6-Day Laugavegur & Fimmvorduhals Trek in Huts Multi-day tour

Description

By combining two of Iceland’s best-known trekking trails, you get an unbelievable seven-day trek through incredibly diverse landscapes. From the famous geothermal area of Landmannalaugar to the volcanic landscapes of Fimmvörðuháls. This path takes us through it all; over multi-coloured hills and black sands deserts, alongside small gullies and great canyons, through verdurous valleys, between glamorous glaciers, and past wonderful waterfalls. This is a memorable hike littered with contrasts giving you a chance to absorb the true spirit of this remarkable country. Accommodations will be provided in comfortable mountain huts and all luggage will be transferred along the trail except for the last night where we carry a light backpack to a hut hardly accessible by vehicles. 

Trekking: 6 days
Walking per day: 4-7 hours
Total walking distance: 78 km. (48 miles)
Altitude: 200-1100 m. (650-3600 feet)
Maximum Ascent: 900 m. (3000 feet)

Day 1:  REYKJAVÍK - LANDMANNALAUGAR - HRAFNTINNUSKER

We take the regular public bus from BSI bus terminal, that during the summer months drives the mountain tracks that lead to Landmannalaugar, passing by the Hekla volcano and other volcanoes in the Dómadalur area. Arriving in Landmannalaugar at noon, we have a lunch and then head south into the mountains. The trail takes us past small gorges, steaming hot springs and yellow mountain ridges. We will arrive in the late afternoon at Hrafntinnusker mountain hut, where we will stay the night.

Day 2: HRAFNTINNUSKER - ÁLFTAVATN

From Hrafntinnusker we descend down in the gullies of Jökultungur with hundreds of steaming hot springs and mud pools. Fascinating views to the south to the Álftavatn area (Swan Lake), and the Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull glaciers. In the afternoon we arrive at Álftavatn hut where we stay the night.

Day 3: ÁLFTAVATN - EMSTRUR

We pass at the foot of the green conic volcano of Stórasúla before entering the black deserts of Mælifellssandur. Heading towards another ancient and verdurous volcano, the Hattfell, we enter the Emstrur region where farmers used to graze their sheep in summer. Before arriving at the Botnar hut where we stay the night, we visit the magnificent Markarfljót canyon cut almost 200 m down into the rocks south of Hattfell.

Day 4: EMSTRUR - ÞÓRSMÖRK

We continue up and down through the small valleys and gullies of Emstrur, where the great Mýrdalsjökull glacier rises only a couple of kilometers away. At the end of the day, the vegetation starts to grow thicker and higher as we descend into Þórsmörk’s (the woods of Thor) green valleys filled with arctic birch forests and colorful flowers. We cross the river Krossá on a footbridge entering the magic landscapes of Goðaland, the abode of the Gods. Nesting at the foot of two glaciers this is a wonderland of ridges and cliffs covered by a multitude of flowers and grasses, certainly fit for gods and humans alike. Even the elves have made themselves at home here. We spend the night in the Básar hut.

Day 5: ÞÓRSMÖRK - FIMMVÖRÐUHÁLS

We climb up the hills leading to the pass of Fimmvörðuháls, walking along the Kattarhryggir ridges with views to the impressive mountain of Útigönguhöfði up to Morinsheiði heath. At the end of the Morinsheiði plateau we enjoy the view of the lava stream that flowed down from the Fimmvörðuháls volcano in March and early April 2010. As we gain height above Morinsheiði we come to the lava and then to the two craters Magni and Móði that erupted prior to the main Eyjafjallajökull crater. We head back to Þórsmörk with the magnificent view over the glaciers and this beautiful valley for our celebration barbeque dinner and night in Básar Hut.

Day 6: ÞÓRSMÖRK VALLEY

We spend the last day in Þórsmörk,  the hiker’s paradise, where we have an abundance of choices between various paths. For example, we can visit the Sönghellir cave (“Song cave”), climb up the small mountain of Valahnúkur from where the magnificent views can be enjoyed, or hike into the beautifully carved canyon Stakkholtsgjá. This oasis between the mountains is also an ideal place to relax and just enjoy nature. Return to Reykjavik in the afternoon.

What´s Included

• Guide for 6 days
• Public transportation to and from Reykjavík
• Food for 6 days (from lunch day 1 to lunch day 6)
• Accommodation in mountain huts, dormitory style
• Luggage transport

What to bring

For your own wellbeing and safety we strongly suggest following the advice of our equipment list, this includes having good quality rain-gear, tops and bottoms! Also respect that cotton clothing is not appropriate for any strenuous outdoor activity – this includes jeans and t-shirts. Modern outdoor clothing is by far more comfortable and will greatly improve your experience. 

Boots and Clothing:

• Sturdy Hiking Boots – waterproof with good ankle support.
• Long sleeve shirt (thermal underwear) – Wool or synthetic. 
• T-shirt (thermal underwear) – Wool or synthetic. 
• Light wool or fleece sweater (2nd layer).
• Trousers – Strong and light material that dries quickly e.g. soft-shell.
• Jacket with a good hood – windproof, waterproof and breathable. 
• Rain trousers – windproof, waterproof and breathable. Please note that full raingear is mandatory in Iceland. 
• Gloves
• Socks – Wool or synthetic. Two or three pairs. 
• Warm hat. 

Other gear:

• A duffel bag for the transport of your overnight gear between huts. Please avoid bringing a suitcase! (not necessary for IMG35-Þórsmörk-Skógar).
• Backpack for extra clothes and food during the day. 25 – 40L (1500 – 2500 cu in)  (For IMG35- Þórsmörk- Skógar 30-45L (1850-2750 cu in)
• River shoes – Walking sandals or old running shoes with a good grip are a good choice, along with a pair of warm socks or neoprene socks. Open sandals or flip-flops will not do the job. (not necessary for IMG35-Þórsmörk-Skógar).
• Light Sleeping bag. (For IMG35 Þórsmörk-Skógar only: only sleeping bag liner is needed as a basic sleeping bag is stored in the huts so you will not need ot carry a sleeping bag).
• Towel – light weight and packable. 
• Sunglasses & sun protection. 
• Water container – thermos flask or water bottle 0,5 – 1L. 
• Headlamp for reading and getting around the hut. 
• Casual clothes / change of clothes for wearing in the hut.
• Personal first aid kit – including blister care. 
• Prescription medication and other personal health items.
• Toiletries; Toothbrush, toothpaste etc. 

Optional gear:

• Walking pole(s).
• Gaiters
• Neoprene socks – highly recommended for river crossings. 
• Pen knife. 
• Earplugs
• Sun/rain Hat or a Cap. Shorts
• Thermal mat (for lunch breaks). 
• Puffy jacket (e.g. Primaloft or down) 
• Camera, spare batteries.
• Dry-bags for electronics and extra clothing. 
• Slippers for indoor use. 
• Aperitif or other heart-warming spirits.

Should you have any questions regarding this equipment list or the equipment on our tours feel free to contact incoming@mountainguides.is.

Further reading on Trekking equipment.

Additional information

Please note that group assistance with meal preparation and cleaning up after meals in the huts is appreciated, and also is a fun way for the group to bond whilst on tour.