Amazing 4-Day Highlands Hiking Tour to Eldgja Fissure & Langisjor Lake from Holaskjol Center

As day two of your hiking journey opens, you'll bid farewell to the mountain hut at Sveinstindur after a simple breakfast and preparing your lunch packs for the day's adventure.

Today, your destination is the Skaelingar mountain hut. The trail stretches for 11 miles (18 kilometers) and promises lovely natural wonders and vivid landscapes. As you trek through this colorful landscape, you'll have ample opportunities to make stops and learn more about the region's geology from your guide.

The hiking path follows the course of the Skafta river once again, guiding your small group through the picturesque valleys of Hvanngil and beneath the imposing Uxatindar mountain.

While passing through Hvanngil valley, you'll find yourself surrounded by the awe-inspiring scenery of Iceland's untouched wilderness. The valley has served as a grazing area for sheep, and its serene charm is a sight to behold.

On the other hand, Uxatindar mountain's presence is hard to miss with its green mosses and surrounding black sands. While the ascent of Uxatindar is not part of today's journey, its rugged slopes and majestic silhouette are a constant reminder of the untamed terrain that defines the Icelandic Highlands.

Upon reaching the Skaelingar area, you'll discover an old cabin that once served the hardworking farmers in this region of Iceland. These cabins hold a special place in Icelandic history, as they were instrumental during the autumn sheep round-up when farmers gathered their flocks from the Highland.

Skaelingar is also home to many captivating lava formations, remnants of the historic Laki eruption from centuries ago. These unique geological features add more allure to your Highlands hiking experience.

You'll spend the evening in one of the cozy mountain huts of Skaelingar. Before retiring for the night, don't miss your chance to enjoy the breathtaking views under the midnight sun or longer daylight hours.

The highlight of your four-day hike on the Highlands happens on day three. Today, you'll finally reach the spectacular Eldgja volcanic canyon.

Like the previous days, your day begins by eating breakfast and preparing lunch with your guide and other hikers. Make sure to pack everything you need, as toward the end of the day, you'll return to the base camp in Holaskjol.

You will slowly make your way to the Gjatindur mountain to get a panoramic vantage point of the land of fire and ice. From this summit, the most prominent view to admire is the Eldgja fissure.

Eldgja is a remarkable natural wonder born from volcanic eruptions, the most devastating occurring in the year 934. Its origins can be traced back to the Katla volcano system, which, at present, is associated with one of the most active volcanoes in the country.

Studies show that the lava flow which created Eldgja canyon sits at a volume of around 4.5 cubic miles (18.6 cubic kilometers). This makes the Eldgja eruption one of the most voluminous lava flows resulting from a single eruption in the last 1,000 years.

The colossal Eldgja fissure extends 25 miles (40 kilometers) and carves out a canyon from the towering Gjatindur mountain to the sprawling Myrdalsjokull glacier in the southeast. Mydalsjokull is the fourth largest ice cap in Iceland.

Nestled within the heart of the Eldgja fissure, you'll encounter the Ofaerufoss waterfall. This natural gem is a sight to behold, with cold cascading waters adding a layer of excitement to this already incredible landscape.

As you stand in awe of Ofaerufoss, surrounded by the ruggedness of the Icelandic Highlands, don't forget to take some photos. Fewer travelers venture into this area due to its remote location and demanding trail.

As the day draws to a close, you'll embark on a journey back to the Holakjol Highland Center and mountain lodge.

Today is the last day of your multi-day hike in the Highlands of Iceland. Compared to the previous days, day four has no fixed itinerary.

Before parting ways with everyone, the guide will take you to a secret waterfall near the Holaskjol Highland Center. The hike to this natural attraction is brief, and the awaiting view is nothing short of amazing.

Currently, the waterfall has no official name. Some call it Huldufoss waterfall, while others call it Silfurfoss. The name Silfurfoss translates to the “Silver Falls” in English because, according to some locals and travelers, the waterfall reminds them of the more popular Gullfoss waterfall (Golden Falls) on the Golden Circle.

The guide will take you close to this cascading attraction to take photos or simply absorb the peaceful view. Besides the waterfall, the area also has a narrow gorge, glacial rivers, and unusual formations of basalt columns.

After a short hike to the waterfall, the day is yours to dictate and decide. You can continue exploring the surrounding views and trails of Holaskjol and your friendly guide will happily give you recommendations.

Alternatively, you can immediately leave the remoteness of the Highlands and explore the famous attractions near the Ring Road of the South Coast Region. The must-visit attractions here include the Skogafoss waterfall, Seljalandsfoss waterfall, and Reynisfjara black sand beach.

Whatever you plan on doing, you’ll end your four-day tour by bidding farewell to your guide and the rest of the hiking group. If you requested or availed of the pickup and drop-off service during booking, you’ll enjoy a convenient transfer from the base camp to the village of Kirkjubaejarklaustur.