Overview
Waterfalls, Volcanoes, Geysir and wonderful National Parks
This full-circuit trekking itinerary includes four full day hikes in some of
the best hiking spots in Iceland as well as some shorter hikes on transit
days. We start at the Troll peninsula and hike from the remote valley of
Hedinsfjordur fjord to the fishing village Siglufjordur. Then we trek in the
lunar-like Lake Myvatn landscape of pseudo craters, lava fields and plentiful
hot springs. We move on to the dramatic south easst coast where we hike in
the Vatnajokull NP as well as hike on one of the outlet glaciers from the
Vatnajokull ice cap, which covers about 11% of Iceland. Our last camp is on
the south coast in Vik where we do our last full day hike. On the last day we
drive from Vik to international airport for those catching afternoon flight
back home that day. From the airport we head for Reykjavik for those that
have extended their trip.
Highlights
* A full circuit of the country combining all the major sites
* See the new craters formed by the Eyjafjallajokull eruption
* Well-equipped campsites, some next to hot springs or with hot tubs or
showers
* Flybus transfer to meet any flight
Itinerary
Day 1
Fly to Keflavik; transfer to Reykjavik.
Our transfer to Reykjavik will be using the Flybus service. Your leader will
have arranged a time for the welcome meeting, details of which will be at the
hotel reception. This is usually around 1830.
Day 2
Transfer to Troll Peninsula via Hofsos and a visit to the stunning local pool
for a dip in the hot tub
**
Day 3
Hike to the top of the home peak of the town Siglufjordur. Stunning views
over the mountains of Troll Peninsula and over the north Atlantic out to
Grimsey island.
We start with a short drive from town which takes us to Skardsdalur valley
where we start our hike. We head hike up to a saddle below Mt. Skardshnjukur.
From there we head north along the edges and out to Mt. Hafnarhyrna, the home
mountain of Siglufjordur. We enjoy stunning views to the north and the south
of the ridge. To the north of the Atlantic Ocean and out to Grimsey island,
arctic circle runs through Grimsey. To the south we have the town and endless
peaks of the Troll Peninsula the most mountainous area of Iceland.
Day 4
Drive to Lake Myvatn via the Akureyri and Godafoss Waterfall, explore the
Hverfjall Crater and Dimmuborgir Lava field
From Siglufjordur we head for Lake Myvatn, passing en route through the
fishing villages on the Troll Peninsula. We make a short stop at Akureyri
before we turn east and head for Lake Myvatn via the waterfall Godafoss. Our
journey then takes us on to Myvatn for a short walk in the lava fields and
craters. We reach Dimmuborgir, a vast area of lava towers and natural arches.
The most spectacular of them is ‘the Church’, a large vault resembling a
church. Only a short distance from Dimmuborgir is Mt.Hverfjall, a huge
circular crater with a depth of 140 metres and 1000 metres in diameter. It is
one of the most beautiful craters in Iceland, one which erupted some 2500
years ago and covered the Myvatn area in tephra (fragments of volcanic rock).
It is also thought to be one of the largest on the planet. We traverse
Mt.Hverfjall, and a little further north is the rift crevasse Grjotagja with
its crystal clear warm water
Day 5
Dettifoss waterfall and a hike from the volcanic Krafla area to the Nature
Baths.
We start by heading for Europes most powerful waterfall, Dettifoss. We
park nearby and walk down to the edge of the waterfall to experience this
immense power for ourselves. We then drive into the Krafla volcano area to
explore the craters and lava from the eruptive period of 1975-1984. We hike
into one of the craters and look at the strange textures of cooled magma
splatters and rich colours of the mineral deposits. From the colourful
Leirhnjukur hill we set course down to Lake Myvatn on foot and cross
countless rift fissures and the lava falls Elda (Fire River) on an
unforgettable hike. Back at Myvatn we have the chance to soak our muscles in
one of the geothermal pools in an optional tour to the Nature Baths. This is
a fabulous setting to enjoy traditional Icelandic relaxation (see optional
costs below for prices).
Day 6
Drive to Hofn via Saenautasel farmstead and the Studalgil Canyon basalt
columns. To the town Egilsstadir and then down to the south east coast to
Hofn.
Long drive to the town Hofn on the south east cost.
**
Day 7
Hike in Vatnajokull NP to Mt. Getiafellstindur. With stunning views of
Vatnajokull ice cap, some of its outlet glaciers and glacier carved valleys.
Hike in Vatnajokull NP to Mt. Getiafellstindur. With stunning views of
Vatnajokull ice cap, some of its outlet glaciers and glacier carved valleys.
Day 8
Glacier Lagoon, Black beach with ice on the beach. Skaftafell and Svartifoss
waterfall.
Glacier Lagoon, Black beach with ice on the beach. Skaftafell and Svartifoss
waterfall.
Day 9
Dyrholaey and Glacier walk on Solheimajokull glacier.
Dyrholaey and Glacier walk on Solheimajokull glacier.
Day 10
Skogarfoss and Kvernufoss waterfalls. South coast and Reykjanes Peninsula to
Keflavik airport.
Skogarfoss and Kvernufoss waterfalls. South coast and Reykjanes Peninsula to
Keflavik airport.
