World's Best Hikes 🥾⛺ ICELAND + Ultra Marathon watch!

DAY 1. ARRIVAL DAY. EXPERIENCE ARTIC WHITE NIGHTS! 🌍 Welcome to Iceland! Upon landing at Keflavik Airport, you'll journey to Reykjavik city, where we'll convene at our campsite. Detailed instructions on how to reach accommodation will be provided well in advance of your flight. 🛬 Aim to arrive early, as today is filled with exciting tasks, but fret not, we've got everything planned! Depending on the group's arrival time, we'll tackle our to-do list accordingly. 🤝 Once we're all gathered, we'll hold an informative session to discuss our upcoming adventure, recommended attire, useful apps, and other organizational details. 🛍️ Following our meeting, we'll venture into Reykjavik to purchase trail food and gas canisters for our 5-day journey. Even if you've brought your own provisions, exploring Reykjavik's shops and markets can be an enjoyable experience. 🎒 Next up, we'll arrange equipment rentals, ensuring everyone is fully equipped for our expedition. If time allows, we may embark on an audio-guided tour of Reykjavik's must-see attractions. ⛺ Tonight, we'll settle into our campsite, where we'll conduct a final equipment check in preparation for tomorrow's adventure! Our campground offers all the necessary amenities, so we won't need to dip into our trail supplies or gas canisters. Plus, it's our last chance to charge our devices before diving into the mesmerizing Arctic White Nights experience! 🌟 RAINBOW STREET, a vibrant and lively hub in Reykjavik, will charm you with its colorful buildings, trendy shops, cozy cafes, and bustling atmosphere. Explore the hippest street in town and soak in the artistic and creative vibes. Don't miss the opportunity to capture that perfect Instagram-worthy moment. HALLGRIMSKIIRKJA, a majestic architectural marvel in Reykjavik, rises to the sky like a beacon of beauty and serenity. Its towering presence and unique design make it a must-visit destination for awe-inspiring views and a sense of tranquility. Explore its grandeur and let your spirit soar. HARPA CONCERT HALL AND CONFERENCE CENTRE is a mesmerizing architectural masterpiece. Its stunning glass facade, innovative design, and world-class performances make it a cultural gem that should not be missed. SUN VOYAGER is a magnificent sculpture in Reykjavik, Iceland. Its graceful curves and powerful presence evoke a sense of adventure and exploration. A symbol of hope and endless possibilities, it invites you to embark on a journey of discovery.

DAY 2. START OF THE HIKE Reykjavik (campsite) - Landmannalaugar - Stóri Hver hot spring - Mount Brennisteinsalda - Hrafntinnusker (campsite) Driving time: 4 hours. Hiking distance: 11 km (6.9 mi) Walking time: 4 hrs Ascent: 703 m (-272). 🌅 Prepare for an early morning departure from Reykjavik as we set off on a picturesque 4-hour drive to Landmannalaugar, our gateway to the highlands where we'll spend the next week. 🚌 If you've never experienced an off-road bus, now's your chance! Landmannalaugar, an oasis nestled amidst Iceland's highlands, glaciers, and glacial rivers, is inaccessible to regular vehicles. That's why we'll be traveling in a highland bus for a safe and exhilarating journey. 🏞️ Upon reaching Landmannalaugar, our trek along the Laugavegur trail begins. We'll traverse bubbling geysers, the Laugahraun lava field, and Vondugil Canyon. Prepare to be enchanted by the vivid hues of the rhyolite mountains, particularly Mt. Brennisteinsalda. If time allows, we'll explore the Graenagil Gorge and ascend Bláhnjúkur Volcano before settling into our campsite for the night. 🏕️ HIGHLAND BUS - it's a bus route network designed for hikers and nature enthusiasts, offering convenient transportation to stunning natural wonders. Ideal for adventurers of all kinds seeking to immerse themselves in Iceland's majestic landscapes! 🚌🏔️

