Trek in Iceland´s greatest volcanic region

This highly volcanic area has known several eruptions since the settlement of Iceland, the most famous in 1783 along the Laki crater row. In all, 565 km2 of lava flowed in that eruption, creating the most extensive lava field in the world resulting from a single eruption. Although catastrophic at the time, the lava field and the 135 craters today form one of the most scenic landscapes in Iceland. The uniqueness of the contrasting black sand and moss-covered craters and lava is a sight leaving an unforgettable impression. In this wilderness just south west of the great Vatnajökull glacier we walk amongst the volcanic formations of the Eldhraun along rivers and past beautiful lakes that give this lunar landscape a special aura. This is a lightweight and comfortable trek over rather easy terrain, even though some parts (like walking in the lava) may require more sustained effort. Accommodation in comfortable mountain huts.

Trekking: Seven-days  
Walking per day: 5-8 hours
Total walking distance: 80 km. (50 miles)
Altitude: 150 – 600 m. (500 - 2000 feet)
Maximum ascent: 200 m. (650 feet)
Groups: 6 to 15 participants

Equipment list

Included : Guide for 7 days, food for 7 days (from lunch day one to lunch day 7), hotel accommodation for two nights and sleeping bag accommodation in mountain huts for 4 nights, cooking gear, all transportation during trek and transfer of luggage.
Supplement: For 4 to 5 participants is 25.000ISK per person.
Meeting Point : Participants are picked up at accommodation in Reykjavík before the tour starts in Reykjavik and that the tour ends at the central bus station in Reykjavík.

Day 1: Pick up at hotel or guesthouse in Reykjavík around 7:15. Transfer to the Central bus Station in Reykjavík and departure at 8:30 with a regular excursion bus towards the east. On the way we stop briefly at Seljalandsfoss waterfall and Skógafoss waterfall where we have a picnic lunch. We go through the beautiful village Vík, before continuing to Kirkjubæjarklaustur where we arrive at 13:45. In the afternoon we’ll go for a walk around Kirkjubæjarklaustur before dinner at the hotel.
Distance: 5km (3mi)    Walking time: 1-2hrs    

Day 2: Departure from our hotel at 8:30 to catch the regular bus to the Laki area. On the way we discover the beautiful Fjaðarárgljúfur canyon and visit the impressive Fagrifoss waterfall.  We arrive at Laki Mountain at noon. After a picnic lunch we climb the mountain to enjoy the great view of the 25km long crater row.  We then drive to Tjarnargígur, one of the most fantastic craters in the Laki crater row. From Tjarnargígur we hike south past several dozen craters, to the charming Hrossatungur hut where lava meets green grass and hundreds of pseudo craters formed during the Laki eruption. This is where we spend the next two nights.
Distance: 10-12 km (6-7mi)    Walking time: 4-5hrs

Day 3: Our baggage transport vehicle drives us the first 6 km to the Varmá River, a spring river that flows from underneath the south end of the Laki crater row. We then hike across several small spring rivers before we arrive at the great Skaftá River. We follow the river to discover an impressive waterfall and rock formations in its canyon before passing the incredibly red crater ridge of Kambar. On the other side of the river the green clad sharp and conic Uxatindar Mountain makes this a totally unique landscape setting, seen nowhere else in the world. We continue to the north, to the blue lakes of Lyngfellsgígar before climbing up the Kambar ridge over to the lakes Kambavatn and Lambavatn. At Lambavatn our vehicle awaits to take us back to our hut.  
Distance: 15-20km (9-12mi)    Walking time: 6-8hrs

Day 4: Exploration of the seemingly endless lava that flowed from the 25 km long Laki fissure. In the middle of the lava field we find small lakes, rich of arctic vegetation and surrounded by endless rock formations. We then follow the edge of this impressive lava field towards the friendly Blágil hut where we stay the night.
Distance: 12-15km (7-9mi)    Walking time: 5-7hrs

Day 5: The day starts with the crossing of the Hellisá River before mounting the hills of Bárðarhnúkar. In good weather one can enjoy a superb view over to Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull. We arrive at the lone crater of Rauðhóll before descending into the eastern part of the Eldhraun “fire”-lava. From there we head towards the shepherd’s hut at Miklafell, which is reputed to be haunted by the spirits of a British serviceman not at rest since the Second World War.
Distance: 15-20km (9-12mi)    Walking time: 6-8hrs

Day 6: From Miklafell there is an easy walk east to the great river Hverfisfljót. There a huge waterfall has carved its way into the lava and the river rumbles beneath, cascading down to the plains below before falling into yet another series of waterfalls. Admiring this extraordinary work of nature we walk along this great body of water down to the lava field below where a vehicle awaits to bring us back to the hotel.  We end the afternoon with a delightful dinner.
Distance: 12-15km (7-9mi)    Walking time: 5-7hrs

Day 7: Departure from our hotel at 8:30 to catch the bus to Reykjavik via Landmannalaugar.This mountain bus will take us west to the famous Eldgjá volcano (1 hour stop) where we hike to the beautiful Ófærufoss waterfall.  We then drive to Landmannalaugar where a bath in the geothermal hot pools is optional. The road to Reykjavík takes us through Dómadalur and past the Hekla volcano.  Arrive in Reykjavík at around 19:00 at the central bus station where the tour ends.

Additional cost for two night accommodation in Reykjavik (one night before the tour and one night after the tour):

• Accommodation in guesthouse, sleeping bag, with shared facilities, and breakfast included – price from: 8.500ISK per person.
• Accommodation in guesthouse with shared facilities, twin share, and breakfast included – price from: 14.000ISK per person. Single supplement from: 8.000ISK
• Accommodation in guesthouse with private facilities, twin share, and breakfast included – price from: 19.500ISK per person. Single supplement from: 11.000ISK
• Accommodation in a 2-3 star hotel with private facilities, twin share, and breakfast included – price from: 22.5000ISK. Single supplement from: 13.000ISK

For bookings and further information, please contact our office by email: info@mountainguides.is or call: +354 587 9999.