In one of our recent blogs we were talking about our summer hike series. Additionally, we were teasing about a mammoth hiking event in the summer of 2018. Well, here it is: Iceland Summer 2018! We’ll be seeing all that this small volcanic island has to offer for 10 days of adventure.
That’s right, Innovative Fitness Kitsilano is going trekking in Iceland Summer 2018!!! Lead by yours truly, we will be exploring a variety of scenery in the beautiful Northern country, including the Icelandic highlands, the main city Reykjavik, the golden circle, and many natural hot springs.
To give you a little idea of all the activities we will get to do in Iceland, here is a brief summary of our itinerary.
Day 1:
- We fly out of Vancouver and arrive in Reykjavik. Iceland Summer 2018 begins!
Day 2:
- We have the whole day to explore the city
Day 3: Here is where the fun begins!
- Initially, we will star with a Visit to Thingvellir National Park and Gullfoss Waterfall before driving across to Landmannalaugar.
- We will then pass by Mt. Hekla, an active volcano that was once considered to be the gates of Hell which erupts every few years.
- Then from Thingvellir, we will head over to the Geysir hot springs.
- After that, we continue trekking until we reach our campsite for the night, where there will be natural hot springs to enjoy as well.
Day 4:
- We will hike from Landmannalaugar through the mountains to Lake Alftavatn. Following this, we will follow the Laugavegur Trail, one of Iceland’s most famous hiking routes.
- Then we begin our hike on the rough lava field of Laugahraun before climbing the hills to the plateau by Brennisteinsalda. Icelandic highland desert, a barren, rocky landscape.
- We will continue along the hills of Reykjafjöll to Jökultungur, an area with mountains and glaciers. We can enjoy the green scenery after the lava field and highland desert. After, we will complete a steep descent, then the rest of the walk towards the Lake Álftavatn camp is easy going.
- Approx. distance: 24km/ 8 – 10 hours
- Approx. ascent: 900 m
Day 5:
- To begin, we will Cross Brattháls hill before starting east towards Hvanngil gorge. The campsite crosses two rivers: the Bratthálskvísl (traversed on foot) and the Kaldaklofskvísl via a narrow, wooden bridge. In the evening, you can opt to take a walk and view the 200m deep Markarfjlótsgljúfur canyon.
- Approx. distance: 24km/ 8 – 10 hours
- Approx ascent: 40 m
Day 6:
- Start down the path to the Syri Emstruá river, cross by bridge and continue south towards the Almenningar. On a clear day, the landscape is more open and there are views over the nearby glaciers. Enjoy the change in landscape and a break from crossing through chilly rivers.
- Enter the beautiful Þórsmörk valley, an area where warmer temperatures allow vegetation like moss, birchwood and shrubs to grow. Make a river crossing on foot before a short walk from the valley to the Básar campsite.
- Approx. distance: 19km/ 7 – 8 hours
Day 7:
- Spend the day around the campsite at Þórsmörk. There are a variety of hikes available here, including the chance to hike through volcano alley, that winds through the mountains with spectacular views across the glaciers.
- To conclude the day, we get to relax at the campsite.
Day 8:
- We will do some Glacier Hiking on the Sólheimajökull Glacier. Explore the ice formations and crevices, and you can try your hand at climbing an ice wall. The ice flows from the larger Myrdalsjokull glacier to Sólheimajökull, an outlet glacier.
- The icy landscape with bright, blue caves and ridges is a unique hiking experience.
- Finally, along the way we will visit Skógafoss, one of the largest and most recognizable waterfalls in Iceland. The 60m (200 ft) high falls forms a constant mist that floats in the air, if viewed in the sunlight the mist can create rainbows. The sound and view of the thundering water cutting through the green hills make the falls a must-see on any trip to Iceland.
Day 9:
- Free day
- To conclude, we will have the option to go to the blue lagoon natural hot springs as well.
Day 10:
- Fly back to Vancouver
Trip Inclusions and cost:
- Roundtrip airfare from Vancouver
- Airport transfers in Reykjavik
- All transportation between destinations and activities (private vehicle & local bus)
- All accommodations – Upscale Travel Hostel (3 nts), Full Participation Camping (5 nts)
- 8 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners
- Tour guide throughout, local glacier guide/driver when applicable
- Innovative Fitness Tour Leader
- Training Program with Innovative Fitness
- All included: $6100 CAD
- Trip dates: July 13-22nd 2018
This is going to be an absolutely epic trip for any hike enthusiast as well as any beginner! Most noteworthy, our trek in Iceland is that we won’t be tackling huge elevations, as the trip name suggests, we are trekking more than we are climbing. So, we will get to see an array of scenery that are exclusive only to this small but amazing country. Due to the popularity of this hike, we are already half full so we have limited spots left! If this sounds like a trip that you can’t pass up on contact for more details!
Lydia-Rose Kerouac-Dube
Professional Training coach
Innovative Fitness Kitsilano
