Iceland s Mountain Highlands 2018 1
Itinerary Day 2: Reykjadalur and a geothermal river Today we ll hike up to Reykjadalur, an active volcanic area, known for beautiful and wild nature and its large geothermal springs. The main purpose is to bathe in a geothermal river and enjoy the magnificent surroundings. Estimated driving: 10-15 minutes, 5km Total walking: about 5-6 hours, 6-8 km with up to 250m of ascent Day 1: Arrival Hveragerði On arrival at Keflavík international Airport we ll transfer to Hveragerði Village. (approx 110km, 3 hours transfer) Hveragerði is known as the flower town and also for its geothermal greenhouses. It is located on an active volcanic zone and we ll have the opportunity to enjoy a natural clay foot bath at a Geothermal Park. Afterwards you can soak your feet in one of the hot springs. In a hole in the park the locals bake the famous black bread using the geothermal heated ground as an oven. You can boil eggs in the hot springs and later enjoy them with warm bread. Meals included: breakfast, lunch box, Day 3: Brúarfoss Efstidalur farm Kjölur highland road Today we ll move towards the highlands of Iceland. The day starts with a short walk to Brúarfoss, translated as Bridge Waterfall. You can t see the waterfall from the road and need to walk through bushes to reach it, but it is worth it - the waterfall is breathtaking. Total walking: about 0.5-1 hour, distance: 0.5 miles/0.5-1 km, level walk Accommodation: Frost & Funi (2 nights (Meals included; ) After lunch at Efstidalur farm we ll continue on Kjölur highland road that 2
leads us to the highland resort in Kerlaingarfjöll. Estimated Driving: 4 hours, 230km some on gravel roads. Total walking: 4-5km with less than 50m of ascent. Accommodation: Kerlingarfjöll Mountain Resort (2 nights) Meals included: breakfast, lunch, Day 4: The interior highlands: Kerlingafjoll Today we ll explore more of the interior highlands of Kerlingarfjöll. The mountains are colourful and rich in contrasts with peaks, valleys, glaciers and snowfields, plus the lively geothermal activity that makes the area so interesting. There are up to 20 different hiking trails and your guide will choose one according to the group s wishes. There may be a short, steep snow climb up to one of the best panoramic viewpoints in Iceland. Estimated driving: 3 hours, 100km on gravel roads. Total walking: about 4-5 hours, 5 km with up to 500m of ascent to top peak Meals included: breakfast, lunch box, Day 5: Hveravellir- Glaumbær museum Hegranesviti Saudarkrokur This morning we ll drive to Hveravellir, located between the Langjokull glacier to the west and Hofsjokull glacier to the east. It has been called the most beautiful geothermal area in Iceland, and there is a lovely hot pool to bathe in. We then continue our journey to Glaumbær turf farm & folk museum where we ll get an insight into Iceland's. Afterwards we ll enjoy a walk to Hegranesviti Lighthouse, located at the bottom of Skagafjörður Fjord (Skagafjordur). Built in 1935, it stands 9.6 metres high and rises 23 metres above sea level. Afterwards we travel to our overnight accommodation at Sauðárkrókur. Estimated Driving: 3 hours, 180km mostly on gravel roads. Total walking: about 2 hours, 5km, level walk. Accommodation: Hótel Mikligarður (1 night) or Hótel Tindastóll (1 night) 3
Meals included: breakfast, lunch,. Day 6: Hofsós Siglufjordur Akureyri Mývatn We ll continue driving along the north coast to the small town Hofsós. Here there s an option to swim in one of the country s most beautifully located outdoor swimming pools. Our next stop will be at the charming fishing village of Siglufjörður. Its heyday as a herring-fishing town is long gone and it is considerably quieter now, with a population of just 1,300. Here we ll visit a herring museum. Meals included: breakfast, lunch, Day 7: Walking in the Lake Mývatn area From desolate craters to bubbling mud pools and geothermal caves, the area around Lake Mývatn is a microcosm of all the natural wonders Iceland has to offer. We ll visit Dimmuborgir, known for twisted towers of coagulated rock that breach the earth s surface to form giant pillars and arches. Before you reach Mývatn we ll visit Akureyri, the Capital of the North, and explore the Botanical Garden with its wide variety of both Icelandic and foreign flora. New species are always being added to the collection. Our day ends at the Lake Mývatns area. The next stop will be at the lunar landscape of Hverafjall, with scorched yellow earth and sulphuric acid melting the ground into bubbling mud. Hveraströnd Sulphur Springs are one of the most popular sites to visit in the area. The final destination of the day is one of Iceland s finest geothermal pools at Mývatn, a great place to soothe your limbs after hiking around the lava fields. Estimated Driving: 5hours, 280km Minimal walking. Accommodation: July departure - Hótel Reynihlid (3 nights) August departure - Sel Hotel Mývatn (3 nights) 4
