Day 1: Pick up at hotel or guesthouse in Reykjavík from 7:00
to 7:20. From the Reykjavik Central Bus Station we take the regular bus
to the Þórsmörk- a beautiful valley behind the glaciers in the south
highlands. The road takes us right under the Eyjafjallajökull glacier and to the other side of this nototious volcano where the second outburst of mother nature in the area took place this winter. We arrive in Þórsmörk around noon and after lunch we’ll have
the opportunity to explore this natural wonder end enjoy the picturesque
scenery. Night in one of the huts in Þórsmörk.
Day 2: Leaving Þórsmörk we cross the river Krossá on a
footbridge entering the magic landscapes of Goðalönd – the abode of the
Gods. Nesting at the foot of two glaciers this is a wonderland of ridges
and cliffs covered by a multitude of flowers and grasses, certainly fit
for gods and humans alike. Even the elves have made themselves at home
here. We continue up the hills leading to the pass of Fimmvörðuháls,
walking along the Kattarhryggir ridges with views to the impressive
mountain of Útigönguhöfði up to Morinsheiði heath. On the way we will see where the lava cama flowing down the gorges during the Fimmvörðuháls eruption. As we gain height, we come to the recently formed lava field, still warm, which we have to cross at some point. The path will then take us right past the recently formed craters, giving us a good view of how the earths displayed her foreces during the eruption. Also, at this altitude
there are increasing chances of snow patches and we might even have the
opportunity to walk on snow for some time before arriving at the
conveniently situated hut at Fimmvörðuháls, between the glaciers
Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull, where we set up for the night.
Distance: 12-14 km (7-9 mi) Walking time: 6-7 hrs Ascent:
900 m (2953’)
Note: Because of difficult access to the hut for vehicles,
passengers will have to carry their gear from the transport vehicle to
the hut, and back the next morning, approx. 30 min. walk each way.
Day 3: After a night between the two glaciers we head down to
Skógar. At the beginning, the path takes us over a desolate heath past
an old hut that does not offer much shelter any more. We come to the
Skógaá River and follow the river exploring its many hidden gorges, and
waterfalls all the way to the famous Skógafoss waterfall. The river and
its surroundings offer great scenery. The coast seems to be within arm´s
reach and you can almost feel the surf on your cheeks. Arriving at
Skógafoss, we hop on the scheduled bus to Reykjavík. Arrival at
Reykjavik Central bus Station at 19:00, where the trip ends.
Distance: 12-13km (7-8 mi) Walking time: 6-7 hrs Descent:
1000 m (3280’)