Day 1: Reykjavik, Iceland
Arrival in Reykjavik
Welcome to Reykjavik! Today you will check in your accommodation and spend the day exploring the world's northernmost capital, its charming downtown area, a variety of museums and impressive landmarks such as Reykjavik old harbour, Harpa Concert Hall, Solfar sculpture and Hallgrimskirkja church. Overnight in Reykjavik. Optional add-ons: Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, Reykjavik food walk, Whale watching tour, Inside the Volcano tour.
Day 2: Reykjavik, Iceland
The Golden Circle
Today you will experience your once-in-a-lifetime tour or the Golden Circle s three main attractions; Thingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss. This is the most popular day trip where you can also find several options for activities and lesser-visited gems. Thingvellir National park, one of UNESCO S world heritage sites is our first stop, full of geological wonders and national history. The Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet in Thingvellir and you can clearly see the drift that has occurred over the years. Next, we visit the Haukadalur valley geothermal area to see the renowned hot spring Geysir, which gave all other geysers their name. The geothermal area with Strokkur erupts every 8-10 minutes. Gullfoss, the golden waterfall, is the most visited in Iceland and for good reason, the amazing sight of the roaring water rushing into the canyon is an unforgettable vision. Enjoy a relaxing time at the Secret Lagoon, one of the oldest swimming pools in Iceland, naturally heated. Overnight in Reykjavik. Optional add-ons: Snorkelling between the tectonic plates in Silfra or Snowmobiling on Langjokull.
Day 3: Reykjavik - Landmannalaugar - Hrafntinnuskers, Iceland
Transfer to Landmannalaugar and Trek to Hrafntinnusker
Today you will start hiking one of the most famous trails in the world! From the geothermal area of Landmannalaugar to the impressive valley of Thor, this trek through the very remote highlands offers incredible views on glaciers, colourful mountains, hot springs and volcanoes (including the famous Eyjafjallajokull).
Distance: 12km
Walking time: 4-5 hours
Ascent: 470 metres
Meals: L, D
Day 4: Hrafntinnusker - Aftavatn Lake, Iceland
Trek to Alftavatn
The second day of your trek Iceland begins with a nourishing breakfast before we set off hiking once again. The vibrantly coloured Reykjafjoll rhyolite mountains and the Jokultungur area are at the top of the agenda today. Geothermal activity has turned these craggy gullies into burnt, and sometimes vivid yellows and reds over time, these colours contrasting dramatically with the soft pale sand-toned peaks around them. The top of Jokultungur is a marvellous place to enjoy amazing views over the whole Fjallabak (behind the mountain) area and Alftavatn, the lake close to the mountain hut where we will be accommodated for the night. To get there we have to cross a river on foot, this is usually a very exciting experience for overseas hikers who have often never tried this. Then we will relax with a great dinner and enjoy the beautiful vistas which surround us.
Distance: 12km
Walking time: 4-5 hours
Descent: 490 metres
Meals: B, L, D
Day 5: Alftavatn Lake - Emstrur, Iceland
Trek to Emstrur
After a good night's sleep and an energizing breakfast, we are ready to set off again. We begin by wading across another stream as we proceed onto Mælifellssandur and into volcano country. We will pass the Storasula and Hattafell volcanoes on our way to Emstrur. If you are lucky and have good visibility, you will have outstanding views of two very famous volcano mountain glaciers, Mýrdalsjokull and Eyjafjallajokull. These ominous twins have delivered some awesome reminders of the power of nature, Eyjafjallajokull is the volcano whose eruptive power sent ash soaring to 30,000 ft severely disrupting air traffic in 2010, and Mýrdalsjokull shrouds the much-feared and capricious Katla under its ice cap. On our way to Botnar, a green oasis in the midst of a black sand desert area, we will see Markarfljotsgljufur, a stunning 200-metre deep canyon fashioned by a glacial river. Accommodation will be in this area. We enjoy our final evening together with dinner and enjoy the spectacular scenery in the gentle light of the evening.
Distance: 15km
Walking time: 6-7 hours
Descent: 40 metres
Meals: B, L, D
Day 6: Day 6: Emstrur - Thorsmork - Reykjavik, Iceland
Trek to Þorsmork and Transfer to Reykjavik
After our final breakfast together at the mountain hut, we leave the Emstrur area and continue along the trail to Þorsmork. As we go through the Almenningar, a picturesque gorge by Mount Einhyrningur (the Unicorn Mountain), we will still have a great view of the glaciers as we advance towards Þorsmork. As we get closer the landscape and nature will change, a few trees begin to appear here and there, setting the tone for the characteristic dense birch forest for which Þorsmork is famous. You can now celebrate your completion of the world-famous Laugavegur Trail! One final highlight, on the way back to Reykjavik you will get a glimpse of the elegant waterfall, Seljalandsfoss!
Distance: 15km
Walking time: 6-7 hours
Descent: 300 metres
Meals: B, L
Day 7: Reykjavik, Iceland
Check-out
It's time to say goodbye! Take a bus transfer to get to the airport. You can make an optional stop at the Blue Lagoon. Hope to see you soon!