The Wilds Of Iceland

Visiting: Iceland

The Wilds Of Iceland

This is one of our favourite trips in the brochure. Most tours of Iceland just hug the edge of this wild and extraordinarily beautiful country but this one takes you deep into the incredible landscapes of the interior. Part of the journey is by foot, on a challenging but wonderfully rewarding trek, and part is by 4WD jeep, the only vehicle suitable for the rugged terrain that we pass through. This means that we not only see the highlights but also venture to areas that are almost impossible to explore on your own. Awe-inspiring Gullfoss Waterfall, Three day trek through the spectacular Icelandic highlands, 4WD jeep trip through remote interior, Glacier hike on the largest icecap in Europe, Extraordinary and ever-changing landscapes

This is one of our favourite trips in the brochure. Most tours of Iceland just hug the edge of this wild and extraordinarily beautiful country but this one takes you deep into the incredible landscapes of the interior. Part of the journey is by foot, on a challenging but wonderfully rewarding trek, and part is by 4WD jeep, the only vehicle suitable for the rugged terrain that we pass through. This means that we not only see the highlights but also venture to areas that are almost impossible to explore on your own. Awe-inspiring Gullfoss Waterfall, Three day trek through the spectacular Icelandic highlands, 4WD jeep trip through remote interior, Glacier hike on the largest icecap in Europe, Extraordinary and ever-changing landscapes

Velkomin til Íslands! Welcome to Iceland.

Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm on Day 1.

You can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned until this important meeting; please ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader.

Accommodation

Hotel with shared bathroom (1nt),

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On day 2 we´ll explore the Golden Circle, Iceland´s most famous sightseeing route. Our first stop is Þingvellir, one of Iceland's most historic sites and the place where Iceland's first parliament was founded in the year 930 AD. We can also see a tectonic rift valley (one of only two in the world), created as the continental plates slowly drift away from each other.

From Þingvellir we head towards the world-famous geothermal area around the Geysir hot spring. This is the original spouting hot spring after which all such phenomena on Earth are named and we see a variety of geothermal pools and erupting hot springs.

Our route then continues to Gullfoss (‘The Golden Waterfall’), one of Iceland’s most spectacular sights and by far the most powerful waterfall in Europe. We are able to get close enough to the cascading water to feel the refreshing spray of glacial water.

Towards the end of the day we head towards the south coast and enter the Þórsmörk valley. Along the way we pass the Eyjafjallajökull glacier, home to the 2010 eruption.

Overnight at the Langidalur campsite.

Activities

• Experience the geothermal activity around Geysir - Included
• Visit the iconic ‘Golden Waterfall’ - Included

Accommodation

Camping (1nt)

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Trek Distance: 15km

Trek Duration: 6-7 hours

Height Gained: 300m

The day starts by hiking out of the lush green Þórsmörk valley, one of the most scenic in Iceland. After crossing the Þröngá river on foot (there is no bridge!), we leave the greenery behind and head up into the barren wilderness of the highlands. The landscape changes dramatically the further north we go, with a number of river crossings.

If you are still feeling lively, you can take a spectacular evening walk to the incredible Markarfjlótsgljúfur canyon.

Overnight at the Emstrur campsite.

Activities

• Spectacular hike from the Þórsmörk Valley into the highlands  - Included

Accommodation

Camping (1 nt)

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Trek Distance: 16km

Trek Duration: 6-7 hours

Height Gained: 40m

Today we cover a similar distance to yesterday but traversing a typical Icelandic highland desert with an incredible contrast between white glaciers and black sands. With almost no vertical ascent the hiking is relatively easy with some fantastic views if weather permits.

Overnight on the northern shore of Álftavatn highland lake

Activities

• Spectacular hike in the Icelandic Highlands  - Included

Accommodation

Camping (1 nt)

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Trek Distance: 24km

Trek Duration: 8-10 hours

Height Gained: 900m

The last day of our trek is by far the longest and toughest one.

After an easy start to the day we cross (yet another!) river before reaching the bottom of a steep slope which we need to ascend. It is quite tough going but we will take it slowly to conserve energy for the rest of the day. As we ascend we will notice some dramatic changes to the landscape; pretty much all the vegetation is left behind and geothermal activity becomes noticeably more abundant. We walk in and out of little gullies, with steam blowing out of the ground before stopping at a mountain hut where we can have lunch. The views from here are absolutely stunning (if clear!).

