Fjallabak

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    Through unknown territories with an highly professional guide who knows the secret paths to adventure

    FJALLABAK is a fully licensed travel agency by the Icelandic government and member of SAF, the Icelandic Travel Industry Association.

    Matthildur Filippusdottir Patay is the chief executive of Fjallabak. She has taken over the flag to carry on the family business that she has a lot of passion for. Fjallabak is a dynamic family business that has been organizing treks and ski expeditions in Iceland since the early 70’s.

    The name of the company, means “Behind the Mountains” in English. It is the name of a famous trail, which snakes its way through the desert landscape of the volcanic highlands between Mt. Hekla and the icecaps along the south coast. This vast and incredible territory remains mostly “unexplored” by classical tourism. The access is not very easy because nature there remains a powerful actor.

    We specialize in high-quality supported trekking, backpacking, walking and discoveries for small groups. We organise ski trips and slow travel adventures, such as birdwatching, whale watching or geology tours… We are used to organizing trips for private groups and "A la carte" such as self-drive and self guided tours. Occasionally, we work with film shootings and incentive events.

    As we have been in the field for nearly 30 years, we know what outdoor experience and hiking Iceland’s mountains and fjords means. We are committed to operate the highest standard possible in the “industry” of outdoor touring in Iceland, your safety and your pleasure is our highest priority.

    Iceland has become a victim of its own success. Tourists have replaced travelers around the country. Fortunately 80% of the country, mainly the highlands, remains difficult to access and without infrastructure, or so little.

    By nature, here at Fjallabak, we are a bit allergic to mass tourism. We love our job, the adventure and the experience it represents.
    We do not receive more than 400-500 travelers per year. We do not intend to grow continuously. Despite our idealism, we have survived the crises of the last decades and have been on course for now 40 years.
    In other words, we are very small company with a lot of soul. Far from the crowds, we live our adventures as we know the secret passages through the mysterious mountains of Iceland that lead us into an untouched world where dream and reality together are one.

    We look forward to seeing you on Fjallabak’s trails.

    Matthildur Filippusdóttir Patay (AKA Matta)

    What's on

    Autumn guided discovery

    Around the country clockwise for a journey of 4, 5, 6, 8 or 10 days - Lodging choice : in hotels and Inns or in sleeping bag accommodation in hostel – Short and easy daily hiking – Multi national group - English speaking guide – 4 to 10…
    See trip details, dates and booking

    Iceland trips selection

    Look below for a short selection of our newest trips.

    Photo trips

    Highlands photography 2023

    Highlands photography 2023 10 days trip (12 days from home) in a small group of 6 to 10 participants, accompanied by a professional photographer, and driven by Icelandic driver-guide This adventure in the heart of the Southern Highlands a series of 4wd overland discovery and…
    See trip details, dates and booking

    Highlands 4wd Discoveries

    Highlands photography 2023

    Highlands photography 2023 10 days trip (12 days from home) in a small group of 6 to 10 participants, accompanied by a professional photographer, and driven by Icelandic driver-guide This adventure in the heart of the Southern Highlands a series of 4wd overland discovery and…
    See trip details, dates and booking

    Trekking – 7 to 9 days

    View of mount Hekla

    Trek Around Mount Hekla

    Beautiful assisted  8-day walking adventure hut to hut along the north and south flank of Mount Hekla, one of Iceland's best known volcano and through the Fjallabak Natural Reserve to Landmannalaugar, then crossing the vast and strange Hrafntinnusker Caldeira to the majestic mountain ridge of Tindfjöll This concentrated…
    See trip details, dates and booking

    Trekking – 3 to 6 days

    Hrafntinnusker caldeira

    Trek Black Raven Reefs

    Beautiful assisted 6-day walking adventure hut to hut. After climbing and crossing the vast and strange Hrafntinnusker Caldeira, our trail continues through lush green spines and laughing valleys to the entrance of the long narrow black desert of Mællifellssandur which stretches between the caldera and the enormous mass…
    See trip details, dates and booking

    What they say about us

    • star rating  We had a wonderful trek near Mount Hekla. Our guide was fantastic, as was the food. The overall organization is closely tied to the land and has extensive expertise. Not... read more

