Over Rivers and Glaciers
Along with the Núpstaðarskógar-Skaftafell tour, this is the Icelandic Mountain Guides great classic. A unique five-day hike from the moss covered craters of the Laki (erupted 1782-83) to the valley of Núpstaðarskógar, where with arctic birch grows in abundance. On the way we walk along the northern part the 25 km crater row, visit the Rauðhólar craters, before we have to pass the natural hurdle that is the great Síðujökull and the impressive rivers that falls from it. If conditions are difficult we might have to adapt our itinerary to avoid this obstacle. On the other side our challenge during the first part of the hike is rewarded, in the Valley of Bones it is possible to enjoy a warm bath in a natural pool and further along we pass a series of magnificent waterfalls on our way down to Núpstaðarskógar. Glaciers have sculpted this landscape and recent lava streams and deep canyons add to the impressive surroundings. An outstanding backpacking tour in an amazing area.

Departure dates:
*14.07-18.07.2012 (Confirmed departure)
*28.07-01.08.2012

*The tours Laki - Núpsstaðarskógar  and Núpsstaðarskógar - Skaftafell can be linked at these dates, to make outstanding combination of 9 - day hike. For more information please contact us

Backpacking: Five days.
Walk per day: 6-9 hours.
Total walking distance: 65 km. (40 miles).
Altitude: 450-650 m. (1475-2130 feet).
Maximum Ascent: 250 m. (820 feet).

Groups: 4 to 12 participants.

Equipment list

Included : Guide for 5 days, transport from Kirikjubæjarklaustur to Mt. Laki, food for 5 days (from lunch day 1 to lunch day 5), cooking gear, tents, safety equipment for glacier crossing and transfer from Núpsstaðarskógur to Kirkjubæjarklaustur.
Note : Please note that when traveling from/to Reykjavík extra travel days are needed before and after the trekking tour.
Meeting Point : Kirkjubæjarklaustur Gas Station.

Please note that when travelling from/to Reykjavík extra travel days are needed before and after the trekking tour, e.g.:
Day 0: Bus: Reykjavik to Kirkjubæjarklaustur. Accommodation in Kirkjubæjarklaustur.
Day 1: Start of hike.
Day 5: Transfer: Núpsstaðarskógur to Kirkjubæjarklaustur. Accommodation in Kirkjubæjarklaustur.
Day 6: Bus: Kirkjubæjarklaustur to Reykjavik.

Package price with sleeping bag accommodation in Kirkjubæjarklaustur the day before and the day the tour ends and transportation from Reykjavík to Kirkjubæjarklaustur and from Kirkjubæjarklaustur to Reykjavík - 149.000 ISK

Package price for accommodation in Reykjavík before and after the tour, with pick up and drop off at the beginning/end of the tour:

In a guest house with shared facilities:

Based on double occupancy 20.000 ISK per person (for persons traveling together, both persons have to purchase this item for it to be valid).

Single room: 28.500 ISK.

Please note: Package for accommodation in Reykjavík does not include transfer from Reykjavík to Kirkjubæjarklaustur or from Kirkjubæjarklaustur to Reykjavík nor the accommodation in Kirkjubæjarklaustur. 

Pick-up at the beginning of the tour is from the Guesthouse/Hotel in Reykjavík to the Reykjavík Bus Terminal and drop-off is from the Reykjavík Bus Terminal to the Guesthouse/Hotel in Reykjavík

Day 1: We meet at Skaftárskáli (restaurant/gas station) at 09:00 in the morning to take a scheduled bus at 09:30. The bus takes us to the 135 craters of Laki, and from there we begin our hike. First we cross the enormous lava fields of the Eldhraun (Lava of Fire) some of which are completely covered with thick green moss, offering the perfect opportunity to take a welcome break on this natural carpet. Camping by the lake of Fremri-Eyrar or north of Innri Eyrar depending on conditions.
Distance: 10-15km (7-9mi)                            Walking time: 5-7hrs

Day 2: The next morning the river Hverfisfljót has to be avoided by crossing its outlet on the Síðujökull glacier, before heading East. We enjoy a great view towards the grand red craters of the Rauðhólar crater row. Our route then takes us through or abowe the Fossahraun desert at the foot of the splendid Síðujökull glacier where it will be necessary to cross several streams with swift current, or eventually climbing up on the glacier to avoid them. We camp on the banks of the Djúpá River south of the Síðujökull moraines with the green slopes of Gæsabringur just at the other side of the river.
Distance: 15-18km (9-11mi)                          Walking time: 7-9hrs

Day 3: To avoid the strong current of the Djúpá river, we are required to go up the Síðujökull and cross a relatively flat part of that enormous glacier. Once across we head to the red crater of Eldgígur. The next hurdle on our way is one higher branches of Djúpá before we head up the glacier carved hill dominating the Beinadalur valley (Bone Valley). There, however, or effort is rewarded with ideal campsites that can be found along the edge of relatively recent lava fields, with magnificent panoramic views towards the Vatnajökull glacier and its highest summits. Additionally, only minutes walk from our camp is a fantastic hot spring to bathe in!
Distance: 15-18km (9-11mi)                          Walking time: 6-8hrs

Day 4: The Núpsá River runs down Beinadalur, towards a series of canyons and waterfalls. At their junction with another stream is the infamous “Bone Pointe” or Beinatangi, where, sheep have perished during autumn storms, leaving scattered bones like warning signs. Below the gorges, we are greeted by the Sléttur plains that could be radiant with violet willow herb flourishing.
Distance: 10-15km (6-9mi)                           Walking time: 6-7hrs

Day 5: The day starts by exploring some very interesting rocks of pillow lava and rock cauldrons.  Leaving the canyon, we descend into the Súludalur valley with its picturesque landmark Súla (the Pillar). The valley is abruptly cut off by recent passages of Skeiðarárjökull Glacier, thus the trail is turns down to the wooded Núpsstaðarskógar valley, covered with Arctic birch. We descend into the valley where we meet the bus that takes us back to Kirkjubæjarklaustur, where the trek ends.
Distance: 12-18km (7-11mi)                         Walking time: 6-7hrs

Departure Date	Availability
14. Jul 2012	Confirmed departure
28. Jul 2012	Available