Though this 6 days trekking, was hard for me, my feet was hurting killing me, tired to dead, but as usual, difficult experience dies hard, i.e. unforgettable.
Though the cost for this assisted trekking was rocket high for me, but I am glad I did it.
The group was fine, with our young and energetic local guides, Lilya and Bergus, and fellow hikers: a family of four from Hongkong, one lady and 2 professors from Boston, and a party group of 8 middle ages from Belgium.
7 o'clock in the morning, we met in Reykjavic tourist office, our meeting point, our guide Lilya checked everybody shoes, and was shocked looking at my sandals, immediately asked my shoe size and called her company to bring a proper trekking shoes.... I really didn't expect that we gonna walk on the snow, in actual everyday!
It was not about my shoes that many times I was too tired left behind, couldn't catch up with the others, definitely I needed more training on my stamina and endurance.
The view was beautiful and splendid, though I still think Torres del Paine "W" trekking has more spectacular view.
The path was tough partly, with the stiff slope and heavy snow, cold ice river crossing and long walk.
Below I listed the unforgettable 6, good and bad mix together:
1. Tiredness on our 1st day, walking 10-11 hours on snow and snowy/foggy day. This day, due to logistic issue, we had to walk 2 day in original itinerary to arrive in our hut. The walk was longer, not only because of that, but also we got lost. Our guide tried to take short cut, but finally we needed to longer path. Was happy I was in the group, not being alone got lost in the middle of snow. Met a lone hiker that walked with us and got lost with us. He was lucky, (or not?) getting lost with us, not getting lost alone.
(read about 1st day part 1 here and part 2 here)
2. Free fall into a snow hole on our 5th day. The area in Fimmvörduháls, near the new volcanoes was warm, causes some hollow inside the snow. I walked on thin ice and drop 2-3 meters down.
(read about the fall here, and about the 5th day here). This incident somehow, made the fellow hikers who pulled me out, feel closer to me, like a family. They event celebrated my birthday that night.
3. Lake Álftavatn. Very beautiful and relaxing lake, surrounded by snowy mountains. We stayed here on our 2nd and 3rd night, and did a day hike around the lake on 2nd day.
4. Pretty little floras along the way.
(see the photo collection here)
5. Nice fellow hikers :)
6. Kimochi ii walking on the 4th day, dancing and walking with attitude following my favourite music.
Like my old colleague Matsuzawa said, 思い出はPriceless!!!
Laugavegur Trekking by TREK Iceland
Below is copied from trek.is website.
Laugavegur Trekking and Fimmvörðuháls - 6 Day Tour
Price ISK 169,000 (assisted trekking, stay in mountain huts)
TREK 25- The Laugavegur Trek takes us to the most famous hiking trail in Iceland, known all over the world for the scenic beauty of its trails. Enjoy hiking from Landmannalaugar to Thorsmork and Fimmvörduháls Volcano.
The Laugavegur & Fimmvörðuháls Top 20 Best World´s Hikes.
We start in Landmannalaugar, a geothermal wonderland, and make our way south through the Highlands. On the way we view fields of obsidian, red and yellow mountains, black sands and sparkling white glaciers. The Laugavegur trail ends in Thorsmörk, a green valley nestled at the foot of the famous glacier Eyjafjallajökull.
From Thorsmork we hike up to the newest craters at Fimmvörduháls named Magni and Móði, after the sons of Thor, the Norse god of thunder. Only four years old and still warm since the eruption in 2010. On this 6 days trek you experience some of the best Icelandic nature has to offer glaciers, volcano, lava fields and geothermal colors and hot springs.
There is a maintained track for most of the route and your guide will ensure you do not miss the best spots along the way, explain the scenery around you and geological history of Iceland.
Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls trek was chosen one of "20 Best Hikes in the world by National Geographic.
