Volcanic Vacation: Hut-to-Hut Trekking in Iceland
Sierra Club Outings Trip | International, Hut-to-Hut Trekking
Highlights
- Enjoy a 10-day trekking tour in mountain huts
- Relax in a geothermal hot spring
- Be led by an experienced local guide
Includes
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Guesthouse and hut lodging with all meals
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Support vehicle to transport gear between huts
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Post-trip transfer to airport
Overview
The Trip
On this customized adventure immerse yourself in Iceland’s purest wild landscapes. This breathtaking, dramatic scenery with striking contrasts could only be rivaled by writer J.R.R. Tolkien’s imagination!
“All we have to do is decide what to do with the time that was given us.” -- J.R.R. Tolkien
Experience a classic trek on the dramatic Laugavegur trail with the added bonus of two days of off-trail hiking where few have gone before. This magnificent hut–to-hut itinerary takes you all the way from Landmannahellir through the Reykjadalur geothermal valley to Landmannalaugar, then up into the highlands and down again to Iceland's southern coast
The Trip
On this customized adventure immerse yourself in Iceland’s purest wild landscapes. This breathtaking, dramatic scenery with striking contrasts could only be rivaled by writer J.R.R. Tolkien’s imagination!
“All we have to do is decide what to do with the time that was given us.” -- J.R.R. Tolkien
Experience a classic trek on the dramatic Laugavegur trail with the added bonus of two days of off-trail hiking where few have gone before. This magnificent hut–to-hut itinerary takes you all the way from Landmannahellir through the Reykjadalur geothermal valley to Landmannalaugar, then up into the highlands and down again to Iceland's southern coast.
Over 10 days you’ll experience a wide range of landscapes and natural wonders – snow and ice fields, volcanic mountains with multi-colored shades, black sand deserts, lakes, volcanic rifts, craters, steaming fumaroles, bubbling mud pots, waterfalls and more – and encounter trekkers from around the world. You will traverse three glaciers, cross streams and rivers, walk through tiny forests, and experience a volcanic world of exposed minerals and thermal activity.
Another highlight of this trip is discovering firsthand the new lava fields and craters from the eruption of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano in spring 2010 that shut down air traffic throughout Europe.
Itinerary
Day 1: Keflavík – Reykjavík (Airport)
Arrive at Keflavík International Airport and travel to the Reykjavík bus station or guesthouse (not included). After settling into your accommodation, take time to explore the world’s northernmost capital city. Group dinner and overnight in Reykjavík guesthouse.
Day 2: Trek day 1: Reykjavík – Landmannahellir – Dalakofi
In the morning we depart by bus to the foothills of one of Iceland’s most active volcanos, Hekla, which was considered the gateway to Hell in the Middle Ages. The lush green countryside gradually gives way to a world of blackish grey as we cross the vast expanse of sand, ash, and lava plains created by various eruptions throughout Iceland's history. We disembark a few miles from the Rauðufoss Waterfall, where we enjoy a bag lunch and then continue our trek by ascending the slopes of the Rauðufossafjöll mountain
Day 1: Keflavík – Reykjavík (Airport)
Arrive at Keflavík International Airport and travel to the Reykjavík bus station or guesthouse (not included). After settling into your accommodation, take time to explore the world’s northernmost capital city. Group dinner and overnight in Reykjavík guesthouse.
Day 2: Trek day 1: Reykjavík – Landmannahellir – Dalakofi
In the morning we depart by bus to the foothills of one of Iceland’s most active volcanos, Hekla, which was considered the gateway to Hell in the Middle Ages. The lush green countryside gradually gives way to a world of blackish grey as we cross the vast expanse of sand, ash, and lava plains created by various eruptions throughout Iceland's history. We disembark a few miles from the Rauðufoss Waterfall, where we enjoy a bag lunch and then continue our trek by ascending the slopes of the Rauðufossafjöll mountain. From there we head down to the Blautakvísl Valley with a hot meal and lodging at the Dalakofi mountain hut, which overlooks the Markafljót River and Torfajökull caldera. Distance: 8-9 miles, 1 stream crossing, +1,200 feet, -1,000 feet. Overnight in a mountain hut.
