Day 1 Bus Trip to Sveinstindur
Meet your group at 7:30 this morning at the BSÍ bus terminal in Reykjavík. Our transport takes us along highland tracks to Mt Sveinstindur near lake Langisjór, which is considered one of Iceland’s most beautiful lakes. Upon arrival we will climb the peak for magnificent views over the mountains and up to Vatnajökull glacier. Descend to a traditional, rustic hut where we will spend our first evening on the trail. Please note rustic huts feature outhouses and do not have showers available.
Distance: 6 km (4 mi)
Ascent/Descent: 480 m (1574 ft)
Day 2 Sveinstindur - Skaftá - Skælingar
- 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Today our hike takes us along the river Skaftá, typified by roaring rapids and waterfalls, and through. the small yet impressive canyon of Hvanngil. The landscape is truly volcanic, with black lava, green moss, and different rock formations. At the end of the day you arrive in the magical Skælingar area, an ancient lava forest close to the riverbed of Skaftá. Tonight we overnight in a rustic hut.
Distance: 16 - 18 km (10 - 11 mi)
Walking time: 6 - 8 hrs
Ascent/Descent: 250 m (820 ft)
Day 3 Skælingar - Gjátindur - Eldgjá - Hólaskjól
- 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Today we complete the first section of the Volcanic Trails! After packing up we start the day’s hike leading to the Canyon of Fire - Eldgjá. We will descend slowly into the canyon, making time to enjoy this remarkable place and its many wonders. Our day concludes with a hike to the huts at nearby Hólaskjól, where we spend the night in a comfortable hut with bathrooms and showers available.
Distance: 18 km (11 mi)
Walking time: 6 - 8 hrs
Ascent/Descent: 350 m (1150 ft)
Day 4 Hólaskjól - Áftavötn
- 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Rise early after a restful night's sleep, embarking on the second part of the trail heading toward the lakes of Álftavötn. Hiking through green hills we follow the river Syðri Ófæra. At Álftavötn we find a traditional, rustic hut where we spend the night. Recharge in a tranquil setting, gearing up for another beautiful day of hiking.
Distance: 7 - 10 km (4 - 6 mi)
Walking time: 5 - 6 hrs
Ascent/Descent: 150 m (492 ft)
Day 5 Álftavötn - Strútur
- 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Today we continue along the Syðri Ófæra River, crossing once again the Canyon of Fire, Eldgjá. As you walk notice the beauty of the changing landscape, from green meadows to black sands with bright green streaks of moss. Along the way we come to the natural pool Strútslaug, where we have the chance to warm up and relax. Our day concludes with a walk to a comfortable hut at Strútur for the duration of the evening.
Distance: 24 km (15 mi)
Walking time: 7 - 8 hrs
Ascent/Descent: 300 m (984 ft)
Day 6 Strútur - Hvanngil
- 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Today we set out along the mesmerizing black volcanic sand plain of Mýrdalssandur. Ensure you wear river shoes today, as our trail requires us to cross a few shallow rivers. The mystical landscape of Hvanngil valley greets us, enrapturing the most seasoned traveler with the wonders of the Icelandic landscape. Spend the night in a comfortable hut with bathrooms and showers available.
Distance: 14 - 18 km (9 - 11 mi)
Walking time: 5 - 6 hrs
Ascent/Descent: 150 m (492 ft)
Day 7 Hvanngil (Álftavatn) - Reykjavík
- Hotel
- 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
After breakfast, pack up and set out for a day of exploring the side trails of the famous Laugavegur hiking trail. Proceed along the river Kaldaklofskvísl, admiring the eerie green of the Stórasúla Mountain. Follow the winding river and climb one final small pass, Brattháls, where we are met with the beautiful Lake Álftavatn or “Swan Lake”. Here you are picked up by our driver, transporting you back to your accommodation in Reykjavík, taking leave of our guide and the hikers continuing on the extended part of the Volcanic Trails. Our tour ends upon our evening arrival in Reykjavík.
Distance: 5 - 7 km (3 - 4 mi)
Walking time: 3 - 4 hrs
Ascent/Descent: 300 m (984 ft)
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