Eventually we start descending towards Landmannalaugar, where we stay in a beautiful campsite.

Activities

• Spectacular hike in the Icelandic Highlands  - Included

Accommodation

Camping (1 nt)

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Using 4WD trucks we head deep into the wilds, to one of the most remote areas of Europe, the Langisjór Highland Lake. The scenery is extraordinary, a moonlike desert that is home to black volcanic ash, green vegetation and white glaciers. Our campsite this evening has stunning views over the lake and there is the chance to climb Mt Sveinstindur for views over Vatnajökull glacier, the largest icecap in Europe.

Activities

• Super-jeep traverse of the highlands - Included

Accommodation

Camping (1 nt)

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Our route today starts with a visit to the massive Eldgjá volcanic fissure. This was formed in a massive eruption in 934AD and is about 40km long. We also hike a short distance to the Ófærufoss Waterfal before continuing to the extraordinary Lakagígar craters. The craters were formed during the biggest lava flow eruption of historical times, starting on 8th June 1783 and lasting for about 8 months.  Overnight at Blágil campsite, in the Laki area.

Activities

• Super-jeep traverse of the highlands - Included

Accommodation

Camping (1 nt)

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Drive to Skaftafell, the gateway to the largest national park in Europe, an awe-inspring landscape of mountains, glaciers and breathtaking views.

On day 9 we start with a glacier hike on one of the most impressive outlet glaciers of the Vatnajökull icecap. With our guide leading the way we explore this dramatic terrain, walking through a wonderland of ice formations and brilliant blue colors.

In the afternoon we visit Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, one of the most famous natural phenomena in Iceland. It is a magnificent other-worldly place, with big icebergs floating around.

Activities

• Glacier hike – Included
• Visit to Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon - Included

Accommodation

Camping (2 nts)

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Drive to Skaftafell, the gateway to the largest national park in Europe, an awe-inspring landscape of mountains, glaciers and breathtaking views.

On day 9 we start with a glacier hike on one of the most impressive outlet glaciers of the Vatnajökull icecap. With our guide leading the way we explore this dramatic terrain, walking through a wonderland of ice formations and brilliant blue colors.

In the afternoon we visit Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, one of the most famous natural phenomena in Iceland. It is a magnificent other-worldly place, with big icebergs floating around.

Activities

• Glacier hike – Included
• Visit to Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon - Included

Accommodation

Camping (2 nts)

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Free morning is free in Skaftafell. You could take a mountain biking trip or perhaps head to the Ingólfshöfði Cape, an isolate island caught between the black sands of the south coast and the North Atlantic ocean. In the afternoon, drive back to Reykjavík. The tour ends on the morning of day 11.

Activities

• Skaftafell on Wheels: A bike trip to Morsárdalur valley. Due to the National Park´s restrictions on biking this is a unique opportunity to explore the park in a short amount of time, learning about the natural history of the area with our experienced guides. Price: 15.990 ISK per person.

• Ingólfshöfði Nature Reserve: A spectacular wildlife exploration of the historic Ingólfshöfði cape, an isolated island caught between the black sands of the south coast and the North-Atlantic Ocean. Price: 4.000 ISK per person.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt)

 

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Free morning is free in Skaftafell. You could take a mountain biking trip or perhaps head to the Ingólfshöfði Cape, an isolate island caught between the black sands of the south coast and the North Atlantic ocean. In the afternoon, drive back to Reykjavík. The tour ends on the morning of day 11.

Activities

• Skaftafell on Wheels: A bike trip to Morsárdalur valley. Due to the National Park´s restrictions on biking this is a unique opportunity to explore the park in a short amount of time, learning about the natural history of the area with our experienced guides. Price: 15.990 ISK per person.

• Ingólfshöfði Nature Reserve: A spectacular wildlife exploration of the historic Ingólfshöfði cape, an isolated island caught between the black sands of the south coast and the North-Atlantic Ocean. Price: 4.000 ISK per person.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt)

 

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Key: (B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner