Hiking in Iceland «Walk on Mars lite»

Duration: 9 days
Distance: ~90 km
Start: Reykjavik
Finish: Reykjavik
Accommodation: tent/camping
Effort level: medium

Route

Reykjavik — Nature Reserve Landmannalaugar — Alftavatn lake — Thorsmörk valley — Skogafoss waterfall — Vik town (Atlantic Ocean) — Reykjavik

PROGRAM

Day 1
Our way to Iceland begins with an exacting transfer that is why we stay overnight in Reykjavik. Those who arrive earlier can travel around the city. In the evening we meet in camping and relax after the journey.

Day 2
This day our unforgettable journey starts and we insistently recommend you to have a Golden Circle tour. That is the most popular route, since you can visit Gullfoss cascade waterfall, Thingvellir National Park (place where first in the world parliament was founded) and the biggest geyser in Iceland – Strokkur. Excursion takes the whole day and, for sure, impresses you with new attractions.

Day 3
In the morning we have a transfer to Nature Reserve Landmannalaugar where our hiking begins. We have a walk without backpacks, then return back and spend the rest of the day on hot springs, famous allure of Landmannalaugar. Overnight stop is in camping.

Day 4
Early in the morning we start our walk uphill enjoying Icelandic picturesque sceneries. Iceland is situated between Greenland and Norway, so it is quite close to the Polar Circle. Here summer is quite short and cold that is why weather can be rather gusty and rainy. Our walk finishes on the pass, at the mountain hut. Rest of the day we walk around making photos of harsh and beautiful Icelandic nature.

Day 5
This day we leave Landmannalaugar and continue walking. Dark grey mountains are covered with emerald moss, creating unearthly sceneries, like on Mars. Later we have to pass a river that does not take much time, but this day etches in your memory for sure. Then we stay at the river Alftavatn in camping for overnight stop.

Day 6
Wake up early in the morning and head for Thorsmork National Park, we reach it next day but on our way there we enjoy sceneries of lava fields, several fords and one more camping.
As in previous days hiking takes only first part of the day. We walk along cone-shaped peak that sticks out like a giant powdered with dark-gray volcanic sand and its emerald slopes glare under rare sun rays. In mini hotel we have hot shower and wonderful view on the nearby mountains of Thorsmork National Park. As usual before evening we have a walk in local area.

Day 7
One more National Park that completely differs from the previous one, it has small canyon and relatively rich fauna. Depending on weather we can find blueberries or even mushrooms. In Thorsmork we can see even trees, but these are only dwarf trees.
Staying overnight in camping we enjoy the view of Eyjafjallajokull volcano.

Day 8
That is culminating day of our travel, because we have to climb on a volcano peak. Landscape rapidly changes, at the beginning we see emerald hills that later gradually change into gray snowy horizon, under which real glacier is hidden. In fine weather one can enjoy beautiful view on neighboring valleys, but usually volcano peak is covered with clouds and nothing is seen.
After the pass we start descending to the valley. Overnight stop is at the Skoga River, where we can enjoy beautiful sceneries.

Day 9
That is the day when we reach Atlantic Ocean, but before that we visit Skogafoss waterfall. Its total height is 60 meters that creates extremely colorful scenery for the photos. And of course you can make sure of this. After taking photos we take a bus to Vik town that is situated on the ocean coast.

After walking tour on the black sand cost you will back to Reykjavik at bus. We hope that you like this travel in Iceland. Goodbye for now!

The guide can make changes to a route depending on the weather, physical condition and other factors.