Hiking Iceland's Eastern Fjords

Arrive in Iceland

After an early morning arrival at the airport, your MT Sobek trip leader will transfer you to the hotel, where you start the day with breakfast. Take the rest of today to relax and explore the capital city. Tonight, meet up with the rest of the group for a welcome dinner.

Fly to Egilsstadir & Hike to Lodmundarfjordur

After breakfast, transfer to the Reykjavik domestic airport for an awe-inspiring flight over the highlands to Egilsstadir in eastern Iceland, departing at 9.15am (subject to change). The 60-minute flight includes spectacular views of Mount Hekla, the Vatnajokull ice cap, and Mount Askja. From Egilsstadir, drive to the deep fjord harboring the coastal village of Seydisfjordur, to begin the hike. Set out over green mountains and plateaus down to the uninhabited Lodmundarfjordur, which was, for many years, one of the most isolated and inaccessible communities in Iceland. Luggage will be delivered by four-wheel-drive vehicle.

Hike from Lodmundarfjordur to Husavik

Take a morning walk to the old chapel at the foot of the beautiful fjord, then along the north seashore of Lodmundarfjordur and down to Husavik (House Bay). Loðmundarfjorður fjord is an impressive valley that was once home to 100 people at the turn of the 20th century, thanks to rich farmlands and accessible fishing grounds. The hike leads through the massive Loðmundarskriður, formed thousands of years ago when the adjacent mountain literally burst forth.

Walk from Husavik to Breidavik

Today walk from Husavik to Breidavik over an impressive pass at the foot of 1,200-ft Mount Hvitserkur — an odd formation of white rhyolite with basalt intrusions. Descend toward Breidavik (Wide Bay), a majestic place with coastal marsh, black sandy beaches, and scattered Siberian driftwood. Curious seals often come around to observe hikers.

Walk from Breidavik to Bakkagerdi

From Breidavik, set out across the massive pastel rhyolite mountains that, depending on the way the sun catches them, turn from pink to blue to ochre. Continue the hike via Brunavik (Brown Bay) downhill to Borgarfjordur Eystri, a small picturesque inlet that faces the open sea, featuring shores dotted with charming, small houses.

Hike in the Dyrfjoll Mountains & Head to Lake Lagarfljot

Today hike in the Dyrfjoll Mountains, a perfect complement to the Borgarfjordur fjord. Have a short transfer to the trailhead just below the majestic faces of the Dyrfjoll cliffs, reaching the Storud (Big Rocky Ground), an enormous chaos of large boulders intersected by a glacial river. After marveling at this spectacular setting, continue the hike along the foothills of the mountains, meeting up with the bus for the scenic drive to Lake Lagarfljot — and on to the Hotel Hallormsstadur for the overnight.

Take In the Village of Djupivogur & Head to Hofn

Today transfer to the Hengifoss Waterfall, where you enjoy a walk and picnic lunch before continuing south again. Drive over the Oxi pass down to Berufjorður fjord, stopping shortly at Djupivogur village for a short walk along this picturesque harbor. Then continue west past the Lonsvik lagoon, a gathering place for thousands of wild swans and a destination for many migratory birds. After the walk, enjoy the scenic drive that passes the Cape of Whales and the imposing glacial masses as the Vatnajokull ice cap flows down from the mountains.

Cruise on Jokulsarlon Lagoon & Hike Skaftafell National Park

Today drive along the south coast enjoying views of the immense Oræfajokull glacier as it crawls across black sand. Take a 30-minute cruise among the black and blue icebergs of the Jokulsarlon lagoon. Continue westward and arrive in the Skaftafell National Park, the location of today's short hike to Svartifoss (The Black Waterfall), a famed waterfall in a horseshoe-shaped gorge. Continuing west again, come to the endless Eldhraun lava field covered with thick carpets of silvery moss.

Visit Skogafoss Waterfall & Skogar Museum

Begin the day with a walk along the black-sand beaches of Vik, then continue the journey northwest. Stop to visit the impressive 190-foot Skogafoss waterfall and the fascinating Skogar Museum, with its collections of handicrafts and on-site historical buildings. Arrive in Reykjavik by the mid-afternoon, allowing plenty of time to explore the city on your own before tonight's farewell dinner in town.

Soak in the Blue Lagoon & Depart from Reykjavik

After breakfast, enjoy a little time for shopping or exploring before departing Reykjavik at 11am, transferring 45 minutes south to the famous Blue Lagoon geothermal spa. Located in a lava field, the lagoon holds six million liters of geothermal seawater, which is renewed every 40 hours. Soak in the steamy mineral waters, or get a natural massage under the powerful waterfalls, before showering up and transferring back to the Reykjavik-Keflavik Airport for departure flights home (please schedule flights after 4:40pm).