ITINERARY
Day 1: REYKJAVIK-LANDMANNALAUGAR AND FROM LANDMANNALAUGAR TO HRAFNTINNUSKER
The tour starts by the Reykjavík tourist info in Aðalstræti 2 at 7.00. Aðalstræti 2 is within walking distance of most hotels and guesthouses in central Reykjavík. We also offer pick up at your door for a small fee. After introductions we board the scheduled bus that takes us to Landmannalaugar. The drive takes about 3-4 hours, on the way we drive along the south coast and then turn inland and pass Icelands most active volcano, Hekla. Our hike starts in Landmannalaugar as we walk through this geothermal wonderland and look at the colorful mountains and steaming hot springs. We walk by the beautiful hot spring Stórihver before crossing into the obsidian desert by Hrafntinnusker. We spend the night in the hut in Hrafntinnusker, one of the most remote huts in Iceland. (L, r, D)
Distance: 12km (7.5 mi) Walking time: 4-5 hrs Ascent: 470 m (1540 ')
Day 2: HARAFNTINNUSKER-ÁLFTAVATN (WHOOPER SWAN LAKE)
After a communal breakfast in the hut we head out again and walk along the Reykjafjöll mountains and then descend into the Jökultungur area. The geothermal activity has turned these gullies yellow and red. From the top of Jökultungur there is a great view over the Fjallabak area and lake Álftavatn which is our next overnight stop. Before reaching Álftavatn we cross an unbridged stream on foot. We spend the night in the hut by the lake. (B, L, r, D)
Distance: 12km (7.5 mi) Walking time: 4-5 hrs Descent: 490 m (1610 ')
Day 3: ÁLFTAVATN LAKE-EMSTRUR
We start the day with another refreshing stream crossing as we make our way past the green volcano Stórasúla and into the black desert of Mælifellssandur. On our way we will see Hattafell, a volcano with a strange flat top. We walk through this black glacial desert and into Emstrur where there is a chance to enjoy the view on Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers. Just before reaching the campsite in Botnar we turn of the path to look at Markarfljótsgljúfur, almost 200m deep canyons carved out by the glacial river Markarfljót. The hut in Botnar is in a little green oasis, a welcome sight after walking through the black sands. (B, L, r, D)
Distance: 15km (9.5 mi) Walking time: 6-7 hrs Descent: 40 m (130 ')
Day 4: EMSTRUR-THORSMORK VALLEY
We put Emstrur behind us and continue along the canyons on our way to Thorsmork. The trail takes us within a few kilometers from the great Mýrdalsjökull glacier. As we descend towards Almenningar a few trees can be seen, a sign we are getting closer to the coast. We walk under the characteristic mountain Einhyrningur and into the dense birch forest in Þórsmörk. Thorsmork is a green valley nesting under the glaciers Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull, a magnificent place to spend the night. (B, L, r, D)
Distance: 15km (9.5 mi) Walking time: 6-7 hrs Descent: 300 m (985 ')
Day 5: HIKING TO MAGNI AND MÓÐI VOLCANO, FIMMVÖRÐUHÁLS PASS
Today we leave Thorsmork early in the morning and head for the mountain pass between the two glaciers, Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull. We will walk up to the two new volcanos formed in 2010, Magni and Móði, the sons of Thor. On the way we pass by a ?waterfall? of lava formed in the eruption. Here you have a chance to see how Iceland is still being constructed. fantastic view over the valley. We spend the night in Thorsmork and have a GOOD BYE party while enjoying a traditional Icelandic grilled Lamb for dinner. (B, L, r, D)
Distance: 16km (10 mi) Walking time: 7-8 hrs Ascent: 800 m (2600 ')
Day 6: THORSMORK VALLEY-SELJALANDFOSS WATERFALL-REYKJAVIK
In the morning we have a leisurely breakfast in the hut before going out to explore amazing surroundings. The volcanoes Katla and Eyjafjallajökull surround the Thorsmork valley, for thousands of years these volcanoes and the glaciers that cover them have carved the sandstone in Þórsmörk into surreal sculptures dotted with moss and Arctic birch trees. We hike up the mountain Útigönguhöfði for a fantastic view over the valley. Those who wish can also simply spend the relaxing and enjoying nature in this beautiful place. We return to Reykjavík in the early evening where the tour ends at the main tourist info around 18:30, Aðalstræti 2, in the heart of Reykjavík. From there taxis and local busses are available, but drop off at your accommodation can also be purchased with your tour. (B, L)
Distance: 6 km (3,5 mi) Walking time: 3 hrs
The entries at the end of each day indicate the meals included (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, r=refreshment, D= Dinner)
Though the cost for this assisted trekking was rocket high for me, but I am glad I did it.
