Reykjavík – Landmannalaugar – Hrafntinnusker. 12 km / 7.46 miles, 5-6 hours, Ascent 470 m / 1.542 ft

Reykjavík – Landmannalaugar. Bus from Reykjavík to Landmannalaugar (about 4 hour drive).
We spend the day in Landmannalaugar, where you can enjoy beautiful landscape and go on a short hike through amazing lava field, or (and) relax in a geothermal hot spring. In the evening the guide will go over the plan for the hike adventure.

Today we hike 12 km through rugged lava field, hot springs and beautiful multicoloured rhyolite mountains. The total ascent is about 470 m, but we walk slowly to enjoy the most of the landscape on this first leg of the trail. The hike begins by crossing the beautiful Laugahraun lava field, formed by the Brennisteinsalda volcanic eruption in 1477. We continue uphill, passing whizzing Stórihver hot spring, and a field of rainbow coloured hills, green, yellow, red, black from the moss, sulphur, ash and plant life, making them one of the most beautiful mountains in the world. We continue through the vast field of the black and glassy obsidian with occasional white patches from snow. Obsidian is black and classy from the quick cooling of rhyolitic volcanic eruption and is protected geological formation. So, please do not pick any on your trip. After passing the spectacular obsidian desert, we reach the first hut in Hrafntinnusker, where we spend the night. This remote place does no have network and electricity is powered by solar panels only and is for limited use.

Please remember, warm clothes and water proof. We recommend;

Boots, good, waterproof hiking boots (no sneakers).

River crossing shoes, sandals or neoprene socks.

Base-layer, two sets of warm long-sleeved top and bottom (no cotton).

Mid-layer, a medium thickness wool or fleece top to go over your base layer.

Shell jacket, wind and water proof, gore-tex or similar, is mandatory and extremely important in Icelandic climate. The jacket must be waterproof, have a hood, and make sure you are dry even if it rains or snows all day. We recommend jackets with pit zips for ventilation.

Medium insulated jacket, use a synthetic or down jacket that fits over your base layer and mid layer, yet underneath your rain shell. Should be comfortable with full range of movement when all layers are on.

Extra top layer, bring an extra medium thick layer to add underneath your medium insulated jacket in case you get cold quickly.

Wateproof shell pants, gore-tex or similar, and preferably with zips for ventilation.Gloves, one thin pair of warm gloves and one pair of over mittens with windproofing.Hat, preferably with a windproof lining.Hiking socks, three pairs, one thin, one thick, and one pair that is extra thick for evenings.

Quick drying towelBackpack, day pack, 20-40 litres.

Rain cover for your backpack or poncho that covers your backpack.

Trekking poles are necessary for the river crossingSunglasses, UV rated, we recommend a strap so they don’t get lost.

Sunscreen / chapstick, make sure the chapstick has UV rated sunscreen in it.

Water bottle, insulated water bottle, 2 litre capacity. You can fill the bottle in the cristal clear icelandic rivers.

Toiletries, personal basics, toothbrush and -paste, hairbrush, shampoo, conditioner, ear plugs, sleeping mask etc.

Personal medications, make sure you bring any personal meds you need on your trip and ensure the office is updated on your allergies or needs.Headlamp, make sure you bring extra batteries.Snacks, chocolate, nuts or energy bars, or anything you like to take with you.

Cash or credit card, a shower costs about 500 ISK.

Recommended by the experts:

Compression sacks, or plastic bags, for gear to keep it dry. Balaclava or buff, to protect your neck and face. Thermos, we recommend 1 litre thermos for hot drinks on the hike. Sitting mat, nice to have on brakes during the hike. Camera, it is important of course to be present while hiking, but also a great joy to bring home memories. 

Meet us at bus stop number 8, next to Hallgrímskirkja Church