A beautiful overland journey including some hiking every day   

Trip difficulty: 2 out of 5 possible. 

Considering the duration and rhythm of this overland discovery including some beautiful hikes it is certainly by far the most intense and varied journey that one can do in a week in Iceland!

Highway Number One on the South part of Iceland is truly among the world’s most spectacular driving routes - a narrow black ribbon of tarmac running through ever changing sceneries.  To it’s South, the immensity of the Atlantic Ocean, with more than 10000 miles of open water before the cost of Antarctica. To the North, a mysterious chaos of mountains, volcanoes and glaciers and the highlands spirit is always calling you. But how to answer these calls? Well, we know some secret trails.
This trip is a deep exploration of the active volcanic belt, traversing some of Iceland’s most dramatic scenery. It is specially designed for nature lovers who are not deterred by some exertion, ideal for those wanting to experience Iceland’s stunning, unspoiled scenery at first hand, but at an easier pace compared to our more demanding treks.
Using specially modified 4x4 vehicles, we will discover the most secret part of the Southern Highlands and the strange but magnificent South Coast that hosts the huge Vatnajökull glacier. Hiking frequently, we will experience the stunning diversity of this “huge small land”. Stopping by small settlements such as Vik or Kirkjubæjarklaustur, we will also have a chance to meet the original Icelandic culture, the result of a long fight between this courageous people and nature’s harsh forces.
The general rhythm of this journey, the small size of the group, and the everlasting days, will give you a special feeling and allow each person to relax and enjoy this unique experience.  

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Prices:

184.000 ISK per person. All overnights in sleeping bag accommodation in hostel and huts
208.000 ISK per person. 3 nights in double / twin B&B and two nights in huts
223.000 ISK per person. 3 nights in single room in B&B and 2 nights in huts

Guaranteed departures 2010:

-12th of June
-19th of June
-26th of June
-3rd of July
-10th of July
-17th of July
-24th of July
-31st of July
-7th of August
-14th of August
-21st of August
-28th of August
-4th of September
-11th of September
-18th of September


Rough itinerary:
Day 1: Reykjavik - Dyrhólaey - Eyjafjöll - Vík í Mýrdal
Day 2: Vík í Mýrdal
Day 3: Vatnajökull - Jökulsárlón
Day 4: Vatnajökull - Eldhraun - Eldgjá
Day 5: Fault of Eldgjá "The Fire Canyon"
Day 6: Landmannalaugar - Mount Hekla - Reykjavík

See detailed itinerary below.

Included in price: Guiding, transfer from/to Reykjavík by bus, jeep transfer for food and equipment between campsites, food for 6 days (except breakfast on day one and dinner the last day), in the interior overnights are in sleeping bag accommodation in huts but on the coast we offer a choice of accommodation, mattress and cooking gear.

Minimum: 8 persons. Maximum: 14 persons.

Bring with you: warm outdoor clothing, waterproof jacket and pants, headwear and gloves. Good hiking boots are a vital! Sleeping bag and pillow can be rented from us if you let us know in advance.

Detailed itinerary:

Day 1

First section: Þingvellir - Gullfoss - Geysir - Mount Hekla
Distance: 230 km driving + ??? walking
Estimated travelling time: 5 hrs driving + 2 hours walking
Accommodation: Sleeping bag or B&B superior

Rendezvous with your guide at your accommodation around 8 o´clock in the morning. Welcome on board! Drive and a short hike through the National park of Thingvellir, site of the meeting of the original Icelandic parliament, more than 1000 years ago. Then visit Geyser (the geyser) and Gullfoss waterfall, Iceland’s most popular natural attractions. Driving and wandering near Mount Hekla, through vast meadows and moors, where innumerable horses and sheep graze.

Day 2

Second section: Mount Hekla - Landmannalaugar - Eldgjá
Distance: 140 km driving + ??? km walking
Estimated travelling time: 3 hrs driving, 4-5 hours walking
Accommodation: Mountain hut

The trail reach the dramatic landscape south of Mount Hekla, Iceland’s most active volcano, then winds East, through bizarre rock formations and mysterious valleys, home to the trolls and elves of Icelandic legend. Drive through the amazing landscape of the Fjallabak trail to the colorful, rhyolite mountains of the Hrafntinnusker volcanic plateau and Torfajökull (best known as the Landmannalaugar mountains). Experience a vast array of fumaroles, hot springs, waterfalls, ice features and all colours of rock from white pumice to jet-black obsidian.
Continuing on the trail of Fjallabak ("the trail behind the mountains"), through incredible, ever-changing landscapes, we reach the fault of Eldgjá (fire canyon) the largest and longest eruptive fissure on Earth.