DAY 3. ULTRA MARATHON 2024! (Snapped these pics last year. Femail winner 2023) Mount Reykjafjöll - Jökultungur area - Fjallabak - Álftavatn Lake - Hvanngil (campsite) Hiking distance: 16 km (10 mi) Walking time: 8 hrs Ascent: 467 m (-948) 🌄🏞️ Rise and shine! After a restful night's sleep and a hearty self-made breakfast, we'll be geared up and eager to hit the trail once again! 🏃‍♂️Today is an absolute treat - we'll hike and witness the Laugavegur Ultra Marathon. These athletes aren't just running; they're practically flying! Prepare to be amazed as marathoners navigate through incredibly challenging terrains, from slippery slopes and glaciers to rivers and snowdrifts. Since the marathon follows the same trail we're on, we'll have a front-row seat to the grit, determination, and sheer resilience of these runners. I'll plan our day strategically so that we can catch sight of the first runner at a point that's bound to leave you in awe. 🎨 Our journey today promises a feast for the senses. We'll trek across the strikingly dark obsidian desert of Hrafntinnusker, marvel at the vibrant hues of the Reykjafjöll rhyolite mountains, and explore the geothermal wonders of the Jökultungur area. Over time, the geothermal activity has painted the rugged gullies in stunning shades of burnt yellows and reds, creating a breathtaking contrast with the soft sandy hues surrounding them. 💦 Upon reaching the summit of Jökultungur, we'll be treated to sweeping panoramic views of the entire Fjallabak area and Álftavatn Lake. But before we can revel in the vista, we'll embark on an exhilarating river crossing to reach our cozy campsite. This thrilling experience is a highlight for many international hikers visiting the region. 💦🚶‍♀️ The Laugavegur Ultra Marathon is a 55 km mountain race that will take place for the 28th time. For many runners, the Laugavegur Ultra Marathon is the most enjoyable race in Iceland. The course takes runners through areas of outstanding natural beauty at the same time as being a very challenging course. Hikers normally cover this distance in four days. The course is multi-terrain; sand, gravel, grass, snow, ice, rivers and streams.

DAY 4. Black sand deserts - Volcano views - Eyjafjallajökull - Mýrdalsjökull glacier views - Markarfljótsgljúfur Canyon - Emstur (campsite) Hiking distance: 12 km (7.5 mi) Walking time: 4 hrs Ascent: 75 m (138) 🌄🏞️ After breakfast, we'll begin our adventure by crossing another stream (which I'd call a river! 😊) as we journey into the volcanic region. Our path will lead us past the majestic Stórasúla and Hattafell volcanoes on our way to Emstrur. If visibility permits, we'll be treated to stunning views of the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers from Emstrur. 💧🏞️ En route to Botnar, an oasis nestled in the black sand desert, we'll be awestruck by the sight of Markarfljótsgljúfur, a breathtaking canyon carved by a glacial river that plunges about 200 meters deep into the earth. 🌿🌌 Tonight, we'll drift off to sleep to the soothing melody of a babbling stream, just outside our tent, surrounded by lush greenery—a welcome sight after a day spent traversing the almost Martian-like desert landscape.

DAY 5. END OF THE LAUGAVEGUR TRAIL! DROP OFF POINT. Emstrur - Mount Einhyrningur - Þórsmörk Valley - Glacier views - Basar (campsite) Hiking distance: 17 km (10.6 mi) Walking time: 7 hrs Ascent: 344 m (-398). 🍳 After a hearty breakfast, we'll bid farewell to Emstrur and set our sights on Þórsmörk. Along the Almenningar Gorge, nestled by Mount Einhyrningur (also known as the Unicorn Mountain), we'll be treated to breathtaking views of glaciers as we make our way to Þórsmörk. 🌲 As we journey closer, the landscape will gradually transform, and we'll notice a shift in vegetation, with an abundance of trees, particularly the dense birch forest that Þórsmörk is renowned for. 🚶‍♂️ Speaking of Þórsmörk, this marks our first drop-off point. If you're feeling a bit overwhelmed or overexerted from the hike, fret not. You have the option to return to the comfort of Reykjavik from here. Congratulations on completing the world-renowned Laugavegur Trail (Ultra Marathon route)! What an incredible achievement! 🌳 But our adventure doesn't end here. For tonight, we'll seek refuge amidst the lush greenery of the Þórsmörk forest, marking the beginning of the second leg of our journey—the Fimmvörðuháls trail.

