DAY 1: HENGIFOSS AND TRÖLLKONUSTÍGUR / BESSASTAÐAÁRGLJÚFUR The Hengifoss waterfall is one of East Iceland’s main attractions – its surroundings, and the columnar basalt waterfall Litlanesfoss below it, are unsurpassed. After this pleasant morning walk we offer lunch. In the afternoon the hike goes on through the Bessastaðaárgljúfur canyon where interesting traces can be found and its rock formations also have an interesting tale to tell. Tröllkonustígur (Trollwife Path) is a remarkable dyke that goes diagonally up the whole mountain Valþjófsstaðarfjall, crosses all the escarpments and forms a natural footpath up the mountain. From there the view over the Lake Lagarfljót, the Fljótsdalur valley and the Hallormsstaðaskógur woods is spectacular.

DAY 2: ROUND UP WALK AND THE EXHIBITIONS AT THE WILDERNESS CENTER  In the round-up walk we go up an old bridle-path that lies into the mountains above the Wilderness Center. Along it there is an old wire that stretches down the mountain (300 meters long) where hay from distant pastures was sent down the whole mountain until it came to a stop close to the river by the farm. On this hike we also see the remnants of a barn and come upon a rock-built round-up shelter that still stands. After a tasty lunch guests are guided through indoor and outdoor exhibitions at the Wilderness Center. Guests experience and learn in an interactive and vibrant way about adventures in the wilderness in ages past and the local people’s relentless battle against the forces of nature.

DAY 3: WATERFALL WALK The hike continues inland towards a deserted farm, Kleif. In the old homestead some hilarious stories of its former occupant will be shared. Here is also the opportunity to try ferrying across the river on a renovated cable car. The hike continues along the west bank of the river, along a series of waterfalls and through a wild birch forest, Kleifarskógur. Lunch is served in a lovely grove in the woodlands. On we walk, alongside beautiful waterfalls and the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon, to Faxi waterfall – the highlight of the day, before hikers arrive at the highland hostel Laugarfell. There warm natural springs await the foot-weary hikers while the highest peak in Iceland (outside glaciers), Mt. Snæfell, stands watch.

DAY 4: EYJABAKKAR Eyjabakkar is one of the largest nesting places in the world for the pink-footed goose (Anser brachyrhynchus). These wetlands are beautiful and rich with undergrowth and a heavenly tranquility prevails. To the south hikers can see the Eyjabakkajökull glacier and to the west towers the highest peak in Iceland outside of glaciers, Mt. Snæfell. After a good walk we finish with a dip in the warm springs at Laugarfell.

DAY 5: HALLORMSSTAÐUR HILL AND WOODS (A FLIGHT OUT IN THE EVENING)  Avery good hiking track leads from Hallormsstaður, through the woods and up on the Hallormsstaður Hill where hikers can enjoy a spectacular view through the valleys up to the glaciers and along Lagarfljót lake. This is an easy and very beautiful trek through the biggest woodland in the country. The final stop will be by the Lake where walkers are served coffee along with stories of the monster in the Lake, the Wyrm of Lagarfljót. Guests are dropped off at Egilsstaðir Airport on the evening of day 5. *We reserve the right to make adjustments to the itinerary in respect to weather conditions at the time.

Suggested gear

Clothing for the hike:

• T-shirt or vest, wool or fleece
• Woolen socks
• Warm sweater (e.g. Icelandic wool sweater) or fleece jacket
• Light, quick-dry hiking pants
• Hiking shoes

For the day rucksack:

• Woolen undergarments (top and long-johns)
• Extra outer top (such as a thick jumper or a light down jacket)
• An extra pair of woolen socks (we recommend wool with terry). Never wear cotton liners!
• Proper Icelandic woolen mittens
• A woolen cap, balaclava, earband or similar
• Light rainwear (jacket and pants), e.g. Goretex
• Shinguards

And the little extras:

• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Toilet tissue
• A small towel

We provide 

• Fully guided tour
• Authentic accommodation
• Local food
• Transport

Optional

• Extra night before or after the tour at the Wilderness Center
• Get in touch to book an extra night through [email protected] or call us on tel. +354 440 8822