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Take a Walk on the Ice Side
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Hiking & trekking in Iceland & Greenland since 1994
Call us: +354 587 9999
The Complete Volcanic Trek
The Laugavegur with a Backpack
Laugavegur - Light and Fast
The Ultimate Iceland - Greenland Trek
Hiking at the End of the World
In the Shadow of Vatnajökull
Trails of the East
The Wilderness of Glaciers
The Complete East Iceland Trek
Explorer’s Peak to the Canyon of Fire
The Wilderness of Strútur Trail
The Backroad to Landmannalaugar
Trek of the Trolls
The Complete Volcanic Trek
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Volcanic Trails 1, 2 & 3: Complete Volcanic Trek - IMG386
Get a head start on planning your summer adventure in Iceland by taking advantage of our selected multi-day tour special offers. Until January 10th, 2017 you will be able to save up to 35.000 ISK (appr. 300 USD or 295 Euros).
If you book before January 10th, you will also be in the draw of an Icelandic Mountain Guides day tour from Reykjavik. For every 20 bookings we will draw one winner, which gives you a good chance of winning.
The prize/day tour cannot be exchanged for cash and has to be used with 3 years from January 10th 2017. The winner will be contacted directly and announced on mountainguides.is at the latest on January 20th 2017.
We reserve the right to cancel or amend the competition and these terms and conditions without notice in any event outside of our control.
Tour type: Trekking tour from hut to hut
Adult: 345.000ISK GBP USD DKR EUR
What's included: Guide, food for 10 days, transportation, mountain hut fees, cooking gear and transfer of luggage
Meeting point: The tour starts and ends at the BSI bus terminal. Pick up and drop off at your hotel or guesthouse in Reykjavík can be added
Group size: 5 - 14
Language: English, German and French
Walking per day: 3- 9 hours
Highlights of the Tour
The magical lake of Langisjór
Bathe in the Strútslaug hot spring
Enjoy a day in Landmannalaugar
The Volcanic Trails is a trekking tour combining three distinct sections. The trail takes you through volcanic landscape which is one of the most various and complete to be found in the entire world.  Each day varies from the one before and brings different colors and landscapes. You will see everything from volcanoes and glaciers, black lava covered with the unreal bright green moss, to colorful rhyolite mountains and geothermal hot springs. With these three separate sections you can enjoy the flexibility of choosing only one part of the trail, combine two of the three legs, or hike the entire Volcanic Trails all the way from Sveinstindur “Explorer´s Peak” to Landmannalaugar.
The complete Volcanic Trails - combo of all three parts
For an extraordinary trekking tour through on of Iceland’s most amazing areas you can combine all the parts of the Volcanic Trails tour. This tour will take you to some of the key places of the southern highlands, on some of the countrys most beautiful trails. From the peak of Sveinstindur by lake Langisjór, you follow the Eldgjá volcanic fissure along the Álftavatn, where you take the backroads to Landmannalaugar. An amazing trek through one of Iceland’s greatest volcanic regions.
As environmental stewards in Iceland, we take a proactive approach to preserve the trail and the surrounding nature by allocating 1% of the tour price for each passenger to our Environmental Fund. With us, you get to experience this amazing trail and minimize your environmental impact.
Total distance: 130 kilometers (80 miles)
Altitude: 400-1050 meters (1300-3450 feet)
Maximum ascent: 450 m (1480 feet)
Minimum age: 16 years
Included in price: Guide during the trek, food for 10 days (from lunch day 1 to lunch day 10), accommodation in sleeping bag in mountain huts for 9 nights, bus from Reykjavík to Sveinstindur and from Landmannalaugar to Reykjavík, cooking gear and transfer of luggage.
Pick up from hotel or guesthouse in Reykjavik can be added for 5.000 ISK per person
D1: Reykjavík – Sveinstindur, The Explorer’s Peak
Meeting time is 7:15 at BSI central bus terminal at Vatnsmýrarvegur 10. Our transport takes us along highland tracks to Mt Sveinstindur, by lake Langisjór one of Iceland’s most beautiful lakes.  After climbing the peak for some amazing views over the mountains and up to Vatnajökull glacier we descent to a traditional hut on the other side.
Rustic hut, outhouse and no showers.
Distance: 6 km                       Ascent/descent: 480 m
D2: Sveinstindur - Skaftá - Skælingar
Following the river Skaftá, with rapids and waterfalls the trail leads to the small and impressive canyon of Hvanngil. The landscape is truly volcanic, black lava, green moss, and different rock formations. At the end of the day you arrive in the magical Skælingar area, an ancient lava forest close to the riverbed of Skaftá.
Rustic hut, outhouse and no showers
Distance: 16-18 km         Ascent/descent: 250 m        Walking time: 6 – 8 hrs
D3: Skælingar - Gjátindur - Eldgjá - Hólaskjól
After packing up we start the day´s hike leading to the Canyon of Fire - Eldgjá. A slow descent into the canyon and we have time to enjoy this remarkable place and its many wonders before concluding the day with a hike to huts at nearby Hólaskjól where we spend the night after having completed the first section of the Volcanic Trails.