Estimated Driving: 0.5-1 hour, 50km. Total walking: about 4-6 hours, 6-9km, with 140m of ascent. Meals included: breakfast, lunch, Day 8: Whale watching Ásbyrgi Canyon Dettifoss waterfall of Hljoðaklettar and the footprint of Odin s horse, Ásbyrgi. Estimated Driving: 4.5 hours, 260km. Total walking: about 3-3.5 hours, 5-7.5km, less than 100m of ascent Meals included: breakfast, lunch, Day 9: Across the highland desert of Sprengisandur Today we ll leave the beautiful north of Iceland and head back towards the south. Route F26 or Sprengisandsleið is no ordinary road but a 200km gravel road across the middle of Iceland. It runs between Hofsjökull Glacier and Vatnajökull Glacier. The town of Húsavík is nestled on the edge of Shaky Bay, recognised as one of the best locations in the world from which to spot whales. Here we ll enjoy a 3-4 hour boat cruise with a great chance to see these gentle giants. Estimated Driving: 8 hours, 290km mostly on gravel roads. Total walking: about 0.5-1 hour, 0.5 miles/1 km, level walk Accommodation: Hrauneyjar Highland Center (1 night) Meals included: breakfast, lunch box, Day 10: Tjorsardalur valley Gjáin Reykjavík Today we ll travel to the valley of Thjórsárdalur along the white-water rapids of Iceland s longest river. Our next stop will be the Jökulsá Canyon, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful places in Iceland to hike. As well as the three waterfalls of Dettifoss, Selfoss and Hafragilsfoss, there are magnificent geological features, such as the Whispering Rocks In the valley is breathtaking Gjáin, one of the hidden treasures of Iceland, like stepping into a fairytale. Finally we ll explore Iceland s capital city of Reykjavík on a short city tour, including Hallgrímskirkja church, and Perlan with its fabulous viewing deck. 5
Estimated driving: 3 hours, 160km. Total walking: about 1-2 hours, 2km, level walking Accommodation: Fosshotel Reykjavik (1 night) Meals included: breakfast, lunch box, Day 11: Departure day Today is free to explore, before we transfer to the airport for our flight home. Estimated driving: 45 minutes, 50km (Meals included: breakfast) 6
Accommodation The hotels range from 3 to 4-star with swimming pool to more basic accommodation in the mountain highlands. All are en-suite and, in typical Icelandic fashion, are clean and comfortable. Hotel Frost & Funi, Hveragerdi (2 nights) Situated in a wonderful location, rooms offer views across the river Varmá, the hot springs on its banks and beyond to Mt. Reykjafjall and the valleys Reykjadalur, Grændalur and Gufudalur above Hveragerði. Guests may wish to swim in the natural swimming pool (river behind the hotel!), there is also a hot tub. http://www.frostogfuni.is Hotel Mikligardur, or Hotel Tindastoll, Saudarkrokur (1 night) http://www.arctichotels.is/en/hotelmikligardur http://www.arctichotels.is/en/hoteltindastoll Hotel Reynihlid or Sel Hotel, Myvatn (3 nights). Both hotels are 3 star and offer comfortable rooms, and afford stunning views in each direction. http://www.myvatnhotel.is/en/ http://www.myvatn.is/ Hrauneyjar Highland Centre (1 night). At the edge of the vast interior of Iceland, rooms are basic, but do have en-suite facilities. https://www.thehighlandcenter.is/ Kerlingarfjoll Mountain Resort, (2 nights). Accommodation here is simple and basic, but it is the only accommodation in this wonderful scenic area and gives instant access to some fabulous walking in these interior highlands. Please note, new twin and double en-suite bedrooms are being constructed during 2016, and our guests will be accommodated in these new rooms. http://www.kerlingarfjoll.is/ Fosshotel Reykjavik, Reykjavik (1 night). Our final night is spent in a modern 4-star hotel, the largest hotel in Iceland. Opened in 2015, the hotel is located a short distance from Laugavegur, the main shopping street. It affords wonderful views over the bay and city of Reykjavik. http://www.fosshotel.is/hotels/fosshote l-in-reykjavik/fosshotel-reykjavik/ 7
