Photo trip on South Fjallabak

Jour 1 : Keflavik - Reykjavik

Nous arrivons à l’aéroport de Keflavik en milieu d’après-midi et découvrons les charmes de la capitale du nord. Soirée libre et nuit à Reykjavik.

Jour 2 : Reykjavik - Vik i Myrdal

En tout début de matinée, nous nous rendons à la station centrale de bus de Reykjavik et embarquons à bord d’un véhicule qui nous conduit le long de la côte sud jusqu'à Vik i Myrdal où nous attend notre guide. Après une courte balade sur la longue plage de sable noir qui s’étend sous les falaises et les récifs du promontoire de Vik, nous empruntons la piste qui grimpe vers les hautes terres. Nuit en refuge.

Jour 3 : Fjallabak Sud - Holmsarlon

Nous progressons sur les rives du long et étroit lac turquoise de Hólmsárlón et atteignons le lieu-dit “les fonds rouges” : c’est ici que les chutes d’eau du bout du lac plongent dans un cratère rouge. Puis, nous arrivons au refuge de Strútur qui est situé dans un étrange paysage entre le flanc sud de la caldeira de Torfajökull et la calotte glaciaire du Mýrdalsjökull. Nuit en refuge.

Jour 4 : Torfajökull - Mælifellssandur

La piste de Fjallabak disparaît parfois dans le désert humide de Mælifellssandur où l’énorme calotte glaciaire du Mýrdalsjökull vient mourir en pente douce régulière. C’est au milieu de cette étrange platitude noire que se dresse le cône solitaire de Mælifell couvert de mousse fluorescente - site rendu célèbre par les photos aériennes de grands photographes. Entre Hvanngil et le Laufafell, la piste s’élance dans la montagne et traverse plusieurs rangées de cônes verts tous alignés dans le sens de la ride médio-atlantique. Ces chaînes miniatures encadrent des vallées marécageuses couvertes de linaigrette où naissent de clairs torrents. Nuit en refuge.

Jour 5 : Caldeira de Hrafntinnusker

Les chatoyantes couleurs des massifs rhyolitiques nous accompagnent jusqu’à la coulée d’obsidienne ou ‘écueils du noir de corbeau’. Une incroyable palette de couleurs pastels, du bleu au rose en passant par tous les tons de l’ocre, s’offre à nos yeux. Fumerolles, mares de boue sulfureuse, coulées d’obsidienne vitrifiée, marécages, lacs limpides et calottes glaciaires se succèdent à perte de vue. Nuit en refuge.

Jour 6 : Krakatindur - Hekla (Flanc Est) - Reykjavik

Nous commençons à apercevoir l’Hekla, un majestueux volcan au caractère quelque peu explosif, et approchons les étendues de scories couvertes de lichen argenté et les innombrables coulées de lave anciennes. Un véritable paysage lunaire… Un étrange monolithe trône au milieu du néant d’un paysage digne du Seigneur des Anneaux. La piste se poursuit en direction des Tindfjöll et plonge vers la pampa herbeuse de Rangá au bout de laquelle se trouve le rivage océanique. Nous retrouvons la route n° 1 qui nous ramène dans la capitale. Soirée libre et nuit à Reykjavik.

Jour 7 : Reykjavik

La charmante capitale islandaise s’offre à nous dans toute sa diversité. Nous arpentons les rues à la recherche de sujets photogéniques comme les fresques murales et découvrons également des édifices à l’architecture étonnante, le centre des congrès Harpa (de quoi réjouir tous les photographes) et l’église d'Hallgrimur (Hallgrimskirkja). Soirée libre et nuit à Reykjavik.

Jour 8 : Reykjavik - Aéroport de Keflavik

Nous nous levons aux aurores et rejoignons l’aéroport de Keflavik.

En cas de changement des jours et/ou des heures d'ouverture des sites ou d’événements imprévus, le programme peut être modifié, soit dans l’ordre des visites, soit avec des prestations de remplacement de valeur équivalente.

The itinerary described here can be slightly modified, depending on the season and the natural conditions of the moment. The route can also be reversed.

Itinerary and safety:
The day-to-day program can be changed or even reversed. Rare but unpredictable in advance, these modifications can be imposed for safety reasons due to natural phenomena specific to these territories: volcanic eruption or alert of eruption, early or late snowfall, bad weather, Glacial rivers flooding, exceptionally unfavorable weather ... Your guide knows perfectly the terrain and will ne the only Master on board to take the necessary decisions with our base when it is necessary to interpret the whims of nature almighty on this volcanic earth and under these high latitudes.

