Amazing 4-Day Highlands Hiking Tour to Eldgja Fissure & Langisjor Lake from Holaskjol Center
Description
Summary
Description
Discover the hidden beauty of the Highlands of Iceland on this four-day hiking tour along the Eldgja trail. Adventurers who want to see pristine lakes, towering mountains, mighty glaciers, and meandering rivers away from tourist crowds will love the itinerary of this guided tour.
This multi-day hiking tour in Iceland begins as you meet your guide at the Holaskjol Highland Center. The nearest village to the base camp is Kirkjubaejarklaustur, which is 37 miles (60 kilometers) away. Pickup and drop-off from this village are also available upon request.
During the next four days, you’ll enjoy the expertise of a local guide who knows your itinerary and hiking routes like the back of their hands. While trekking, they’ll enrich your experience with insights, trivia, and engaging local stories about the sights on the trail.
For added convenience, your booking includes food and lunch packs during the trek, three-night accommodation in mountain huts, and luggage transport between the huts. On your part in making the experience as comfortable as possible, don’t forget to pack your hiking essentials like sturdy hiking boots and waterproof clothing with layers, among other things.
The hiking trail covers roughly 25 miles (40 kilometers). The terrain features diverse landscapes from flat lands to lava fields, hills to mountains and volcanoes, and glacial rivers to waterfalls. Your guide will set the pace of your journey according to the group’s skills and preferences.
Day one of the tour includes a 4x4 bus ride from the base camp to the vast Langisjor lake. From here, you’ll begin the trek to Sveinstindur mountain, where you can get one of the best viewing points of the Central Highlands’ glaciers, mountains, and volcanoes.
Day two of the hike stretches from the Sveinstindur area toward the Skaelingar mountain hut. The group will follow the Skafta river, crossing the lush Hvanngil valley, a grazing area for sheep in the past. Upon reaching Skaelingar, stunning lava formations from centuries-old volcanic eruptions will welcome you.
On day three, you’ll finally come across one of the highlights of the adventure, the Eldgja fissure. It is considered one of the largest volcanic canyons in the world, stretching for over 25 miles (40 kilometers).
For a more immersive experience, the guide will let you observe the main Eldgja fissure up close with a bonus view of the majestic Ofaerufoss waterfall.
The last day of your hike is the time to explore the hidden gems surrounding the Holaskjol Highland Center. Your guide will take you to another waterfall before letting you explore independently and bidding you farewell.
Following your four-day tour, feel free to explore the area further or move on to another nearby location, such as the South Coast of Iceland.
Take this challenge of hiking from Holaskjol Center to the Eldgja fissure to see the most remarkable natural wonders of the Icelandic Highlands. Check availability now by choosing a date.
Included
Activities
Daily itinerary
Day 1 - Holaskjol Highland Center to Sveinstindur Mountain
Your exhilarating four-day hiking adventure starts upon arrival at the Holaskjol Highland Center in South Iceland. You'll meet your guide here and the rest of the hikers. The tour is conducted in small groups to ensure a more personalized experience.
You'll embark on a short but thrilling 4x4 bus ride from the base camp, taking the mountain road to the trailhead at the magnificent Langisjor lake.
Langisjor is a sprawling lake southwest of the Vatnajokull glacier, the largest ice cap in Iceland. The lake covers an area of roughly 10.5 square miles (27 square kilometers), stretching 12 miles (20 kilometers) in length and 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) in width at its widest point.
Langisjor lake is surrounded by different mountain ranges, such as the enchanting Fogrufjoll, known for its rock formations that seem to cascade into the water. The lake and these mountains create views that mimic the appearance of small fjords and bays.
At the southern tip of the lake stands the eye-catching Sveinstindur, a mountain named in honor of a distinguished physician and naturalist, Sveinn Palsson. Sveinstindur rises to an impressive altitude of 3,408 feet (1,092 meters) above sea level.
The hike to its summit is relatively moderate, making it accessible even to hikers with limited experience. You may ascend around 1312 feet (400 meters) in altitude.
As you gain elevation, prepare to be captivated by the spectacular panoramic views that unfold before you. The vista stretches across breathtaking valleys and mountains, immersing you in the rugged beauty of the Icelandic Highlands.
Your hike continues from Sveinstindur Peak to the shores of the long Skafta river. You'll find your mountain hut along its banks, where you will spend the first night.
The first day's hike will span approximately five hours, depending on the group's pace and stops.
Day 2 - Sveinstindur Area to Skaelingar Mountain Hut
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.
Day 3 - Mount Gjatindur to Eldgja Fissure and Holaskjol
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.
Day 4 - Holaskjol Highland Center Short Exploration
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.
What to bring
Good to know
The trek is considered to be moderate, with some inclines.
Pickup and drop-off between Holaskjol Highland Center and Kirkjubaejarklaustur is available upon request.
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