Day 3: Trek day 2: Dalakofi – Landmannalaugar
We start our day with a stream crossing and then hike the caldera in a world of colorful rhyolite mountains, the heart of one of Iceland’s largest geothermal areas. We walk through the Reykjadalir Valley, which offers a unique opportunity to discover bubbling pools of hot water, mud, and sulfur springs of all shapes and sizes. We continue making our way toward Landmannalaugar and -- depending on weather and group strength -- may ascend to the top of Háalda (“High wave”), which offers dramatic views of the surrounding area. From there, we descend into the valley of Vondugil (“Nasty throat”), which is inhabited by numerous small geysers. It is then a short and easy walk through the Laugahraun lava field to end our day, where it’s possible to relax in a geothermal spring at Landmannalaugar. Distance: 14-15 miles, 2+ stream crossings, +1,800 feet, -2,400 feet. Overnight in a mountain hut.
Day 4: Trek day 3: Landmannalaugar layover
This day is for further exploration of this hiker’s paradise. Today is a layover day with an optional half-day hike to the Ljótipollur crater lake, an ascent of the Bláhnukur peak, or any of the many other beautiful trails in this area. Don’t forgot to enjoy the hot spring that is unique to this hut. Distance: 4-6 miles, +1,400 feet, -1,400 feet. Overnight in a mountain hut.
Day 5: Trek day 4: Landmannalaugar – Hrafntinnusker
Our trek continues south along the Laugavegur trail that traverses lava fields and small gorges before heading up to the highlands in a diverse terrain of multi-colored mountains, hot springs, and sulfatases. At the end of the day we arrive at the Hrafntinnusker hut (3,300 feet) and it will feel like we're in another world. Distance: 8-9 miles, +2,000 feet, -800 feet. Overnight in a mountain hut.
Day 6: Trek day 5: Hrafntinnusker – Álftavatn
From Hrafntinnusker, we pass through the rolling hills of Jökultungur with numerous hot springs and small blue smoking pools in this dramatic landscape. On the distant horizon we will catch sight of the Myrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull glaciers and soon thereafter Alftavatn ("Swan Lake") appears nestled in the Hvanngil valley. Distance: 7-8 miles, +500 feet, -2,200 feet. Overnight in a mountain hut.
Day 7: Trek day 6: Álftavatn – Emstrur
We pass by the foot of Mt. Storasula's surprisingly green volcanic cone before reaching the black sands of the Maelifellssandur desert. Then it's off to Hattfell ("Hat mountain"), an ancient volcano with a distinct shape, which is covered in various shades of green providing a stunning contrast to the black desert sands. Before arriving at the mountain hut at Emstrur, we'll walk through the Valley of Fremri-Emstrúa River and overlook the impressive Markarfljot canyon which cuts more than 650 feet into Hattfell's southern flanks. Distance: 11-12 miles, 3 stream crossings, +900 feet, -1,100 feet. Overnight in a mountain hut.
Day 8: Trek day 7: Emstrur – Basar
We head to the ravine of the Fremri-Emstruá River, several miles downstream from where the Myrdalsjökull glacier tongue meets and melts into the landscape. As we follow the valley of the Markafljót River the vegetation becomes progressively more abundant and the first dwarf birch trees announce our arrival in Thorsmörk (“Forests of Thor”). Our comfortable mountain hut, nestled within the white birch forest of this glacial valley, is a welcome sight having completed a desert crossing the day before! Distance: 11-12 miles, 2 stream crossings, +1,600 feet, -2,300 feet. Overnight in a mountain hut.
Day 9: Trek day 8: Basar layover
The layover day offers a variety of short (2-4 hr) hiking options to explore this wonderful and unique part of Iceland, which is quite different from any other area of the country due to the lush vegetation. Distance: 3-5 miles, +1,000 feet, -1,000 feet. Overnight in a mountain hut.
