you see that your group is composed by 6 or more adult participants to mention it to your guide in the beginning of the trip
Group size: Multi-national group 6 to 12 members (Note: for group sizes of 4-5 persons a small group surcharge applies). Fjallabak's staff or Fjallabak's representatives accompanying professionals (e.g. photographers, journalists etc.…) and other discounted travellers such as children, are excluded from the participant count (minimum and maximum)
Comfort version:
Spartan version:
During the trekking part we sleep 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 mattresses. Showers are available in most of the huts.
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!
For usability, we recommend, but no obligation, that you bring over with you a little speciality of your home country to share with your companions as well as a good bottle of some thing for a short drink and for our dinners in the middle of nowhere
A confortable little bus during the overland discovery and an assistance. A jeep on the trek is carrying all luggage, equipment and supplies as well as a tired or injured member.
Walking level Easy to Moderate. 13 day-journey including 6 days of driving with daily hikes, 1 day of individual excursion in the Vestmann islands, followed by a real 6 day-trek carrying light daypacks. This should present no serious difficulty for persons with some mountain hiking experience, plus a reasonable level of personal fitness. Experienced guides lead all tours and treks. Once in the Backcountry Mountains, each group becomes an independent entity. The camaraderie, teamwork and friendships forged add much to the richness of each person's experience. The itinerary passes through some remote areas. Some of the walking is off-track, with terrain conditions constantly changing. Therefore, we strongly advise sturdy, well broken-in hiking boots in addition to clothing that will keep you warm and dry. See our kit list below for more details. Maximum altitude is no more than 1200 meters. Elevation change for most days is no more than 400 meters.
The day-by-day itinerary as it is indicated here is subject to slightly changes depending on natural circumstances (late or early heavy snow, eruption 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 VHS Radio channel. They are also connected to the hut wardens, to other colleagues working in the same area, to the civil security and the mountain rescue team.
Reserved and payable through your guide!
A day lasts only 24 hours, it is understandable that these optional excursions can be done in part at the expense of a walk or a scheduled visit planned by your guide. He will advise you in advance and tell you, depending on the weather and updated information, which one is really worth doing.
Keflavik International Airport is 50 km from Reykjavik city centre. We recommend clients take the Flybus shuttle roundtrip service from the airport. See, http://www.re.is/Flybus
We recommend that you book your accommodation directly online. It could be cheaper than to book it through us. Check rates and booking In the information section of our site.
Extension of your stay: Because you may not return to Iceland any time soon, you should of course extend your stay for a few days, independently, in the most northern capital in the world who offers a relaxed and original ambiance with excellent coffee shops, great bookstores, museums and galleries, interactive art, extraordinary outdoor pools, spas and a rather unusual nightlife during the weekend. You can also book one or two extensions that can be booked by your guide or our organisation when in Iceland.
A beautiful Individual extension after this trip
The Fjallabak trip/trek you have been taking part in is now over and on its way to Reykjavik. You leave your trip companions and stay overnight in the village of Hella (or you take the ferry to Heimaey the same evening)
By regular bus from Hella you reach at the wharf of the new harbor of Landeyjarhöfn at the foot of volcano Eyjafjallajökull to take the ferry Herjólfur to the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago. It takes 40 minutes for the ferry to reach Heimaey, the largest and only inhabited island of the archipelago. Heimaey is dominated by Eldfell, " the mountain of fire", a new volcano whose eruption increased the island's area by one third and threatened the important fishing harbor in 1973. Take an evening walk on the volcano, still warm! The Vestmann Islands are home to the largest established colony of Puffins in the world, with about 8 millions of birds (observation until August 15th). It is often possible to admire the great Gannet diving for fish, and if you are lucky, you will catch a glimpse of killer whales or huge Fin whales. Little cruise around the island of Heimaey depending on weather conditions.
You are free to choose your departure: either in the morning (bus at 10:15) or in the afternoon (bus at 16:00). Two hours transfer by regular bus to Reykjavik Bus terminal (possible transfer to Keflavik International airport for American flights). You arrive in Reykjavik around midday (or 19:00 if you choose to take afternoon ferry). Afternoon and evening are on your own in Reykjavik.
For further information and booking inquiries please send us and e-mail.
