Detailed itinerary:
Day 1
The trip starts with a transfer from Reykjavík to Landmannalaugar. The journey is scenic and on the way we’ll drive past Mt. Hekla, the most active volcano in Iceland. It last erupted in the year 2000 so we’re holding our breath and soon expecting a new and powerful burst from this mountain, which has been called the gateway to hell. We will arrive to Landmannalaugar (approx. 600 m above sea level) through Dómadalur route and spend an afternoon exploring the area and relaxing in the naturally warm river that runs beside the campsite.
Day 2
First section: Landmannalaugar - Álftavatn
Distance: 24 km
Estimated travelling time: 8-10 hrs
Vertical alteration: ~900 m
We start our Laugarvegur journey early morning in Landmannalaugar. From the mountain hut by the campsite we stroll through the rough lava field of Laugahraun. From there on up the beautiful hills by the colorful mountain Brennisteinsalda and onto a plateau. The colors in this part are out of this world. Ancient rivers and streams mark the land so we will be going in and out of small gullies quite a lot. At this point we have reached a rather high altitude and therefore you can expect snow piles that we’ll have to traverse. At Hrafntinnusker there is a mountain hut where we can have lunch if the weather is bad. Lots of obsidian scattered around gives the place mystic appearance. When the weather permits the views from the hut are amazing. Above 1000 m there is nothing much but bare rocks and wasteland, the immense Icelandic highland desert. Along the hills of Reykjafjöll we continue walking through gullies until we get to Jökultungur. There are some changes in the landscape and we face dark tuff mountains and glaciers. We also start to see some stubborn plants scattered around. We decent down some steep slopes into a green oasis, which is a pleasant contrast after the rough landscapes behind us. From there the walk to campsite at the northern shore of lake Álftavatn is easy.
Day 3
Second section: Álftavatn-Emstrur (Botnar)
Distance: 15 km
Estimated travelling time: 6-7 hrs
Vertical alteration: ~40 m
After yesterdays long journey this is going to be an easy and pleasant day. We cross Brattháls hill and head east for Hvanngil gorge. There we have to cross Bratthálskvísl River on foot. Soon after that we get to Kaldaklofskvísl that we cross via bridge. From there we head for the hut and campsite of Emstrur and on our way we cross the river of Bláfjallakvísl. Yeah, we’re sure going to give our feet a refreshing wash today. We cross between two sandy hills and soon after that we’ll see our destination for the night. If people are up for a nice evening walk after dinner we can take a peek at the unbelievable Markarfjlótsgljúfur canyon. The canyon is 200 meters deep and through it flows the powerful Markarfjót River.
Day 4
Third section: Emstrur (Botnar) - Þórsmörk
Distance: 15 km
Estimated traveling time: 6-7 hrs
Vertical alteration: 300 m
The day starts with a crooked path down to Syðri Emstruá River which we’ll cross on a bridge. While crossing the river we’ll have to be very careful, as this is one of the riskiest places on the way. After our heroic crossing we’ll head south to an area called Almenningar. The landscape now starts to change once again and we’ll be seeiseeing peaceful streams covered in arctic birch and flowers. More refreshing river crossing, a bit more demanding than before (Þröngá) is necessary but that’s fine because we’ll be experts by then. On the other side of this river we have left Almenningar behind and entered Þórsmörk valley. From there we have 40 min walk to Langidalur hut in Þórsmörk and from there on to Básar hut where we’ll spend the night. This part is wonderful as vegetation has spread over the area and Þórsmörk is undeniably one of the pearls of Icelandic nature.
Day 5
Fourth section Þórsmörk-Skógar
Distance: 22 km
Estimated travelling time: 9 hrs
Vertical alteration: 1000 m
This will be the last day of the hike but not the easiest one. We’ll head up from Básar, into tuff mountains that are strangely shaped by weather and wind. We’ll cross between two glaciers, Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull. Odds are that we’ll find snow on the way and in places we’ll walk along spectacular narrow ridges. When we reach the highest point we’ll start descending towards road number one and weather permitting we’ll be able to see the South coast of Iceland and the North Atlantic Ocean. The end of the trek is marked by Skógafoss waterfall that is certainly one of the highlights of any trip to Iceland. Once we’re in Skógar we will pitch our tents at the magnificent campsite with the waterfall in background and spend our last night there.
Equipment list for assisted Treks
Clothing:
All inner clothing should be woolen or fleece/polyester. Those materials keep their insulation capacity when they get wet, which is essential for Icelandic conditions. Avoid all cotton materials, and jeans should never be worn during mountain tours. The outer layer must be wind and waterproof. Good hiking boots are necessary and they should not be brand new. All gear must be wrapped in plastic bags before packing it in the daypack. The list of necessary things is the following:
- Inner shirt and long john’s made from wool or fleece
- Light wool sweater or equivalent in fleece
- Thick wool sweater or an equivalent in fleece
- One pair of trousers of a strong and light material that dries quickly
- A jacket or an anorak of waterproof material, Gore-Tex or equivalents is preferable. The
jacket must have a hood that covers well ones head
- Waterproof trousers from the same material as the jacket
- Hiking boots with soft but robust sole. They should either be leather or mixed leather and
nylon. Gore-Tex is a preferable extra.
- One pair of wool gloves or mittens
- Three pairs of wool socks
- A good wool hat or balaclava
Other gear:
- Down or fiber sleeping bag. It is necessary that it is both light weight and warm. We
recommend goose down with high fill power or qualofil7 sleeping bags. Bear in mind that
isolation capacity of sleeping bags is usually highly exaggerated, so you will need one
marked for -5°C or colder.
- Insulation mattress
- Backpack for your gear and food carried during the hike. Size from 50 to 70
liters.
- A travel sack for your baggage that is transported between camps. Note that suitcases are
to be avoided.
- Penknife
- Walking sticks. (optional).
- Sunglasses and sun protection
- Towel, toothbrush, camera and films (not obligatory)
Please note that this trips is only going on 28 June , 12 & 26 July & 9 August 2010.
Please note what day you like in COMMENTS.
Trip starts from your accomidations.
Make sure that you are ready to leave
with your entire luggage at that time.