Day 10: Trek day 9: Basar
Today’s optional out-and-back trek takes us up to the 3,500-foot pass between the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers. We will take time along this stunning route to view the glacier ice caps, surrounding plateaus, and site of the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull volcano eruption where we eat lunch. The trail slope becomes quite steep among the vast snowfields and there are places with exposure and narrow trails, with one offering chains for added security. Distance: 10 miles, +/- 2,700 feet. Overnight in a hut.
Day 11: Trek day 10: Baser – Skogar – Reykjavik
After leaving the ash, sand, and lava behind, we are transported by 4WD vehicle across multiple stream crossings to the famous Skógafoss waterfall (200-feet tall, 65-feet wide), regarded as a ‘must-see’ sight. We will explore the base of the waterfall and hike upstream a few miles to see the upper cascades, then return to the base for lunch at a local restaurant. A private bus will transport the group back to Reykjavik for our farewell dinner and final night in Iceland. Distance: 4 miles, +/- 1,300 feet.
Day 12: Reykjavík – Keflavík (airport)
Transfer to the Keflavík International Airport in time for your flight home.
Logistics
Getting There
There are two Icelandic companies that offer direct flights to Iceland. Depending on your country of origin, other companies may be available.
- Iceland air: www.icelandair.com
- easyJet: www.easyjet.com
Keflavík International Airport is about a 45-minute drive from the capital and the trip price includes transfers from and to the airport.
Participants are encouraged to arrive a day or two early in order to get over jet lag and to explore Europe’s northernmost capital city
Getting There
There are two Icelandic companies that offer direct flights to Iceland. Depending on your country of origin, other companies may be available.
- Iceland air: www.icelandair.com
- easyJet: www.easyjet.com
Keflavík International Airport is about a 45-minute drive from the capital and the trip price includes transfers from and to the airport.
Participants are encouraged to arrive a day or two early in order to get over jet lag and to explore Europe’s northernmost capital city.
For U.S. citizens, a valid passport is necessary, but no visa is required. No special immunizations are required.
Do not make non-refundable travel arrangements until notified in writing by the trip leader.
Accommodations and Food
We'll be spending two nights in Reykjavik in a guesthouse with shared facilities, and nine nights in dormitory-style mountain huts. Single supplements are not available for the huts, only for the guesthouse at $100/night based on availability.
The huts are heated, but with no luxury and very little privacy. You will stay in shared rooms with bunks, sometimes sleeping side-by-side (head-to-toe) with your fellow hikers.
Note: Huts do not have electrical outlets so participants need to bring a ‘power brick’ to keep them charged.
Bring a high-quality pair of ear plugs and a face mask to block the light as the sun barely sets below the horizon in July.
Some huts have hot showers that require coins or pre-paid scan cards ($5 for 5 minutes). Toilets are typically in separate buildings and are basic but dry.
Cooking facilities are inside the hut and shared with everyone staying in the hut (tent campers don’t have access). The local guide oversees preparation of breakfast and dinner in the mountain huts with participant assistance. Participants prepare sandwiches for bag lunches each day while out on the trail.
Everyone is asked to help with cleaning the hut before each departure.
Group dinners are provided on the first and last evenings in Reykjavik and include (1) beverage of choice. Additional beverages are your responsibility.
NOTE: With rare exception, mountain huts do not sell food (meals, snacks, beverages, alcohol) or supplies (personal care, first aid, clothing, souvenirs).
Trip Difficulty
This trek is aimed at experienced hikers. The presence of a 4WD vehicle to transport food and your heavy gear lightens the load during the daytime hike between huts. Participants are expected to carry a day pack (30-liter minimum) with your personal gear (rain gear, layers for warmth, first aid kit, lunch, water, etc.) and rotate responsibility for carrying thermoses of hot water. Mountain slopes can be quite steep in Iceland, but the overall ascent is not overwhelming.
