Deserted Farmlands of the North Eastern Inlets

Hiking through the magnificent landscapes of the North Eastern inlets is a unique experience. The mountains come in all shapes and sizes and the variety of colors is stunning; everything from the black sands of the beaches to the pinkish orange hues of the mountain ridges. The presence of the ocean sets its mark on this tour. Each day we follow old trails between these isolated coves and fjords over colorful hills and through green valleys to down to sea side to find the hut where we lodge. This combination of mountains and ocean is what makes this trek a unique one; another advantage is the milder climate we can be expected at this lower altitude. The area remained populated until the early seventies and some abandoned houses and vestiges of ancient farmsteads set their mark on the surroundings, however, sheep may be the only living thing connecting us to those former times; in addition the possibility of enjoying the sighting of reindeer herds should not be overlooked. Accommodation in well equipped huts.

Confirmed departures:

• 5. July 2010 - Confirmed departure
• Other departures available under the Departures and Prices tab above.

Trekking: 5 days
Walk per day: 5-8 hours
Total walking distance: 65 km. (40 miles)
Altitude: 20-1100 m. (65-3600 feet)
Ascent: Maximum 600 m. (1970 feet)

Groups: 6 to 16 participant.

Departures on selected dates are offered with English and German speaking guide.

Equipment list

Included : Guide for 5 days, domestic flights between Reykjavík and Egilsstaðir, transportation in the Eastern Fjords, food for 5 days (from lunch day 1 to lunch day 5), sleeping bag accommodation (hostel and mountain huts), cooking gear and transfer of luggage.
Meeting Point : Participants are picked up at accommodation in Reykjavík before the tour starts in Reykjavik and the tour ends at the domestic airport in Reykjavik.

Day 1: Reykjavík – Egilsstaðir – Borgarfjörður Eystri
Meet the guide at the domestic airport in Reykjavik for an early morning flight to Egilsstaðir and transfer towards Borgarfjörður Eystri, about 90 km (56 mi). Shortly before starting the climb over the pass to Borgarfjörður we get off the bus and start the day´s hike. The path leads to Stórurð, a little oasis hidden below the magnificent Dyrfjöll mountain range. There in amazing scenery will be the setting for our lunch. We then continue our hike and make our way up along the northern side of the mountains, below stunning cliffs, before heading down towards the little village of Borgarfjörður. After dinner it is ideal to wander around this little village.
Distance: 15km (9.5mi)    Walking time: 6-8 hrs    Ascent/Descent: 600m (1970')/800m (2625')

Day 2: Borgarfjörður Eystri – Brúnavík – Breiðavík
Today the path leads us over a pass and down into the inlet of Brúnavík. Here we can enjoy the waves of the North Atlantic for a while before heading up into the valley and over the magnificent pass of Súluskarð where the colors of the adjacent hills and mountaintops provide a colorful feast for the eyes. From Súluskarð we head down into Kjólsvík inlet and from there over the low pass of Kjólsvíkurvarp down into Breiðavík inlet, the biggest one of these deserted inlets.
Distance: 13km (8mi)    Walking time: 7-9 hrs    Ascent/Descent:400m  (1315')/400m (1315')

Day 3: Breiðavík – Húsavík
We leave the colorful valley of Breiðavík and hike over the mountains, our destination the inlet of Húsavík. If weather permits we will climb the mountain Hvítserkur, one of the most amazing and colorful mountains of Iceland before descending into the narrow valley leading to the hut at Húsavík. A delightful evening walk down to the beach, to visit the quaint little church that was in full service until the early seventies is possible after dinner.
Distance: 11km (7mi)    Walking time: 5-7 hrs    Ascent/Descent:550m (1800')/500m (1640')

Day 4: Húsavík – Loðmundarfjörður
Today we continue to the valley of Loðmundarfjörður fiord. This impressive valley was home to close to a hundred people at the turn of the 20th century due to rich farmlands and accessible fishing grounds. The surrounding mountains add certain magnificence to the scene and the hike leads us through the massive Loðmundarskriður, formed thousands of years ago when the adjacent mountain literally burst forth. The hut where we spend the night is at the bottom of the fjord close to an old church.
Distance: 14km (9 mi)    Walking time: 5-7 hrs    Ascent/Descent: 600m (1970')/600m (1970')


Day 5: Loðmundarfjörður – Seyðisfjörður
The last day of our hike takes us along the old path over Hjálmárdalsheiði, which over the centuries used to be the main thoroughfare between the Loðmundarfjörður farmlands and the Seyðisfjörður harbor and trading post. As we ascend, the mountaintops of the southern fiords come into sight and once we get to the pass of Hall, the fiord of Seyðisfjörður is in full view, very different from the fiords and inlets we have left behind. Descending into Seyðisfjörður we enjoy the breathtaking panoramas of this long and narrow fiord surrounded by majestic mountains. Once we get down to the main road we get onto the bus that takes us back to Egilsstaðir where we arrive in time for the late afternoon flight to Reykjavík. The tour ends at the domestic airport in Reykjavík.
Distance: 12km (7.5mi)    Walking time: 5-7 hrs    Ascent/Descent: 600m (1970')/600m (1970')

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

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