Before your holiday We hope you find this information comprehensive if not please visit our website for more details or contact us. All details correct at time of writing (July 2016). Passport and visa requirements are subject to change; please check with your consulate before you travel. We would advise that you check your government s travel advisory before travelling. For UK travellers, please check www.fco.gov.uk In all instances during your holiday, your first point of contact should be your HF Holidays leader or local leader. If for any reason this is not possible, HF Holidays emergency contact details are as follows: Mon - Fri 9am - 7pm Tel +44 (0)345 470 7558 or +44(0)20 8732 1250 ( from overseas) Fri - Mon 7pm - 9am Tel +44 (0)7918 737777 Airport parking & accommodation If you require airport parking or accommodation before your flight, we recommend our partner Holiday Extras. Call 0871 360 2750 and quote HX031 or book online at www.holidayextras.co.uk/hfholidays Kit List Please try to keep luggage to a minimum as you will need to carry it yourself at airports and between your transport and your hotel. Walking boots (worn in) with good ankle support and spare bootlaces Walking socks Lightweight fleece Lightweight waterproof trousers and jacket Shorts Long trousers and long-sleeved light coloured shirts with collars to protect from the sun your clothing should ideally be pretreated with insect repellent and in-built sun protection (available from specialist clothing stores such as Rohan, Cotswold Outdoor) Warm fleece, hat and gloves Sun hat Comfortable clothes and shoes for evenings and sightseeing Sun protection sunglasses, high factor sunscreen and lip protection Water bottle at least 2 litre capacity Lightweight survival bag Small/medium rucksack (30 litre) a bin liner will keep contents dry if it rains Soap and hand sanitizer gel Insect repellent Universal adaptor plug Universal sink plug Personal first aid kit including: personal medication, tissues, plasters, blister kit, painkillers, antiseptic wipes, Imodium, rehydration sachets Passport (and copies); booking confirmation; insurance cover 8
note; HF Holidays registration form Optional: trekking poles, camera, umbrella, binoculars. Please ensure you have access to emergency funds should you need them; carrying a credit card is probably the most convenient method. Please note that your HF Holidays leader reserves the right to refuse to take any guest on a walk should they consider that a lack of suitable clothing/footwear may affect safety. Baggage allowance 1 piece checked-in luggage (max 23kg). Please check details of your airline s baggage allowance, as shown on your e-ticket. Remember to also check any connecting flights you may have booked. Passports & visas Passports must be valid for the duration of your stay. Visas are not required for UK, Australian, Canadian & US passport holders. Other countries should consult the embassy for advice. Travel insurance If arranging your own travel insurance, please ensure it is adequate for your specific itinerary. Health advice This is subject to change and we would highly recommend that you consult your doctor before travelling. For further information on country specific advice, visit www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk or www.traveldoctor.co.uk Tetanus vaccination is recommended. Please note: the use or possession of some common prescription or overthe-counter medicines is banned in some countries. If you will be carrying medication, please check with the country s embassy/ consulate prior to travel. As an extra precaution: Keep your medication in its original packet Take a copy of your prescription too If possible, ask your chemist to write the name of your medication in the language of the country that you re visiting Dietary requirements Please contact us as far in advance as possible if you have any specific dietary requirements. We will do our best to accommodate you. If you require a specific meal on the flight, please let us know as soon as possible, and no later than 96 hours before travel. Travel tips for a comfortable flight We ve put together a few simple tips to help make your flight as comfortable as possible, ensuring you begin your holiday in tip-top shape. Move about. Change position and avoid crossing your legs. Immobility poses the greatest risk in the development of clotting disorders. Get out of your seat and walk around as regularly as possible to improve circulation No pills. Unless advised by your doctor, do not take sleeping tablets on the flight; this will 9
