Time of Legends

THE TRAIL

Day by day

1. 01

   Day 1 — Leaving the ordinary world

   DEPENDING ON TRAILS CHOSEN, 5–6 KM

   From Reykjavík to Sveinstindur This day we will travel with our minds and bodies from the civilised world to the remote highland plains. We will meet early in the morning at 6:30 AM at the BSÍ Reykjavík Bus Terminal. Our highland bus will pick us up and drive us across the beautiful plains of South Iceland and into the Highlands beneath the powerful volcano Hekla. Before noon we will arrive in Landmannalaugar and spend the afternoon trekking through this vibrant area and soak in the thermal hot springs. There are many shorter hiking trails here, and you are free to explore the area crossing the thick Laugahraun lava field or summiting Brennisteinsalda or Blahnúkar, some of Iceland's most colourful mountains. The colour palette of Landmannalaugar will help shift our minds away from the civilised world we have left behind and prepare us for the journey ahead. Late afternoon our bus will take us further into the Highlands to the Sveinstindur mountainhut, where we will prepare and enjoy dinner and rest for the night.

2. 02

   Day 2 — Entering the wilderness

   18 KM, 600-700M ELEVATION

   From Sveinstindur to Skælingur. Hike along the Skaftá River through Hvanngil up through Uxatindagljufur between Uxatinda and Grettir. We will have several river crossings today. Once out of the canyon we hike up Biðil and through Skælinga itself to the hut nested amont the lavafields of Stóragil. We will cook community dinner together. There will be times for silent hiking, notebook writing and group sharings in sharing pods in the evening.

3. 03

   Day 3 — Heart of the journey

   Hike along Skælingar and the southeastern rim of Eldgjá, with views of Ófærufoss waterfall from its best vantage point. Descend into Eldgjá for another view of Ófærufoss before continuing through the gorge, passing Kvíslarhólmar and Lambaskarðshólar, and into the otherworldly valley of Álftavötn, where our cook will prepare dinner and we will spend the night. Today's hike: 27 km, 600 m elevation gain. This itinerary may be adjusted by staying at the Hólaskjól Highland Centre instead, making the hike less challenging with an 18 km day hike. If this option is chosen, we will spend only one night at Strútskáli on the final day.

4. 04

   Day 4 — Crossing the plains

   21 KM. ELEVATION GAIN: 775 M

   Álftavötn to Strútskáli. This day is a full day of hiking. We will cross the Highlands on little-used trails through mysterious and changing landscapes of rhyolite mountains, hot springs, and green valleys. The terrain will be hilly, but we will mostly hike through broad valleys. There will be several river crossing where we will use our trekking poles and wading shoes. The river-crossing becomes a mindfulness practice in itself, and I promise you that you make friends with the icecold waters. We will take a break at the remote geothermal pool Strútslaug to recharge. At the end of the day we will arrive to the cozy Strútskali mountain hut, situated with clear views of the famous highland mountains Strútur and Mælifell.

5. 05

   Day 5 — Deeper exploration

   13 KM. ELEVATION: 425 M. (OPTIONAL)

   On to Strútur through the highland stillness. Strutur. This day will be used to immerse ourselves in the landscapes around the hut. Depending on the weather, we may hike the mountain Strútur, take a day hike to Strútslaug, or visit the glacier and rhyolite volcano Torfajökull. Time for nature immersion and deepening connectedness. Dinner feast with local foods.

6. 06

   Day 6 — The return

   13 KM. ELEVATION GAIN: 169 M

   The Final Walk Out – From Strútur to Hvanngil and Back to Reykjavík. Our final day takes us across the glacial sand deserts and wetlands shaped by Mýrdalsjökull. We experience the vast, desolate beauty of the Highlands as we cross parts of the great Mælifellssandur. Towards the end of the hike, we will have the option to split into two groups: one can hike over a mountain peak, while the other can continue across the plains. We arrive at the hut at Hvanngil on the Laugavegur Trail, where our bus will be waiting to take us back to Reykjavík, arriving in the evening. This will be a day of gradual return to civilisation. The integration of this journey will carry on for the coming weeks and months and we will find ways to be in touch.