A cross-country journey worthy of early Viking explorers—but with a lot more comfort!

Only the most intrepid of MTS travelers will dare to tackle this complete traverse of the epic Icelandic highlands. Flanking the North Atlantic volcanic rift north to south, we’ll trek to Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, and Dettifoss, its most powerful waterfall. We’ll cross the Ódáðahraun Desert and head toward the Dyngjufjöll Mountains, along terrain that changes drastically each day: black sand beaches, rose-colored rhyolite mountains, grey-green crater lakes—backdrops of many a mythical Icelandic saga. And we won’t miss the freshly hardened lava fields of 2010’s Eyjafjallajökull eruption. While our trip is fully 4x4 vehicle supported—you carry only your daypack—don’t forget, this is an “Ultimate Challenge!” The unbeatable face-off with towering glaciers and expansive lava fields—punctuated by cozy mountain hut overnights and even the occasional hot shower!—makes this cross-country feat worth the effort.

Activities

28 days of strenuous trekking over a total of 280 miles, 6-10 hours per day, with up to 1,970-feet of ascent per day, and a maximum of 3,900 feet of elevation.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• A complete north to south traverse of Iceland's geographic highlands
• Trek the North Atlantic volcanic rift and Europe's biggest glacier, through all types of volcanic and glacial landscapes
• Fully supported, backcountry trekking, carry only your daypack!
• Visit Lake Mývatn, the great desert Ódáðahraun, Dyngjufjöll Mountains, black sand dunes and lava fields, green moss oasis, massive Vatnajökull glacier, rhyolite mountains, and more
• Experience the thermal baths of the Blue Lagoon, bird watching, and glacier walks

Duration: 30 days Start Location: Reykjavik End Location: Reykjavik

BRIEF Itinerary

• 

  Day 1 : Arrive in Reykjavik

  Arrive in Reykjavik for orientation and welcome dinner.

• Day 2 : Flight to Akureyri - Trek to Vesturdalur Valley

  We'll take an early morning flight to Akureyri and bus transfer to Ásbyrgi, the northern headquarters of Vatnajökull National Park. Our trek starts here in the horseshoe-shaped canyon of Ásbyrgi and we'll end our day at Vesturdalur Valley. (7.5-9 miles, 5-7 hours) 

• 

  Day 3 : Dettifoss Waterfall

  Today´s hike ends at the magnificent Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall. We'll set up camp tonight in the wild, close to the waterfall. (11 miles, 6-8 hours)

• Day 4 : Lake Elífsvötn

  We'll cross rocky plains and a plateau westward to reach beautiful Lake Elífsvötn. (8.5-10 miles, 6-7 hours)

• 

  Day 5 : Lake Mývatn

  Today is a long day, but all our efforts will be rewarded—this is also the most spectacular day of the tour. We'll explore a recent lava flow, red craters, melted stone, and muddy hot-springs, before arriving to Reykjahlíð on famed Lake Mývatn. (12.5-15.5 miles, 8-11 hours)

• Day 6 : Heilagsdalur Valley

  From Reykjahlíð, we head to the valley of Heilagsdalur passing many volcanic craters and the Icelandic desert, Ódáðahraun. (13.5 miles, 8-10 hours)

• Day 7 : Hvammafjöll Hills

  We'll trek the seemingly endless lava field Ódáðahraun to reach Hvammafjöll Hills. (14 miles, 8-10 hours)

• Day 8 : Trek to Bræðrafell

  We'll continue south across the desert and around Kollóttadyngja to Bræðrafell, our abode for the night. (11.5 miles, 6-8 hours)

• Day 9 : Foothills of the Dyngjufjöll Mountains

  The landscape slowly changes as ochre-colored pumice begins to cover our path on the way to Drekagil Canyon in the foothills of the Dyngjufjöll Mountains. At Drekagil, a comfortable hut awaits us and a shower as well! (10 miles, 6-8 hours)

• 

  Day 10 : Askja Caldera and thermal baths

  Hike over the Dyngjufjöll Mountains to the Askja caldera, and take a dip in the thermal bath of Víti crater. (10 miles, 6-8 hours)

• Day 11 : Svartá River

  Relax in the morning before hiking to the black desert between Dyngjufjöll massif and Vatnajökull glacier. The hike is easy and ends by the Svartá River, where we camp for the night. (7 miles, 4-6 hours)

• Day 12 : Black Desert

  Continue crossing the black desert, now with Vatnajökull glacier on the left and the Askja caldera on the right. Camp at a small hill in the sand with a glacial stream, the only water source available for many miles. (10-11.5 miles, 6-8 hours)

• Day 13 : Kistufell Mountain

  We'll climb the ancient shield volcano Urðarháls to view one of the deepest craters in Iceland, then stay the night at a hut on Kistufell Mountain. (11-12.5 miles, 7-9 hours)

