Trek Iceland for Hampstead and London 2021
Iceland
Description
12 – 17 September 2021
Journey across the land of ice and fire; Iceland is renowned for towering volcanoes, enchanting hot springs, epic lava flows and glittering ice-cold waterfalls. Camping each night in the incomparable Icelandic wilderness, get ready for a truly authentic adventure.
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart UK for Iceland
We fly from London to Keflavik airport where we will be met by our guides. From the airport we head to the beautiful Southern Highlands, approximately three hours away. En route we’ll enjoy the views of Hekla, Iceland’s most famous volcano, home of glistening glaciers, active geysers, hot springs and waterfalls.
We’ll arrive at our campsite in Landmannalaugar and enjoy a welcome dinner.
Day 2
Landmannalaugar – Hrafntinnusker
12km
On day two, we’ll enjoy an exciting first day of hiking as we climb through the rhyolite and cross lava and snow fields. Near the highest point we’ll pass Stórihiver, a large hot spring, before walking through fields of glistening black obsidian rock with spectacular views back across Hrafntinnusker. We’ll make camp in the evening light, pitched up at the highest point along the route.
Day 3
Hrafntinnusker to Álftavatn
12km
After a meandering downhill descent over scree we’ll cross a river to make our way to Álftavatn, a huge volcanic lake, where we’ll stay the night. If we’re still feeling energetic by then, we can swim in the lake while we take in the magnificent scenery!
Day 4
Álftavatn to Emstrur
14km
As we leave the rhyolite, we’ll enter an area with fast-running glacial streams and deep gorges, wading briefly through ice-cold streams to get a true feel of Icelandic geography! After lunch we’ll descend down to Hvanngil and trek across wind-swept and rolling plains to Emstrur, where we’ll stay for the night.
Day 5
Emstrur to Reykjavik via Thorsmörk
15km
Day five begins with a river-crossing using ropes on a footbridge, before descending a long steep path into the main valley of Thorsmörk. For the final leg of the trek we’ll pass through some truly unforgettable scenery, surrounded on all sides by gigantic glaciers and raging rivers. We’ll then be transferring back to Reykjavik to the Guesthouse Aurora to celebrate our incredible journey with a traditional Icelandic meal and a well-earned rest.
Day 6
Reykjavik – London
We’ll spend our last morning in Iceland exploring the world’s most northerly capital, strolling around the city soaking up the culture first hand. Alternatively, those who wish to can visit the nearby Blue Lagoon, famous for being Iceland’s most popular pool of pure, mineral-rich, geothermal seawater, nestled amongst fields of lava. We’ll also get the opportunity to taste Iceland’s renowned seafood cuisine. In the afternoon, we’ll head to the airport for our flight back to London.
Please be aware that the itinerary may be subject to change.