LAUGAVEGUR TREKKING - 4 DAY TOUR Duration: 4 days / 3 nights Level: moderate Available from June - September Total Hiking Distance: 55 km (34,18 mi) The Laugavegur Trek is the most famous hiking trail in Iceland. It is known all over the world for its trails offering astounding and breathtaking sceneries. The Laugavegur and Fimmvorduhals Trek was chosen one of the "20 Best Hikes in the World" by National Geographic. We start in Landmannalaugar, a geothermal wonderland, and make our way south through the Highlands. On the way, we view fields of obsidian, red and yellow mountains, black sands and sparkling white glaciers. The Laugavegur trail ends in Thorsmork, a green valley nestled at the foot of the famous glacier Eyjafjallajökull. On this 4 days Trek you experience some of the best Icelandic nature has to offer glaciers, volcano, lava fields and geothermal colors and hot springs.there is a maintained track for most of the route and your guide will ensure you don't miss the best spots along the way, explain the scenery around you and geological history of
Iceland. for the famous Laugavegur Trek ranked among the "20 Best Hikes in the World" by National Geographic. Price: 175.990 ISK per person Included in price: Transport Accommodation in mountain huts Meals Luggage transport from hut to hut Optional add-ons, price per person: Hotel pick up: 3000 ISK Hotel drop off: 3000 ISK Hiking boots rental for the whole duration of the tour: 4000 ISK Luggage storage: 3500 ISK Sleeping bag rental for the whole duration of the tour: 4000 ISK Special food for the whole duration of the tour: 4800 ISK Guaranteed departure dates for 2017: June departures: 15th, 19th, 22nd, 26th, 29th July departures: 3rd, 6th, 10th, 13th, 17th, 20th, 24th, 27th, 31st August departures: 3rd, 7th, 10th, 14th, 17th, 21th, 24th, 28th, 31st September departures: 4th, 7th, 11th, 14th. All departures with an English speaking guide. ITINERARY Day 1: REYKJAVIK - LANDMANNALAUGAR AND FROM LANDMANNALAUGAR TO HRAFNTINNUSKER The tour starts by the Reykjavík tourist info in Aðalstræti 2 at 7.00. Aðalstræti 2 is within walking distance of most hotels and guesthouses in central Reykjavík. We also offer pick up at your door for a small fee. After introductions, we board the scheduled bus that takes us to Landmannalaugar. The drive takes about 3-4 hours, we will drive along the beautiful south coast and then turn inland and pass Iceland s most active volcano, Hekla. Our hike starts in Landmannalaugar and as we walk through this geothermal wonderland we can admire colorful mountains and steaming hot springs. We walk by the beautiful hot spring Stórihver before crossing into the obsidian desert by Hrafntinnusker. We spend the night in the hut in Hrafntinnusker, one of the most remote huts in Iceland.
(L, r, D) Driving time: 3-4 hrs Distance: 12 km (7.5 mi) Walking time: 4-5 hrs. Ascent: 470 m (1540') Day 2: HRAFNTINNUSKER-ÁLFTAVATN (WHOOPER SWAN LAKE) After breakfast in the hut we head out again and walk along the Reykjafjöll mountains and then descend into the Jökultungur area. The geothermal activity has turned these gullies yellow and red. From the top of Jökultungur there is a great view over the Fjallabak area and lake Álftavatn which is our next overnight stop. Before reaching Álftavatn we cross an unbridged stream on foot. We spend the night in the hut by the lake. (B, L, r, D) Distance: 12 km (7.5 mi) Walking time: 4-5 hrs. Descent: 490 m (1610') Day 3: ÁLFTAVATN LAKE-EMSTRUR We start the day with another refreshing stream crossing as we make our way past the green volcano Stórasúla and into the black desert of Mælifellssandur. On our way we will see Hattafell, a volcano with a strange flat top. We walk through this black glacial desert and into Emstrur where there is a chance to enjoy the view on Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers. Just before reaching the hut in Botnar we turn of the path to look at Markarfljótsgljúfur, almost 200m deep canyons carved out by the glacial river Markarfljót. The hut in Botnar is in a little green oasis, a welcome sight after walking through the black sands. (B, L, r, D) Distance: 15 km (9.5 mi) Walking time: 6-7 hrs. Descent: 40 m (130') Day 4: EMSTRUR-THORSMORK VALLEY-REYKJAVIK We leave Emstrur behind and continue on our way to