Hiking & TrekkingMulti-Day Tours

Off the Beaten Path in Fjallabak Nature Reserve

Discover Fjallabak Nature Reserve on this 4-day hike in the same area as the popular Laugavegur trail but more secluded. Varied landscapes, geothermal hot springs, vast lava fields and impressive waterfalls await!

Tour code: IMG33

Price from:
$1,568
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Hikers trekking on brown terrain interspersed with white snow patches amidst stunning natural scenery

Fjallabak Nature Reserve, home to Landmannalaugar, the starting base of the world-famous Laugavegur trail, beckons travellers with much more than its renowned route. While the characteristic landscapes of Laugavegur are celebrated globally, Fjallabak's lesser-known tracks offer a unique, undisturbed experience.

Located in the central Highlands of Iceland, this captivating reserve boasts rugged landscapes, colourful rhyolite mountains, volcanic formations, geothermal hot springs, and an untouched wilderness. With a tapestry of red, orange, yellow, and green mountains combined with snow patches and rugged, mossy lava fields, the area paints a vivid picture of Iceland's volcanic past.

Join us for a 4-day adventure, where each day hike unveils new wonders, and seamless transport awaits at every trail's end. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers keen to delve deep into Iceland's pristine heart and explore its lesser-trodden paths.

Tour Overview

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Accommodation
Mountain hut
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Meeting Point
BSI Bus Terminal, Reykjavík
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Walking per day
4-7 hrs
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Language
English
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Total Distance
35-40 km (21-25 mi)
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Group Size
6-14 hikers
16
Minimum age
16 years
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Duration
4 days
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Difficulty
Moderate to challenging

Tour Highlights

Hiking in geothermally active areas
Bathing in a natural hot spring
Colorful landscapes
Impressive waterfalls

Included

  • Transport in a minibus at the beginning and end of the hikes each day
  • Experienced and qualified English speaking driver guide for 4 days
  • Mountain hut sleeping bag accommodation in a dormitory for 3 nights
  • Full board from lunch on day 1 to lunch on day 4

Not included

  • Airport transfers
  • Accommodation and food in Reykjavik
  • Optional excursions and visits
  • Sleeping bag
  • Showers in the hut (payable on site)
  • Hiking poles
  • Vegan/vegetarian/pescatarian meal plan

Optional extras

  • Sleeping bag
  • Hiking poles
  • Vegan/vegetarian/pescatarian meal plan

Tour Map and Itinerary

Click map for detailed itinerary
Map & Itinerary

Off the Beaten Path in Fjallabak Nature Reserve

Landmannahellir

Day 1

We will depart from Reykjavík at 08:00, embarking on an exciting journey. Our route will take us eastward through the captivating mountains along Highway 1. We'll pass through the charming towns of Hveragerði and Selfoss, continuing our adventure through Dómadalsleið into the breathtaking highlands. Before reaching our cozy cabin, Landmannahellir, we'll embark on a scenic hike up to the magnificent Rauðufossar, immersing ourselves in their natural beauty and exploring their origins. We'll settle into our cabin at Landmannahellir, where we'll spend the next three nights.

Active walking: 10 km, 3-4 hrs.

Landmannalaugar

Day 2

Today, we begin by driving into Landmannalaugar, a journey of about 30 minutes. A geological wonderland, offering a surreal and enchanting natural experience for those who venture into its diverse and colorful landscapes. It's a place where visitors can immerse themselves in the raw beauty of Iceland's Highlands and appreciate the forces that have shaped this captivating region. Here, we'll immerse ourselves in the largest and most stunning rhyolite area in the country, embarking on an adventurous hike. Our trail will lead us through Blágil, up Brennisteinsalda (881 m / 2890'), down Vondugil, and through Laugahraun, showcasing the mesmerizing landscape. After our hike, we'll indulge in a relaxing soak in a hot bath in the river. We'll then drive back to our cabin in Landmannahellir.

Active walking: 10-15 km 6-7 hrs

Day 2 - Brennisteinsalda

Mt. Löðmundur

Day 3

Today is dedicated to an exhilarating mountain climbing experience. We'll set out from the cabin, hiking up to the summit of Mt. Löðmundur, the highest peak in the Fjallabak region (1,077m / 3533'). The summit offers a mesmerizing panoramic view of the southern part of the country in all directions.

Active walking: 5 hrs.

Landmannahellir - Reykjavík

Day 4

Today marks our return journey. We'll pack up and begin our hike from the cabin, heading towards Sigalda. Here, we'll embark on a memorable walk, exploring the awe-inspiring Sigöldugljúfur canyon. After about an hour of hiking, we'll continue our journey, admiring the majestic waterfalls of Háifoss and Granni. If time allows, we'll also stop at Gjáin before returning to Reykjavik in the late afternoon.

Active walking: 2-3 hrs.

Day 4 - Sigöldugljúfur canyon

Day 4 - Háifoss

Day 4 - Gjáin

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Practical Information

How is it best to train for my tour?

To train for this tour, we highly recommend taking regular hikes in your local area, especially in places where the route includes both uphill and downhill segments, as well as uneven terrain. It's beneficial to carry some weight on your back during these hikes to simulate the conditions you'll experience on the tour. Begin with shorter walks and progressively increase their length to build the endurance needed for the longer hiking days you'll encounter during the tour.

Incorporating both low aerobic and aerobic training will help you build the strength and endurance required for longer hikes.

Lastly, it's crucial to train in the boots you plan to wear on the tour. Ensure they are well broken-in and comfortable to prevent blisters and discomfort during your trip.

I am a vegetarian/vegan/gluten intolerant, will there be a food option for me, what is it?

Special dietary options, such as vegetarian, pescatarian, vegan, and gluten-free, are available for an additional cost. These options will provide meals that meet the requirements of your diet.

The date I want to book is not available, can I still request to book?

If a date is not available, it is either fully booked or not offered on that date. Due to hut allocation, we may not be able to add additional spots, but you are welcome to contact us via email: incoming@mountainguides.is

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