Day 1:  Hengifoss -  Skriðuklaustur - The Lake Monster of Lagarfljót - The Wilderness Center and exhibitions. 

Your tour kicks off with an early morning transfer from your accommodations in Reykjavík to the domestic airport for a flight to Egilstaðir.

Upon arrival to the capital of the east, you will embark on a morning walk up to the Hengifoss waterfall, the biggest attraction of east Iceland. After enjoying the breathtaking waterfall, you will have lunch at Skriðuklaustur, a special manor built by writer Gunnar Gunnarsson that has a delightful mid-day buffet. Later in the afternoon, you have a guided tour through the exhibitions in the writer's house, as well as a visit to the excavation site outside the manor where a 15th-century monastery has been discovered.

From Skriðuklaustur, you will go in search of the world-famous monster of Lagarfljót. A video clip of the monster attracted a lot of attention a few years ago. Over a pot of coffee down by the lake, you will hear stories of the monster. Afterwards, you will travel inland towards the innermost farm in the valley, where the Wilderness Center is located. There, you will get insight into the wilderness through indoor and outdoor exhibitions about life on the edge of this wild and remote place.

That evening you will dine on delectable food made from locally sourced ingredients and hear ghost stories in the common loft room.

Day 2: Waterfall Walk - Valþjósfsstaður farm - Eyvindur of the Mountains - A Walk in the Dark - hot pool bath. 

After an early breakfast, you will walk the circle of waterfalls, a magnificent stroll filled with awe-inspiring beauty. Following lunch at Laugarfell, you will head back down to Fljótsdalur, a valley in east Iceland formed by the Lagarfljót river. In the church at Valþjófsstaður, you will watch a silent film about the most famous outlaw of Iceland's history, Eyvindur of the Mountains. The church's organist will provide live music during the film.

Later in the afternoon, you will return to the Wilderness Center to warm up with hot chocolate and pancakes before heading out for a walk at dusk towards the abandoned farm of Kleif. There, you will hear some hilarious stories of its former occupants and have the chance to cross the 50-meter-wide river in a renovated cable ferry. A delicious dinner with ingredients from the farms in the valley will be served at the Wilderness Center.

For some, the day will end with soaking away their cares in the hot spring at the Wilderness Center. Those with a bit more energy to burn can sit in the ruins of an old sheep stable. There you can sip on hot chocolate and keep warm by the fire while looking out for the Northern Lights. For those that want a closer look at the night sky, a telescope will be provided.

Day 3: The Turf Stables - National Park Center, Food Tasting - Wilderness Feast and evening entertainment. 

After fueling up for the morning at breakfast, you will drive back into the past by visiting a farmer that keeps all his sheep in traditional turf-and-stone buildings. The atmosphere in the sheep shed is quite unique. Next stop is the National Park Exhibition Center, a place where you can see a fun and educational exhibition about Vatnajökull National Park – Vatnajökull glacier is the largest in Europe. Along the way, you will stop by in an old turf smokehouse and taste a local delicacy - smoked lamb.

Many wild reindeers have been sighted in this area and we will go in search of them. These beautiful creatures along with the visual landscape of the east, make for the perfect photo.

In the evening, a wilderness feast will delight your taste buds. Locals and guests will cook many dishes together from local ingredients and the mistress of the house will tell you all about Icelandic food tradition. The feast is followed by an evening of playing music and singing.

Day 4: Möðrudalur á Fjöllum - Geothermal Areas - Mývatn - Nature Baths, Goðafoss - Akureyri

On the last day of the tour, you will venture out to the tundra of the wilderness. Möðrudalur, the highest farm over sea level, offers gorgeous views of Mt. Herðubreið. Along with the stunning views, you will hear tales of the colorful artist Stefán from Möðrudalur. After lunch at Möðrudalur farm, you will stop at the old mountain hut by the river Jökulsá á fjöllum, where you will hear stories of Mountain-Bensi (Benedikt Sigurjónsson). It was said that he would travel around during the winter looking for stray sheep. He is the protagonist of a classic Icelandic novel, Aðventa (Advent) by Gunnar Gunnarsson. Some say Hemingway used Aðventa as his inspiration when writing The Old Man and the Sea. Next, you will view the geothermal area by Lake Mývatn and take a relaxing dip in the Nature Baths there, which boast great views of the lake. Lastly, you will stop at the Goðafoss waterfall, which has been nicknamed as “The Beauty” by the locals. Your adventure of the east concludes with a flight from Akureyri back to Reykjavik.

* This itinerary is subject to change due to weather conditions.

For your own wellbeing and safety we strongly suggest following the advice of our equipment list, this includes having good quality rain-gear, tops and bottoms! Also respect that cotton clothing is not appropriate for any strenuous outdoor activity – this includes jeans and t-shirts. Modern outdoor clothing is by far more comfortable and will greatly improve your experience. 

Boots and Clothing:

• Hiking boots – light hiking boots with waterproofing and ankle support are preferred. 
• Long and short sleeve thermal underwear – Wool or synthetic. 
• Rain Jacket with a good hood– Preferably waterproof and breathable material. 
• Hiking pants.
• Rain trousers – Waterproof and breathable material. 
• Gloves – Wool or synthetic.
• Socks – two to three pairs of hiking socks - Wool or synthetic.
• Warm hat – Wool or synthetic. 

Other gear:

• Backpack for clothes and items used during the day. Size: 20-30 litres. 
• Duffel bag for your overnight gear, preferably not a suit-case.  
• Towel – light weight and packable. 
• Sunglasses and sun protection. 
• Water bottle. 
• Casual clothes / change of clothes.
• Prescription medication and other personal health items.
• Toiletries; Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap etc. 
• Swim suit (depends on tour). 

Optional gear:

• Walking pole(s). 
• Pen knife. 
• Sun/rain Hat or a Cap.  
• Camera, spare batteries and a memory card or films. 
• Puffy jacket to throw on during stops (e.g. Primaloft or down) 
• Slippers for indoor use. 
• Aperitif or other heart-warming spirits (huts). 

Should you have any questions regarding this equipment list or the equipment on our tours feel free to contact [email protected].