Iceland's greatest Volcanic Region

The Laki craters and the surrounding lava field ranks as one of Iceland’s most impressive location, in fact it qualifies as one of Iceland’s highlights when it comes to trekking in the wild. The area has been volcanically active throughout the ages and has known several eruptions since the settlement of the country, the most famous one in 1783 along the Laki crater row when the most extensive lava field in the world resulting from a single eruption was formed. Although catastrophic at the time, the lava field and the 135 craters today form one of the most scenic landscapes in Iceland.

The contrasting black sands and moss-covered craters and lava, leave unforgettable impressions. In this wilderness just southwest of the great Vatnajökull the trail lies amongst the volcanic formations of the Eldhraun, along rivers and past beautiful lakes, a combination that gives this lunar landscape a special aura. A unique trek in very special area!

Departure Dates:
23.07-27.07 2012
20.08-24.08 2012

Trekking: 5 days
Walking per day: 5-8 hours
Total walking distance: 80 km. (50 miles)
Altitude: 150 – 600 m. (500 - 2000 feet)
Maximum ascent: 200 m. (650 feet)

Groups: 6 to 16 participants

Equipment List

Included: Guide for 5 days, food for 5 days (from lunch day 1 to lunch day 5), accommodation for 2 nights in huts and 2 nights in tents, all transportation during trek and transfer of luggage.
Meeting point: The tour starts and ends at the central bus station in Reykjavík (BSÍ), meeting time is at 7:15 am. Pick up from hotel or guesthouse at the beginning of the tour can be added for an extra fee.
Please note that accomodation/camping fees before and after the tour are not included in base price.
Available upon request: Four-star accommodation in Reykjavík - please contact us for more information.

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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 guesthouse 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.

                                          
In a three-star hotel with breakfast and a private bathroom:

Based on double occupancy: 29.000 ISK per person (for persons traveling together, both persons have to purchase this item for it to be valid).

Single room: 46.500 ISK

You can also only add the pick up and drop off at your accommodation in Reykjavík at the beginning/end of the tour for 4.000 ISK.

Day 1: Hunkubakkar – Fjarðarárgljúfur – Eintúnaháls
We set out from Reykjavík with the public bus to Kirkjubæjarklaustur, passing the southern lowlands and the black sand beaches around Vík. Arriving at Hunkubakkar we get out of the bus to the start of our trek. Climbing up the hills, the view over the enormous Eldhraun lava is breathtaking. We explore the beautiful Fjarðarárgljúfur canyon from the east rim and then on to the much less known but very interesting secont part of the canyon. On to the deserted farm of Eintúnaháls where we will set up camp for the night. Night in tents.
Distance: 12 km (7-8m)   Walking time: 5 hours   Ascent/Descent: 100m (330’)

Day 2: Eintúnaháls – Fagrifoss – Lauffellsmýrar-Blágil
Passing by the rocks of Hurðarbök before arriving at the waterfall of Fagrifoss (the beautiful waterfall). From there straight across the wetlands and mires of Laufellsmýri before arriving at the great lava field of Eldhraun. Now the task is to follow the edge of the vast Eldhraun lava field, which ran two centuries ago from the Laki crater row. On the way we have to cross the sparkling fresh water sources of Hellisá, and soon afterwards we reache the farmer’s hut at Blágil where we stay the night.
Distance: 14 km (9 mi)   Walking time: 6 – 7 hrs  Ascent/Descent: 100m (300’)

Day 3: Blágil – Tjarnargígur – Laki – Blængur
We head over the lava field to for an exploration of the seemingly endless the row of craters of the great Laki eruption. Frequent stops are made to take a look at some of the most beautiful ones, among them the scenic Tjarnargígur, which is filled with a little lake. The route then takes us north following the craters until we come to the Laki mountain. There we turn east to the Blængur mountain where we set up camp for the night. Night in tents.
Distance: 25 km (15 mi)   Walking time: 7 – 9 hours   Ascent/Descent: ~200 m/200m

Day 4: Blængur – Laufbalavatn – Miklafell
From Blængur we cross the Eastern flow of the great lava to arrive at the lake Laufbalavatn. A river runs from the lake and after only a very short distance, falls in to one of the many caves in the area. We will have to look in to one of the lava caves before continuing to the shepherd’s hut at Miklafell, which is said to be haunted by the spirit of a British pilot not at rest since the Second World War.
Distance: 15km (9-10 mi)   Walking time: 6 – 7 hours   Ascent/Descent: ~200/200m

Day 5: Miklafell– Hverfisfljót – Reykjavík
From Miklafell we walk east to the great river, Hverfisfljót. Cut in the lava a series of great waterfalls and rapids in the river rumble while cascading down to the plains below. Walk along the river and through the lava admiring this extraordinary work of nature until we come to the main road.
Distance: 22 km   Walking time: 7 – 9 hours   Ascent/Descent: ~300m

Departure Date	Availability
23. Jul 2012	Available
20. Aug 2012	Available