The group was fine, with our young and energetic local guides, Lilya and Bergus, and fellow hikers: a family of four from Hongkong, one lady and 2 professors from Boston, and a party group of 8 middle ages from Belgium.
7 o'clock in the morning, we met in Reykjavic tourist office, our meeting point, our guide Lilya checked everybody shoes, and was shocked looking at my sandals, immediately asked my shoe size and called her company to bring a proper trekking shoes.... I really didn't expect that we gonna walk on the snow, in actual everyday!
It was not about my shoes that many times I was too tired left behind, couldn't catch up with the others, definitely I needed more training on my stamina and endurance.
The view was beautiful and splendid, though I still think Torres del Paine "W" trekking has more spectacular view.
The path was tough partly, with the stiff slope and heavy snow, cold ice river crossing and long walk.
Below I listed the unforgettable 6, good and bad mix together:
1. Tiredness on our 1st day, walking 10-11 hours on snow and snowy/foggy day. This day, due to logistic issue, we had to walk 2 day in original itinerary to arrive in our hut. The walk was longer, not only because of that, but also we got lost. Our guide tried to take short cut, but finally we needed to longer path. Was happy I was in the group, not being alone got lost in the middle of snow. Met a lone hiker that walked with us and got lost with us. He was lucky, (or not?) getting lost with us, not getting lost alone.
(read about 1st day part 1 here and part 2 here)
2. Free fall into a snow hole on our 5th day. The area in Fimmvörduháls, near the new volcanoes was warm, causes some hollow inside the snow. I walked on thin ice and drop 2-3 meters down.
(read about the fall here, and about the 5th day here). This incident somehow, made the fellow hikers who pulled me out, feel closer to me, like a family. They event celebrated my birthday that night.
3. Lake Álftavatn. Very beautiful and relaxing lake, surrounded by snowy mountains. We stayed here on our 2nd and 3rd night, and did a day hike around the lake on 2nd day.
4. Pretty little floras along the way.
(see the photo collection here)
5. Nice fellow hikers :)
6. Kimochi ii walking on the 4th day, dancing and walking with attitude following my favourite music.
Like my old colleague Matsuzawa said, 思い出はPriceless!!!
Laugavegur Trekking by TREK Iceland
Below is copied from trek.is website.
Laugavegur Trekking and Fimmvörðuháls - 6 Day Tour
Price ISK 169,000 (assisted trekking, stay in mountain huts)
TREK 25- The Laugavegur Trek takes us to the most famous hiking trail in Iceland, known all over the world for the scenic beauty of its trails. Enjoy hiking from Landmannalaugar to Thorsmork and Fimmvörduháls Volcano.
The Laugavegur & Fimmvörðuháls Top 20 Best World´s Hikes.
We start in Landmannalaugar, a geothermal wonderland, and make our way south through the Highlands. On the way we view fields of obsidian, red and yellow mountains, black sands and sparkling white glaciers. The Laugavegur trail ends in Thorsmörk, a green valley nestled at the foot of the famous glacier Eyjafjallajökull.
From Thorsmork we hike up to the newest craters at Fimmvörduháls named Magni and Móði, after the sons of Thor, the Norse god of thunder. Only four years old and still warm since the eruption in 2010. On this 6 days trek you experience some of the best Icelandic nature has to offer glaciers, volcano, lava fields and geothermal colors and hot springs.
There is a maintained track for most of the route and your guide will ensure you do not miss the best spots along the way, explain the scenery around you and geological history of Iceland.
Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls trek was chosen one of "20 Best Hikes in the world by National Geographic.
