6 days on our own in another world, an amazing trek where you’ll have the feeling to be at the end of the world.
Level moderate to challenging.
Lónsöræfi natural reserve is located in the South-East part of Iceland and is part of the bigger Vatnajökull national park. It is composed by rhyolite mountains cut by deep valleys and canyons, strange eroded rock formations play with the imagination. The proximity of the glacier also influences the atmosphere. Each year in summer we offer the opportunity to follow us for an unforgettable trek in the multicolored mountains of Lónsöræfi, on the borders of Vatnajökull glacier. This journey will send you from Snæfell to the ocean, or almost… If you are looking for a unique hike adventure with breathless landscape this is the place to be. We will pass rivers, mountains…
This trip can be combined with our East-fjord trek and that way becomes a beautiful 12 days hiking holidays discovering the magic of East Iceland.
The beginning of this trek starts in the South East of Iceland in Höfn. You need to be there in the morning of D1 at the latest at 9 am. To get there, the best option is to add a few days self drive along the South coast, with booking accommodations, rental car and travel book. Other options by bus or plane are possible.
Note that the route of this trek is given as an indication, very often we arrange the stages, according to the weather, in order to improve the itinerary to be as much as possible, off the beaten tracks.
You will be meeting your guide in Höfn at 9 am. Once the presentations are made, the luggage loaded and the participants gathered, departure by minibus for the colorful mountains of Stafafell. We will do 6 hours hike in the Hvannagil gorges, along the Jökulsá í Lóni river, to the mouth of the canyon. We return to Stafafell and stay overnight on site.
Today the hike begins along a sheep trail that takes us to the bottom of a valley, that borders the Jokulsa i loni river to reach the magnificent Mulaskali hut. On the way, we will pass some hilly mountains, ravines, glacial rivers and with a little luck, the possibility of observing a reindeer or an arctic fox.
After a walk in the valley, we gradually gain altitude by climbing the rocky slopes of a ravine. The rugged landscape of the Trollakrokar gorge and its impressive cliffs is fascinating. We follow the Jökulsà i Loni river which takes us to a superb waterfall. After the crossing of some rivers, here we are at lake Kollumùlavatn. We soon arrive at the stage of today, our refuge by the lake perched on a ridge: Egilssel.
Today we will be walking only with a small backpack for the day. We will explore the region and take a beautiful loop hike returning to the same refuge in the evening.
After crossing the stream from Lake Kollumùlavatn, we continue in a stony and rocky landscape. The lunar aspect of Iceland takes on its full meaning here! Further on, the vegetation slowly reappears with a few thin willows and heather bushes in bloom. You have to continue to the Jökulsà i Loni river to see some birch trees and cross what might look like a wood. We arrive at our third stage, the Mulaskali refuge where we will stay two nights this time. This is an opportunity to take the time to explore the magnificent views of the Lonsöraefi and its multicolored mountains.
We explore the area with many possibilities. Night in the same hut.
2H hiking and transfer to Höfn.
Difficulty: Moderate-Challenging, you have to carry your personal gear
Hike, itinerary & security: Hike with porterage with a level from easy to moderate depending on the day. There is approximately 6-8 hours of hike every day, you need to be in fit condition to maintain the rhythm and walk the itinerary. The day-by-day itinerary as it is indicated here can be modified or even reversed depending on natural circumstances (late or early heavy snow, eruption, river flooding, weather conditions…) The guide knows the field perfectly and is able to judge exceptional circumstances.
Transport: Before and after the trek we use a small and comfortable 4wd bus, specially modified for Icelandic roads.
Accommodation: huts (excellent quality) – sleeping bags are not provided.
Food: Mostly local, with a vegetarian tendency – apart from the delicious grilled leg of lamb – and the inevitable local fish of course. We are particularly concerned with offering well-balanced and nutritious meals. If you have a special diet you need to let us now it before the beginning of the trip.
Participation: During our trip we often request to our guest to help us with preparing diner and cleaning the dishes involving both men and women 🙂
Trip extension: This trip can be combined with an individual extension to see more of Iceland. You can stay a couple of days in Reykjavik enjoying the northern most capital or visit another area. You can also add short excursions to the Blue Lagoon or go whale watching… For a trip extension don’t hesitate to contact us
Climate: because of the rough and changing climate in Iceland see below a list of recommended equipment to bring with you for this trip. You can except temperature between 0° and 20°C from April to September and from +5 to -20°C from October to March.
YOUR PERSONAL EQUIPMENT:
