Dotted with humbling fjords, breathtaking waterfalls, and no-filter-needed fishing villages, Eastern Iceland is an adventure unto itself. Experience this otherworldly region in its truest form on this six-day trek that’s guided by one of our expert CEOs (Chief Experience Officers) from start to finish.
Travel Style
Active
Service Level
Standard
Physical Grading
4 - Demanding
What's Included
Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group. Borgarfjörður eystri Village Walk and Valley Hike. Stórurð Hike. Dettifoss Waterfall Visit. Leirhnjúkur Lava Fields Hike. Visit Hverir and Myvatn Geothermal sites. Moors and Breiðavík area Hike. Borgarfjörður Harbour Visit. Brúnavík area Hike. Seyðisfjörður Village Walk. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Live like a local in a small fishing community, Hear tales of the magic village elves, Stare in awe at the Eastfjords, Feel the serenity of Myvatn Lake, Witness the beauty of the Deitfoss waterfall, Feast on nightly farm-to-table dinners
How large will the group be?
Max 16, avg 12.
What meals are included in this trip?
5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Private minivan/bus, hiking, walking
Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Where will we stay during the trip?
Local guesthouse (5 nts)
Itinerary
Egilsstaðir/Bakkagerdi
Arrive at the Egilsstaðir airport in the morning and transfer to our local guest house, home for the next 5 nights. Visit the fishing village of Borgarfjörður eystri which offers a glimpse into daily life and enjoy lunch at a local fish soup restaurant. After, take a hike through Borgarfjörður valley following sheep trails up to Dimmidalur (the Dark Valley) and keep an eye out for the "hidden people" as we pass through legendary elf communities. This evening, settle in for a farm-to-table dinner prepared by our host. This centre–based trip offers a chance to connect with our local hosts in a family-run guest house. In their words, this is your home away from home and their warmth and hospitality will make it hard to leave. Here we enjoy our included breakfasts and dinners which offer a true immersion into local cuisine. Our hosts focus on fresh, local ingredients and support their neighbours; small-scale farmers and fishermen, much to the delight of our palate.
While difficult to see, the "hidden people" make Borgarfjörður eystri their home and the area is thought (according to folklore) to hold a large population of elves. The elves make their home in the many interesting rock formations and they have no concern with hikers walking by, so long as you respect their homes and nature. On occasion, they are known to help humans, in particular those being bullied, so be kind to each other.
Bakkagerdi
Enjoy a full day of trekking. Drive to Vatnskarð pass and hike across Geldingafjall mountain for exceptional views over Njarðvík, Fljótsdalshérað valley, Héraðsflói bay and beyond. Continue down into Stórurð, with its enormous rocks crossed by a small river hiding turquoise-coloured basins of icy water. Hike back and return to the guest house for a hearty dinner.
Bakkagerdi
Enjoy an excursion to the stunning sites around Mývatn lake. Stop en route to visit Dettifoss waterfall, one of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe. Then, hike in the smoking lava fields of Leirhnjúkur, often compared to a martian landscape. From here, drive to Hverir, a geothermal wonder of bubbling mud and smoking steam. Continue to Mývatn Lake and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Take some free time here and opt to visit the geothermal nature bath. Return to the east Fjords for dinner at our guesthouse.
Bakkagerdi
Enjoy another day of hiking and exploration. Drive to Afrétt and begin the hike across the moors through Urðarhólavatn, Gæsavötn and Víknaheiði. Continue to Breiðavík inlet with its golden sand beaches and high cliffs where we break for a lunch stop. After, hike to Gagnheiði ridge which offers a stunning panoramic view of the mountains. Walk back to the guesthouse.
Bakkagerdi
Start at Borgarfjörður harbour to view the puffins and sea birds nesting there, when in season. From here, hike up from the coast across green mountain screes to Brúnavík pass then down to Brúnavík inlet. Walk across the black sand beach and take a break in this serene spot. Continue the hike over Hofstrandarskarð pass, and alongside the colourful Helgárgil canyon. Enjoy our last home-cooked dinner at the guesthouse.
Bakkagerdi/Egilsstaðir
Drive to historic Seyðisfjörður fishing Village for a walk around what is considered once of the most picturesque towns in Iceland. After, drive to one last waterfall before transfer to the airport where the tour ends.
Is travel insurance required for my trip?
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.