ITINERARY
Day 1: REYKJAVIK-LANDMANNALAUGAR AND FROM LANDMANNALAUGAR TO HRAFNTINNUSKER
The tour starts by the Reykjavík tourist info in Aðalstræti 2 at 7.00. Aðalstræti 2 is within walking distance of most hotels and guesthouses in central Reykjavík. We also offer pick up at your door for a small fee. After introductions we board the scheduled bus that takes us to Landmannalaugar. The drive takes about 3-4 hours, on the way we drive along the south coast and then turn inland and pass Icelands most active volcano, Hekla. Our hike starts in Landmannalaugar as we walk through this geothermal wonderland and look at the colorful mountains and steaming hot springs. We walk by the beautiful hot spring Stórihver before crossing into the obsidian desert by Hrafntinnusker. We spend the night in the hut in Hrafntinnusker, one of the most remote huts in Iceland. (L, r, D)
Distance: 12km (7.5 mi) Walking time: 4-5 hrs Ascent: 470 m (1540 ')
Day 2: HARAFNTINNUSKER-ÁLFTAVATN (WHOOPER SWAN LAKE)
After a communal breakfast in the hut we head out again and walk along the Reykjafjöll mountains and then descend into the Jökultungur area. The geothermal activity has turned these gullies yellow and red. From the top of Jökultungur there is a great view over the Fjallabak area and lake Álftavatn which is our next overnight stop. Before reaching Álftavatn we cross an unbridged stream on foot. We spend the night in the hut by the lake. (B, L, r, D)
Distance: 12km (7.5 mi) Walking time: 4-5 hrs Descent: 490 m (1610 ')
Day 3: ÁLFTAVATN LAKE-EMSTRUR
We start the day with another refreshing stream crossing as we make our way past the green volcano Stórasúla and into the black desert of Mælifellssandur. On our way we will see Hattafell, a volcano with a strange flat top. We walk through this black glacial desert and into Emstrur where there is a chance to enjoy the view on Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers. Just before reaching the campsite in Botnar we turn of the path to look at Markarfljótsgljúfur, almost 200m deep canyons carved out by the glacial river Markarfljót. The hut in Botnar is in a little green oasis, a welcome sight after walking through the black sands. (B, L, r, D)
Distance: 15km (9.5 mi) Walking time: 6-7 hrs Descent: 40 m (130 ')
Day 4: EMSTRUR-THORSMORK VALLEY
We put Emstrur behind us and continue along the canyons on our way to Thorsmork. The trail takes us within a few kilometers from the great Mýrdalsjökull glacier. As we descend towards Almenningar a few trees can be seen, a sign we are getting closer to the coast. We walk under the characteristic mountain Einhyrningur and into the dense birch forest in Þórsmörk. Thorsmork is a green valley nesting under the glaciers Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull, a magnificent place to spend the night. (B, L, r, D)
Distance: 15km (9.5 mi) Walking time: 6-7 hrs Descent: 300 m (985 ')
Day 5: HIKING TO MAGNI AND MÓÐI VOLCANO, FIMMVÖRÐUHÁLS PASS
Today we leave Thorsmork early in the morning and head for the mountain pass between the two glaciers, Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull. We will walk up to the two new volcanos formed in 2010, Magni and Móði, the sons of Thor. On the way we pass by a ?waterfall? of lava formed in the eruption. Here you have a chance to see how Iceland is still being constructed. fantastic view over the valley. We spend the night in Thorsmork and have a GOOD BYE party while enjoying a traditional Icelandic grilled Lamb for dinner. (B, L, r, D)
Distance: 16km (10 mi) Walking time: 7-8 hrs Ascent: 800 m (2600 ')
Day 6: THORSMORK VALLEY-SELJALANDFOSS WATERFALL-REYKJAVIK
In the morning we have a leisurely breakfast in the hut before going out to explore amazing surroundings. The volcanoes Katla and Eyjafjallajökull surround the Thorsmork valley, for thousands of years these volcanoes and the glaciers that cover them have carved the sandstone in Þórsmörk into surreal sculptures dotted with moss and Arctic birch trees. We hike up the mountain Útigönguhöfði for a fantastic view over the valley. Those who wish can also simply spend the relaxing and enjoying nature in this beautiful place. We return to Reykjavík in the early evening where the tour ends at the main tourist info around 18:30, Aðalstræti 2, in the heart of Reykjavík. From there taxis and local busses are available, but drop off at your accommodation can also be purchased with your tour. (B, L)
Distance: 6 km (3,5 mi) Walking time: 3 hrs
The entries at the end of each day indicate the meals included (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, r=refreshment, D= Dinner)
