A great trekking, starting at the foot of Mt. Hekla volcano, leading you through the highlands to the south coast of Iceland.

Trip difficulty: 3 out of 5 possible.

Hekla - Skógar
6 days jeep assisted hike in breathtaking nature.

Specially suited for nature lovers, this exploration trek is ideal for travelers who do not have much time for longer holidays but who dream of discovering the unique mountains of Iceland by foot. Trekking becomes pure pleasure without carrying a heavy backpack and staying at a cozy shelter each night.  Presenting no difficulty for good walkers, each member carries only a light daypack. Every day involves an average of 6-8 hours hiking. A 4x4 truck carries all personal equipment, heavy equipment and supplies. We appreciate the importance of good food, so we provide what we believe is the finest cuisine to be found in the Icelandic mountains! The isolation of some places we pass is complete. It is just us and the mountains. Most of the hiking is off-track, exploring hidden valleys, hot springs and numerous other features of the area. But that is not to say that these mountains are devoid of life! Botanists will be captivated by the many species of Icelandic flora, from myriad mosses and grasses, to alpine herb fields, berries, shrubs and trees. Birdwatchers should keep binoculars ready as we surprise many ground nesting species, such as golden plover, ptarmigan and snow bunting. The raven watches from on high and nearer the coast, many varieties of seabirds vie for our attention. This trek will lead us from the foot of Mount Hekla at the edge of the volcanic rift, through the rift, all the way to the ocean. Each day will bring stunning but totally different new sights that compete the beauty of those seen the day before.

Price 2011: 155.000 ISK per person. Minimum 8 people.

Price 2012: 199.990 ISK per person. Minimum 8 people.

Guaranteed departures for minimum 8 people, 2011:
-7th of August
-21st of August
-4th of September

Guaranteed departures for minimum 8 people, 2012:
-8th of July
-22nd of July
-5th of August
-19th of August
-2nd of September
-9th of September
-16th of September

You can add some of our great value multi adventure tours to your trekking for an unbeatable Iceland vacation. Click the icons or more.



Rough itinerary:

Day 1: Reykjavík -  Mt. Hekla – North Fjallabak

Day 2: Hrafntinnusker Caldera

Day 3: Ljósártunga - Hvanngil

Day 4: Emstrur Desert

Day 5: Þórsmörk

Day 6: Pass of Fimmvörðuháls-Reykjavík

See detailed itinerary below.

Included in price: English speaking guide, transfer from/to Reykjavík by bus, 4x4  jeep transfer for food and equipment between huts, food for 6 days (except breakfast on day one and dinner the last day), accommodation during the trek in huts or tents, mattress and cooking gear.

Not included in price: Flights to/from Iceland, transfer from/to airport, accommodation and meals in Reykjavík*, Entrance fees for museums, swimming pools etc., drinks and other personal expenses, personal travel insurance.

*We can book accommodation at the Reykjavík Backpackers for your nights in Reykjavík before or after the trip.

Check out our equipment list for multy day treks.

Detailed itinerary:

Day 1

First section: Reykjavík - Mt. Hekla – North Fjallabak
Distance: 160 km driving + ???? walking
Estimated travelling time: 4 hrs driving + 5-6 hrs walking
Vertical alteration: ~ 150 m

Your guide will pick you up at your accommodation and then we´ll leave Reykjavík by bus. The bus ride will take us through vast meadows and moors where innumerable horses and sheep graze in the summertime. After a while we reach the dramatic landscape of Mount Hekla, one of Iceland’s most active volcanoes, at the edge of the continental rift. We drive up along the foot of the volcano, crossing black ash and huge lava fields. Trek starts before lunch. Crossing black wasteland and lava fields surrounding the volcano, we walk in the direction of the majestic Mt Loðmundur, surrounded by swamps and beautiful lakes.

Day 2

Second section: Hrafntinnusker Caldera
Distance: ???
Estimated travelling time: 6 hrs
Vertical alteration: ~ 450 m

Today we´ll slowly climb to the top of the colorful plateau of Hrafntinnusker, glittering with innumerable black stones called obsidian. The Icelandic word for obsidian rock is hrafntinna, meaning ravens rock. The reason has got to be the shiny texture and bluish black color, just like the ravens feathers. During our trek, we´ll see a lot of this strange looking intense black lava, sharp as razorblades. Walking among countless bubbling and steaming hot springs, we head towards our overnight shelter by the banks of the Markarfljót glacier river.

Day 3

Third section: Ljósártunga to Hvanngil
Distance: ???
Estimated travelling time: 6 hrs
Vertical alteration: ~ 250 m

Following the course of the Markarfljót canyon, we descend south through hills of rolling grassland. Today we´ll be crossing clear and cold streams. That is an activity which will surely wake us up if by any chance someone is feeling sleepy. Hopefully we´ll be able to enjoy a spectacular view of Myrdalsjökull icecap.

Day 4

Forth section: Emstrur Desert
Distance: ???
Estimated traveling time: 5-6 hrs
Vertical alteration: ~ 100 m

We´ll hike across a desert of black sand, deprived of vegetation. Well, the best way to describe this day is simply by these two words, desert day. We´ll walk along the impressive icecap of Myrdalsjökull glacier, so close that we feel we can almost touch it.

Day 5

Fifth section: Þórsmörk  
Distance: ???
Estimated traveling time: 6 hrs
Vertical alteration: ~ 500 m

We´ll hike along narrow canyons where powerful glacier rivers flow. As we approach Þórsmörk, “the valley of thor, the thundergod” the surroundings get greener and more lush. We might even be able to smell some green grass and arctic birch. We´ll spend the night in Thórsmörk, surrounded by majestic falling seracs of Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull icecaps.

Day 6

Sixth section: Þórsmörk - Skógar - Reykjavík
Distance: 24 km
Estimated traveling time: 8-9 hrs
Vertical alteration: ~ 1000 m

Today is a long day as we´ll cross the pass of Fimmvörduháls between Eyjafjallajökull and Myrdalsjökull glaciers. We climb some 800 m (2600 feet) before starting our long descent all the way to sea level. We are facing an 8 to 9 hours walk so this is by far the longest day of the trek. This stretch of the hike involves crossing some narrow ridges, so those who suffer from extreme vertigo may need to fight their fears. Our trek ends at the foot of the stunning Skógafoss waterfall. If weather conditions do not allow this option, we walk out of Thórsmörk along the beautiful valley, exploring hidden canyons and glacial lagoons. We´ll arrive to Reykjavik late afternoon or evening. (For those taking the Westman Islands option, transfer to the airport or ferry terminal)

Please notice: Itinerary may be slightly modified, especially before the middle of July or in September. The duration of the daily hike are only indicative and can be shorter or longer depending on weather, on terrain condition and on average shape of the group.

Practical information:

As an accommodation in Reykjavík we recommend Reykjavík Backpackers.

Trip extension:  This trip can be combined with the 6 day Spectacular South & Highlands discovery. You can also add 2 days to this trip by choosing to go on an extension to the Westmann Islands Archipelago.

Group size: Multi-national group 8 to 12 members (Note: for group sizes of 6-7 persons a small group surcharge applies) Fjallabak staff or Fjallabak representatives accompanying professionals (e.g. photographers, journalists etc…) and other discounted travelers such as children, are excluded from the participant count.

Transport: 4x4 vehicle, specially modified for Icelandic highland use. Vehicle also carries all luggage and specialist equipment. A tired member can travel in the vehicle if necessary.

Food: 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!

Accommodation during the trip: Sleeping bag accommodation 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 mattress. Showers are available in most of the huts.

Trip preparation and notes: Walking level - Moderate. 6-day assisted trek, carrying a light day pack. This should present no serious difficulty for persons with at least some mountain walking experience, plus a good level of personal fitness. An experienced Icelandic guide assisted by a driver leads the trek. The group is expected to assist with all aspects of making and breaking camp, including meal preparation. Once in the mountains, each group becomes an independent entity. The camaraderie, teamwork and friendships forged, add much to the richness of each person’s experience. This trek passes through some areas of complete wilderness. Most of the trekking is off-track, with underfoot conditions constantly changing. Therefore, sturdy, well worn-in hiking boots are a must. Most days involve river crossings, so it is essential that all trekkers carry suitable footwear to change into. See our kit list for more information. We trek for 6-7 hours per day, on average, but this may be longer, dependent on weather conditions and group speed. Maximum altitude doesn’t rise more than 1300 m. Elevation change for most days should be no more than 600m, rising to 900m for the crossing of the Fimmvörduháls pass. This last day also involves crossing some narrow ridges, so those who suffer from extreme vertigo may choose to ride to the coast on the truck.

Itinerary & Security:  The day by day itinerary as it is indicated here is subject to slightly change depending of natural circumstances (late or early heavy snow, eruption’s 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’s VHS Radio channel. He is also connected to the huts wardens, to other colleagues working in the same area, to the civil security and the mountains rescue team.

The remoteness of the terrain, coupled with an ever-changing climate can make this a most challenging environment; therefore, safety is our primary concern. Your guide and support vehicle are radio equipped. Our guides, all experienced mountaineers with extensive local knowledge, are fully trained in wilderness first aid and rescue procedures.
To complement this, our personal clothing and equipment systems must be sufficient to ensure your comfort in all kinds of weather – see our gear list for advice.

Disclaimer:
All hiking trips are undertaken on the responsibility of its participants. Arctic Adventures does not assume any responsibility for accidents which are caused by its customers or can be traced to there own actions. Participants have to sign a waiver before undertaking all trips stating that they realize that all outdoor activities carry an inherit risk.