Eldgjá Canyon Trek and Beyond: 6-Day Hut to Hut Trekking Tour
Traverse Iceland's raw highland interior from volcanic canyons to geothermal hot springs, one mountain hut at a time.
The Eldgjá Canyon Trek takes hikers deep into Iceland's most dramatic and least-visited highland terrain, linking ancient lava fields, geothermal valleys, and remote mountain huts across six days of unforgettable wilderness trekking. Beginning in Reykjavík and ending with a transfer back to the capital, the journey covers ground that few visitors ever see.
The route passes through the Fjallabak Nature Reserve, skirting the shores of Lake Langisjór before ascending Peak Sveinstindur for panoramic views stretching from Öræfajökull in the east to the glaciers Langjökull and Hofsjökull in the west. Each day brings a distinct landscape, from the colorful rhyolite mountains near Landmannalaugar to the black volcanic sands of Mælifellsandur.
Nights are spent in a series of remote mountain huts and highland lodges, with a barbecue dinner on select evenings and a soak in the natural geothermal pool at Strútslaug on day five. The daily distances range from 8 km to 22 km, making this a moderate multi-day trek suited to hikers with reasonable fitness and some prior walking experience.
The historical and geological depth of this route sets it apart. The Eldgjá fissure, formed in the eruption of 934 AD and stretching 60 km across the landscape, represents the most volumetric lava flow from a single eruption in recorded history. Trekkers walk through this living record of Iceland's volcanic past, observing crater rows, canyon walls, and the celebrated waterfall Ófærufoss along the way.
Tour Highlights
Summit Peak Sveinstindur at 1,092 m for sweeping views across a quarter of Iceland, including multiple glaciers and the full length of Lake Langisjór.
Walk through the Eldgjá fissure canyon, the product of a 934 AD eruption that produced the largest single lava flow in historical time on Earth.
Soak in the secluded natural geothermal hot spring at Strútslaug, an active geothermal area south of the glacier Torfajökull, far from any road.
Visit the waterfall Ófærufoss inside the Eldgjá lava canyon, a dramatic mid-trek landmark and popular lunch stop on day three.
Stay in a sequence of remote mountain huts and a highland lodge, experiencing genuine backcountry accommodation across five consecutive nights.
Cross the black volcanic sand plain of Mælifellsandur with views toward the striking table mountain Mælifell on the final day of trekking.
Explore unusual lava formations at Skælingar, remnants of the Laki eruption of 1783, in a landscape that feels remote and otherworldly.
Itinerary Overview
Pickup from Reykjavík is followed by a two-hour stop at Landmannalaugar, with an optional guided hike through Laugahraun Lava to the mountain Brennisteinsalda and back via Grænagil Canyon. The group then travels by 4x4 bus along the F208 mountain road to Lake Langisjór, where the trek begins with an ascent of Peak Sveinstindur before descending to a riverside cabin by the Skaftá. Hiking time is approximately 4 to 5 hours with 500 to 600 m of elevation gain.
The day follows the river Skaftá and passes through the valley Hvanngil and past the mountain Uxatindur, covering approximately 18 km in around 8 hours. The destination is the historic farming cabin at Skælingar, surrounded by remarkable lava formations from the Skaftáreldar eruption. Adventurous participants have the option to swim in a cold natural mere at the hut.
The trek begins with an ascent of the mountain Gjátindur, which provides views along the full length of the 70 km Eldgjá fissure. The trail descends into the lava canyon and passes the waterfall Ófærufoss before arriving at the Hólaskjól Highland Centre, where the group enjoys a barbecue dinner and more comfortable lodge accommodation. Distance is approximately 18 km over 8 hours.
A shorter day beginning around noon follows the river Syðri Ófæra past an unnamed waterfall and a natural stone bridge to the mountain hut at Lake Álftavötn. The area, whose name translates as Swan Lakes, is rich in birdlife and laced with rivers and streams flowing from lava fields into clear water. Trekking distance is around 8 km, taking 4 to 5 hours.
This is the most remote day of the trek, following an unmarked path through the Eldgjá fissure zone and along the flanks of the Svartahnúksfjöll black mountains to reach the geothermal pool at Strútslaug. There are no facilities or other trekkers to be expected here, making the soak in the natural hot spring a uniquely private experience. A further 1.5-hour walk leads to the Strútur hut for a final barbecue evening. Distance is 21.8 km over 7 to 8 hours.
The final day crosses the small ridge of Veðurháls and traverses the black volcanic sand plain of Mælifellsandur, passing through Slysaalda, a site associated with an outlaw story and a tragic accident in 1868. The trek concludes at the Hvanngil hut, where the group is collected by vehicle and transferred back to Reykjavík. Total distance is approximately 18 km over 7 hours of active trekking.
What Is Included
Included
- Transport from Reykjavík by 4x4 bus throughout the tour
- Professional trekking guide for all days
- Accommodation in mountain huts and highland lodge for 5 nights
- Barbecue dinners on select evenings
- Lunch packs on trekking days as specified
- Stop and guided walk option at Landmannalaugar on day one
- Return transfer from Hvanngil to Reykjavík on the final day
Not Included
- Personal travel insurance
- Meals not explicitly listed in the itinerary
- Personal trekking equipment and clothing
- Bathing towel for hot spring and optional swimming
- Gratuities for guide and support staff
- Any costs arising from trip cancellation or delay
Important Information
Ready to Trek Iceland's Highland Interior?
Secure your place on this six-day hut to hut journey through Iceland's most remote volcanic landscapes, from the Eldgjá canyon to the geothermal pools of Strútslaug.
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