Trek Around Mount Hekla 2025

Day 1:  Reykjavik - Mt Hekla farmland

Walk 4-5 hours - approx.12 km (7,5 miles)– Altitude 150m > 200 m (500 ft. > 660 ft.)

Your guide will meet you in Hella when you get off the bus from Reykjavik (See our practical information for getting from Reykjavik to Hella) and take you to our nearby warehouse. There we will prepare the midday picnic, check your equipment, then load the travel bags, food and equipment into the trailer of our support jeep. Another 40 minutes’ drive to reach the vicinity of Mount Hekla

The majestic volcano rises above a grassy plain and marks the entrance to the Southern Highlands. Probably It is Iceland’s most famous (or infamous!) and active volcano. Hike starts by late morning crossing grassland. The few little farms of the area have had to move many times over the centuries as eruptions have engulfed them. However, much of the countryside is now verdant with some former lava flows covered in green moss and arctic birch. Green moss, « bonsai » arctic birch grove along with the pure water springs, creates the feeling, perhaps, of a real Japanese garden.

Day 2:  West flank of Mt. Hekla
6-8-hour hike– approx. 20 km (12 miles) Altitude 200 m to 300 m (574 ft. to 1050 ft.)

We cross the river Ytri-Rangá (Western Rangá), then we hike the last series of hills made from palagonite rock (sub-glacially formed) that protects the last fragments of burned countryside. On the far side, we arrive onto a moon-like surface at the foot of Mount Hekla and cross a stretch of perfectly flat volcanic slag. The surrounding black is so dark that on overcast days one wonders if color ever existed there. Tiny, we are moving in a completely mineral world of infinite slag plain along the eastern flank of the volcano, which has been vomited most of the cast of the latest eruptions.

Day 3:  Valagjá – Mont Loðmundur
6-7 hours – approx.17 km (11 miles) Altitude 320 m to 590 m (1050 ft. to 1940 ft.)

We walk away from “the Gateway to Hell” (as Hekla was known in the Middle Ages) and the landscape begins to soften; the green colors of the mosses slowly covering lava fields and the pumices that rain on the land with each eruption. Crossing the “pass of the lambs” we walk in the direction of the majestic monolithic crown of Mount Loðmundur, surrounded by marshland and rich pasture, reflecting in the beautiful lake Loðmundarvatn reflecting Mount Loðmundur a flat-topped volcanic monolith that erupted through glacial ice during the Ice Age.

We should be able to observe a pair of Common Loons (Gavia-immer – Great northern-diver) up close.

Landmannahellir has been for ages, and it is still used now by the shepherds as a base when catching thousand sheep in fall after having been grassing free the whole summer. We are in a legendary place with thousand stories to tell.

Day 4: Landmannalaugar Caldera / Hrafntinnusker

6–8-hour hike – approx. 16 km (10 miles) – Alt. 500 m > 1000 m (1940 ft. >3280 ft.)

Progress through the shimmering colors of the rhyolitic massifs on the heights of Landmannalaugar. Incredible palette of pastel colors, from blue to pink, including all possible ochres. Countless fumaroles, pools of sulphureous mud, flows of vitrified obsidian, swamps, clear lakes and immaculate ice caps follow one another as far as the eye can see. We walk along a vast flow of obsidian Hrafntinnusker, “the reefs of raven black”.

Obsidian is a black vitrified lava with sometimes blue or green reflections, which when broken is sharp as a razor blade that spreads here on the soft pastel undulations of acid rocks of the crown of the caldera of the same name. We will carefully see the countless solfataras with pools of bubbling mud, powerful and noisy jets of steam

Day 5: South Fjallabak – Tindfjöll

6–8-hour hike – approx. 16 km (10 miles) – Alt. 1000 m > 550 m (3280 ft.> 1800 ft.)

As you descend towards Fjallabak South, you can admire the alignment of the mountain ranges, all perfectly parallel and aligned in the same direction, the direction of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge that crosses Iceland from North to South. In good weather, you have a spectacular view of three large ice caps: Mýrdalsjökull, Eyjafjallajökull and Tíndafjallajökull.