Day 3

Third section: Eldgjá fault (The Fire Canyon)
Distance: 20 km driving + ??? walking
Estimated travelling time: 30 min driving + 4-5 hours walking
Accommodation: Mountain hut

Eldgjá and the nearby Laki craters are part of the same volcanic system as Katla. The canyon is at its greatest 270 m deep and 600m wide The first documented eruption in 934 was the largest flood basalt in historic time. An estimated 18 km3 of lava poured out of earth. We walk on the ridge of the fissure and down in it to admire the beautiful waterfall of Öfærufoss within the canyon. Hut accommodation (B-L-D)

Day 4

Fourth section: Eldhraun - Vatnajökull - Jökulsárlón
Distance: 190 km driving + ??? walking
Estimated travelling time: 3-4 hrs driving + 2-3 hrs walking
Accommodation: Sleeping bag or B&B superior

We cross “another planet”, through the endless moss-covered lava fields of Eldhraun, vomited by the hundred craters of the Laki eruption of 1783 (the world’s biggest, continuous eruption of historical times). We then pass before the mighty Vatnajökull glacier, Europe’s largest icecap, site of enormous sub-glacial eruptions and cataclysmic floods (the most recent being 2004).  We then reach the awesome splendour of the Jökulsarlón glacier lagoon, where thousands of colorful icebergs remain prisoners. You can also take an optional boat journey through the lagoon. This is the eastern point of our journey.

Day 5

Fifth section: Vík í Mýrdal
Distance: 190 km driving + ??? walking
Estimated travelling time: 3-4 hrs driving + 2-3 hrs walking
Accommodation: Sleeping bag or hotel. Individual dinners.

Under the shadow of the impressive bulk of the Mydalsjökull glacier, we discover Vík and take a beautiful walk along the black sand beaches and over the huge basaltic cliffs. Thousands of puffins and myriad of other seabirds can be admired (puffins until mid-August).

Day 6

Sixth section: Dyrhólaey - Eyjafjöll - Reykjavík
Distance: 180 km driving + ??? walking
Estimated travelling time: 2-3 hrs driving + 2 hrs walking
Accommodation: In Reykjavík

Drive West along the seashore, through vast meadows and moors, where innumerable horses and sheep graze. We pass under the sheer faces of the Eyjafjöll Mountains, topped by the glacier, Eyjafjallajökull, we stop at the beautiful waterfalls of Seljalandfoss and Skogafoss (optional visit of the Skógar folk museum). Arrival at your accommodation in Reykjavik in the afternoon. On the way we drop out our companions continuing to the Westman Islands. (If you have an afternoon flight, let us know in advance!)

Itinerary may be slightly modified weather permitting, especially prior to mid-July or after end of August. The duration of the daily hikes are only suggestions and can be shorter or longer depending on above, terrain and on physical condition of the group.

Included:

•    English speaking guide from Day 1 to Day 6 of the itinerary
•    Jeep or bus from Day 1 to Day 6
•    All accommodation as described
•    All meals from lunch Day 1 to Lunch Day 6
•    Family discount

 
Not included:

•    Fights to/from Iceland
•    Transfers from/to airport
•    Accommodation and meals in Reykjavik
•    Entrance fees for museums, swimming pools and optional excursions
•    Drinks and other personal expenses
•    Personal travel insurance


It is possible to choose different types of accommodations in Reykjavik. We recommend Reykjavík Backpackers

Trip extension:  This trip can be combined with the 6 day Trek around Hekla  or to the 6 day Trek at the Doors of Hell (see our 12 day-Walking between Ice & fire). You can also add 2 days to this trip by choosing to go on an extension to the Vestmannaeyjar Islands Archipelago. You can also stay a couple of days in Reykjavik enjoying the world’s most northern capital. From there you can take short excursions to the Blue Lagoon or go whale watching…

Group size: Multi-national group 6 to 12 members (Note: for group sizes of 4-5 persons a small group surcharge applies) Fjallabak staff or Fjallabak representatives accompanying professionals (e.g. photographers, journalists etc…) and other discounted travellers such as children, are excluded from the participant count.

Transport: Jeep or small bus depending of group size specially modified for Icelandic highland use.

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:  3 options

1.    All nights in sleeping bag accommodation in huts and hostels (mixed bunkhouse)
2.    3 nights in made-up bed double-twin room in hotel*** or in B&B en suite with private facilities
3.    3 nights in made-up bed single room in hotel*** or in B&B en suite with private facilities if you travel alone (Sharing room is not possible if you are single when booking this option!)

Trip preparation and notes: Walking level Easy to Moderate. 5 day-trek carrying a light daypack. This should present no serious difficulty for persons with some mountain hiking experience, plus a reasonable level of personal fitness. Experienced guides lead all our trips. Once in the backcountry mountains, each group becomes an independent entity. The camaraderie, teamwork and friendships forged add much to the richness of each person’s experience. The itinerary passes through some remote areas. Some of the walking is off-track, with terrain conditions constantly changing. Therefore, we strongly advise sturdy, well broken-in hiking boots in addition to clothing that will keep you warm and dry. See our kit list below for more details.
Maximum altitude is no more than 1200 meters. Elevation change for most days is no more than 400 meters.

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.