Day 1: Reykjavík – Landmannalaugar – Eldgjá – Hólaskjól
Meeting point at 7:15 at BSÍ bus terminal in Reykjavík. Today you leave on the morning bus to Landmannalaugar. On arrival in this magnificent rhyolite area you have a chance to dip into the natural pool on the premises or simply admire the beauty of this astounding place during the 2,5 hour stop. You get onto the bus leaving Landmannalaugar in the afternoon for Skaftafell, getting off at Hólaskjól after approximately 3 hour´s drive with a stop at the canyon Eldgjá. At Hólaskjól you meet the guide and join the ongoing Volcanic Trails trek. Night in a comfortable hut, WC and showers available.

Day 2: Hólaskjól – Álftavötn
After breakfast we set out for the trek to the lakes of Álftavötn. We follow the river Syðri Ófæra that drains from the glacier Torfajökull through rolling green hills. Torfajökull is not only a glacier but one of the bigger geothermal areas in Iceland. Depending on weather the river can be high or low but we will most certainly be able to cross it over to the lakes Álftavötn on a natural bridge. There is a traditional hut close to the lakes 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.

Day 3: Álftavötn- Strútur
Today we continue along the river Syðri Ófæra crossing once again the Canyon of Fire, Eldgjá and can wonder at the immensity of the natural forces at play when it was created. The landscape changes from green meadows to black sands with screaming green streaks of moss that almost blow our minds. After rounding the massif of Svartahnjúksfjöll we come to the river Hólmsá and its lagoon. We need to cross the river and even though it may feel cold we can warm ourselves in the natural pool Strútslaug, on the other side. After a relaxing soak 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.

Day 4: Strútur - Hvanngil
Leaving the comfortable hut we set out for the day´s trek along the Mýrdalssandur, the black volcanic sand plain, hemmed in by the icecap of Mýrdalsjökull glacier to the south and the Torfajökull rhyolite massif to the north. We need to cross some of the rivers and better have our river crossing shoes ready. The mystical palagonite landscape of Hvanngil valley greets us and we are yet amazed at the wonders of the Icelandic landscape. At the mouth of the valley a hut awaits for the night. Comfortable hut, WC and showers available.

Day 5: Hvanngil (Álftavatn) – Reykjavík
After breakfast we pack our things and get ready for the day´s hike exploring the side trails of the Laugavegur hiking trail. We proceed along the river Kaldaklofskvísl, admiring the eerie green Stórasúla mountain on the other side, which summit only the birds seem able to visit. The river winds along and soon we climb the small pass of Brattháls from where we can enjoy the views to lake Álftavatn “Swan lake” before continuing to the huts on the northern shore of the lake. Here we get onto the bus for Reykjavík, taking leave of our guide and the hikers continuing on the Volcanic Trails for the last section. Arrival in Reykjavík at 19:35 where the tour ends at the Reykjavík Bus Terminal.

Note: The tour starts and ends at the central bus station in Reykjavík (BSÍ)

Group size: 5 - 14 participants

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.