The path takes a long, thick palagonite ridge to the southwest that leads to the imposing alpine massif of Tindfjöll. This regular ridge is a balcony over the region: On the right, to the north, a vast territory linked to the Hekla volcanic system with dominant black and red, on the left towards the south, a gray landscape stained with fluorescent green, a jumble of worn and jagged mountains of palagonite resulting from ancient subglacial eruptions

In a fold of this ridge, as if set in a case, hides a beautiful lake of crystal-clear water. Like all of Iceland, the calm of the place results in fact from powerful geological cataclysms, here the lake of Skyggnisvatn is a maar, a phreatic eruption.

 Day 6: Krókur (The hook)

6-8-hour hike - approx. 15 km (9 miles) - Altitude 700 m > 550 m (2300 ft. > 1800 ft.

Progression through the mini territories that lead to the very foot of the Tindfjöll massif through green valley’s where streams of crystal-clear water meander, marshes dotted with cotton grass, deep canyons, beautiful green hills. Krókur "the hook" is a sharp turn in the Markarfljót a turquoise river that winds between cones covered in green moss. This territory could well be an advanced observation post of the Kingdom of the Elves just on the edge of the desolation of Mordor.

Day 7: Hafrafell – Foss - Reykjavik
6-8 hours hike – approx. 16 km (10 miles) – Alt. 550 to 150 m (1800 ft. to 500 ft.)
The Tindfjöll called "The Peaks" is a small chain of majestic mountains with several small, distinct peaks, including the largest Ýmir (1462m) and Ýma (1448m) whose names evoke giants of Scandinavian mythology at the creation of the world.

Of course this is not the Himalayas, nor the Patagonian Andes, but a mixture of the two miniaturized that gives this illusion of virgin immensity which Iceland has the secret.  Although Tíndafjallajökull is one of the smallest glaciers in the country, it is located on a giant crater about 7 to 10 miles in diameter formed by the cataclysmic explosion of a large volcano thousands of years ago.  Progression across a vast desolate expanse between the Tindfjöll and the volcanic system of Hekla which dominates the horizon to the north of its visible or invisible presence. The loop is complete (Let's say a horseshoe rather than a loop). In the early afternoon, departure by jeep towards the southwest by the Fjallabak South track, first on the volcanic expanses of the southeast of Hekla then rapid descent through the beautiful moors and meadows to our base of Hella where we arrive in the middle of the afternoon.

• Return to Reykjavik (via Hella) where we arrive in the early evening, either by regular bus or with one of our vehicles.
• Short bus transfer to the ferry pier for an individual three-day / 2-night extension in the Vestmannaeyjar Islands Archipelago (see online program)

• Difficulty level: 2-3 Moderate
• Average walking per day: ca. 15-16 km (9-10 miles)
• Total walking distance:  ca. 95 km (60 miles)
• Altitude between: 300 m and 1200 m
• Positive gradients: ca.1200 m (ca.3900 feet)
• Downhill gradients: ca.1000 m (ca.3280 feet)

Itinerary and security: the day by day program can be modified or even reversed. However, these changes are rather rare for reasons of safety due to natural phenomena: volcanism, early or late snowfall, bad weather, flooding rivers, exceptionally unfavorable weather ... The guide knows the terrain well and is sole master in interpreting the whims of all-powerful nature on this volcanic earth under these high latitudes, and to make the necessary decisions. 