• Day 14 : Oasis Gæsavötn

  Not a single plant, straw, or lump of moss peeks out of the black sand or lava today, until we arrive at the oasis Gæsavötn. (8.5-10 miles, 5-7 hours)

• Day 15 : Hníflar

  Hike a vast pass called Vonarskarð ("Pass of Hope") to Hníflar. (8.5-10 miles, 5-7 hours)

• Day 16 : Jökuldalur Valley

  We'll traverse the vast Vonarskarð Pass. We'll be amdist rhyolite mountains, which unlike basaltic mountains offer bright colors of great variety. After climbing a ridge, we'll descend to Jökuldalur Valley and the huts of Nýidalur. (15 miles, 9-11 hours)

• 

  Day 17 : Glacier at Köldukvíslarjökull

  From Nýidalur we set out for Köldukvíslarjökull glacier. (11 miles, 6-8 hours)

• Day 18 : Lavafield at Hágönguhraun

  Today we start early and head to Köldukvíslarjökull glacier, cross Sveðja River, and enter into the lavafield at Hágönguhraun. (11-13.5 miles, 8-10 hours)

• Day 19 : Bláfjöll Mountains

  We'll cross the Sylgja River, before heading into Tröllahraun, a recent lava flow. We continue south towards the Bláfjöll Mountains and camp near Vatnajökull glacier. (9.5 - 11 miles, 6-8 hours)

• Day 20 : Jökulheimar

  We continue south to Tungnaárbotnar, before turning west to Jökulheimar and the Icelandic Glaciological Society's hut, where we'll stay. (11.5-13 miles, 7-9 hours)

• Day 21 : Langisjór Lake

  We'll cross the challenging Tungnaá River, then trek to spectacular Langisjór Lake. (8.5-10 miles, 5-7 hours)

• Day 22 : Skaftá River

  We hike along the Fögrufjöll ridge to the Skaftá River. (13.75 miles, 8-10 hours)

• Day 23 : Skælingar

  We head out along the Skaftá River and climb the peaks of Uxatindar before arriving at a hut in Skælingar. (13.75 miles, 8-10 hours)

• Day 24 : Álftavötn Lake

  From Skælingar, we climb Gjátindur and cross the Ófæra River to the tranquil setting at Álftavötn Lake. (15 miles, 9-11 hours)

• Day 25 : Skófluklif

  Leaving Álftavötn behind, we follow the Syðri Ófæra River to Hólmsárlón lagoon. Here we find a natural pool to take a dip in, or wait for the shower at tonight´s well-equipped hut at Skófluklif. (13 miles, 7-9 hours)

• Day 26 : Hvanngil Valley

  We'll trek through the Mælifellssandur sand plain and cross several rivers before arriving at the beautiful valley of Hvanngil. (13 miles, 7-9 hours)

• Day 27 : Botnar

  We'll head south on the Mælifellssandur sand plain to Botnar. (9.5 miles, 5-7 hours)

• Day 28 : Básar

  Our journey draws to a close and today as we near the southern shore of Iceland. We'll hike in Þórsmörk Valley, a paradise for nature lovers, to the eastern area of Básar. (13 miles, 7-9 hours)

• 

  Day 29 : The Grand Finale! Skógar Hamlet - Farewell Dinner - Comfortable Bed

  From Básar, we set out on our last day of trekking—the most breathtaking one of the journey. Our epic trek concludes at Skógar Hamlet, three miles from the Atlantic Ocean at the comfortable Hotel Skógar. Celebratory dinner in the evening. (15 miles, 9-11 hours)

• 

  Day 30 : Blue Lagoon - Departure Flights Home

  We leave Skógar and drive along the South Coast arriving at the Blue Lagoon for a healing soak and a hearty lunch before driving to Keflavik airport for departure.

• Center Hotels Plaza

  Reykjavik

  The 180 well-appointed bedrooms are newly renovated and boast a bright modern décor with contemporary oak furnishings. Each room has its own free high speed internet connection, TV, shower, hairdryer, Tea & Coffee making facilities and much more.  Situated in the city center of Reykjavik the Plaza creates the perfect setting for your stay in Iceland.

Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.

Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. Our trips feature gifted leaders for whom leading trips is a true vocation. Besides showing you wonders you’d never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of your trip, and take great pleasure in sharing their insights with you. More than just guides, they positively elevate your experience by being teachers, companions, and the best of friends. You’ll be in good hands with them every step of the way.

• Helga Maria Heidarsdottir

  Helga María has been an active guide in Iceland for local Icelandic clubs and tour operators, including the the Mountain Women of Iceland and 66°North. She is not the Head Guide for our partners in Iceland, the Icelandic Mountainguides. Helga María has just finished her first degree in Geography at the University of Iceland. Mother Nature is Helga María´s major inspiration. When she is not doing research out in the wild, she is either hiking, skiing, or running.

photo credits: Patitucci Photo