Average level: Accessible to all hikers. Travel on board a small comfortable 4x4 bus. The duration of the walks depends on the weather conditions of the day and the level of the group. They can be lengthened or shortened. A person not wishing to do all the hikes can of course take part in this journey.

Group size: Multi-national group of 6 to 12 (+/-1) participants (Note: for group sizes of 6-7 persons a small group surcharge applies) Fjallabak’s staff or Fjallabak’s representatives accompanying professionals (e.g. photographers, journalists etc.…) and other discounted travelers such as children, are excluded from the participant count (minimum and maximum)

Small group surcharge : Additional small group surcharge below 6 participants (not commissionable) +37.500 ISK (ca.300 €) for 5 participants  // +62.500 ISK (ca.500€) for 4 participants

Composition of the group: In general, participants on our trips come from several countries. We generally have French, Swiss, Scandinavians, Germans, Canadians, Americans, Australians, New Zealanders, Japanese and even Icelanders. Your Icelandic guide is fluent in English and often speaks one or two other languages. Traveling with Fjallabak is also a chance to meet, exchange ideas and socialize with friendly people from other countries that otherwise you may never have known and it is therefore a unique opportunity to make friends around the world and wring the neck of certain prejudices and misconceptions.

To privatise this trip: On other dates that might suit your holiday, it may be possible to privatize this trip. Below 8 participants the price per person is increasing. Above 8 participants the price decreases. Contact us for a quotation!

Vehicle: jeep or small 4wd bus depending on the size of the group. English-speaking driver-guide. On a complete group, the guide can sometimes be assisted by an Icelandic driver.

Accommodation during the trip:  Sleeping bag accommodation in a country hostel on the coast and in mountain huts in the mountains (usually one comfortable, mixed bunkhouse) . Dining room and well equipped kitchen, running water, toilet outside, showers with charge.  There is no electricity in the refuges of the South Fjallabak Route

Comfort option for the first night:   in made up bed in a comfortable and friendly Inn, in double-twin or double room or single room with private facilities.

Food: We pride ourselves on providing the best cuisine in the highlands!

• Breakfast is Scandinavian-style, with muesli, breads, jams, fish and cheese.
• Packed lunch, with a variety of sandwich fillings, from smoked meats and fish to local cheeses and salads.
• Dinners involve fresh, local fish and meat dishes, with pasta, rice or potatoes, fresh vegetables and salad. Vegetarians and those with food allergies can be fully catered for with a range of tasty options. It is essential that you inform our office of any special food requirements at the time of booking!

For usability, but no obligation, you can bring with you a little specialty of your home country to share with your companions as well as a flask of some thing for a short drink in the middle of nowhere.

Special diets, food allergies, vegetarians, vegans ...
We are aware of the dietary changes, due to exaggerated industrialisation of our time and we are able to satisfy special requests, as far as possible
If you are vegetarian or if you have a particular diet, if you are allergic to certain foods, please let us know in the comments of the registration form and specify the details by email. We are used to meeting the demand of vegetarians, but vegans will have to bring from home some of their own supplements

Travel Preparation and Notes:
This trip is an active and in-depth exploration of the Highlands in 4wd vehicle and on foot which does not represent any difficulty for a good average walker, but nevertheless requires good physical form, excellent moral form, good team spirit
Every day (except on the South Coast) is planned a beautiful walk of several hours: Either a great walk of 4 to 6 hours, or two shorter treks during the day, sometimes in the evening or even around midnight when the day is permanent . Of course your guide will always adapt each hike to the average level of the group and also according to the weather.
This trip is not a trek. If you are a confirmed trekker and find the rhythm too soft for you, then check out our trekkings

During the days on the South Coast we drive more and walk less than in the Highlands of Fjallabak.

In the shelters of the interior the members of the trip are supposed to give a little help to their guide for the preparation of the meals, to set the table, to do the dishes and sweep the refuge the morning of the departure.
Except of course for the days on the south coast if you have chosen the comfort option in the comfortable, cosy and charming Inn.

The abrupt climatic motions of Iceland, always possible, demand and good equipment.

Please refer to the list of equipment, available in the information section of our site!

Recommended Travel Gear

Try to go as light as possible and take only essentials. Excess baggage can be a burden to you and to our support personnel. Keep in mind that there are limits on how much your duffel bag can weigh because the weight restrictions on international and domestic flights is usually 20 kg (70lbs).