DAY 6. THE MOST CHALLENGING DAY! Fimmvörðuháls - Famous volcano eruption site of 2010 - New craters Magni and Móði - Skógafoss - Scogar (campsite) Hiking distance: 24.5 km (15.2 mi) Walking time 11 hrs Ascent: 898 m (-1085) 🏔️🌋 Today marks the culmination of our journey, and it's also the most challenging day yet. The trail ahead is rugged, and the daily hike is longer than what you're accustomed to. But fear not, for all the trials we've faced in the past four days have prepared us for this moment. It's time to embark on an adventure that will transport you to a whole new dimension. 🍽️ Our first stop will be at the awe-inspiring Magni and Móði volcanic craters, born from the iconic eruption of 2010 on the majestic Fimmvörðuháls high mountain pass nestled between the Mýrdalajökull and Eyjafjallajökull volcanoes. The landscape is nothing short of breathtaking, serving as a testament to how Iceland continues to evolve through volcanic activity. 🍲 For those longing for a taste of home-cooked meals, the Baldvinsskali Hut awaits, ready to satisfy your hunger pangs with a hearty lunch. As we refuel, you'll sense the encroaching signs of civilization, but don't be deceived. We still have another 12 kilometers ahead of us. 🚶‍♂️ Our journey will be marked by moments of solitude interspersed with the soothing melody of cascading waterfalls, the occasional sighting of sheep, and the anticipation of reaching our final destination: SCOGAR! 🍃🐑💧

DAY 6. SKÓGAFOSS WATERFALL! 🌟 Our five-day hiking adventure will culminate at the view platform atop the SKÓGAFOSS waterfall, a must-see attraction renowned throughout Iceland. With a width of 25 meters and a majestic drop of 60 meters, SKÓGAFOSS is one of the largest waterfalls in the country. Legend has it that the first Viking settler in the area concealed a treasure in a cave behind the waterfall. How intriguing! 💰 🏞️ Tonight, we'll immerse ourselves once again in the bustling atmosphere of tourists, fellow hikers, and excited school students. It's the perfect setting to share our emotions and revel in the accomplishment of completing both the Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls trails — hailed as among the best hikes in the world by National Geographic magazine! 🎉 SKÓGAFOSS is a magnificent waterfall in Iceland that tumbles down with a thunderous roar, creating a mesmerizing display of mist and rainbows. Prepare to be enchanted by its sheer grandeur and get lost in the magic of this captivating natural wonder.

DAY 7. SWIMMING POOL DAY! Scogar - Reykjavik (campsite) Driving time: 4 hours. 🌟 Today is all about relaxation. As we bid farewell to the trail, let's savor one last glimpse of the famous waterfall before the bus whisks away our bags and transports us back to Reykjavik. 🏞️ Our Icelandic adventure wouldn't be complete without indulging in the well-deserved warmth of the thermal pool. It's the perfect opportunity to unwind tired muscles and rejuvenate our skin with the therapeutic minerals of the water. Visiting an Icelandic pool is a must to experience how the Vikings maintained their physical and mental endurance! 💪 🛁 Once we've soaked up enough relaxation, it's time to return to our routine tasks. We'll need to return the rental equipment and, if time permits, tackle any lingering laundry needs. Additionally, we can discuss options for independent exploration in Iceland. I have plenty of recommendations in Reykjavik for a delightful dinner or enjoyable activities to fill our time. 🏕️ As the day draws to a close, let's retreat to our cozy tents for one final night under the Icelandic sky! 🌌 SWIMMING POOL - Almost all Icelandic swimming pools are geothermally heated so they are warm and cozy all year round. Most of the facilities also sport a hot tub or two. Swimming pools are even considered one of the most important places to socialize, work out and unwind. Swimming or bathing is not just a summer thing in Iceland.

DAY 8. DEPARTURE DAY 🌟 It's hard to believe that six days have already passed, brimming with challenging hikes, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable experiences. We've gathered around meals, swapped stories, and shared laughter at the campsites, strengthening our bond over our mutual love for the great outdoors and the excitement of exploration. 🚗 Now, it's time to bid farewell and embark on the journey back. While we may be returning to our respective homes and routines, the memories we've crafted together on this adventure will remain etched in our hearts forever. So, to all my fellow adventurers, may your travels be safe and your trails be joyous. It's time to hit the road! Until we meet again on future expeditions! 🌄👋