The rumours are true! Trekking in the southern highlands, from the geothermal hotspots in Landmannalaugar to the lush green landscape in Þórsmörk valley, is even more beautiful in person. You will traverse in between vibrant yellow rhyolite mountains, over black sand deserts and past majestic canyons during this adventure. The magical and diverse landscape, combined with the long and bright Icelandic summer days, will capture your nature loving heart. Your highly experienced and knowledgeable trekking guide will show you all the popular sites and hidden gems along this trail. In the evenings, you will relax and rejuvenate in cozy mountain huts and enjoy delicious Icelandic meals. We top off this amazing adventure with a celebratory BBQ on our the last night in Þórsmörk. It is not a coincidence that this trail was named as one of the 20 best treks in the world by National Geographic.

Highlights

• See the colourful mountains of Landmannalaugar
• Experience the contrasts of black sand and green moss
• Relax in the lush green valley of Þórsmörk
• Small group experience with qualified guide (6-16 participants)

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival

Departure from UK, arrival at Keflavik International Airport. Individual transfer by Flybus shuttle bus from Keflavik Airport to your accommodation in Reykjavík where you will spend the night. Reykjavík is modern city and there is so much to do and see. We will provide some ideas to help you explore Iceland's capital on your own.

Day 2 - Reykjavík - Landmannalaugar - Hrafntinnusker

Meeting point is at BSÍ Bus terminal, a short taxi ride from your hotel. Meet your guide and tour group. Travel on the public bus from BSI bus terminal at 08:00, that during the summer months drives the mountain tracks that lead to Landmannalaugar, passing by the Hekla volcano and other volcanoes in the Dómadalur area. Arriving in Landmannalaugar at noon, we have a lunch and then head south into the mountains. The trail takes us past small gorges, steaming hot springs and yellow mountain ridges. Arrival at Hrafntinnusker mountain hut, where we will stay the night, in the late afternoon.

Distance: 12 km (7.5 mi)
Walking time: 4 - 5 hrs
Ascent: 470 m (1540 ft)

Day 3 - Hrafntinnusker - Álftavatn

From Hrafntinnusker we descend down in the gullies of Jökultungur with hundreds of steaming hot springs and mud pools. Up there we enjoy fascinating views to the south to the Álftavatn area (Swan Lake), and the Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull glaciers. In the afternoon we arrive at Álftavatn hut where we stay the night.

Distance: 12 km (7.5 mi)
Walking time: 4 - 5 hrs
Descent: 490 m (1610 ft)

Day 4 - Álftavatn - Emstrur

We pass at the foot of the green conic volcano of Stórasúla before entering the black deserts of Mælifellssandur. Heading towards another ancient and verdurous volcano, the Hattfell, we enter the Emstrur region where farmers used to graze their sheep in summer. Before arriving at the Botnar hut where we stay the night, we visit the magnificent Markarfljót canyon cut almost 200 m down into the rocks south of Hattfell.

Distance: 16 km (10 mi)
Walking time: 6 - 7 hrs
Descent: 40 m (130 ft)

Day 5 - Emstrur - Þórsmörk

We continue up and down through the small valleys and gullies of Emstrur, where the great Mýrdalsjökull glacier rises only a couple of kilometers away. As our hike is coming to an end for the day, we descend into Þórsmörk’s (the woods of Thor) green valleys filled with arctic birch forests and colorful flowers. After arriving at the huts in Þórsmörk, we top off this amazing adventure with a barbecue!

Distance: 17 km (10.5 mi)
Walking time: 6 - 7 hrs
Descent: 300 m (985 ft)

Day 6 - Þórsmörk Reykjavík

We spend the morning in Þórsmörk where we walk along one of numerous paths. For example, we can visit to the Sönghellir cave (Song cave), climb up the small mountain of Valahnúkur from where magnificent view can be enjoyed, before taking the afternoon bus to Reykjavík. Arrival at Reykjavik BSI bus terminal where the trip ends at 19:20. Take a taxi to your hotel in Reykjavík and enjoy your last evening in the city.

Day 7 - Depart for home

Optional Excursion: Visit to the Blue Lagoon

If flight time allows, you can take an optional trip to the world famous Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa on your way to the airport. The lagoon is ideally located between Reykjavík and Keflavík International Airport and therefore it is convenient to use this time to visit before your flight. Enjoy the Blue Lagoon for 2-3 hours. You can book a treatment if you like, have a lunch at the Blue Lagoon or just relax in this wonderful spa.

Continue on to Keflavík International Airport about two hours before your flight. If you have a morning flight back, you may be able to visit the lagoon on arrival instead if flight time allows.

Please note:

• All of the huts are heated, some have electricity and some have hot water. They have bunk rooms with single and twin beds, participants have to be prepared to share a bunk with other travelers from the group
• 4 - 7 hours of walking per day
• Difficulty level - Challenging: Suits those that are physically active and have some background in basic travelling in mountainous terrain with a backpack
• Total distance 56 km (35 miles)
• Max. ascent 600m (1900 ft)

Tour details

Departure Dates:

• June: Every Sunday and Tuesday
• July: Every Sunday and Tuesday
• August: Every Sunday and Tuesday
• September: First week
  

Group Size: small group tour, 6-16 people

The price is from £2,455 per person based on 2 people sharing
*Price is subject to availability

This Includes:
- Return flights from the UK including 20kg checked in luggage, hand luggage, taxes and fees
- Bus transfer to and from Keflavík airport
- 2 nights accommodation in Reykjavík before and after the hike, 3 star standard hotel with private facilities including breakfast
- Transport at beginning and end of trek
- Financial protection (ATOL)
- 5 day guided trek with an experienced, qualified english speaking guide including:

• Transfer of luggage
• 4 nights accommodation in mountain huts
• Meals (x4 breakfasts, x5 lunches and x4 dinners)
• 4-7 hours of walking per day

Not Included:
- Optional Excursions
- Travel Insurance
- Anything else not specifically listed under "this includes"