dossier

Markarfljot Valley

Outline Itinerary

For 2008,we have departures on

May 10 – 18

Jun 07 –15

Jul 12 –20

Aug 23 – Aug 31

Please note that variations to these itineraries may occur due to roads beingimpassable, acts of God (who is still very active in Iceland!) and airlineflight changes.  Sometimes othercircumstances may cause minor changes.

Day 1: Fly to Keflavik, transfer to youraccommodation in Reykjavik.

Day2: Assemble and takebus to Skogar where there is an impressive waterfall and an outstanding localmuseum. Start trek up to near the summit of Fhimmvorduhals (@ 940m), passingbetween the glorious Eyjafallajokull and Myrdalsjokull ice caps. Reach Hut nearto Fimmvorouhals. Look out for the horny Icelandic sheep! (Circa 12km/7mi)

Day3: Setting out fromthe hut we cross over a high pass and commence a spectacular descent to thewooded area of Thorsmork. (c. 12km/7mi)

Day4: Spent inThorsmork, relaxing, wildlife viewing, and local walks.

Day 5: A long walk today; heading norththrough Emstrua to the Markarfljot Bridge, cross the river and follow thespectacular gorge south to the Einhyrningur Hut set in a grassy area . (c. 21km/13mi)

Day6: Descend from thehut to the glacial River Gilsa, which we have to cross in order to find thetrail heading along beside the river and then across the rich lawns to the turfroofed Fljotsdalur Hostel amidst its panoramic setting with sweeping vistastowards the sea and mountains. Here you will find a little library with booksconcerning aspects of Iceland. There are also good bird watching opportunities.(15km/9mi)

Day7: Free day inFljotsdalur: local walks etc.

Day8: Departure toReykjavik (135km/81mi) to arrive about midday. There may be the opportunity forsome or all the group to divert and return via Gullfoss and Geysir (this willbe at an extra cost) return at about 17:00 to hostel.

Day9: Transfer toKeflavik airport at around 14.00, so you will have some time to look aroundReykjavik, one of Europe's smallest Capital cities. A colorful low rise town,with some interesting new-ish buildings such as the huge icicle-like concretechurch and the dock area, which contains some interesting if not exactly cheaprestaurants.

Books & Maps

It issuggested that no books are brought on the trek. Weight is at a premium whilebackpacking. As background reading before departure the following is a usefulsource of information on Iceland in general. Thorsmork/Landmannalaugar1:100,000 map $14

Note: It is possible to leave pre-packed cleanclothes, etc., with the organizers at the beginning of the trip, to be pickedup at the end. This is usually more suitable than leaving packages at theReykjavik accommodation.

Included

Transferto and from Reykjavik. All food on trek, but breakfasts only in Reykjavik. TheIcelandic government on passengers leaving Keflavik by air levies an"international departure tax"; it is included in quoted tour charges.No visa is required for citizens of the EC, USA, Canada or Australia.

Grade

Even the most experienced trekkerwill find much to stimulate and challenge them on this trek. Due to theremoteness of the terrain no vehicle support is possible once on trek. Someequipment will therefore have to be divided amongst the group and carried inrucksacks. Treks in May to early June may encounter snow underfoot to varyingdegrees. This can be a physically demanding tour, so clients should be preparedbefore departure to ensure they make the most of their Iceland experience. Makesure that you have gear that you are comfortable with!

This trek affords many opportunities to see and walk through an amazing andvaried landscape and the rewards soon outweigh the hardships (i.e. the basichuts and the thought of carrying your own baggage!) on this fantastic trip.

Daily distances walked should not exceed 21km/13mi. However, clients should beable to cover more than this distance in emergency conditions. The bonus hereis that at this time of year it is light nearly all the time (except for theAugust departure).

Equipment & Clothing

If you regularly walk in the hillsyou should already have much of the equipment and clothing required. Iceland,despite its name is not a land of perpetual frost! In July shorts can be worn.Warm and windproof clothing should be brought: gaiters will be valuable. Athree-season sleeping bag and a foam insulation mat will be needed. A detailedlist of recommended clothing and personal equipment will be sent withconfirmation of reservation. 

Food & Accommodation

Allmeals on trek are included in the cost. Accommodation on the three nights inReykjavik is hostel style, and you will need your sleeping bag; you have to payfor all meals individually in Reykjavik. This amounts to one full day and twoevening meals. However Breakfasts are included where practical. They are notincluded if you are taking early morning flights. Also if you are on theHeathrow flight coming in on the first night you will probably be too late togo into town for the meal.

Reykjavik is expensive: in contrast there are few opportunities to spend anymoney whilst on trek. To eat out in a proper restaurant in Reykjavik costs, at aminimum, around $30. This is a minimum; you may well want to spend more. It ischeaper than this if you just want to snack on a takeaway type meal. There areburger bars and inns that serve local dishes such as pickled herring andvegetables for considerably less. Be warned that a round of drinks can leaveyour wallet choking.

The three huts used on the tour are simple and basic. Accommodation inReykjavik is in a very nice dormitory-style pension with a kitchen area thatyou can use so maybe bring some tea, packet soup or noodles for a warming snackwhile you are there. It may also be worth considering bringing a hip flask ofyour favorite tipple. Although strictly contrary to good mountain practice, itwill be a welcome friend in the evening time.

Food is of a good standard and consists largely of high-energy foods anddehydrated meals that soon spring to life when nurtured by Icelandic water (anda bit of stirring) over the Primus!

Therewill not be a specific vegetarian departure this year. However, we aresympathetic to client's requirements and do our best to cater for vegetariansif we are notified at the time of booking. As food is pre-stocked in the huts,we ask clients to let us know well in advance of their needs and to be flexiblewherever possible concerning food. If on a strict diet, vegetarians shouldbring some vegetarian food that does not need much preparation.

How the Trek is Organized