Eldgjá Canyon Trek

Discover one of Iceland’s wildest trekking routes.

landscape along the Eldgjá Canyon trekking route

mountain Uxatindar during the Eldgjá Canyon hiking tour

waterfall on the Eldgjá Canyo trekking route

Duration:

4 days

Total hiking distance:

~45 km / 28 mi

Highest point:

– 1,092 m / 3,583 ft

Daily hiking time:

4–8 hours per day

Total ascent :

~1,300 m / 4,265 ft

Difficulty:

Moderate

Accommodation:

Remote Highland huts + Hólaskjól Highland Center

Group size:

Small groups (1 -4)

Season:

Summer

Region:

Fjallabak / Vatnajökull National Park / Eldgjá canyon / Highlands of South Iceland

Introduction

Discover one of Iceland’s wildest trekking routes as you travel from the colorful rhyolite mountains of Landmannalaugar to the deep volcanic canyon of Eldgjá and the peaceful Hólaskjól Highland Center.
Over four days you’ll hike from Lake Langisjór, summit the peak Sveinstindur, explore the sculpture-like lava formations of Skælingar, and walk along the mighty Eldgjá fissure with views of the waterfall Ófærufoss. This is a true off-the-beaten-path Highland trek with remote huts, dramatic geology, and vast horizons inside and around Vatnajökull National Park.

The tour is led by a local guide. This is a supported trekking tour with luggage transported between huts, and quality local food included. Along the way, we visit areas known mostly to local farmers, stay in traditional shepherds’ cabins, and experience the history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes of Iceland’s remote interior.

Price From

9999

Tour Itinerary

Reykjavík • Landmannalaugar • Langisjór • Sveinstindur • Skaftá Hut

Pickup in Reykjavík and drive into the Highlands toward Landmannalaugar, a geothermal area famous for its colorful rhyolite mountains and as the starting point of the Laugavegur Trail. We have a short stop here to look around and, if conditions allow, take a brief warm-up walk and lunch break.

From Landmannalaugar we continue along the F208 Highland track toward Lake Langisjór. At the southern end of the lake, we begin our first main hike: the ascent of Sveinstindur. The climb is steady but rewarding, with far-reaching views over Langisjór, Fögrufjöll and, in clear weather, several of Iceland’s glaciers.

After enjoying the summit panorama, we descend and follow a trail toward a remote hut by the Skaftá river, where we spend our first night in the Highlands.

Distance & elevation (approx.):

Hiking distance: 8 km / 5 mi
Ascent: 600 m / 2,000 ft
Descent: 600 m / 2,000 ft

Skaftá Valley • Hvanngil • Skælingar Lava Area

After breakfast in the hut, we prepare our lunch packs and start trekking along the banks of the Skaftá river. The route takes us through the scenic Hvanngil area, with canyons, small waterfalls, and changing views of the surrounding Highlands.

By afternoon we reach Skælingar, a remarkable lava landscape created by the Laki eruption (1783–84). Here we find an old mustering hut once used during autumn sheep round-ups, surrounded by twisted lava formations and soft moss. This “lava forest” gives Skælingar an almost otherworldly atmosphere. We overnight in the Skælingar hut.

Distance & elevation (approx.):

Hiking distance: 16 km / 10 mi
Ascent: 250 m / 820 ft
Descent: 250 m / 820 ft

Skælingar • Gjátindur • Eldgjá Canyon • Hólaskjól

Today we head toward the prominent mountain Gjátindur. A steady climb brings us to superb views over the Highlands and the huge Eldgjá fissure, a volcanic canyon about 70 km long, formed by a major eruption in 934 AD.

From the Gjátindur area we descend toward Eldgjá, spending time near the famous waterfall Ófærufoss, where a multi-tiered cascade drops into the canyon floor. The trail then continues toward Hólaskjól Highland Center, where we enjoy a more comfortable hut with showers and a cozy common area for our final night on the trek.

Distance & elevation (approx.):

Hiking distance: 18 km / 11 mi
Ascent: 350 m / 1,150 ft
Descent: 350 m / 1,150 ft

Hidden Waterfall Walk • South Coast • Reykjavík

In the morning, we take a relaxed walk from Hólaskjól to a nearby hidden waterfall – a last quiet moment in the Highlands before heading back to the lowlands.

After the walk, we drive out to Route 1 on the South Coast. The day includes a lunch stop in Vík (with the option to visit the Lava Show), and visits to the Black Sand Beach and Seljalandsfoss waterfall before returning to Reykjavík in the evening.

Distance & elevation (approx.):

Hiking distance: 3 km / 2 mi (easy walk near Hólaskjól)
Ascent: 100 m / 330 ft
Descent: 100 m / 330 ft

Good to know

Season & Weather

Highlands open only in summer once snow melts (usually late June).
Weather can change quickly — expect wind, sun, and showers in one day.
Average temperatures: 5–15°C (41–59°F).

Trail Conditions

Mix of gravel paths, volcanic sand, lava formations, river valleys.
No technical climbing, but good fitness is recommended.
River crossings may occur depending on conditions.

Luggage & Packing

You carry only a daypack with water, snacks, clothing layers.
Main luggage is transported by 4×4 vehicle between huts.
Bring waterproof boots and layered clothing.

Huts

Basic but cozy mountain huts: mattresses, shared rooms, toilets.
Showers only available at Hólaskjól on the last night.
Electricity: limited — bring a power bank.

Safety

ICETREK guides are local people familiar to the area and trained in navigation, weather assessment, and first aid and leading groups on treks and expeditions.
We adjust routes based on conditions for optimal safety.