reduce your mobility and make you feel sluggish Protect your ears. If you experience discomfort due to the cabin pressure changes, suck a sweet, chew, or hold your nostrils and gently blow through your nose; this should equalise the pressure. If you still experience problems, speak to a member of the cabin crew Drink plenty. Ask a member of the cabin crew if you are thirsty. Avoid alcohol, tea, coffee or carbonated drinks as these will dehydrate you. Instead, try to drink plenty of fruit juices or water Eat light. Avoid heavy meals and foods air expands at altitude and heavy meals will result in that bloated feeling Moisturise. Your skin, especially your lips and nostrils, may feel dry so moisturising creams may help. If you wear contact lenses, always carry your glasses with you, as your eyes may feel dryer than usual Stay loose. Wear loose fitting, comfortable shoes and clothes Flight socks are recommended to help prevent DVT on longhaul flights Lost/damaged luggage claims can only be accepted in writing. A baggage claim form must be obtained from the airport. HF Holidays with-flight guests For those travelling on our HF Holidays group flight, please proceed to the arrivals hall once you have passed through passport control, customs and baggage reclaim, when you arrive at your destination. Your leader or local leader will assemble the group in the arrivals hall. Look out for the HF Holidays sign. Independent travellers If you are arriving ahead of the group, and are meeting them at the first hotel, please leave a message at the hotel reception for the HF Holidays leader or local leader, detailing your room number, and a mobile telephone number if possible. The leader will contact you once the group arrives. If you are arriving after the group, a message will be left for you at the hotel reception, welcoming you and giving details of the time and place to meet the group. If your flight arrives before the group flight and you would like to join the transfer to the first hotel, please contact our Abroad Administration team on (0)20 8732 1271. They will have a list of the relevant transfer costs. If your bag or its contents are damaged or lost while in the airline s care, this should be reported to the baggage service agents at the airport. They will assess the damage and in some cases the airline may decide to settle your claim immediately. You will be given a reference to quote to your insurance company if settlement cannot be reached. In many cases baggage Safety on your holiday Once you have made your booking, you will receive a pre-holiday questionnaire where we ask for details of next of kin, and insurance details. We need to have this from you at least 4 weeks before travel. 10
Please also inform us of any medical situation which may affect your enjoyment of the holiday Please listen to any safety instructions from the leader Keep group members in view, especially if weather or visibility is poor If you become separated from the group, please stay where you are, the leader will retrace their steps to find you Each leader carries a first aid kit but is not allowed to supply any medication including aspirin, paracetamol, antihistamines, and antiseptic cream. You may wish to bring these items with you In the unlikely event that your leader is incapacitated, please use any emergency kit in their rucksack and call emergency services on 112. Please then call our emergency number (see page 8) and let us know there is a problem. Tipping Tips are not included in your holiday price as this is not permitted in Iceland. Allow 30 per person. Local currency & money matters Icelandic Krona (kr). Credit and debit cards are accepted in most shops, restaurants and hotels. Some cash is useful for small purchases. There are ATMs across much of the country. Traveller s cheques are not advised. Suggested reading and maps Lonely Planet Iceland 2015 Edward Hancox Iceland, Defrosted 2013 Maps can be obtained in advance from The Mapshop www.themapshop.co.uk Electricity 220V, round 2 pin plugs Group size Maximum group size will be 21, plus local guide/s Time difference Same time as GMT/UTC Climate All our tours depart in the summer months when we hope to have some warm sunny days, although rain can fall at any time. Being close to the Arctic Circle, the weather can be unpredictable and changeable within the course of a day. During the summer months we will have long hours of daylight, up to midnight and longer in high summer. Midges will be present. HF Holidays Ltd, Catalyst House, Centennial Court, Elstree, Borehamwood, WD6 3SY, UK 11