Highlights
- Trek next to the Eyjafjallajokull volcano and see warm lava flows
- View the two newest mountains in the world: Magni and Móði
- Hike around the impressive Þríhyrningur mountain trail
- Cross rivers and follow narrow dirt trails on fat bikes
- Follow the Tindfjoll hiking circuit and visit the lone-standing Troll Church
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Fimmvorduhals hike | Midgard Basecamp (Hvolsvöllur) |
| Day 2 | Hike & bike in Þríhyrningur | Midgard Basecamp (Hvolsvöllur) |
| Day 3 | Thorsmork hike | Midgard Basecamp (Hvolsvöllur) |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Fimmvorduhals Hike from Basecamp
Welcome to Iceland, land of breathtaking beauty and unpronounceable names! This hike balances effort and reward, and brings you to some incredible views! You'll start on the Fimmvorduhals trail at Skógar and follow the Skógá river, where you will encounter over 20 waterfalls. Then trek between the Eyjafjallajokull volcano and the Myrdalsjokull ice cap. Cross the volcanic area leftover from the 2010 eruption with still-warm lava flows and see the two newest mountains in the world: Magni, and Móði.
Descend to Þórsmörk (Thorsmork) with views of the striking landscape and a feeling like you're on top of the world. Catch a lift from Thorsmork in an adapted super jeep to bring you back to the Midgard Basecamp in Hvolsvöllur.
Keep in mind that the weather on the route can change quickly and conditions vary. The elevation is high enough that snowfalls in the summer are not uncommon, as well as snowpack that stays well into the summer season. These factors can make this typically moderate hike extremely challenging. The total hiking distance is 15 miles with an elevation change of 3,300 ft. The hike will take approximately 10 hours, and the total trip is 13 hours.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 2: Hiking & Biking in Þríhyrningur
Today you'll go on a full-day tour split into two halves: the Þríhyrningur hike, and the Þríhyrningur fat bike tour. Located 6.2 miles inland from basecamp in Hvolsvöllur, Þríhyrninguris an impressive mountain with an imposing presence. It is located far away from the circuit most travelers follow, which will allow you to savor the peaceful and intriguing nature of Iceland without the crowds.
The fat bikes you will use will make quick work of the several river crossings and add to the excitement of the day. The rest of the cycling route is mainly on gravel roads or dirt or grassy trails. The total hiking distance today will be 3.2 miles, and the total distance biked will be 4.5 miles. The trip will take 6-7 hours and cover and elevation change of 1,350 ft.
Day 3: Hiking in Thorsmork
Today's hike brings you to Thorsmork — the "Valley of Thor," the Thunder God — giving you a chance to explore a wilderness full of incredible panoramic views at your leisure. This area is surrounded by the spectacular Mýrdalsjökull, Tindfjallajökull, and Eyjafjallajökull mountains, all magnificent icecap-topped volcanoes. Stop off at some incredible views on the way to Thorsmork, including Gígjökull — an outlet glacier ofEyjafjallajökull from where a major glacial flood cascaded during the 2010 eruption.
Starting from the Langidalur campsite, follow the Tindfjoll circuit as it leads through the densely forested valley of Slyppugil until you get to the bottom of the valley. Here, the view opens into the Tindfjoll Canyon. Stop to admire the dramatic view before continuing to your next goal — Troll Church. Pause here for a lunch break before heading back down Tindfjoll to stop at the Stangarhöfði viewpoint.
From here, hike down the ridge with a view down to Eyjafjallajokull until you reach the car. The total hiking distance today is 5 miles, and will take approximately 7-8 hours, depending on how long you stop to take photos. And who can blame you? This hike is spectacular!