next departure:
Included in the price
- Return flights Brussels - Reykjavik (Icelandair)
- All local transfers (6u 4x4 superjeep transport, bus transport, 2x private airport transfer in Reykjavik)
- all overnights and food in full board (incl. 3 overnights in Reykjavik); with the exception of part of the snacks during the trek which have to be purchased in advance (25-40€ budget)
- expedition gear (tents, stoves), satellite phone, emergency beacon
- airport taxes, VAT, administrative costs
- guiding by an Into the Arctic guide
- pre-trip meeting in the Into the Arctic base camp
.
Not included
- Optional excursion by rental car on day 12
- Possible entry fees on day 12
- Some of the snacks must be purchased in advance to your own taste (count on 25-40€)
- Travel insurance
highlights:
- – Expedition trek in a small group, though world-class volcanic wilderness
- – Superjeep drop near Vatnajoküll ice sheet
- – Unique, varied trek through volcanic landscapes
- – Far away from tourism - mostly off-track route
- – Two hot springs along the way
We present this expedition during our info sessions.
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Iceland. A desolate outpost in the North Atlantic, shaped by intense volcanic activity and the scouring of huge glaciers during the Last Glacial Maximum. In this barren but surprisingly colourful world, hot springs and hissing fumaroles with an intense sulfur smell remind us of the paper-thin crust of the earth. In terms of geology, this is the youngest country in the world.
In recent decades Iceland has become a popular holiday destination - and the famous Laugavegur trail is now one of Europe's most popular multi-day hikes. We will venture far from these crowds, and embark on our own expedition through some of the least developed volcanic areas of the country. This expedition was first explored by Into the Arctic in 2020.
We get dropped at the edge of the Vatnajökull Ice Sheet after an intense, six-hour transfer from Reykjavik by 4x4 jeep. During the first days of our trek, we tread across a hilly landscape of volcanic ash - the remnants of the Laki volcano eruption which killed a quarter of the Icelandic population in 1783 . From the tops of these hills, the views across the immense braided rivers draining from the ice sheet are astounding.
The landscape gradually transforms and becomes greener and more inviting as we progress west until we eventually cross into the colourful volcanic wilderness of Fjallabak National Park. In favourable conditions, we choose a daring high route that offers endless views over almost half of Iceland. Once inside the National Park, we crisscross through chaotic rhyolite mountains, with a few more technical sections and intense river fords.
Just over half-way through the trek, we spend half a day at a little-known hot spring in the wilderness; and make an off-track day trip over beautiful ridgelines and through the geothermally most active part of Fjallabak National Park (this day also serves as a spare day in case we are delayed due to bad weather).
Finally, a fantastic route over the crest of sharp ridges (strong fear of heights is not recommended) takes us to Landmannalaugar - a beautiful but busy connecting point with civilisation. We enjoy the end of our trek here in more hot springs.
This trip is mostly off-track. We will meet just a handful of other hikers during the trek. On the way, we have to ford rivers, and climb mountain tops which hardly ever see other visitors. We will often do so at sunset from our camp. During the superjeep transfer we will strategically drop off a "food cache", which we will pick up halfway through the trek. This means will never carry more than 5 days of food in our backpacks.
We finish the trip with a day off in the cozy city centre of Reykjavik. Optionally we can explore the "Golden Circle", route by car, renown for its geysers and waterfalls. The world-famous "Blue Lagoon" spa is also just a stone's throw away.
