The Land of the Elves

The fjords of the East are one of the few Icelandic regions (still) off the beaten tourist paths. Although geographically small the shapes and colours of the landscape change behind every turn of the trail. Lush green valleys are sheltered by ragged grey, brown and yellow peaks, some snow capped year round, contrasting against the dark blue sea in the background. In autumn the valleys are afire with red turning leaves, the small bushes ladden with blue and crow berries.

No wonder the queen of the Elves chose to build her castle here. You don't believe it? Come and see for yourself. Maybe you'll meet her, or at least one of her folks.

Also bird life in the area is abundant. Sea gulls bread here and - of course - puffins! You will get as close to the breeding birds here as you will get in few other places in Iceland!

Day 1: Reykjavík – Egilsstaðir – Borgarfjörður Eystri
We meet at the domestic airport in Egilsstaðir, at 8:30 where those who came the land way, meet those who come by air from Reykjavík (depart from Reykjavík domestic airport at 7:30).Transfer towards Borgarfjörður Eystri, about 90 km (56 mi). Shortly before starting the climb over the pass to Borgarfjörður we get off the bus and start the day´s hike. The path leads to Stórurð*, a little oasis hidden below the magnificent Dyrfjöll mountain range. There in amazing scenery will be the setting for our lunch. We then continue our hike and make our way up along the northern side of the mountains, towards Njarðvík where we will be picked up for a short transfer to the little village of Bakkagerði. After dinner it is ideal to wander around this little village.

Day 2: Borgarfjörður Eystri – Brúnavík – Breiðavík
Today the path leads us over a pass and down into the inlet of Brúnavík. Here we can enjoy the waves of the North Atlantic for a while before heading up into the valley and over the magnificent pass of Súluskarð where the colors of the adjacent hills and mountaintops provide a colorful feast for the eyes. From Súluskarð we head down into Kjólsvík inlet and from there over the low pass of Kjólsvíkurvarp down into Breiðavík inlet, the biggest one of these deserted inlets.

Day 3: Breiðavík – Húsavík
We leave the colorful valley of Breiðavík and hike over the mountains, our destination the inlet of Húsavík. If weather permits we will climb the mountain Hvítserkur, one of the most amazing and colorful mountains of Iceland before descending into the narrow valley leading to the hut at Húsavík. A delightful evening walk down to the beach, to visit the quaint little church that was in full service until the early seventies is possible after dinner.

Day 4: Húsavík – Loðmundarfjörður
Today we continue to the valley of Loðmundarfjörður fiord. This impressive valley was home to close to a hundred people at the turn of the 20th century due to rich farmlands and accessible fishing grounds. The surrounding mountains add certain magnificence to the scene and the hike leads us through the massive Loðmundarskriður, formed thousands of years ago when the adjacent mountain literally burst forth. The hut where we spend the night is at the bottom of the fjord close to an old church.

Day 5: Loðmundarfjörður – Seyðisfjörður
The last day of our hike takes us along the old path over Hjálmárdalsheiði, which over the centuries used to be the main thoroughfare between the Loðmundarfjörður farmlands and the Seyðisfjörður harbor and trading post. As we ascend, the mountaintops of the southern fiords come into sight and once we get to the pass of Hall, the fiord of Seyðisfjörður is in full view, very different from the fiords and inlets we have left behind. Descending into Seyðisfjörður we enjoy the breathtaking panoramas of this long and narrow fiord surrounded by majestic mountains. Afer Arriving in Seyðisfjörður we get on to a bus that takes us back to Egilsstaðir from where we take a flight back to Reykjavík.

*If conditions are difficult we may take a different hiking route along the coastline by Una ós- Stapavík - Njarðvík.

Boots and Clothing

• Hiking Boots – The boots should be of leather (or leather and synthetic) with high cut to give sufficient ankle support. Preferably the sole should be soft but robust. Gore-Tex or alternative waterproof membrane is a preferable extra.
• Long sleeve shirt (thermal underwear) – Wool or synthetic.
• Rain Jacket or an Anorak with hood – Preferably waterproof and breathable material (Gore-Tex or equivalents).
• Rain trousers – Waterproof and breathable material.
• Liner Gloves – Wool or synthetic (polypropylene / polyester).
• Mittens – Wool or synthetic (optionally waterproof) (two pairs if no Liner Gloves).
• Socks – Wool or synthetic. Two or three pairs.
• Hat or Balaclava – Wool or synthetic. 

Other gear

• Backpack for extra clothes and food during the day. Size: 30-50 litres.
• River shoes – Old pair of light sneakers do nicely to ford the rivers. Open sandals are not sufficient for the purpose.
• Sleeping bag – Down or fibre. Aim for light weight and warm bags. We recommend goose down with high “fill power” or top of the line synthetic bags.
• A travel sack for your baggage that is transported between camps. Note that suitcases are to be avoided.
• Towel – A light weight and packable one.
• Toothbrush & toothpaste.
• Sunglasses – Big enough to cover the eyes and with sufficient UV-protection.
• Sun protection.
• Water container – Pet plastic bottle.

Optional gear

• Walking poles.
• Gaiters – Calf or knee height and wide enough for your boots.
• Neoprene socks – A preferable item on trips where we have to cross many rivers.
• Pen knife.
• Sun/rain hat or a cap.
• Thermal mat (for lunch breaks).
• Camera, spare batteries, a memory card or films.