7 days of trekking in the region of Fjallabak, in a small group, with transfer of your gear from a hut to the next one in a 4WD. Difficulty level from moderate to challenging (rivers crossing).
Icelandic highlands and the region of Fjallabak are famous for trekking, and a victim of their own success with the crowded Laugavegur trek from Landmannalaugar and Thorsmork. We offer you, with this trek, a completely different route, away from the highly frequented paths of Laugavegur and boasting unique landscapes and quietness. We will travel across black deserts, recent lava flows, numerous rivers (sometimes warm), solfataras fields, mud fields and multi-coloured mountains or rhyolite. We will often be on ridges offering magnificent sights. It is really about meeting nature forces always in the presence of glaciers and majestic mountains inaccessible most of the year.
Highlights of this tour:
Your meeting with the guide is at the BSI (central bus station) at 7:30 AM, to reach the region of Fjallabak. We will start our first hike near volcano Hekla.
We will walk across several canyons and black deserts offering a magnificent sight on the volcano Hekla. We will then cross the stunning fissure vent of Valagja and the recent lava flow of the Hekla, in a superb desert atmosphere. We will also come across crater lakes such as Saudleysuvatn. Arrival at the mountain hut of Landmannahellir and night on site.
Today, we reach the famous region of Landmannalaugar with its warm river (bath possible at the end of the day), between lava flow and obsidian… On the way we will come near more beautiful crater lakes. Arrival in the lava flow of Laugahraun and walk in Graenagil, “the green dale”.
We will climb on the plateau of Hrafntinnusker and reach the lake of Höfdavatn, coming across numerous solfataras. We will then reach the smoky dale of Reykjadalir and the source of the famous river Markarfljot. Our mountain hut overlooks the dale, an incredible location on the feet of mountain Laufafell.
We will leave the hut located next to the river Markarfljot, always uneasy to cross. We will then follow the great mountain Laufafell with its beautiful canyons, to reach Alfavatn, the swans’ lake and its stunning mirror surface, and a bit further, our mountain hut.
Landscape and ambiance transformation today with the desert Maelifellssandur. Our landscape will be black and grey with many river ramifications, and surrounded by the glacier Myrdalsjökull. From our mountain hut at the feet of mountain Strutur, the sight on Maelifell is stunning.
Breath-taking hike across the mountains, surrounded by the glacier Torfajökull and the mountain Svatahnuksfjöll. This hike will offer natural hot pots, and a wonderful landscape of small canyons and secret dales. We will have the opportunity to enjoy a warm bath in Strutslaug and to cross the fissure Eldgja that we will see in a more impressive way the day after. Scenic mountain hut in a stunning location.
We will discover the fissure of Eldgja. After the lunch we will come back in the capitale with our bus. On the road we will stop to some highlights like Skogafoss, Reynisfjara….6-7PM in the town.
Trek, itinerary and safety:Hike with baggage transfer with a difficulty level from moderate to challenging depending on the stages and the weather conditions. Stages require 5 to 8 hours of walk per day and are close to 20km (12.5mi). Terrain will be hilly, rough or mountainous (névés). The Altitude change ranges from 500m to 700m (1650 to 2300ft). You must have a good physical condition or have been training especially if you do not practice sport all year round. The itinerary can be modified according to weather conditions, and your guide is the only one in charge.
Baggage:We ask our guests to take a maximum of 12 to 15kg (26 to 33lbs) of gear for this trek, preferably in a soft bag rather than a rigid suitcase. We also recommend you keep a backpack on you during the hike for your day gear and lunch. If you stay in Iceland after this trek there is a possibility to have some of your gear stored in Reykjavik.
Accommodation:Mountain huts (very good quality) or camping sites with tents and comfortable mattresses if the huts are not available (rare).
Transfers:Before and after the trek we use a private 4WD minibus, comfortably equipped for our group transfers on the Icelandic tracks.
Food:Almost vegetarian cuisine using organic and quality products. We try to use local products as much as possible. Any allergy or specific diet must be stated clearly on booking.
For conviviality in the group(nothing mandatory) we recommend everyone to bring a home produce from their home land.
Participation:Members of the group are kindly asked to help the guide by taking part in the cooking and dishwashing in the accommodation.
Accommodation during your stay:Double bedroom (or twin beds) fully made up beds in guesthouse or dormitories for the huts (comfortable and well equipped) in sleeping bag (not provided).
Extension of your stay:Please contact us!
You might not come back to Iceland any time soon, and if you can spare a few more days, we advise you to extend your stay a little bit, in an independent trip to discover another region or just to enjoy more of the northernmost capital city in the world. We can arrange 1 or 2 days more in Reykjavik for you to really submerge in its relaxed and original way of living, to enjoy its excellent coffee-shops and wonderful book-stores, to discover its fascinating little museums and art galleries, and to relax yourself in its swimming pools, spas and original night life.
Be careful to choose your prolongation early on, because modifying your plane ticket on site can be pricey and even sometimes impossible.
Weather: According to the season and to the weather’s instability of these northern countries, we ask you to follow this gear list, for you own safety and pleasure
YOUR PERSONAL GEAR:
