Experience Incredible Iceland | International Mountain Climbing School

ABOUT YOUR EXPEDITION

During the trek, accommodations are in mountain huts and dormitories with single and double bunk beds or mattresses. The huts are equipped with gas stoves, kitchen utensils and the toilets are in separate huts/outhouses. There are showers in the huts on day 3, 5 and 6. Participants need to bring 500 ISK (~$4) for a 5 min shower (cash only). It is not possible to charge batteries and phones except in Hólaskjól and Hvanngil on day 3 and 6. We advise that participants bring their own powerbank.
Luggage is transported by vehicle each day. You will not have access to overnight luggage while trekking during the day. You’ll access your luggage when you reach your overnight accommodation in the afternoon. Please do not bring hard suitcases; duffel bags are preferable, and not to exceed 18 kg (40 lbs) per person. There are luggage lockers in centrally located places in Reykjavik to store any extra luggage.
Please note that this hike is challenging and is suited for those that are physically active and have some background in basic traveling in mountainous terrain with a light backpack. You can expect to walk 6-7 hrs. walk per day.
Deposit & Payments

– $850 non-refundable deposit / admin fee required to confirm booking
– Payments able to be made in installments
– Final payment due 90 days before departure date

Cancellations

We understand that life happens. However, the logistics involved in planning expeditions require a tremendous amount of administrative work and time.

– Any cancellation 120+ days prior to the first date of your expedition will be refunded in full, minus the non-refundable deposit
– If you cancel 120-90 days prior to the first day of your expedition you will be refunded 50% of the total, minus non-refundable deposit
– We are unable to refund if you cancel within 90 days of your trip
– No refunds will be given for unused hotel bookings due to schedule changes, late arrivals, etc.

IMCS reserves the right to cancel an expedition prior to the departure date. In the event that the expedition is canceled based solely on an internal administrative decision by IMCS, you will receive a full refund minus the non-refundable deposit.

We reserve the right to alter the route for safety/weather, and would substitute accommodations of similar standard if necessary. We will not compensate for unavoidable changes in the schedule.

IMCS Guides have the final authority on all safety decisions and reserve the right to terminate the climb for a multitude of reasons. This may include safety, weather, conditions encountered on the route, your personal level of fitness or ability, the abilities of your teammate(s) or any number of other circumstances. There is no guarantee that we will reach the summit. There are no refunds if the climb is terminated. Force majeure conditions apply. If we have to cancel the trip due to external factors, such as political upheaval, pandemics, terrorism, or cancellations imposed by foreign or domestic governments, we will not issue a refund.

Insurance

– Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory and must be purchased separately.
– Must include: Emergency medical evacuation (minimum coverage $500,000); Trip cancellation; Mountain rescue; COVID-19 coverage
– Copy of insurance policy must be received 30 days before departure

Liability

– Limited to gross negligence
– IMCS is not liable for third-party services
– IMCS is not responsible for loss/damage of personal items
– Guests are responsible for their own actions and are liable for willful damage to property/equipment
– Guests must follow guide instructions

Marketing

– IMCS has the right to take and use photos/videos for marketing
– Client may opt out in writing

Personal responsibility

Clients are responsible for making all necessary preparations to ensure good health and physical conditioning for this expedition. Prior to departure, you are required to familiarize yourself with all pre-departure information and gather appropriate clothing and equipment for your trek.
Clients must maintain basic hygiene and treat both team members and local populations with respect. Guides retain the authority to remove any team member whose actions jeopardize the health or safety of others during the trip.
Group food is purchased in Reykjavik, with the emphasis on fresh product and easily-prepared meals. The trip leader will prepare the group’s evening meals and will be grateful for any assistance from group members. Local specialties predominate, including excellent sea-fish and Icelandic lamb, as well as fresh Arctic char. Breakfasts consists of porridge, muesli, bread, jam, cheese, ham, tea and coffee. At breakfast, snack items and sandwich materials will be made available for the group members to make their own lunch packs.

We can provide vegetarian/vegan meals on request for an additional charge of ~$75.

ITINERARY

Arrival in Reykjavik. Transfer to hotel.

Meals: Dinner on your own.
Pre-trek briefing and gear check. Relax or self-tour in the afternoon.

