{"id":2037,"date":"2016-10-21T15:39:04","date_gmt":"2016-10-21T13:39:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.tatonka.com\/?p=2037"},"modified":"2026-01-28T10:20:47","modified_gmt":"2026-01-28T09:20:47","slug":"trekking-tours-iceland","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.tatonka.com\/en\/trekking-tours-iceland\/","title":{"rendered":"Trekking Tours Iceland"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In our final article about the outdoor-paradise that Iceland is, we\u2019d like to introduce you to three traditional trekking tours through the country made of fire and ice. The island invites you in so many different ways to an extensive exploration. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

To ensure that your outdoor adventure in Iceland will be successful, a comprehensive and safety-oriented planning is essential. You should always register in the hut landlord\u2019s guestbook and give specific information about your tour. Only then, in the case of emergency, your tour can be reconstructed and you can be found. Furthermore, inform yourself about alternative routes, if streams are impassable due to heavy rain and melt water, or if a sandstorm makes it difficult for you to see.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Laugavegur in Four Sections \u2013 from Landmannalaugar to \u00de\u00f3rsm\u00f6rk (Th\u00f3rsm\u00f6rk)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Annually, this trekking tour soaks in thousands of outdoor enthusiasts and is said to be one of the most beautiful tours world-wide. In good weather it can be classified as a starter and pleasure tour, on which, however, you cannot rely on. This is why it is recommended to plan one to two additional days. Sudden falls in temperature with strong winds, dense fog, and snow are even during the summer months no rarity and require your highest attention. Due to extensive snow fields, the route between Landmannalaugar and \u00c1lftavatn can be particularly challenging in terms of difficulties with orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n

\n\t
\n\"Trekking\n\t<\/div>\n\t
\n\t\tPerfect travel companion for Iceland<\/span>\n\t\t

Thanks to its adjustable carrying system and large case opening and other practical details, the Yukon is perfect for backpacking and trekking trips.<\/p>\n

Available in sizes 50, 60 and 70 liters, as well as in several colors and as unisex and special ladies variant.<\/p>\n\t\t

Go to Yukon models<\/a><\/p>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n

