The Kjalvegur road was essential for connecting the north and the south of Iceland and was used by Viking armies, traders, shepherds and explorers despite the harsh conditions of the central highlands.
In the old days, the highlands were inhabited by trolls, outlaws, thieves, ghosts and other magical creatures that scared travelers and locals alike, and the road was lost and forgotten for generations until it was rediscovered at the end of the 19th century.
During the journey you will witness incredible contrasts of vegetation and barren wastelands.
You will see mountains displaying vivid colors of red, green, blue, and yellow that contrast with the black lava and the white snow.
Glaciers, rivers and waterfalls carve through the landscape and you might even run into some friendly sheep wandering freely, grazing the hills.
No heavy packs will be carried and all our luggage will be transported between destinations.
Our guide will be a local Icelander who will provide delicious local meals each day.
All food, accommodation in huts and guiding is included. Alcohol is not provided
From your home country to Iceland return+ any visa costs
Walking boots, back packs, sleeping bag. Anything you will walk with.
Your guide will pick you up at 10 am in Reykjavik and drive to Thingvellir national park where we will take a walk and explore the Mid-Atlantic Rift, and learn about the history of Iceland.
After that we head on to Efstidalur farm and restaurant where we eat dinner in a barn and have a culinary introduction from the farmers. After a good meal, drive to Geysir geothermal area and witness the geysers erupting boiling hot water high up in the air! Finally we head into the wilderness of the highlands and drive to our first hut.
Meals: Lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Hut
Today you'll hike the out-and-back trail to the Hveradalir geothermal area and hike a loop around the valley to soak in all the amazing sights. You'll encounter a spectacular array of colors, including, yellow, blue, black, green, and red from the iron and the rhyolite that the mountains are composed of. After the hike, get transported to the Hveravellir hut, where you will spend the night, and have an amazingly unique dinner in a turf house. Make sure to take a dip in the nearby geothermal pool
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: HutHiking: 7 miles / 12 km
Elevation change: 1,970 ft / 600 m
A spectacular hike awaits today along the ancient Kjalvegur route, once used by Vikings, settlers, and farmers. The route winds between the Langjokull and Hofsjokull glaciers, and you'll walk through unique vegetation, grass, flowers, and brush, but also black lava fields, volcanic craters, mountains, and glaciers. Hike to the top of Raudkollur mountain (Redhead Mountain) and enjoy unrivaled views of the glaciers and rivers snaking their way through the valleys and mountains.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: HutHiking: 7-11 miles / 11-18 km
Elevation change: 490-1,970 ft / 150-600 m
Today, you'll follow the ancient cairns built by the Vikings a thousand years ago, and walk along the Fulakvisl river on the edge of the Kjalhraun lava field while enjoying a spectacular view of the Hrutfell mountain and its gliding glaciers throughout. Watch the Fulakvisl river roar through a very narrow canyon carved out by lava millennia ago. The scenery around the Thverbrekknamuli hut is so incredible you'll want to stay there and explore it for days on end. It's a true highland oasis.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Hut
Hiking: 9 miles / 14 km
Elevation change: 330 ft / 100 m
On day 5, you'll hike to one of the oldest mountain huts in Iceland, Hvitarnes. Built way back in 1930, the hut and its turf roof are protected by Icelandic law because of its age and uniqueness. Follow a trail through vegetated areas interspaced by some deep horse trails and crystal-clear water fountains. The hut is close to the Hvitarvatn glacial lake, which runs from the Langjokull glacier and is the source of both the Hvita river and Gullfoss falls. There is an ice cold river just outside the hut, and those who dare may take a dip!
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Hut
Hiking: 10 miles / 16 km
Elevation change: 880 ft/ 270 m
Drop-off time: 3 pm (15:00)
Time to head back out of the highlands. We eat our breakfast and drive towards the waterfall Gullfoss, where we stop and enjoy magnificent views of this beautiful waterfall. Next up we drive to Farmers Bistro, a small local restaurant and have a good last lunch together. We drive back to Reykjavik along a different road than the one we came with. That marks the official end of the tour. If you'd like to stay longer and keep on exploring the area, just ask your guides for some recommendations!
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
