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Iceland: Footsteps of Thor

Natural beauty | Kate Harper

Trekking in the wonderful wilderness of Iceland | Josh Wilson

Natural beauty | Kate Harper

Trekking in the wonderful wilderness of Iceland | Josh Wilson

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Duration

4 days

Activities

guided walk

Accommodation

Meals

4 Dinners
4 Lunches
3 Breakfasts

Price

$2290USD

Overview

Trip Code: ILH

Trip highlights

Experiencing the dramatic landscape and natural beauty of this wild area with glaciers, lava fields, river crossings and mountains
Staying in a rustic mountain hut for 3 nights
Enjoying the camaraderie of your fellow walkers

Þórsmörk is the last part of the famous Laugavegur trail, considered by many, the most beautiful part. Named after the Norse god Thor, Þórsmörk is situated between three glaciers, Eyjafjallajökull, Mýrdalsjökull and Tindfjallajökull. To get there you need to cross several unbridged rivers, only reachable by large 4x4 vehicles. Þórsmörk is regarded as “the hikers paradise” among Icelanders: breath-taking scenery, vast landscapes, and numerous trails to follow, you will immerse yourself in the purest nature Iceland has on offer. In this relatively small area, you will be able to cross rivers, hike mountains, walk by lava fields, contemplate the uniqueness of a glacier, and get amazing views of this unique area. All of this while having fun in a safe way in the company of an expert guide, who will show you the amazing hidden gems these valleys treasure, such as the canyons, craters, and caves that only experienced locals know about. We top off this amazing adventure with a celebratory BBQ on the last night in our Hut!

Trip Grading

moderate

More info about grading system

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Itinerary

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Day 1
Bus from Reykjavik to Thorsmork (Þórsmörk), afternoon hike (3-4hrs)

Meet your guide and group in Reykjavik early this morning (at 6.30am). We start our journey by boarding the highland bus from BSI bus terminal which will drive us all the way to the beautiful glacier valley of Þórsmörk. On the route we will pass by the picturesque villages of Selfoss, Hella and Hvolsvöllur. We’ll get off the bus at Langidalur hut, where we will lodge for the next 3 nights. After lunch our first hike will be crossing the hiking bridge over the Krossá river, visit Tröllakirkja (troll church) a unique rock formation with a small cave underneath and hike either into the beautiful Hvannárgil or up to Mt. Réttarfell. Return to our hut in time to prepare dinner. Hike 5-8 km, active walking time: 3-4 hrs. ascent and descent 400 m Distance: 5-8km/3-5mi, ascent: 400m/1320ft

Meals: L,D

Day 2
Circular walk to view the Fimmvörðuháls volcano (7hrs)

We climb up the hills leading to the pass of Fimmvörðuháls, walking along the Kattarhryggir ridges with views over the impressive mountain of Útigönguhöfði up to Morinsheiði heath. At the end of the Morinsheiði plateau we will 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 will reach the lava field and 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 dinner and night in Langidalur Hut. Distance: 18km/11.25 mi, descent/ascent: 1000m/3300ft

Meals: B,L,D

Day 3
Þórsmörk Tindfjöll Circle walk (4 or 7hrs)

Today we will hike a scenic trail with an extraordinary view over Goðaland, The glaciers and the inner part of Þórsmörk. We will proceed into the Slyppugil valley and towards Tindfjallagil where we will find a unique rock formation with a small cave underneath, called Tröllakirkja (the church of the trolls). We will have the chance of climbing Mt Rjúpnafell and heading down afterwards following the banks of the Krossá river which will bring us back to our hut for a delicious barbeque feast! Distance: 14-16km/8.75-10mi, ascent/descent; 450m/1485ft

Meals: B,L,D

Day 4
Mountain walk in Thórsmörk (3hrs), return to Reykjavik

We spend the morning in Þórsmörk and climb up the small mountain of Valahnúkur and enjoy its breath-taking views over the surrounding landscape. From there we descent to the cave Sönghellir (Song cave) and to Húsadalur. We then head back to Langidalur from where we will board the afternoon bus to Reykjavík. Arrival at Reykjavik BSI bus terminal at 7.30 pm Distance: 5-6km/3-4mi, ascent / descent: 200m/660ft

Meals: B,L,D

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Inclusions

What's included

3 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners. Special diets can be catered for on request (e.g. vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free diet) however a supplement will apply. Please advise us of any special dietary requirements at the time of booking.
3 nights in a mountain hut on a multishare basis (dormitory style, sleeping bag needed)
Experienced English speaking walking guide for 4 days
Cooking gear
Transport from Reykjavik to Þórsmörk and back to Reykjavik

What's not included

Travel to and from your home country to Reykjavik
Transport to and from the meeting point in Reykjavik
Travel insurance - mandatory
Pre & post tour accommodation in Reykjavik
Sleeping bag & hiking poles. Available for hire (must be pre-paid)
Showers at the hut (payable locally)
Special dietary surcharge (vegan, vegetarian, gluten free) - supplement applies
Tips
Items of a personal nature

Accommodation

Expert Guides

Wholesome meals

Mountain Huts

All of the mountain huts are heated and some have hot water. There are bunk rooms with single and twin beds, participants have to be prepared to share a bed with a stranger.

Grading

moderate

The trip involves daily walks of up to 7 hours per day. There are some hills but most are moderate, and a few steep sections which require care. The trails we use are not paved, but paths have naturally formed over time. It can be a bit rocky in parts, but easily accessible to those used to hiking in uneven terrain. Participants will need to cross rivers during the trek. The water levels can change from time to time due to seasonal conditions, your guide will advise on river crossing and help you to cross the river. Trekking poles can come in handy when wading rivers. If for any reason during the trip the guide considers, in his or her sole discretion, that your fitness or mental or physical health is likely to cause danger, distress or annoyance to others, he or she may direct you not to continue and you must follow the guide’s instructions. In this case you will not be entitled to any refund. The accent is on keeping a steady pace to with time to stop and take photos. You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. Weather conditions may be harsh at times and you will need to be comfortable walking in such conditions. We suggest up to one hour of strenuous exercise 3-4 times a week. The total walking distance is up to 86km (53 miles), at altitudes between 150-1100m (490-3600 feet). The maximum ascent is 1000m (3280 feet).

Departure dates

Notes

DN1

Sleeping bag is required for all departures. Hire facility is available.

DN2

The hut is heated with hot water showers in a separate building (500ISK for 5 minutes). Toilets are in an outhouse. Dormitory sleeping arrangements - participants have to be prepared to share a bunk with other travelers from the group

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$2290USD

Options & Supplements*

Hiking pole hireUSD$29
Supplement for vegetarian/vegan/gluten free dietaryUSD$70

*Prices listed are per person

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