The first section<\/strong> of the Laugavegur tour is, because of its steep ascent and the challenging orientation, known as the most difficult part and should only be commenced in good weather conditions. The starting point is the hut of the Icelandic hiking community F.\u00cd. at a height of 580 meters. From here you should follow the marks along the lava field of Laugahraun. Moving right, past the lava, a path leads towards Brennisteinsalda, from where you can see the steaming flags of the solfatara. Above the lava, at about 890 meters, you reach the hot spring St\u00f3rihver, from where you follow the tour across old snow fields on the top of the pass (1.027 m) between the mountains of S\u00f6\u00f0ull and Hrafntinnusker. From here you can already see the first destination, the huts of Hrafntinnusker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also interesting<\/em><\/strong>: Iceland Sights – An unbelievable variety of natural wonders and sights<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The second section<\/strong> of the trekking tour leads you from Hrafntinnusker to \u00c1lftavatn Lake. First, you should follow the stakes across wide snow fields towards Kaldaklofdfj\u00f6ll. Watch out for possible creek incisions, which indicate an undermining of the snow and thus a potential collapse. At the edge of the plateau you are rewarded with a breathtaking view over the whole area of your tour. Also, you can already see your second destination for the day. Descend the steep slope and walk through the glacial creek Grashagakvsl. Along idyllic moss and grass slopes you ascent to the hut of \u00c1lftavatn (540 m).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The third section<\/strong> of the tour is the longest, but leads you predominantly through flat terrains; hence it\u2019s not that challenging. In the Southeastern direction, the path leads you along several mountain streams and rivers, which you might need to wade through. From Hvanngil canyon you first cross the glacial river Kaldaklofskv\u00edsl and then Bl\u00e1fjallakv\u00edsl waterfall along the Laugavegur. Through the black sand desert Emstrur (watch out for sandstorms) walk towards the impressive Hattafell. From here you\u2019ll have an amazing view of the glacial tongue Myrdalsj\u00f6kull and Markarflj\u00f3tsglj\u00fafur canyon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read here<\/em><\/strong> <\/em>How to pack your backpack<\/em><\/a> properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The final section<\/strong> of the Laugavegur tour leads you out of the highlands downhill into the forests of \u00de\u00f3rsm\u00f6rk. Descend east into the imposing canyon of Fremri-Emstru\u00e1 River and follow the path into Markarflj\u00f3tsglj\u00fafur canyon. Cross the Lj\u00f3s\u00e1 River and the K\u00e1pa ridge which leads you to the biggest challenge of the route: the ford through \u00der\u00f6ng\u00e1. The torrential glacial river can, depending on weather conditions, be quite deep and thus should only be crossed with extreme caution. Through the birch forests of Hamrask\u00f3gar you finally reach your destination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fimmv\u00f6r\u00f0uh\u00e1ls Tour: From B\u00e1sar to Sk\u00f3gar<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The short and yet alternating trekking tour over the pass of Fimmv\u00f6r\u00f0uh\u00e1ls needs head of heights as well as surefootedness, and gives you breathtaking insights in the original landscape of Iceland. Usually, the tour is done in two sections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first part<\/strong> of the tour leads you from B\u00e1sar uphill on the Fimmv\u00f6r\u00f0uh\u00e1ls. The landscape is characterized by deep canyons and glittering ice tongues of the Go\u00f0alands. Follow the Kattarhryggur ridge to the plateau of Morishei\u00f0i, which you cross towards Heljarkambur \u2013 the so-called hell ravine. Boulders, slippery rock plates, and extensive old snow fields demand highest attention as well as climbing experience from time to time. The pass of Fimmv\u00f6r\u00f0uh\u00e1ls stretches towards the South. This is a wide snow area, which is limited by the ice caps of the volcanoes Myrdalsj\u00f6kull and Eyjafjallaj\u00f6kull.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The second section <\/strong>of the tour leads you downhill towards the Sk\u00f3ga River. After you have left the snow boarder behind, a path is winding through the idyllic slopes of Sk\u00f3gahei\u00f0i and offers you an amazing view of the coast. Walking along the Kvernah\u00f3ls\u00e1 the tour leads to the Sk\u00f3gar farm, whereby you pass several breathtaking waterfalls. Alternatively, you can also take the little longer path along the eastside of Sk\u00f3ga River. The end of the tour is at the Sk\u00f3gafoss waterfall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also interesting:<\/em><\/strong> Hiking tours Iceland – The most beautiful hikes through Iceland<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trekking Tour through J\u00f6kuls\u00e1rglj\u00fafur National Park: From \u00c0sbyrgi to Dettifoss<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

North of the active volcanic zone, this impressive tour leads you through the J\u00f6kuls\u00e1rglj\u00fafur canyon to the most powerful waterfall in Europe. Separated in two easy sections and characterized by spectacular waterfalls and bizarre lava formations, this route is recommended for inexperienced trekkers. You can increase the challenge with a variant across the Hafragilsfoss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first section<\/strong> starts at the campsite in \u00c0sbyrgi canyon and leads you across an east wall in the neighboring canyon of T\u00f3fugj\u00e1. Along the edge of the canyon, you walk towards the viewing point of Klappir, where you have an amazing view of the hoof-shaped canyon. Across the heaths of \u00de\u00fafur the path leads you to the canyon of J\u00f6kuls\u00e1 \u00e1 Fj\u00f6llum and to the ridge of J\u00f6kuls\u00e1rglj\u00fafur canyon, your first destination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The second section<\/strong> of the route leads you up and downhill towards the main sight of the national park. Towards the Southeast, follow the marks to Dettifoss. First you need to cross the small river Stalla\u00e1 and then follow its right side. Terraced slopes lead you to the idyllic H\u00f3lmatungur and finally through sparse sand and rock deserts of the Icelandic highland. Passing a series of craters, the path first leads you towards Hafragilsfoss and then turns across a sandy slope and lava steps towards Dettifoss. The waterfall is framed by vertical basalt pillars and falls into a 44 meters deep canyon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By the way<\/em><\/strong>: For proper <\/em>trekking backpacks,<\/em><\/a> Tatonka is your choice.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

In our final article about the outdoor-paradise that Iceland is, we\u2019d like to introduce you to three traditional trekking tours through the country made of fire and ice. The island invites you in so many different ways to an extensive exploration. To ensure that your outdoor adventure in Iceland will be successful, a comprehensive and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":2231,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[53,50],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-2037","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-traveling","8":"category-trekking-adventures"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.tatonka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2037","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.tatonka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.tatonka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tatonka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tatonka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2037"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tatonka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2037\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tatonka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2231"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.tatonka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2037"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tatonka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2037"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tatonka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2037"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}