Trekking Eastern Iceland
6 days, Egilsstaðir to Egilsstaðir
Itinerary Notes
Please note that due to high demand there may be limited availability when booking optional activities during the tour. Many of these can be pre-booked and we recommend that they are purchased in advance in order to secure space as they are quite popular. See the Available Extras below for details and add them in the Tour Extras section when confirming your trip.
Please also note that the weather near the Arctic Circle can be variable. Occasionally this will mean that we need to amend our itinerary to keep you safe. We will always endeavour to deliver a tour as close to the itinerary described as possible and ensure you see as much as possible, despite any bad weather.
When arranging your transportation, such as flights, please take into consideration the below time restrictions for joining and departing from your group. With these times, we have taken into account travel time to/from the airport in the given destination and required time for check-in or baggage collection/immigration.
Itinerary
Day 1Egilsstaðir/Bakkagerdi
Arrive at the Egilsstaðir airport in the morning and transfer to our local guest house, home for the next 5 nights. Visit the fishing village of Borgarfjörður eystri which offers a glimpse into daily life and enjoy lunch at a local fish soup restaurant. After, take a hike through Borgarfjörður valley following sheep trails up to Dimmidalur (the Dark Valley) and keep an eye out for the "hidden people" as we pass through legendary elf communities. This evening, settle in for a farm-to-table dinner prepared by our host.
This centre–based trip offers a chance to connect with our local hosts in a family-run guest house. In their words, this is your home away from home and their warmth and hospitality will make it hard to leave. Here we enjoy our included breakfasts and dinners which offer a true immersion into local cuisine. Our hosts focus on fresh, local ingredients and support their neighbours; small-scale farmers and fishermen, much to the delight of our palate.
While difficult to see, the "hidden people" make Borgarfjörður eystri their home and the area is thought (according to folklore) to hold a large population of elves. The elves make their home in the many interesting rock formations and they have no concern with hikers walking by, so long as you respect their homes and nature. On occasion, they are known to help humans, in particular those being bullied, so be kind to each other.
This trip starts at the Egilsstadir airport - domestic flights from Reykjavik and accommodation in Reykjavik are NOT included. Please speak to your GCO or agent to assist in booking these arrangements.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Borgarfjörður eystri Village Walk
Take a walk in the Icelandic fishing village of Borgarfjörður eystri which offers a glimpse into daily life. Home to a small fishery, the area is renowned for its hospitality and friendly people. Here we visit Old turf house, the concert hall, the local fish factory and more. After, sit down for a lunch of fish soup at a local restaurant.
Borgarfjörður Valley Hike
Hike through Borgarfjörður valley following sheep trails up to Dimmidalur (the Dark Valley) at the base of the Door Mountains. Enjoy stunning rugged landscapes and keep an eye out for the "hidden people" as we pass through reported elf communities. This entire region boasts the largest population of elves according to local folklore and we pass by their homes (the rocks) and learn more about their stories.
Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Accommodation
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.
Alfheimar Guesthouse (or similar)
Meals included:
Lunch | DinnerDay 2Bakkagerdi
Enjoy a full day of trekking. Drive to Vatnskarð pass and hike across Geldingafjall mountain for exceptional views over Njarðvík, Fljótsdalshérað valley, Héraðsflói bay and beyond. Continue down into Stórurð, with its enormous rocks crossed by a small river hiding turquoise-coloured basins of icy water. Hike back and return to the guest house for a hearty dinner.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Stórurð (Boulder Hollow) Day Hike
Enjoy a strenuous trek up and over gravel, scree and boulders. Start from Vatnskarð pass (431 m) hiking up and crossing Geldingafjall mountain (640 m), before heading inland. The effort is worth the stunning views that await us over Njarðvík, Fljótsdalshérað valley, the black sand beach of Héraðsflói bay and if its clear, over to Vatnajökull glacier and Mt. Snæfell in the eastern highlands. Continue the trek down into Stórurð, and it's enormous rocks and small river. Search out between the boulders the turquoise-coloured pools of icy cold water. After enjoying this hidden gem we can opt either for the hike along the Dyrfjöll (Door Mountains) or the easier way down into the valley below Rjúpnafell peak.
