The Volcanic Trails

On the first day of the tour, you will meet the group at 07:30 at BSÍ central bus terminal in Reykjavík. A representative from Icelandic Mountain Guides and your guide will meet and greet you before you head out on the road. The bus takes the group along highland tracks to Mt Sveinstindur, by Langisjór, one of Iceland’s most beautiful lakes. After climbing the peak for some panoramic views over the mountains, you will continue up to Vatnajökull glacier, where you will continue to a traditional mountain hut on the other side, where the group will be based for the evening.

Distance: 6 km (4 mi)

Ascent/Descent: 480 m (1574 ft)

After breakfast, the group will walk along the river Skaftá, admiring its rapids and waterfalls before the trail leads to the small and impressive canyon of Hvanngil. The landscape is a volcanic masterpiece with black lava, lush green moss, and interesting rock formations. At the end of the day, the group will arrive in the scenic Skælingar area, an ancient lava forest close to the riverbed of Skaftá. The group will spend another night at a rustic mountain hut.

Distance: 16 - 18 km (10 - 11 mi)

Walking time: 6 - 8 hrs

Ascent/Descent: 250 m (820 ft)

After packing in the morning, the day starts with a hike leading to the “canyon of fire”, Eldgjá. You will embark on a slow descent into the canyon, where the group will have time to enjoy this remarkable place and its many wonders before concluding the day with a hike to huts at nearby Hólaskjól, where we spend the night after having completed the first section, of the volcanic trails. Tonight’s hut has showers and restrooms available.

Distance: 18 km (11 mi)

Walking time: 6 - 8 hrs

Ascent/Descent: 350 m (1150 ft)

Bright and early, you will head out on the second part of the trail leading to the lakes of Álftavötn. Expect to hike through lush green hills as we follow the river Syðri Ófæra. At Álftavötn, there’s a traditional hut where the group will spend the night. The tranquillity of this magical place is spectacular, an ideal spot to reflect and recharge.

Distance: 7 - 10 km (4 - 6 mi)

Walking time: 5 - 6 hrs

Ascent/Descent: 150 m (492 ft)

Today, the journey continues along the river Syðri Ófæra crossing once again into Eldgjá. The landscape changes from green meadows to black sands with bright green streaks of moss scattered about. Along the way, we come to the natural pool Strútslaug, right after fording the river Hólmsá. After warming up and relaxing in the pool, we conclude the day’s hike by walking to the hut at Strútur, where we will spend the night. Showers and restrooms are available.

Distance: 24 km (15 mi)

Walking time: 7 - 8 hrs

Ascent/Descent: 300 m (984 ft)

After breakfast, we set out for the day´s trek along Mælifellssandur, the stark black volcanic sand plain. We need to cross the river, so your river-crossing shoes will come in handy today. The mystical landscape of Hvanngil valley greets us with yet another fantastic overview of the Icelandic landscape.

Distance: 14 - 18 km (9 - 11 mi)

Walking time: 5 - 6 hrs

Ascent/Descent: 150 m (492 ft)

This morning, we will pack our things and get ready for the day´s hike exploring the side trails of the Laugavegur hiking trail. We will proceed along the river Kaldaklofskvísl, admiring the eerie green Stórasúla mountain and river views, followed by a climb up the small pass of Brattháls, where we see lake Álftavatn “Swan Lake”. Here, you will be picked up by a driver who will take you back to your accommodation in Reykjavík. Expect to arrive in Reykjavík around 19:00.

Distance: 5 - 7 km (3 - 4 mi)

Walking time: 3 - 4 hrs

Ascent/Descent: 300 m (984 ft)