Luggage for overland journeys

• Extra bags clearly marked with your name can be kept in your Reykjavik hotel
• Large duffel bag (60/80 liters) sturdy and water-resistant, not exceeding 15 kg
• Daypack (40 to 60 liters)

Clothing

You’ll need to bring comfortable and adequate clothing to protect you from cold and wet weather, such as polypropylene, capilene, or pile. Wool and wool/synthetic blends are also suitable – though wool, if wet, dries slowly compared to synthetic fabrics. We discourage the use of cotton in wet conditions it dries very slowly. 
When layering, the innermost layer should be long underwear. The middle layer can be a synthetic turtleneck or wool shirt, and pants. The outermost layer must be a breathable waterproof jacket such as a good quality Gore-Tex wind/rain parka and over-pants.
For quantities for each item listed, use your own judgment, based on the expected weather conditions and overall packing/weight restrictions for your luggage.

• Regular underwear.
• Short-sleeved synthetic or cotton/synthetic T-shirts
• Synthetic thermal underwear
• Full-length pants, quick-drying synthetic fabric
• Long-sleeved, synthetic or wool shirt
• Wool or/and synthetic socks
• Medium-weight synthetic fleece sweater or jacket
• Gore-Tex rain/wind parka
• Gore-Tex rain/wind pants
• Sun & rain hat
• Wooly hat
• Gloves (wool or pile)
• Down jacket from September to May (optional)
• Hiking trousers, quick-drying synthetic fabric
• Casual sportswear for evenings in lodging 
• Lightweight sports shoe for lodging ( YourTeva-type sandals for river crossing an be used for lodging)

For your feet - Your shoes

Take care of your feet. You will need them!

• Hiking boots, medium-weight, all leather, with padded ankle, good arch support, and a lug sole traction. Your hiking boots should be waterproof, well broken in, and suitable for rocky terrain or possibly snow
• Short gaiters easy to put on Highly recommended
• Teva-type sandals for river crossing

For huts and camps

• Moccasin type shoes or lightweight sports shoe. But your Teva-type sandals for river crossing can also be used for the huts
• Comfortable sleeping bag +5°C to +15°C / 32°F to 60°F which can be opened all the way to be used also as comforter
• Cotton sheet for hut’s mattress
• Pillow if you can’t sleep without one (optional)
• Towel and flannel for toileting and shower (or high density synthetic-chamois)

Accessories

• Swimsuit and small towel (High density synthetic-chamois) for hot spring bathing and swimming pool
• Toiletry kit—soap, toothbrush, and so on.
• Personal first aid kit
• Moisturising lotion. (The air in Iceland is very dry)
• Sunscreen and lip protection (The sun in Iceland is much more intense than you probably imagine)
• Toilette paper and a lighter to burn it
• Sunglasses
• Spare pair of prescription glasses, prescription sunglasses, or contact lenses (but not only lenses, as wind-blown dust can make them very uncomfortable)
• Headlamp or small flashlight with spare batteries (from August only)
• Swiss Army-type pocket knife (Must be kept in duffle bag, not in hand luggage, when flying !)
• Half liter capacity unbreakable water bottle or thermos (optional)
• Binoculars for bird watching, seals and whales (from March to September)
• Hiking poles. Highly recommended
• Netting hood, head net or bug bucket hat * (optional, can be purchased on site

Optional Travel Accessories

• Hiking poles. Highly recommended
• Binoculars
• Repair kit with needle, thread, and safety pins
• Reading and writing material
• Your favorite snack food such as raisins or chocolate
• Protein supplements for vegetarian

1 or 2 good bottles of wine or a bottle of something stronger

Cameras, tablets, smart-phones 

Note that there is no electricity in the huts during the trekking part of the trip!

• Camera bag
• Tripod and cable release for camera (Longs exposures for Northern Lights from mid-August)
• Replacement batteries for electrical devices
• Additional memory card
• Adapter for electrical plug (European standard)

Netting hood* There are no mosquitoes in Iceland (yet), but at the beginning of summer midges swarms invade the lowlands rivers banks and lakes as Lake Mývatn “lake of midges”. With global warming midges begin to colonize now some wet areas of higher ground covered by vegetation. The outbreak periods are short but not really accurate. It is hell for the hapless hiker who found a windless day in clouds of these very angry bugs You will not regret to have brought with you, gloves, a long-sleeved shirt and above a netting hood that you put on over your head rain hat or sun hat. You probably will not have to use it, but you’ll be relieved to have it just in case … and it’s not a huge investment.