Comfortable hut, WC and showers available
Distance: 18 km   Ascent/descent: 350 m              Walking time: 6 – 8 hrs
D4: Hólaskjól - Áftavötn
We head out on the second part of the trail heading to the lakes of Álftavötn. Hiking through green hills we follow the river Syðri Ófæra. 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
D5: 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
D6: 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
D7: 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: 4-6 km    Ascent/descent: 300 m        Walking time: 5 - 6 hrs
D8: 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
D9: Dalakofinn - Landmannalaugar
Today we cross over to the highland oasis of Landmannalaugar. We pass the impressive obsidian lavafield of Hrafntinnuhraun, and climb up to the geothermal area of Dalamót before descending into the dramatic Vondugil canyons. Arriving at Landmannalaugar you can take a relaxing soak in a natural pool.
Comfortable hut, WC and showers available
Distance: 18 km         Ascent/descent: 400 m        Walking time: 7 - 9 hrs
D10: Landmannalaugar - Reykjavík
We have time to explore the immediate surroundings of the hut, such as the peaks Bláhnúkur and Brennisteinsalda before getting onto the bus for Reykjavík in the afternoon.. Arrival in Reykjavík Bus Terminal at 19.20 where the tour ends.
Distance: 5 – 6 km     Ascent/descent: 400 m        Walking time: 2 - 4 hrs
For your own wellbeing and safety we strongly suggest following the advice of our equipment list, this includes having good quality rain-gear, tops and bottoms! Also respect that cotton clothing is not appropriate for any strenuous outdoor activity – this includes jeans and t-shirts. Modern outdoor clothing is by far more comfortable and will greatly improve your experience.
Further reading on Trekking equipment.
Sturdy Hiking Boots – waterproof with good ankle support.
Long sleeve shirt (thermal underwear) – Wool or synthetic.
T-shirt (thermal underwear) – Wool or synthetic.
Light wool or fleece sweater (2nd layer).
Trousers – Strong and light material that dries quickly e.g. soft-shell.
Jacket with a good hood – windproof, waterproof and breathable.
Rain trousers – windproof, waterproof and breathable. Please note that full raingear is mandatory in Iceland.
Socks – Wool or synthetic. Two or three pairs.
A duffel bag for the transport of your overnight gear between huts. Please avoid bringing a suitcase!
Backpack for extra clothes and food during the day. 25 – 40L (1500 – 2500 cu in)
River shoes – Walking sandals or old running shoes with a good grip are a good choice, along with a pair of warm socks or neoprene socks. Open sandals or flip-flops will not do the job.
Towel – light weight and packable.
Sunglasses & sun protection.
Water container – thermos flask or water bottle 0,5 – 1L.
Headlamp for reading and getting around the hut.
Casual clothes / change of clothes for wearing in the hut.
Personal first aid kit – including blister care.
Prescription medication and other personal health items.
Toiletries; Toothbrush, toothpaste etc.
Neoprene socks – highly recommended for river crossings.
Sun/rain Hat or a Cap. Shorts
Thermal mat (for lunch breaks).
Puffy jacket (e.g. Primaloft or down)
Dry-bags for electronics and extra clothing.
Slippers for indoor use.
Aperitif or other heart-warming spirits.
Should you have any questions regarding this equipment list or the equipment on our tours feel free to contact incoming@mountainguides.is.
The Volcanic Trail 1, 2 & 3: IMG386 The Complete Trek
What type of sleeping bag do I need for this trek? What temperature rating do I need?
A basic sleeping bag with no specific temperature rating is sufficient for this trek since all the huts are heated.
Is it possible to rent a sleeping bag for the tour?
Yes, it is possible. The price for renting one sleeping bag for the entire trip IMG386 The Complete Trek is 9.000 ISK
Please contact us at incoming@mountainguides.is if you wish to rent a sleeping bag.
What are the sleeping arrangements like in the huts?
The rooms have bunks and twin beds. Passengers have to be prepared to share a bunk with other travellers from the group. Some huts also have a continuous line of beds.
Is it possible to take a shower in the huts?
Yes, it is possible in Hólaskjól day 3, Strútur day 5, Hvanngil day 4, Álftavatn day 7 and in Landmannalaugar day 9. It costs 500 ISK pr. shower and you can only pay cash.
Is it possible to charge batteries and phones in the huts?
- Yes, It is possible to charge batteries and phones in Hólaskjól day 3, Strútur day 5, Álftavatn day 7 and in Landmannalaugar day 9. This also costs 500 ISK pr. battery charge. Again, you can only pay cash.
Do the huts have running water?
Yes, all the huts have running water.
Can Icelandic Mountain Guides accommodate dietary requirements due to allergy or religious reasons?
Yes, we can accommodate such requirements. We can also accommodate vegetarian dietary requirements.
Gluten free and Vegan diet will cost a little extra – 1.500 ISK pr. day.
Meeting point and time
Meeting time is at 7:15 at BSI central bus terminal at Vatnsmýrarvegur 10.
