Backpacking

In the Shadow of Vatnajökull

Explore Iceland’s remote wilderness with its deep canyons, green valleys, incredible cliffs and snow-clad peaks. This tour can be combined with the trek Víknaslóðir Trail.

Tour code: IMG49

In the Shadow of Vatnajökull

Discover the Majestic Wilderness in the Remote East

Lónsöræfi is one of the most remote hiking areas in Iceland and it offers the unique experience of the rugged landscapes east of Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull. You will see the impressive power of Vatnajökull on this tour as you walk by its mark on Nature in that area; the moraine, lagoon and a riverbed.

The abundance of colors which are characteristic of the rhyolitic rocks, contrast the basaltic formations and thereby offering a real feast for the eyes and minds. Reindeer's roam freely in this remote ruggedness but they are shy of humans - so admire them from a distance. Here we walk through an unbelievable variety of landscapes; deep canyons, green valleys, incredible cliffs and snow speckled peaks gently kissing the sky. Although our hiking can get somewhat challenging, our comfort isn’t compromised on this tour, as our well equipped mountain huts guarantee a certain comfortability. This is an extraordinarily beautiful trek in a fantastic area.

This tour can be combined with the trek Víknaslóðir Trail.

 

Tour Overview

  • Meeting point

    Reykjavik domestic airport at 6:45 or Egilsstaðir airport at 8:30

  • Group size

    6 - 15 participants

  • Language

    English

  • Accommodation

    Mountain hut

  • Walkin per day

    6 - 8 hrs

  • Total Distance

    50 km (33 mi)

  • Max Ascent

    250 m (820 feet)

  • Difficulty

    Challenging

    Difficulty

    Suites those that are physically active and have some background in basic traveling in mountainous terrain with a backpack. 6-7 hrs walks per day.

  • Availability

    Jul - Aug

  • Duration

    4 days

  • 16

    Minimum age:

    16 yrs

Contact Us

For availability information on a tour, please contact us using the form below.

Primary passenger information

Tour information

Thank you for the request, we will contact you with further information.

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Tour Highlights

Included

  • Experienced and qualified guide
  • Mountain hut sleeping bag accommodation in dormitories
  • Ground transport at the beginning and end of trek
  • Breakfast (3), Lunch (4), Dinner (3)
  • Sleeping bag

Not Included

  • Flight (Reykjavík - Egilsstaðir/Höfn - Reykjavík)

Optional Extras

  • Accommodation in Reykjavík before and after the tour
  • Flight (Reykjavík - Egilsstaðir/Höfn - Reykjavík)

Tour Map and Itinerary

Click map for detailed itinerary

In the Shadow of Vatnajökull

MAP & ITINERARY

Day 1

 (Reykjavík) - Egilsstaðir - Geldingafell

We meet at the domestic airport in Egilsstaðir. There those who came the land way meet those who came by air from Reykjavík (depart from Reykjavík domestic airport at 7:30). After getting acquainted we transfer into the Eyjabakkar area located east of Mt. Snæfell which is where we start our hike. We begin our first day following Eyjabakkar and the impressive river banks of the glacier river Jökulsá. Mt. Snæfell poses majestically on the other side of the river, occasionally with a bright blanket of snow capping its peaks. We then 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 freely. Accommodation in a fully equipped hut provided.
Distance: 15 km (9.5 mi)
Walking time: 6 - 8 hrs
Ascent: 150 m (490 ft)

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 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: 15 km (9.5 mi)
Walking time: 6 - 8 hrs
Ascent/Descent: 300 m (980 ft) / 500 m (1640 ft)

Day 3

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: 12 km (7.5 mi)
Walking time: 5 - 7 hrs
Ascent/Descent: 200 m (650 ft) / 450 m (1450 ft)

Day 4

Múlaskáli - Eskifell - Hornafjörður - (Reykjavík)

We start by crossing the glacial river on a footbridge 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 footbridge, a bus awaits us to bring us to Höfn. From Höfn we go directly to the domestic airport for the flight back to Reykjavik at 18:45. Arrival at Reykjavik airport is at 19:45. 
Distance: 11 km (7.0 mi)
Walking time: 6 - 8 hrs
Ascent/Descent: 250 m (820 ft) / 300 m (980 ft)

Please note

  • The flight from Reykjavik to Egilsstaðir and from Höfn to Reykjavik is not included but can be added. 

  • Day 1
  • Day 2
  • Day 3
  • Day 4
Click to activate the map

Practical Information

You can shower in the huts that have showers available, some huts do not have any shower facilities. Where showers are available there is a small fee to use them.

 

Some huts have flushable toilets others have outhouses.  

There will be running cold water in all the huts. You will need to heat water to get hot water.

The mountain huts have no private rooms available, all rooms are dormitories.

No, the huts have a fully equipped kitchen.

We recommend bringing a power bank to charge your electronic devices. The huts do not have electricity. There is a slight chance the wardens will be able to charge for you for a fee of ISK 500. 

Vegan meal plan can be ordered upon booking the tour for a small additional fee. We don't offer gluten free supplements so we advice participants to bring their own gluten free items if needed. 

If a date is not available, it is either fully booked or not offered on that date. Due to hut allocation, we may not be able to add additional spots, but you are welcome to contact us via email: [email protected]

You can find all our terms of payments for day or multi-day tours here.