Meals: Group Dinner. Location TBA.
Take the public bus from BSI bus terminal at 07:00, that during the summer months drives the mountain tracks that lead to Landmannalaugar, passing by the Hekla volcano and other volcanoes in the Dómadalur area. Arriving in Landmannalaugar at noon, we have a lunch and then head south into the mountains. The trail takes us past small gorges, steaming hot springs and yellow mountain ridges. Arrival at Hrafntinnusker mountain hut, were we will stay the night, in the late afternoon.

Distance: 12 km (7.5 mi)

Walking time: 4 – 5 hrs

Ascent: 470 m (1540 ft)

Overnight Hrafntinnusker mountain hut
From Hrafntinnusker we descend down in the gullies of Jökultungur with hundreds of steaming hot springs and mud pools. Up there we enjoy fascinating views to the south of the Álftavatn area (Swan Lake), and the Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull glaciers. In the afternoon we arrive at Hvanngil hut where we stay the night.

Distance: 16 km (10 mi)
Walking time: 6-7 hrs
Descent: 490 m (1610 ft)

Overnight Hvanngil mountain hut
We pass at the foot of the green conic volcano of Stórasúla before entering the black deserts of Mælifellssandur. Heading towards another ancient and verdurous volcano, the Hattfell, we enter the Emstrur region where farmers used to graze their sheep in summer. Before arriving at the Botnar hut where we stay the night, we visit the magnificent Markarfljót canyon cut almost 200 m down into the rocks south of Hattfell.

Distance: 12 km (7.5 mi)
Walking time: 5 – 6 hrs
Descent: 40 m (130 ft)

Overnight Botnar mountain hut
We continue up and down through the small valleys and gullies of Emstrur, where the great Mýrdalsjökull glacier rises only a couple of kilometers away. As our hike is coming to an end for the day, we descend into Þórsmörk’s (the woods of Thor) green valleys filled with arctic birch forests and colorful flowers. Reorganize pack for overnight in remote Fimmvörðuháls hut.

Distance: 19 km (11 mi)
Walking time: 6 – 7 hr
Descent: 300 m (985 ft)

Overnight Þórsmörk hut
We start the hike in the magic landscapes of Goðalönd, the abode of the Gods. Nesting at the foot of two glaciers is a wonderland of ridges and cliffs covered by a multitude of flowers and grasses. We continue up the hills leading to the pass of Fimmvörðuháls enjoying the view of the lava stream that flowed down from the Fimmvörðuháls volcano in March and early April 2010. As we gain height above Morinsheiði we come to the two craters Magni and Móði.

Please note there is no luggage transport service to this hut. However, we will have sleeping bags stored there. This evening, we’ll have freeze-dried food and only basic toiletries.

Distance: 12 km (7.5 mi)
Walking time: 4 – 5 hrs
Ascent: 900 m (2953 ft)
Descent: 900m (2953 ft)

Overnight Fimmvörðuháls hut
We head down to Skógar. At the beginning, the path takes us over a desolate heath past an old hut that does not offer much shelter anymore. We come to the Skógaá River and follow the river exploring its many hidden gorges, and waterfalls all the way to the famous Skógafoss waterfall. The river and its surroundings offer great scenery. The coast seems to be within arm´s reach and you can almost feel the surf on your cheeks. Arriving at Skógafoss, our bus will be waiting to take us to Reykjavik.

Distance: 12 km (7.5m)
Walking time: 5-6 hrs
Descent: 1000 m (3280’)
Transfer to hotel. Departure from Reykjavik.

Meals: Dinner on your own.

What is included / excluded?

Trip Total: $6,400
Deposit: $1,000

Inclusions:

– All meals, hut reservations, and luggage transfers throughout the trek
– Group dinner in Reykjavik on July 16
– Lodging July 15, 16, and 22 in Reykjavik
– Airport transfers

Exclusions:

– International flights to and from Reykjavik
– Trip cancellation and health insurance
– Personal hiking gear
– All items of a personal nature such as additional meals, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, activities not specified, curios, etc.
– All services and charges due to early departure from the route
– Any options not described in the itinerary
– All gratuities. Participants should be prepared for 15-20% of the trip’s cost in tips.

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Iceland’s Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls Trek

Quick Details

Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls Trails

Your Guides

ABOUT YOUR EXPEDITION

ITINERARY

What is included / excluded?

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