Iceland Eldgja Trek

We collect you from designated bus stops and most hotels in Reykjavik from 08:30, then head into the highlands to Landmannalaugar - known for colourful rhyolite mountains, hot springs and lava fields within the protected Fjallabak Nature Reserve. We stop here for around two hours. You can join our guide on an optional 4.5 km, nontechnical walk through the Laugahraun lava field to Brennisteinsalda and back via Graenagil Canyon - a route with bubbling streams, geothermal springs and striking slopes - or you can relax in the natural hot spring before we continue.

From Landmannalaugar we continue by 4x4 bus along the F208 mountain road towards Lake Langisjor and the peak of Sveinstindur - a challenging route suitable only for 4x4 vehicles that crosses some of the highlands' most dramatic terrain. Our main hike begins by Langisjor as we ascend Sveinstindur for broad views over valleys and mountains, then continue on foot to a simple cabin by the River Skafta for the first night. Expect 4-5 hours of hiking today, starting around 600 metres above sea level and reaching 1,090 metres - an elevation gain of roughly 500-600 metres.

Please Note: The trek is considered to be moderate with some inclines. There are two days where we cover 18 km per day.

We set off along the Skafta river, following the trail past Hvanngil valley and the mountain Uxatindur. Today covers around 18 kilometres through colourful highland scenery with far-reaching views. We finish at Skaelingar - a quiet area noted for unusual lava formations created by the Skaftareldar eruptions - and view an old cabin once used by local farmers during the autumn sheep round-up. If you're keen, you can take a brisk dip in a cold mere. Expect about eight hours on the trail.

We begin with a steady climb to Gjatindur for panoramic views across the highlands and into Eldgja - a dramatic volcanic fissure and canyon. From here we descend into the lava gorge and follow the trail to Ófaerufoss, a striking waterfall that makes an excellent lunch stop, before continuing to Holaskjol Highland Centre. Today's hike covers around 18 kilometres and typically takes about eight hours. In the evening we share a barbecue dinner and stay overnight in a cabin at Holaskjol.

Formed during eruptions in 934, Eldgja runs from Gjatindur towards the Mýrdalsjökull ice cap as part of the Katla volcanic system. The eruption produced an estimated 19 cubic kilometres of lava - among the largest lava flows by volume in recorded history. We take time to observe the fissure and view Ófaerufoss up close.

After breakfast, we take a short walk to a hidden waterfall near Holaskjol Highland Centre, then drive back to the South Coast to rejoin Route 1. We stop in the village of Vik for lunch before visiting the black sand beach - known for its volcanic sands - and continue to Seljalandsfoss. We reach Reykjavik in the late afternoon - usually around 17:00.