Þórmörk along the canyons. The trail takes us within a few kilometers from the great Mýrdalsjökull glacier. As we descend towards Almenningar a few trees can be seen, a sign we are getting closer to the coast. We walk at the foot of the characteristic mountain Einhyrningur and into the dense birch forest in Thorsmork. Thorsmork is a green valley situated between the rivers Krossa, Thronga and Markarfljot; offers a beautiful mountain view on volcanic glaciers Myrdalsjokull and Eyjafjallajokull. We return to Reykjavík in the evening at around 22:00, we will stop at the tourist information office on Aðalstræti 2, situated in the center of the city. From there, it is
easy and convenient to catch a taxi or local bus, otherwise, drop off at your accommodation can be purchased together with your tour. (B, L) Distance: 15 km (9.5 mi) Walking time: 6-7 hrs. Descent: 300 m (985'). Driving time: 3-3,5 hrs The entries at the end of each day indicate the meals included (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, r=refreshment, D= Dinner) Luggage, Clothing & Travel Accessories Try to pack as light as possible and take only essentials. Keep in mind that there are limits on how much your duffel bag can weigh because the weight restrictions on international and domestic flights is usually around 20 kg. Luggage for overland journeys and trekking with assistance vehicle Extra bag clearly marked with your name can be kept at your Reykjavik accommodation.. Day pack (30 to 50 liters) You will need to bring comfortable and adequate clothing to protect you from cold and wet weather. Wool, synthetics and wool/synthetic blends are good. We discourage the use of cotton, as this does not insulate against cold or wet conditions. When layering, the innermost layer should be long underwear. The middle layer can be a synthetic turtleneck or wool shirt, and pants. The outermost layer should be a synthetic jacket, and/or a good quality Gore-Tex wind/rain parka and over-pants. For quantities for each item listed, use your own judgment, based on the expected weather conditions and overall packing/weight restrictions for your luggage. Regular underwear. Synthetics are easier to wash and dry. Synthetic or wool thermal underwear Long-sleeved, synthetic or wool shirt Short-sleeved synthetic or cotton/synthetic T-shirts Medium-weight synthetic fleece sweater or jacket Full-length pants, quick-drying synthetic fabric
Down jacket from mid-august to September (optional) Hiking shorts, quick-drying synthetic fabric Pile/fleece pants, ideal for around the camp Sun & rain hat Woolen hat Gloves (wool or pile) Waterproofed shell gloves Medium weight synthetic socks Gore-Tex rain/wind parka Gore-Tex rain/wind pants Hiking boots, medium-weight, all leather, with padded ankle, good arch support, and a lug sole traction. Your hiking boots should be waterproof, well broken in, and suitable for rocky terrain or possibly snow. Comfortable shoes to wear when not hiking. Optional. Teva-type sandals for river crossing. Gaiters. Highly recommended! Travel Accessories Swimsuit and towel for hot springs bathing and swimming pool 1-to-2 liters capacity unbreakable water bottle or thermos Headlamp or small flashlight with spare batteries (from August only) Swiss Army-type pocket knife (Must be kept in duffle bag, not in hand luggage, when flying!) Toiletry kit, toothbrush, toothpaste and so on. Moisturizing lotion. (The air in Iceland is very dry.) There are no mosquitoes in Iceland, just midges. Sunglasses. Spare pair of prescription glasses, prescription sunglasses, or contact lenses (but not only lenses) Sunscreen and lip protection (The sun in Iceland is much more intense than you probably imagine) Personal first aid kit Optional Travel Accessories Hiking poles. Highly recommended Binoculars Repair kit with needle, thread, and safety pins Reading and writing material
Your favorite snack food such as raisins or chocolate Protein supplements for vegetarian 1 or 2 good bottles of wine or a bottle of something stronger Note The walks are easy to moderate, so that anyone able to go for 3-4 hours brisk walk can join the tour. On the other hand we recommend that you exercise during at least the week or two before your tour, for example by taking brisk walks of 1-2 hours, 3-4 times per week.