Five-Day Backpacking Tour.

Along with the Núpstaðarskógar-Skaftafell tour, this is the Icelandic Mountain Guides great classic. A unique five-day hike from the craters of the Laki (erupted 1782-83) to the birch covered valley of Núpstaðarskógar. On the way we climb the Laki mountain to view the 25 km crater row, visit the Rauðhólar craters, pass two impressive rivers at the front of the great Síðujökull glacier, enjoy a warm bath in a natural pool in the Valley of Bones and see series of magnificent waterfalls on our way down to Núpstaðarskógar. Glaciers have sculpted this landscape and recent lava streams and deep canyons add to the impressive surroundings. An outstanding Iceland backpacking tour.

Backpacking: Five days.
Walk per day: 6-9 hours.
Total walking distance: 65 km. (40 miles).
Altitude: 450-650 m. (1475-2130 feet).
Maximum Ascent: 250 m. (820 feet).

Groups: 6 to 12 participants.

Equipment list

Included : Guide for 5 days, transport from Kirikjubæjarklaustur to Mt. Laki, food for 5 days (from lunch day 1 to lunch day 5), cooking gear, tents, safety equipment for glacier crossing and transfer from Núpsstaðarskógur to Kirkjubæjarklaustur.
Note : Please note that when traveling from/to Reykjavík extra travel days are needed before and after the trekking tour.
Meeting Point : Kirkjubæjarklaustur Gas Station.

Day 1: We meet at Skaftárskáli (restaurant/gas station) at 09:00 in the morning to take a scheduled bus at 09:30. The bus takes us to the 135 craters of Laki, and from there we begin our hike. First we cross the enormous lava fields of the Eldhraun (Lava of Fire) some of which are completely covered with thick green moss, offering the perfect opportunity to take a welcome break on this natural carpet. Camping by the lake of Fremri-Eyrar.
Distance: 10-15km (7-9mi)    Walking time: 5-7hrs

Day 2: The next morning the river Hverfisfljót has to be forded, before we can explore one of the great red craters of the Rauðhólar crater row. Our route then takes us through the Fossahraun desert at the foot of the splendid Síðujökull glacier where it will be necessary to cross several streams with swift current, or eventually climbing up on the glacier to avoid them. We camp on the banks of the Djúpá River south of the Síðujökull moraines with the green slopes of Gæsabringur just at the other side of the river.
Distance: 15-18km (9-11mi)    Walking time: 7-9hrs

*Note: The waterways that have to be crossed on day 2 may be impassable at some periods due to change in the rivers course or volume of water. Under those circumstances we turn to an alternate program on day 1 and day 2.

Day 3: To avoid the strong current of the Djúpá river, we are required to go up the Síðujökull and cross a relatively flat part of that enormous glacier. Once across we head to the red crater of Eldgígur. The next hurdle on our way is one higher branches of Djúpá before we head up the glacier carved hill dominating the Beinadalur valley (Bone Valley). There, however, or effort is rewarded with ideal campsites that can be found along the edge of relatively recent lava fields, with magnificent panoramic views towards the Vatnajökull glacier and its highest summits. Additionally, only minutes walk from our camp is a fantastic hot spring to bathe in!
Distance: 15-18km (9-11mi)    Walking time: 6-8hrs

Day 4: The Núpsá River runs down Beinadalur, towards a series of canyons and waterfalls. At their junction with another stream is the infamous “Bone Pointe” or Beinatangi, where, sheep have perished during autumn storms, leaving scattered bones like warning signs. Below the gorges, we are greeted by the Sléttur plains that could be radiant with violet willow herb flourishing.
Distance: 10-15km (6-9mi)    Walking time: 6-7hrs

Day 5: The day starts by exploring some very interesting rocks of pillow lava and rock cauldrons.  Leaving the canyon, we descend into the Súludalur valley with its picturesque landmark Súla (the Pillar). The valley is abruptly cut off by recent passages of Skeiðarárjökull Glacier, thus the trail is turns down to the wooded Núpsstaðarskógar valley, covered with Arctic birch. We descend into the valley where we meet the bus that takes us back to Kirkjubæjarklaustur, where the trek ends.
Distance: 12-18km (7-11mi)    Walking time: 6-7hrs