Day 1: Reykjavík – Egilsstaðir – Geldingafell
We meet at the domestic airport in Reykjavik for an early morning flight
to Egilsstaðir (1h) and transfer into the Eyjabakkar area located east
of Mt. Snæfell from where we start our hike. On this first day we
follow the Eyjabakkar, the impressive riverbanks of the glacial river
Jökulsá. Mt. Snæfell sits majestically on the other side of the river,
perhaps even with a cover of snow. We turn east towards Geldingafell
mountain at the edge of the great Vatnajökull glacier and the lush
vegetation of the riverbanks gives way to the rough areas shaped by the
receding glacier where the reindeer roam. Accommodation in a fully
equipped hut.
Distance: 15km (9.5mi) Walking time: 6-8 hrs Ascent:
150 m (490')
Day 2: Geldingafell – Egilssel
Today we hike over the mountain of Geldingafell for excellent views over
the Vatnajökull glacier as well as the outlet glaciers of the area and
adjacent glacier lagoons. We then follow the top of the valley of
Vesturdalur before descending down to lake Kollumúlavatn where pintails
can often be heard and even seen. Accommodation in a fully equipped hut,
Egilssel, on the lake.
Distance: 15km (9.5mi) Walking time: 6-8 hrs Ascent/Descent:
300 m (980')/500m (1640’)
Day 3: Egilssel – Egilssel
The surroundings of the hut are well worth further exploration and we
spend the day hiking down into the nearby valley of Víðidalur and
wondering about the people who eked out a living in this narrow and
remote valley, on the edge of nowhere, till the first decades of the
20th Century. The steep mountains lend a certain magnificence to the
area and it is possible to top the day with a climb to one of the
summits before returning to the hut at Egilssel for the night.
Distance: 10km (6.5mi) Walking time: 6-8 hrs Ascent/Descent:
1000m(3280')/400m(1300’)
Day 4: Egilssel – Múlaskáli
Circling the lake we come to the Tröllakrókahnaus an interesting outcrop
of columnar basalt, located on the impressive Tröllakrókar cliffs.
Making our way along the cliffs´ edges we enjoy the stunning views of
the rock formations as well as the views to the surrounding mountains.
The monotony of the basaltic landscapes soon gives way to the colorful
landscapes of the rhyolite where the purple, orange and even pink colors
come as a real surprise. We continue down into the valley of the
glacial river Jökulsá í Lóni arriving at our hut for the night.
Distance: 12km (7.5mi) Walking time: 5-7 hrs Ascent/Descent:
200m (650')/450m (1450’)
Day 5: Múlaskáli – Eskifell – Hornafjörður – Reykjavík
We start by crossing the glacial river on a foot bridge before climbing
the hill of Illikambur. We should enjoy the colors of the surrounding
slopes on our way up as on top yet another landscape awaits us.
Following the glacial river Jökulsá í Lóni we make our way south to the
old farmstead of Eskifell. Just after we cross the mighty glacial river
on a foot bridge a bus awaits us and to bring us to the airport of
Hornafjörður where we get on the plane back to Reykjavík, with our mind
full of fantastic memories.
Distance: 11km (7.0 mi) Walking time: 6-8 hrs Ascent/Descent:
250 m (820')/300m (980’)