Iceland's Hidden Highlands and Volcanoes

After breakfast, we travel into the Highlands toward Lake Langisjór. This is a transfer day followed by a hike, taking us from Þórsmörk into the remote volcanic country where our main trekking route begins.

Weather permitting, we hike over Sveinstindur, enjoying expansive views across Langisjór and the surrounding mountain ridges. The contrast between the lake and the dark volcanic landscape makes this a rewarding introduction to the wilderness.

We descend to Sveinstindur hut for dinner and our overnight stay. If summit conditions are unsuitable, your guide adapts the hike.

Today we follow the Skaftá river through a changing landscape of volcanic rock, green slopes, and river valleys.

Our route takes us through Hvanngil and past Uxatindar, with time to appreciate the shapes and colors of this remote Highland terrain. Your guide leads the way through stretches where paths can be faint or unmarked.

Approaching Skælingar, unusual lava formations surround the hut and create a distinctive setting for the evening. We settle in and share dinner after a full day on the trail.

We leave Skælingar and continue toward Eldgjá canyon, exploring its volcanic scenery and visiting Ófærufoss waterfall.

Depending on conditions and the group’s pace, an optional ascent of Gjátindur offers a broader view over the canyon and surrounding Highlands. Your guide chooses the day’s route to suit the weather and terrain.

We continue into the lake-filled valley of Álftavötn, arriving at Álftavatnskrókur hut for dinner and a quiet evening.

Today’s hike leads through remote mountain country toward Strútslaug, a natural geothermal spring tucked into the Highland landscape.

Conditions permitting, we pause for a warm soak—a welcome break during a full day of trekking. There are no changing facilities, so bring your swimwear and towel in your daypack.

We continue toward Strútur hut, where dinner and an evening indoors await.

Leaving Strútur, we cross the open volcanic terrain of Mælifellssandur toward Lake Álftavatn.

Black sand, green mountain slopes, and wide horizons shape today’s journey. In clear weather, views extend toward Mýrdalsjökull, adding another layer to the landscape.

As we approach Álftavatn, we join the Laugavegur route. We spend the evening at the lake’s mountain hut, preparing for the longest trekking stage of the journey.

We follow the Laugavegur Trail north toward Landmannalaugar, climbing from Álftavatn into the geothermal landscapes around Hrafntinnusker.

The scenery changes throughout the day, with colorful mountains, dark obsidian, steaming ground, and possible lingering snow patches. This is a long, demanding stage, and we take steady breaks along the way.

We continue through volcanic terrain and lava fields to Landmannalaugar, where we settle into our final mountain hut and share dinner.

After breakfast, we enjoy a final guided hike among Landmannalaugar’s rhyolite mountains and lava fields.

Your guide chooses a route suited to the conditions and our departure time, giving us another opportunity to explore this remarkable area before leaving the Highlands.

We then drive back to Reykjavík, arriving later in the afternoon.