Volcanic Trails 2 & 3: Trek of the Trolls
Combine the second and third part of the Volcanic Trails trek for a 7 day trekking tour. Travel along the wonderful Strútur trail from Hólaskjól to Hvanngil and exploring the back roads of the Fjallabak region to Landmannalaugar:
Total distance: 88-96 kilometers (55-59 miles)
Altitude: 400-900 meters (1300-3000 feet)
Maximum ascent: 400 m (1300 feet)
Day 1: Reykjavík - Landmannalaugar - Eldgjá - Hólaskjól
You will meet a representative of Icelandic Mountain Guides at BSI central bus station. You will then take a bus heading to Landmannalaugar. You will stop in Landmannalaugar for 2.5 hours. During your stop, you have a chance to look around and admire the beauty of the place or dip into the natural pool on the premises. You get back on the bus leaving Landmannalaugar in the afternoon for Skaftafell, getting off at Hólaskjól after approximately 3 hours' drive with a stop at the canyon Eldgjá. At Hólaskjól, you meet your guide and join the ongoing Volcanic Trails trek. Night in a comfortable hut, WC, and showers available.
Day 2: Hólaskjól – Álftavötn
After breakfast, we head out to the lakes of Álftavötn following the river Syðri Ófæra through green hills. At Álftavötn, we find a traditional hut where we spend the night. The tranquility of this magical place is amazing, and this is really a great spot to recharge.
Rustic hut, outhouse, no showers
Distance: 7-10 km
Ascent/descent: 150 m
Walking time: 5-6 hrs
Day 3: Álftavötn - Strútur
Today we continue along the river Syðri Ófæra, crossing once again the Canyon of Fire, Eldgjá. The landscape changes from green meadows to black sands with bright green streaks of moss. Along the way, we come to the natural pool Strútslaug, right after fording the river Hólmsá. After warming up and relaxing in the pool, we conclude the day's march walking to the hut at Strútur where we spend the night.
Comfortable hut, WC, and showers available.
Distance: 24 km
Ascent/descent: 300 m
Walking time: 6-8 hrs
Day 4: Strútur - Hvanngil
Leaving the comfortable hut, we set out for the day's trek along the Mýrdalssandur, the black volcanic sand plain. We need to cross some of the rivers and better have our river crossing shoes ready. The mystical landscape of Hvanngil valley greets us, and we are yet amazed at the wonders of the Icelandic landscape.
Comfortable hut, WC, and showers available.
Distance: 14-18 km
Ascent/descent: 150 m
Walking time: 5-6 hrs
Day 5: Hvanngil - Álftavatn
After breakfast, we get ready for the day's hike exploring the side trails of the Laugavegur hiking trail. We proceed along the river Kaldaklofskvísl to lake Álftavatn (Swan Lake). After finishing the second part of the trek, we have time to explore the area around the lake before settling in for the night.
Comfortable hut, WC, and showers available.
Distance: 4.5-6 km
Ascent/descent: 300 m
Walking time: 5-6 hrs
Day 6: Álftavatn – Dalakofinn
The day's walk takes us west along the backroads of Fjallabak into the bright hills of Ljósártungur. We will be crossing several streams and rivers today as the water drains down from the highlands. Towards the end of the day, we cross the Markarfljót river, arriving at the Dalakofinn hut for the night.
Comfortable hut, WC but no showers.
Distance: 18 km
Ascent/descent: 300 m
Walking time: 6-8 hrs
Day 7: Dalakofinn – Landmannalaugar - Reykjavík
Today we cross over to the highland oasis of Landmannalaugar. We pass the impressive obsidian lava field of Hrafntinnuhraun and climb up to the geothermal area of Dalamál before descending into the dramatic Vondugil canyons. Arriving at Landmannalaugar, you can relax, take a bath in the warm natural pool, and explore the area before taking a late bus back to Reykjavík.
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