9-Nights Iceland Hut-to-Hut Hiking

Skaftafell

Dominated by Vatnajokull, the massive ice cap, the spectacular Skaftafell National Park in east Iceland was founded in 1967 with the help of the World Wildlife Fund. Many walks, climbs and hikes are possible in the area 220 mi/355 km east of Reykjavik. The glacier is 3,000 ft/900 m thick in places, but it has tongues that have lodged in lower areas, allowing easy access for visitors.

Short hikes (less than two hours) go to Svinafellsjokull (the glacier near the park headquarters) and Svartifoss (The Black Waterfall). Svartifoss is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country, with water pouring down over hexagonal columns of black basalt; the eroded base of Svartifoss was the model for the design of the interior of the National Theater in Reykjavik. Hofn is the nearest town.

Egilsstadir

Egilsstadir is located in the eastern region of Iceland. It is a center for transportation and commerce and also provides quality accommodation and dining options. Egilsstadir is located near Iceland's third-largest lake, Lagarfljot, making Egilsstadir a great base to explore the forest on the lake's bank.

Hofn

The name of this town "Hofn" means, "harbour". Sprawled across a sandy spit in the lagoon Hornafjordur, Höfn is surrounded by spectacular scenery. You can buy locally made handicrafts, including Icelandic jumpers, at Handradinn Hornafirdi, in the historical Pakkhusid, near the harbour. The main attraction has to be the Vatnajokull Icecap. There are many routes up onto the Vatnajokull Icecap; the easiest is up the road on the broad glacier spur, Skalafellsjokull. Hofn is a thriving fishing port with associated industries such as fishing. It is also the commercial and market town for a prosperous agriculture inland.

Husavik

The most interesting places to visit in Iceland are Dettifoss, Myvatn, Goðafoss, Krafla, Ásbyrgi, the park in Jökulsárgljúfur canyon, the fossils at Tjörnes, the ghost valleys of the north. Húsavík is known for being the whale watching capital of Iceland. The bird life offers unique nature experience on sea for tourists. Lundey (also known as Puffin Island) is an island colony of 100.000 puffins and other cliff dwelling birds. The beautiful garden in the center of town and the river running through it provides life for many birds. The Folk Museum has one of the largest polar bears ever caught locally. The well-timbered church built in 1907 is open for visitors during summer. The town is a starting point for sightseeing tours and one-day excursions to many famous places found in the north, like Lake Myvatn, Jökulsárgljúfur canyon, Hljódaklettar, Hólmatungur, Ásbyrgi, Tjörnes peninsula, Adaldalur valley, Laxárdalur valley and the Grenjadarstadur Folk Museum. Húsavík is an environmental friendly town - where geothermal water heats all houses and heats or dries industrial products.

Reykjavik

The fire, frost and water symbolized by the red, white and blue of Iceland’s flag are manifested in this land. Reykjavik, or Smoky Bay, was so named in 874 A.D. by Ingolf Arnarson when he sighted the numerous hot springs on the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula. Today this remarkably pollution-free city is wrapped around a sweeping bay and has managed to retain its charming Old-World atmosphere. A pastiche of red-blue-and green-roofed houses together with the tall gray tower of Hallgrim’s Church dominate the skyline. In Old Town, many of the wooden buildings have been lovingly restored and stand side by side with modern timber and concrete structures. There are fine museums and art galleries; historic pubs present activity in late afternoon. The beautiful countryside outside of Reykjavik includes such natural wonders as volcanoes, geysers, glaciers, mountains and spectacular waterfalls.