The Backroad to Landmannalaugar takes you up into the hills of the Fjallabak region and to the highland oasis Landmannalaugar
The Backroad of Landmannalaugar takes you up into the hills of the Fjallabak region and to the highland oasis Landmannalaugar. Crossing from the green mountains reflected in the “Swan lake” we now hit the brightly colored hills of Ljósártungur, passing by a big “table mountain” into areas of fuming hot springs and boiling mud pools. The trek continues along thick obsidian lava fields entering a more active geothermal area of even more hot springs, arriving into the extremely bright colors of Landmannalaugar, one of the best known part of the Icelandic highlands. Bright hills and gullies characterize this part of the trek and geothermal activity is predominant.
D1: Reykjavík - Álftavatn
Meeting point at 7:15 at BSÍ bus terminal in Reykjavík. You start the journey with a bus ride headed for lake Álftavatn “Swan lake”. On arrival you meet your guide and join the ongoing Volcanic Trails. You will have time to explore the area around the lake with your group before settling in for the night. Comfortable hut, WC and showers available.
Distance: 3 -5 km Ascent/descent: 150 m Walking time: 2 – 3 hrs
D2: Álftavatn – Dalakofinn
After breakfast we get ready for the day´s walk west into the bright hills of Ljósártungur. The trail leads through ochre colored gullies with steam clouds rising from the numerous hot springs in the area. We will be crossing several streams and rivers today as the water drains down from the highlands. To the south the table mountain Laufafell dominates the scene, clearly distinct from the soft rhyolite hills. 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
D3: Dalakofinn – Landmannalaugar - Reykjavík
Today we cross over to the highland oasis of Landmannalaugar walking through the spectacular landscapes of the Reykjadalur valley. We pass the impressive Hrafntinnuhraun lavafield, coarse and rugged obsidian lava, climbing up to the geothermal area of Dalamót before descending into the dramatic Vondugil canyons with the impressive peak Suðurnámur to the north and the Brennisteinsalda peak to the south. The last part of the day´s trek leads through the Laugahraun lavafield before arriving in Landmannalaugar, where we take a late bus back to Reykjavík
Distance: 18 km Ascent/descent: 400 m Walking time: 7 – 9 hrs
Guide during the trek, food for 3 days (from lunch on day 1 to lunch on day 3)
Sleeping bag accommodation in mountain huts
Bus from Reykjavík to Álftavatn and from Landmannalaugar to Reykjavík
Cooking gear
Transfer of luggage
Boots and Clothing:
Other gear:
Optional gear:
Please note that we need a minimum of 6 passengers to be able to confirm the departure.
. You start the journey with a bus ride headed for lake Álftavatn “Swan lake”. On arrival you meet your guide and join the ongoing Volcanic Trails.
Today's hike takes you west into the bright hills of Ljósártungur. The trail leads through ochre colored gullies with steam clouds rising from the numerous hot springs in the area. We will be crossing several streams and rivers today as the water drains down from the highlands. To the south the table mountain Laufafell dominates the scene, clearly distinct from the soft rhyolite hills. Towards the end of the day we cross the Markarfljót river arriving at the Dalakofinn hut for the night.
Today we cross over to the highland oasis of Landmannalaugar walking through the spectacular landscapes of the Reykjadalur valley. We pass the impressive Hrafntinnuhraun lavafield, coarse and rugged obsidian lava, climbing up to the geothermal area of Dalamót before descending into the dramatic Vondugil canyons with the impressive peak Suðurnámur to the north and the Brennisteinsalda peak to the south. The last part of the day´s trek leads through the Laugahraun lavafield before arriving in Landmannalaugar, where we take a late bus back to Reykjavík