Composition of the group: In general, the participants of our trips come from several countries: French speaking from France, Switzerland, Belgium and Quebec but also English speaking people from Great Britain, Ireland, United States (Democratic trending), Australians, New Zealanders or other nations who know how to express themselves in English like Scandinavians, Germans, sometimes Japanese or Russians, and even sometimes Icelanders.
Your Icelandic or French guide is fluent in French and English and masters very well at least one other European language. Traveling with Fjallabak can represent a unique opportunity to meet, exchange ideas and socialize with companions from other countries than yours that you might otherwise never have approached. A unique opportunity to make friends from all around the world and twist the neck to certain prejudices and misconceptions inked

Languages ​​spoken: the departure dates are all marked as:

¬ International, (multinational is more accurate) this means that the guide can express himself both in English and in French (possibly in other languages). Participants can be from all around the world if they speak at least one of these two languages: French and / or English

¬ French, it means that the guide is French-speaking as the group that is composed solely of participants from French-speaking countries (Swiss, French, Belgian, Belgian, etc.) or non-French speakers wanting to improve their French. If you want to test your French, do not hesitate

¬ English means that the guide and the group speaks only English. That said, this guide probably speaks also other languages, which may be French (please consult). The group is made up of participants from English-speaking countries or participants from non-English speaking countries with good English skills.

Group size: Group of 4 to 12 (+/- 1) participants (Note: for groups of 4-5 people, a small group supplement applies) Fjallabak staff or representatives of Fjallabak accompanying professionals (photographers , Journalists, etc.) and other discounted travelers such as children are excluded from the number of participants (minimum and maximum).

Extra charge per person for small groups:
• ISK 21.000/pp (ca. + € 150) for 7 participants
• ISK 35.000/pp (ca.+ € 250) for 6 participants

Accommodation: sleeping bag (your own) in mountain refuges and huts: Bunks with comfortable mattresses. Running water and kitchen in the shelter, but the toilets and sinks are usually outside, a few yards in a small building apart. Warm hot showers with charge are available in some huts. If you want more privacy during the night while we sleep, we offer you the possibility of sleeping in tents that we provide, please notify us in advance. On the treks where camping nights are planned, the camps are made up of double tents (or single on request) with a comfortable and insulated mattress and a large equipped mess tent.Electricity: take enough batteries for your camera because you will not often be able to recharge batteries in the huts. Also take a normal charger (220v for European standard outlets) as there are some shelter that have electricity. Food: We pride ourselves for providing the best cuisine in the highlands! Breakfast is Scandinavian style, with muesli, breads, jams, smoked fish, charcuterie and cheese. The picnics can be a bit repetitive after a week (we are in Iceland), with a variety of sandwiches, smoked meats and fish, excellent local cheeses, green salad, tomatoes and cucumbers. Dinners, varied and often excellent, include fish and lamb dishes, served with pasta, rice or potatoes, vegetables and a green salad.
However, vegans will have to supplement their luggage even though we can accommodate their needs.
For conviviality, but without obligation, you can bring with you a specialty of your country as well as a good bottle of alcohol.
Accommodation during the trek: Sleeping bag accommodation in mountain huts and huts (usually a comfortable and mixed lodging) and according to the itinerary and the conditions, at the peak of the season a few nights might be spent in spacious double tents equipped with comfortable mattresses. Showers are available in some huts, not all.

Food, special diets: It is essential that vegetarians specify what is banned from their menu, such as those suffering from food allergies (lactose, gluten, etc.). It is important that you advise us of your special food requirements at the time of booking. If the list is long or there is danger with certain allergies, please send us the details by mail to these two addresses <matta@fjallabak.is> and <lager@fjallabak.is> so that the team of our warehouse/storage can take this into account in the preparation of food. Your guide will be aware of your plan, but it does not necessarily mean that he is a specialist in that matter, so it's up to you to tell him about it at the beginning of the journey when preparing the first meal! It is also up to you to control at each meal what suits you.

Each day a 4x4 vehicle carries the luggage and the food from hut to hut. We do not see this vehicle during the day, because it takes tracks that we rarely encounter. Someone feeling tired one day can make the trip with the driver (often a friendly guide of our team) which will make him discover another aspect of the highlands. A 4x4 assistance vehicle carries the luggage, food supplies and equipment between shelters and camps. We do not see this vehicle during the day, because it takes tracks that we rarely encounter. Someone feeling tired one day can make the trip with the driver (often a friendly guide of our team) which will make him discover another aspect of the highlands. Our carbon impact is lower because the kilometric average of the vehicle does not exceed 30km / day.

