The tour offers some of Iceland's most unique landscapes on a trail not frequented by many. The trail takes you on a remarkable journey along the canyons of Núpsá river, and up to the Grænalón glacier lagoon quietly nestled between mountains and glacier. Crossing the Skeiðarárjökull glacier is a challenge rewarded by a visit to the Norðurdalur valley which some consider to be one of the most unique places ever. On the last day the path takes us across the beautiful Skaftafell Mountains, over to Morsárdalur glacier valley and into Skaftafell in Vatnajökull National Park. Book this all inclusive trip now while spots are still available for this popular classic!
Day 1 - Reykjavík - Núpstaðaskógar valley - Tvílitihylur waterfalls
Meeting point is at BSI central bus station at 7:15. Our transport leaves BSI at 7:45 to Núpsstaðaskógur where we start our hike. We begin our hike at the bottom of the valley. After a short climb we come to the magnificent waterfalls of Tvílitihylur, we head up along the neatly sculpted canyons of the lower part of Núpsá river. A short climb leads us up to the deeper part of the canyons with walls up to 200 m high. We put up camp in the canyon for the night.
Distance: 8 - 12 km (5 - 8 mi) / Elevation: Ascent 150 m / Walking time: 6 - 7 hrs
Day 2 - Sléttur plains - Eggjar hills
We make our way up and out of the canyon, the panorama broadens as we reach the plains of Sléttur. After ascending the Eggjar hills the view opens over the icecap of Vatnajökull and its enormous glacier tongue Skeiðarárjökull, streaming down towards the plains and covering almost 1600 km². We put up camp close to the Glacier.
Distance: 8 - 12 km (5 - 8 mi) / Elevation: Ascent 350 m / Walking time: 6 - 7 hrs
Day 3 - Skeiðarárjökull glacier
This day is devoted to the crossing of Skeiðarárjökull to Norðurdalur valley, an area surrounded by ice and high mountain ridges. Almost a whole day is required to traverse the 10 km of ice, before standing on solid ground again in the hinterland of the Skaftafell area of Vatnajökull National Park. A magnificent camping area is awaiting us with views over the several glacial lakes with floating icebergs and coloured rhyolite mountains in the background.
Distance: 12 - 15 km (8 - 10 mi) / Elevation: Ascent 150-200 m / Walking time: 7 - 8hrs
Day 4 - Norðurdalur valley - Bæjarstaðarskógur
After some climbing to a narrow mountain ridge, one is able to admire the view to the yellowish rhyolite valley of Kjós at the other side as well as to Iceland’s highest mountain,
Hvannadalshnúkur. Descending into the valley of Morsárdalur, the vegetation becomes progressively more abundant. The beautiful Arctic birch forest of Bæjarstaðarskógur welcomes us as we reach the plain where we put up camp.
Distance: 12 - 18 km (12 - 16 mi) / Elevation: Ascent 350 m and descent 1.000 m / Walking time: 7 - 8 hrs
Day 5 - Morsárdalur - Skaftafell National Park - Reykjavík
We explore the morsárdalur valley before making our way across to Skaftafell National Park. Here we catch a bus back to Reykjavík where the tour ends in the evening.
Distance: 12 - 15 km (8 - 10 mi) / Walking time: 4 - 6 hrs
Included
Experienced and qualified guide
Camping accommodation in two persons tent
Transport at the beginning and end of trek
Breakfast (4), Lunch (5), Dinner (4)
Safety equipment for glacier crossing
Not Included
Sleeping bag
Mattress
Transfer of luggage
Optional Extras
Sleeping bag
Accommodation in Reykjavík before and after the tour