Detailed itinerary: 

Day 1

The trip starts with a pick up from your hotel in Reykjavík at 08:30-09:00, we will have a quick briefing regarding equipment and the trip before we head out of Reykjavik. On our journey to Landmannalaugar we will do some sightseeing, since the road to Þjórsárdalur valley offers some beautiful lan From there we will drive towards the highlands, passing 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 have lunch at some point on our journey, depending on time and weather. Before we arrive in Landmannalaugar (approx. 600 m above sea level) we will make a stop at Ljótipollur crater and hope for a great view over the highlands, spotting Iceland´s biggest glaciers. In Landmannalaugar we will spend an afternoon exploring the area and relaxing in the naturally warm river that runs beside the campsite. So make sure you bring your swim wear!

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 view from the hut is 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 a campsite at the northern shore of lake Álftavatn is easy.

Day 3

Second section: Álftavatn-Emstrur (Botnar)

Distance: 16 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 seeing 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 a 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

Our last day is more flexible. You can sleep in and relax your tired bones and muscles after the 56km long hike, enjoying the magnificent Þórsmörk valley, named after Thor the Norse God of Thunder. We will head back to Reykjavík around noon, getting you there around dinner time where we will drop you off at your accommodation in Reykjavík. In the morning we recommend hiking around to further experience this glacier valley, cornered in by three glaciers, offering a unique composition of glaciers, rocks and wood. Your guide will take you on a short hike, aiming for some 500m high mountain, Mt. Valahnúkur, for a breathtaking view of the whole area and the glaciers.

Please Note: This is a escorted trek, that means that we will transfer your luggage from one campsite to the next in our super jeeps. Your luggage will have to be waterproof, dust proof and rainproof since these transfers are on rugged, dusty and wet mountain tracks. The jeep will even have to cross several rivers every day with the escort trailer. So if make sure you pack your electronics, and other items that are vulnerable to hardships, well. It is your responsibility to pack your luggage right and Arctic Adventures does not take responsibility for any of your belongings on a escorted trek.

Hinnasto

Lähdöt: maanantaisin ja perjantaisin ajalla 17.6.-9.9.2013

Hinta: 1000 €

Erikoislähdöt: 17.6., 15.7., 22.7. ja 2.8.2013 

Hinta: 900 €

Matkaan sisältyy:

· Opastuksen

· Bussikuljetuksen Reykjavikiin ja takaisin

· Jeeppikuljetuksen ruoalle ja varusteille leirintäpaikkojen välillä

· Ruokailut 5 päiväksi (paitsi ensimmäisen päivän aamiaisen ja viimeisen päivän     päivällisen)

· Teltat ja ruokailuvälineet

Ikäraja: 12 vuotta.

Patjoja ja makuupusseja voi varata etukäteen. Jos haluat yöpyä Reykjavikissa ennen vaellusta tai sen jälkeen, autamme mielellämme majoituksen varauksessa! Tarkista varustelistasta mitä tarvitset retkelle mukaan!

Lennot Suomesta eivät sisälly hintoihin. Kysy kampanjahintoja!