Day 1: Pick up at hotel or guesthouse in Reykjavík from 7:40 to 8:00. Then we take the regular bus that during the summer months drives the mountain tracks that lead to Landmannalaugar, passing by the Hekla volcano and other volcanoes in the Dómadalur area. Arriving in Landmannalaugar at noon, we have a lunch and then head south into the mountains. The trail takes us past small gorges, steaming hot springs and yellow mountain ridges. Arrival at Hrafntinnusker mountain hut, were we will stay the night, in the late afternoon.
Distance: 12km (7.5 mi) Walking time: 4-5 hrs Ascent: 470 m (1540 ')
Day 2: From Hrafntinnusker we descend down in the gullies of Jökultungur with hundreds of steaming hot springs and mud pools. Fascinating views to the south to the Álftavatn area (Swan Lake), and the Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull glaciers. In the afternoon we arrive at Álftavatn hut where we stay the night.
Distance: 12km (7.5 mi) Walking time: 4-5 hrs Descent: 490 m (1610 ')
Day 3: We pass at the foot of the green conic volcano of Stórasúla before entering the black deserts of Mælifellssandur. Heading towards another ancient and verdurous volcano, the Hattfell, we enter the Emstrur region where farmers used to graze their sheep in summer. Before arriving at the Botnar hut where we stay the night, we visit the magnificent Markarfljót canyon cut almost 200 m down into the rocks south of Hattfell.
Distance: 15km (9.5 mi) Walking time: 6-7 hrs Descent: 40 m (130 ')
Day 4: We continue up and down through the small valleys and gullies of Emstrur, where the great Mýrdalsjökull glacier rises only a couple of kilometers away. At the end of the day the vegetation starts to grow thicker and higher as we descend in to Þórsmörk's (the woods of Thor) green valleys filled with arctic birch forests and colorful flowers. We spend the night in one of the huts in Þórsmörk.
Distance: 15km (9.5 mi) Walking time: 6-7 hrs Descent: 300 m (985 ')
Day 5: We spend the day in Þórsmörk where we have an abundance of choice between various paths. For example, we can visit to the Sönghellir cave (“Song cave”), climb up the small mountain of Valahnúkur from where magnificent view can be enjoyed, or hike into the beautifully carved canyon Stakkholtsgjá. This oasis between the mountains also an ideal place to relax and just enjoy nature. We spend the night in one of the huts in Þórsmörk.
Distance: 5-10 km (3-6 mi) Walking time: 2-5 hrs Ascent/Descent: NA
Day 6: Leaving Þórsmörk we cross the river Krossá on a footbridge entering the magic landscapes of Goðalönd – the abode of the Gods. Nesting at the foot of two glaciers this is a wonderland of ridges and cliffs covered by a multitude of flowers and grasses, certainly fit for gods and humans alike. Even the elves have made themselves at home here. We continue up the hills leading to the pass of Fimmvörðuháls, walking along the Kattarhryggir ridges with views to the impressive mountain of Útigönguhöfði up to Morinsheiði heath. As we gain height there are increasing chances of snow patches and we might even have the opportunity to walk on snow for some time before arriving at the conveniently situated hut at Fimmvörðuháls, between the glaciers Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull, where we stay the night.
Note: Because of difficult access to the hut for vehicles, passengers will have to carry their gear from the transport vehicle to the hut, and back the next morning, approx. 30 min. walk each way.
Distance: 12-14 km (7-9 mi) Walking time: 6-7 hrs Ascent: 900 m (2953’)
Day 7: After a night between the two glaciers we head down to Skógar. At the beginning, the path takes us over a desolate heath past an old hut that does not offer much shelter any more. We come to the Skógaá River and follow the river exploring its many hidden gorges, and waterfalls all the way to the famous Skógafoss waterfall. The river and its surroundings offer great scenery. The coast seems to be within arm´s reach and you can almost feel the surf on your cheeks. Arriving at Skógafoss, we hop on the scheduled bus to Reykjavík. Arrival at Reykjavik Central bus Station at 19:00, where the trip ends.
Distance: 12-13km (7-8 mi) Walking time: 6-7 hrs Descent: 1000 m (3280’)
