Iceland - A Geothermal Wonderwalk
10 days, Guided Group, Fixed Departure
This unique Walks Worldwide trek is quite simply one of the most outstanding treks Iceland has to offer - nowhere in the world are you able to find a week-long trek offering such variation. Iceland is justifiably renowned for its dramatic spectacle of volcanic scenery, green valleys and ice-blue glaciers.The striking contrasting scenery and close proximity to the UK has made this astonishing island extremely popular with walkers. Our trek takes you away from the busier routes to one of the more isolated areas. Beginning from the cosmopolitan city of Reykjavik, you will journey to the valley of Landmannalaugar and the third biggest geothermal zone in the world. Here you will embark on a hut to hut trek through a kingdom of multiple craters filled with reflective lakes, great canyons and looming volcanoes, following the route of the mighty Skafta River.
The uniqueness of the black sand and moss- covered 'desert' is a sight leaving an unforgettable impression. Continue past the beautiful Swan Lake Valley and the black mountains of Svartahnuksfjoll to the towering walls of Iceland's fourth biggest glacier, the Mylrdalsjokull. You will be surrounded by green conical peaks, burnt lava plains and Ice Age mountains with the blue-white glacier providing a distinct contrast in the background.
Enjoy wonderful hiking past waterfalls and steaming hot springs, climbing up lone craters and down enormous fissures and traversing rivers, which meander between lush mountains and through remote canyons. You will be able to experience all this amazing walking with full vehicle support, staying in simple huts, enjoying the dazzling display of brilliant colours the flowers and landscapes this startling island reveal.
- Day 1. Outbound
- Depart for the short journey to Iceland and transfer to your guesthouse in the bustling and vibrant city of Reykjavik.
- Days 2 to 4. Craters and Canyons
- Transfer to Sveinstindur Mountain from where the views to the Vatnajokull Glacier and Langisjor Lake are interspersed with craters and lakes in various extraordinary forms, introducing you to all the colours and contrasts this land has to offer. Ascend the hills to the enormous volcanic fissure of Eldgja, decorated by the waterfall of Ofaerufoss. Pass the Swan Lake area, crossing the Syori Ofaera River on a natural lava bridge to spend the night in a traditional hut by a lake created by the lava stream of 940AD.
- Days 5 to 7. White Glacier and Black Mountains
- Following the river past steaming springs and a background of immense black mountains, you cross the sand plains of the Maelifellssandur 'desert' bringing you to the green and ancient cones of Stora Sula and Hattfell Mountains. There are incredible views of the glacier- covered Eyjafjallajokull Volcano (1664 metres) and the Mylrdalsjokull Glacier - the ultimate spot to showcase this vast and expansive land sculpted by water and carved by glaciers crunching their way through the basalt, demonstrating the timeless battle between the elements.
- Days 8 to 10. Greener Pastures and Homeward
- Turning south the landscape turns hilly, the vegetation grows thicker and you find yourself surrounded by picturesque birch forests and flowers in the Woods of Thor, one of the most beautiful valleys in Iceland. Looking back you can enjoy magnificent views towards the great glaciers and mountains and witness the distinctive contrast between the burnt lava deserts and fertile green valleys. Take the road back to Reykjavik with time to enjoy the sights and sounds of civilisation before returning to the UK the next day.
- Tour grade: C.
- Cost per person: £2,195.
- Single supplement: £120.
- CO2 offset cost: £3.12.
- What is included: Flights, accommodation, most meals, transfers, baggage transfers, English speaking guide.
- Accommodation: Guesthouses, mountain huts.
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Departure date:
Thursday, 31 July 2008.