Accommodation
Alfheimar Guesthouse (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 3Bakkagerdi
Enjoy an excursion to the stunning sites around Mývatn lake. Stop en route to visit Dettifoss waterfall, one of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe. Then, hike in the smoking lava fields of Leirhnjúkur, often compared to a martian landscape. From here, drive to Hverir, a geothermal wonder of bubbling mud and smoking steam. Continue to Mývatn Lake and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Take some free time here and opt to visit the geothermal nature bath. Return to the east Fjords for dinner at our guesthouse.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Dettifoss Waterfall Visit
Stop at the Detiifoss Waterfall in northeast Iceland, rumored to be the most powerful in Europe, with an average water flow of 193 m3/s. Take in the view of 45m high and 100m wide falls and take some photos to show off back home.
Leirhnjúkur Lava Fields Hike
Last active in 1984, hike along the smoking Leirhnjúkur lava fields which lie within the Krafla caldera. The landscape is striking and many compare it to a Martian–scape.
Visit Hverir Geothermal Site
Visit the fascinating Hverir geothermal area with steam vents (yes thats sulphur you smell), bubbling mud pools and steaming hot springs.
Myvatn Geothermal Lake Visit
Explore the beautiful scenery around Lake Mývatn. Formed during a volcanic eruption 2,300 yrs ago, the geothermal area is a haven for a massive number of birds. The nutrient rich water also attracts over ten species of migrating ducks to the area. Atlantic salmon and brown trout thrive in the river, feeding on the healthy midge fly population that swarm over the waters in the summer.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Alfheimar Guesthouse (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 4Bakkagerdi
Enjoy another day of hiking and exploration. Drive to Afrétt and begin the hike across the moors through Urðarhólavatn, Gæsavötn and Víknaheiði. Continue to Breiðavík inlet with its golden sand beaches and high cliffs where we break for a lunch stop. After, hike to Gagnheiði ridge which offers a stunning panoramic view of the mountains. Walk back to the guesthouse.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Moors and Breiðavík area Hike
Starting in Afrétt. begin the hike across the moors through Urðarhólavatn, Gæsavötn and Víknaheiði and marvel at the pretty range of pastel colours of the rhyolite mountains. Continue to beautiful Breiðavík inlet with its golden sand beaches and high cliffs, perfect for bird watching and a lunch stop. After, hike to 479 m at Gagnheiði ridge which offers a stunning panoramic view of the mountains.
Accommodation
Alfheimar Guesthouse (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 5Bakkagerdi
Start at Borgarfjörður harbour to view the puffins and sea birds nesting there, when in season. From here, hike up from the coast across green mountain screes to Brúnavík pass then down to Brúnavík inlet. Walk across the black sand beach and take a break in this serene spot. Continue the hike over Hofstrandarskarð pass, and alongside the colourful Helgárgil canyon. Enjoy our last home-cooked dinner at the guesthouse.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Brúnavík area Hike
Hike up from the coast across green mountain screes to Brúnavík pass at 360 m then down to Brúnavík inlet. Walk across the black sand beach and take a break in this serene spot. Continue the hike over Hofstrandarskarð pass at 321 m, and alongside the colourful Helgárgil canyon.
Borgarfjörður Harbour Visit
Visit Borgarfjörður harbour, considered one of the best places in Iceland to view Atlantic puffins. Follow the boardwalks from Hafnarholmi Marina (known as Puffin Marina) to view the massive colony who nest here.
Accommodation
Alfheimar Guesthouse (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 6Bakkagerdi/Egilsstaðir
Drive to historic Seyðisfjörður fishing Village for a walk around what is considered once of the most picturesque towns in Iceland. After, drive to one last waterfall before transfer to the airport where the tour ends.
This trip ends at the Egilsstadir airport - domestic flights to Reykjavik and accommodation in Reykjavik are NOT included. Please speak to your GCO or agent to assist in booking these arrangements.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Seyðisfjörður Village Walk
Visit historic Seyðisfjörður fishing Village nestled under Mt. Strandartindur and Mt. Bjolfur and along the deep fjord. Known for its preservation of old 19th century buildings and stunning location, it is considered one of the most picturesque towns in Iceland.