Daily distances will range from 3-15 miles with a maximum daily elevation gain / loss of ~3,000 feet. There will be multiple river crossings on several days as noted in the itinerary and there may be more/less depending upon the weather and snow melt. Time on trail each day varies depending upon the group’s ability, weather, trail closures, river heights, etc.
Equipment and Clothing
Don’t cut corners when it comes to the quality of your equipment. Bring protection against potential cold and rain, a quality jacket, rain pants and footwear.
Good waterproof hiking boots with ankle support are required for this trip. You’ll want to bring the boots that you have been training in.
High quality waterproof, breathable rain gear is essential (jacket, pants, gloves), along with synthetic or wool pants and shirts. Gortex is far more reliable in wet weather than technical coatings that lose effectiveness over time and can ‘wet out.' If you use the latter be sure to test its performance beforehand in a rainstorm or shower to make certain it still functions properly.
Hiking poles are required as the terrain can be difficult (moraines, sand, lava fields, snow fields, etc.) and for safety during river crossings. The new Z-pole design and light weight makes them easy to pack.
You will receive a more detailed equipment list and training tips from the trip leader well before the trip departs. There are few opportunities to launder clothing so plan on using them multiple days and rinsing out undergarments. Wool clothing is particularly well-suited for trekking in Iceland as it stays warm, dries quickly and resists odor. Icebreaker and SmartWool are two major brands offer a variety of shirts, socks, hats, scarves, undergarments, etc.
Daypacks (30+ liter capacity with a good rain cover) are required for hikes, as most of your personal gear will be transported by a 4WD vehicle. Please note that a daypack is not a ‘book bag.' A daypack must have a waist band to support your pack weight, provide load stability, and be able to secure a rain cover.
Your personal gear should not exceed (1) 90-liter duffle due to space constraints in the huts and transport vehicle.
Bring a waterproof liner or heavy-duty plastic bags to protect contents in your daypack and duffle bag from the weather.
References
Map:
- Iceland touring map with place name index, 1:500,000 scale, Landmaelingar Islands, publisher
Books:
- Harlow, Cathy, Iceland, a Landmark Visitors Guide.
- Cornwallis, Graeme and Deanna Swaney, Iceland, an Insight Guide.
- Iceland, Greenland and the Faroe Islands. Lonely Planet.
- Lacey, Terry, Ring of Seasons: Iceland, Its Culture and History.
- Roberts, David and John Krakauer, Iceland: Land of the Sagas.
Conservation
Since its founding in 1892, Sierra Club has worked to preserve and restore the natural environment we all share on this planet. Thousands of grassroots-level volunteers spearhead our efforts to conserve and sustain resources, both in our own backyards and on a global scale. Through direct experience in the outdoors, Sierra Club outings enable participants to better understand, advocate, and participate in the environmental conservation goals of the Club.
Iceland has some of the few remaining large wilderness areas in Europe. This island country is one of the cleanest places on the planet. Its water and air have been spared the pollution common to most of the rest of the world, and Icelanders would like to keep it that way. Icelandic waters are one of the cleanest in the world, as they have taken an active role against pollution of the oceans.
Iceland's unspoiled natural beauty is threatened by loss of vegetation from wind erosion. They have been fighting soil erosion since 1907 and the issue will remain one of Iceland's environmental priorities.
The Icelandic fishing industry is quite sophisticated and active. Conservation efforts are underway to protect and nurture diminishing fish stocks.
Evacuation and Travel Insurance
The Sierra Club provides evacuation insurance to all participants on international trips. Since this coverage does not include any trip cancellation or interruption insurance, we suggest you purchase another policy separately to provide coverage for your trip and other travel costs. This policy also does not cover pre-trip and post-trip travel. Please note the evacuation insurance provided does not cover claims resulting from any pre-existing condition that occurs within 60 days of the trip departure. If you have specific questions about this exclusion, please review the insurance brochure. For information on purchasing a separate policy, please see our travel insurance page.
Staff
Important Notes
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