Hekla

The Cross Country Track
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Tour Type: 4x4 Truck Tour and hiking
Season: Jun.-Sept.

Day 1: The tour starts by taking you to the highlands to experience Iceland’s natural gems in the comfort of our 4x4 trucks. Our first destination is the Þjórsárdalur valley, stopping at the waterfalls Hjalparfoss and Háifoss and Þjóðveldisbær viking house.  From there, we drive through beautiful mountains and by the explosion crater Ljótipollur, before reaching Landmannalaugar. At Landmannalaugar we go for a short hike before we relax and bathe in the warm natural pond next to a lava field. Then we drive through Dómadalur, where we can see the famous and active volcano Mount Hekla.

Day 2: we head north over the great highland desert Sprengisandur where we will cross un bridged waters Nýjadalsá and  Fjórðungskvísl. When the highland slopes start to lean towards the north we will come to the waterfall Aldeyjarfoss and before the day is over we will see the beautiful Goðafoss waterfall. Not only is Goðafoss a beautiful waterfall, but it has also played an important role in the history of the country, particularly in connection with the introduction of Christianity.

Day 3: Now the tour takes us to one of the loveliest spots in Iceland Lake Myvatn. We will start by going to Skútustaðir with its intriguing pseudo-craters. The next stop is the scenic Dimmuborgir (Dark Castles) where towering lava formations characterize the landscape. From the lave field the road takes us to Grjótagjá where there used to be a natural, geothermal bathing spot inside a cave. Then we head to Krafla Mountain, past the geothermal power station bearing the same name, to see Viti, or Inferno, an explosive crater in the slopes of Krafla. After visiting this volcanic location, we go and view Hverir, with its sizzling and bubbling sulfur mud pots. To end a perfect day we will relax in the blue lagoon of the north The Myvatn Nature Baths.

Day 4: From Lake Myvatn the tour takes you to the national park of the glacial river canyon of Jokulsa, a place of extraordinary forces, wildly romantic and full of contrasts. We will view Dettifoss, Europe's most powerful waterfall, 44m high and 100m wide, where up to 1500 tons of water, mud and sand rumble into Iceland's most impressive canyon. Afterwards we will go on to Hólmatungur, with its lush birch forest lined with geraniums and orchids and crystal clear springs. Here, at the edge of the murky glacier river, which here pounds at mind blowing speed through the kettles of the narrowest part of the canyon, you can wander about for awhile. The Hljodaklettar or echoing cliffs are known worldwide for their basaltic columns that characterize the ancient crater remains. You will be able to stroll among the fabulous cliffs before heading to Ásbyrgi where we will  have time to enjoy the horseshoe-shaped Asbyrgi (Fortress of the Gods), once formed as the result of a catastrophic flood, where arctic vegetation abounds around a peaceful pond at the foot of the gigantic cliffs. We will stay over night at Husavik, a beautiful fishing village known worldwide for whale watching.

Day 5: On this day we go back in time… our first stop will be the old farm at Laufás where you will see how homes were in the 18 century. Then we will head to Siglufjordur, on the way we will drive through Akureyri the largest city in the north of Iceland. In Siglufjördur we will visit The Herring Era Museum the largest maritime museum in Iceland. Then we will go to Holar in Hjaltadal  a bishop’s home for seven centuries… place filled with history.  

Day 6: On the last day of this journey we cross the highlands again on the old track called Kjolur, this was the most common route between the north and south of Iceland in ancient times. On the way we will stop at Hveravellir and take a quick dip in a natural hot spring perfect for bathing. Then we cool down up on Langjokull the second largest glacier in Iceland. From the icy slopes we visit Iceland’s best known waterfall, Gullfoss, which cascades down 32 meters into the mighty glacial river Hvita. After seeing Gullfoss it’s only a short drive to famous Geysir where the hot water shoots up in the air. Then we drive to beautiful Þingvellir, where Iceland’s first parliament “Alþingi” was established in 930 AD before we head back to Reykjavik.

You can combine snowmobiling, Ice climbing, Quadbikes / ATV and Horseback riding to this tour…
speak to a Trip Advisor on +354 663 8300.

We provide all meals during the journey, excluding alcoholic beverages
NOTE: Swimsuit needed

Duration: 6 days
Departures: 8:30 am and return 7 pm six days later
Minimum number of passengers: 2
Contact us for further details on the itinerary and cost.

 Dettifoss
To discuss and arrange your adventure in Iceland, speak to a Trip Advisor on +354 663 8300. Or Email Us at icelandontrack@icelandontrack.is with your enquiry and we’ll respond within 48 hours.
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