Preparation of the trip and notes: This is an assisted hut to hut trekking. At the peak of the season, we might camp for a night or two. The level of walking is moderate to sustained. You only carry a light bag containing what you need for the day. This trek does not present any serious difficulty for people in good physical shape having at least some experience of long walks in the mountains. An experienced guide leads the trek. This trek passes through totally desert areas. Most of the walking is off-trail, with ever-changing terrain conditions. Therefore, sturdy hiking shoes that fit well your feet are a must. Most days involve river crossing, so it is essential not to forget your sandals. See our kits list for more information. You hike 6-7 hours per day, on average, but it can be longer, depending on the weather, the average level of the group. The maximum altitude does not rise more than 1000m. The change of altitude for most days does not exceed 300 m.

Participation: An experienced Icelandic guide leads the trek. As we are not in Nepal but in Iceland, it is expected that the members of the group lend a helping hand to their guide in the preparation of meals, washing the dishes, cleaning the floors before leaving the huts, setting up and taking down the tents when camping. Once in the mountains, the group becomes an independent entity. Fellowship, teamwork and forged friendships add much to the richness of each person's experience.

Price difference between two treks !? Some may notice and then be surprised at the significant price difference between, for example, an 8-day trek and another 10-day trek. In fact there is a difference which is not proportional but which is due to the organization itself.
> When it comes to a trek that goes hut to hut there is a guide, a driver and a 4wd assistance vehicle for for the whole trip.
> When on a hike exists a series of loops from a base camp then during these days there is only one guide.
And when we know the price of services in our country … then we have the explanation.

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 camping, tents are provided. You will be responsible for bringing your mattress and sleeping bag.

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 judgement, based on the expected weather conditions and overall packing/weight restrictions for your luggage.

• Regular underwear. Synthetics are easier to wash and dry
• Synthetic thermal underwear
• Long-sleeved, synthetic or wool shirt
• Short-sleeved synthetic or cotton/synthetic T-shirts
• Medium-weight synthetic fleece sweater or jacket
• Full-length pants, quick-drying synthetic fabric
• Down jacket from mid-August to September (optional)
• Hiking shorts, quick-drying synthetic fabric
• Pile/fleece pants, ideal for around the camp
• Sun & rain hat
• Wool hat
• Gloves (wool or pile)
• Waterproofed shell gloves
• Medium weight synthetic socks
• Gore-Tex rain/wind parka
• Gore-Tex rain/wind pants
• Hiking boots, medium-weight, all leather, with padded ankle, good andkle and arch support, and a lug sole traction. Your hiking boots should be waterproof, well broken in, and suitable for rocky terrain or possibly snow.
• Comfortable shoes to wear when not hiking (optional) Teva-type sandals for river crossing. Absolutely recommended! Gaiters. Highly recommended.

Travel Accessories

• Comfortable sleeping bag +10°C to –10°C which can be opened all the way
• Cotton sheet for hut’s mattress
• Pillow if you can’t sleep without one (optional)
• Hiking poles
• Swimsuit and towel for hot spring bathing and swimming pool
• 1-to-2 liters capacity unbreakable water bottle or thermos
• Hermetic sandwich box
• Hiking mug
• Small hermetic bag with zipper for your wallet and passport
• Small hermetic bag with zipper for your mobile phone
• 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!)
• Toiletry kit—soap, toothbrush, and so on.
• Moisturizing lotion. (The air in Iceland is very dry)
• Sunglasses
• Eye shades. Highly recommended!
• Spare pair of prescription glasses, prescription sunglasses, or contact lenses (but not only lenses, as wind-blown dust can make them very uncomfortable)
• Sunscreen and lip protection (The sun in Iceland is much more intense than you probably imagine)
• Personal first aid kit
• Netting hood

Optional Travel Accessories

• 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

This is an interactive map. Click on the icons and the trail to get more information and photos.