A representative from Icelandic Mountain Guides will be inside the terminal standing next to a sign that says „Meeting Point“. Please approach the representative and let him know you have arrived.
Meeting time is at 7:15 am.
We offer the service of picking passengers up from their accommodation in the greater Reykjavík area and driving them to the meeting point –  BSI central bus terminal.
If you have arranged a pick up through our company, you will be picked up from your accommodation between 6:50 and 7:10 am.
How much luggage do we carry during the hikes?
All of your larger luggage is transported for you between huts by the support vehicle. During the trek we will have a luggage transport vehicle in the area that comes and picks up the luggage and takes it from one hut to the other. Please note that sometimes we might have to leave our luggage at a hut, where it will be kept under a tarp for a few hours until the transport arrives and moves it to the next hut. So, we recommend that you bring your luggage in a waterproof duffelbag and with a padlock.
You have to carry your daypack which needs to contain some extra clothes, (e.g. rain coat, rain trousers, extra socks, gloves, hat etc.), water bottle, food for the day and river crossing shoes (not on day 1 though).
Participants will need to cross rivers on the trail. The water level in the rivers changes from time to time due to seasonal conditions. In some cases we will be able to step from stone to stone to get to the other side. In other cases we will need to take our shoes and socks off, put on river crossing shoes and wade the rivers. Your guide will provide you with advice on river crossing as welll as help you to cross the river. Trekking poles might come in handy when wading rivers as well as crossing with a partner.
River crossing shoes – what type?
The most important thing when choosing shoes for crossing the rivers is to have shoes with good grip since the bottom of the rivers can be very slippery and/or rocky.
We recommend passengers to bring either an old pair of sneakers or a pair of sturdy sandals for crossing the rivers. The sneakers don’t dry easily though and can be a heavy addition to your backpack.
Note: The rivers can be very cold so bring warm socks such as neoprene socks.
Is it possible to take a bath in the hot spring in Landmannalaugar on the way back to Reykjavík ?
Yes, it is possible and ideal when stopping in Landmannalaugar for 2,5 hours during the bus ride on the last day back to Reykjavík
What is included and what is not included in the price?
Included: Guide, food, transportation to and from Reykjavík, mountain hut fees, cooking gear and transfer of luggage.
Not included: International flights to and from Iceland, transportation between Keflavík airport and Reykjavík, accommodation in Reykjavík before and after the trek, transportation to and from meeting point (BSI Bus terminal), sleeping bag.
You can read all about our cancellation policy on our website here.
Do you require a full payment at the time of booking?
Yes, we do. It is not possible to pay a deposit or confirmation fee.
Do passengers assist with preparing breakfast and dinner during the trek?
This is by no means necessary but guides always welcome assistance with breakfast and dinner from passengers.
Is it possible to leave extra luggage somewhere back in Reykjavík while on the trip?
If you are staying at the same hotel / guesthouse before and after the trek then you can leave your extra luggage there for no extra charge.
The BSI Bus terminal can also store your bags for 1.000 ISK pr. bag pr. day.
Do all departures have an English speaking guide?
Yes, every single one.
How much is the pick‐up and drop off option?
The price is 5.000 ISK total
If you have arranged for a pick‐up, you will be picked up from your accommodation in Reykjavík or the Reykjavík area between 6:15 and 6:45 am.
The tour ends at the BSI Bus terminal in Reykjavík around 19:35.
The tour starts at the BSI Bust terminal in Reykjavik at 7:15
The minimum age of participants on this trek is 16 years.
Jeans are an absolute no‐no in highland tours in Iceland! We also recommend that participants do not wear cotton. See the equipment list for more information.
If you have any other questions about this tour, you can contact us at
Select the number of passengers and departure date.
Adults1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Children0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Infants (0-2)0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Tour DatesSelect departure date 01.07.2017 - Confirmed Departure 26.07.2017 - Confirmed Departure 09.08.2017 - Confirmed Departure 26.08.2017 - Confirmed Departure 02.09.2017
Total price for all passengers:
Optional extra services - These items can be purchased later
Double room in a guesthouse in Reykjavík, w. shared facilities, one night before and one night after the trip, pick up and drop off - 34.900 ISK pr. person
Double room in a three-star hotel in Reykjavík, one night before and one night after the trip, pick up and drop off - 42.000 ISK pr. person
Single room in a guesthouse in Reykjavík, w. shared facilities, one night before and one night after the trip, pick up and drop off - 49.600 ISK
Single room in a three-star hotel in Reykjavík, one night before and one night after the trip, pick up and drop off - 65.000 ISK
Pick up/drop off from/to guesthouse at the beginning/end of the tour - 5.000 ISK
VT1 Explorer’s Peak to the Canyon of Fire - IMG381
VT1 Explorer’s Peak to the Canyon of Fire - IMG381
VT2 The Wilderness of Strútur Trail IMG382
VT2 The Wilderness of Strútur Trail IMG382
VT3: The Backroad to Landmannalaugar IMG383
VT3: The Backroad to Landmannalaugar IMG383
This departure is not available for selected number of passengers.
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Tel: +354 587 9999
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