      Jen T
      19 August 2019

      star rating  Me and my in law family booked this very special trip to an area which is usually very secluded and not seen by too many tourists.
      On our 5... read more

      Anja S
      5 September 2018
    • star rating  Haven't regret the decision to join the trek with Fjallabak (trek at the doors of Hell South) for a single time. Everything was well organized, the guide and Philippe took... read more

      Jurri
      1 July 2021

      star rating  We did a 4 day trek with Fjallabak with our family (adult children) and totally loved it. It was really interesting to see Iceland this way and get out in... read more

      Susiemm2173
      30 August 2018
    • star rating  Completely off-track trekking, the only paths we crossed were those of the sheeps.
      Explanations in French and English, multinational hikers which makes it a nice experience

      Chris B
      21 August 2019

      star rating  9 jours de trekking dans les montagnes de Fjallabak à 3 familles avec ados. On a adoré les randonnées proposées (très diversifiées et représentatives de l'Islande), l'équipe très sympa, la... read more

      Jocelyne M
      16 August 2018
    • star rating  The Fjallabak Trekking company is a small family operated business that caters to travelers trying to get off the beaten path. We spent 6 days trekking in the Fjallabak... read more

      BrigittaAdell
      11 September 2019

      star rating  I did a short trek, the Trek at the Doors of Hell in late June with Fjallabak a family run business and it was amazing, we had the sensation of... read more

      Katiedenver76
      18 July 2019
    • star rating  Très bon parcours photo en Islande avec une équipe compétente et sympathique autour des refuges de Dalakofi et de Strutur. Philippe Pathé et son équipe se sont dépensés sans... read more

      chicabou
      19 September 2018

      star rating  This was our second trip with Fjallabak. In a very different part of Iceland, but with the same friendly, expert support and guiding. We did the guided "Birds and Fjords"... read more

      GailLouise
      1 June 2021
    • star rating  Our four-day trek with Fjallabak Trekking was wonderful along many dimensions. It will long remain a highlight of our family lore. It was amazing to be essentially alone... read more

      Michael J
      20 August 2018

      star rating  Completely off track trekking
      Hard sometimes with the weather
      Adventure company
      Good service
      Only bad point is the level of the members can be too different and it... read more

      Swissitude2014
      21 August 2019
    • star rating  Que dire des services de cette sympathique agence ? Tout simplement extra ! Sur la base de l'itinéraire que nous souhaitions effectuer, Matta nous a concocté une série d'hébergements (guest... read more

      Carole B
      14 September 2018

      star rating  We had the pleasure of doing a 4 day guided 4 wheel drive and hiking trip with Fjallabak and Philippe, the founder of the company, as our guide. We loved... read more

      GailLouise
      18 September 2019
    • star rating  Fabulous, walking a mountain trail in a small group with an excellent and humorous guide, talking English and French simultaneously. Emma really took care, from French-style cooking to correctly applying... read more

      Herfried W
      16 August 2019

      star rating  La réserve naturelle de Fjallabak est magnifique et notre trek hors des sentiers battus a dépassé toutes nos attentes. L'itinéraire concocté par Fjallabak Trekking n'a fait que croiser l'"autoroute" du... read more

      fcibot
      21 August 2018
    • star rating  Que dire des services de cette sympathique agence ? Tout simplement extra ! Sur la base de l'itinéraire que nous souhaitions effectuer, Matta nous a concocté une série d'hébergements (guest... read more

      Carole B
      14 September 2018

      star rating  For those looking to avoid the crowds and get off the beaten path, this is a great trip. This is a local Icelandic company, and they are quite knowledgeable.... read more

      brubin2018
      22 August 2018
    • star rating  Our trek in the Elves Mountains August 2020: - Well planned itinerary with solid walks every day in fantastic landscape - Just as we like it - not many other... read more

      Berit A
      1 August 2020

      star rating  Mon premier séjour en Islande remonte à 2004, avec Philippe Patay.
      
Depuis, je suis revenue sur cette île plusieurs fois, par moi-même ou avec Fjallabak. 
Pour marcher, pour contempler,... read more

      SKislande
      18 July 2019