Lonsöraefi Trek 2025: Discovering the End of the World
Seven days of independent trekking in the colorful rhyolite mountains of Lónsöræfi, at the edge of Vatnajökull.
Duration
6 days
From
€2,300/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jun, Jul, Aug
Style
Expeditions
Comfort
rustique
Travelers
Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
A trek that will give you the feeling of having reached the end of the world, with a unique sense of freedom throughout the hike. Enjoy this experience in complete autonomy, with no network, no vehicle roads. This 6-day epic offers you both adventure and comfort, with refuges among the most beautiful in Iceland.
Walking level: moderate to difficult.
The Lónsöræfi nature reserve, located in South-East Iceland, is part of Vatnajökull National Park. This wild region is composed of steep rhyolite mountains and deep valleys, with the glacier nearby. You will be surrounded by strange geological formations, composed of palagonite, which give this region an almost mythological appearance, populated by trolls... If you are seeking adventure and breathtaking landscapes, join us for this unique trek in the heart of the colorful mountains of Lónsöræfi.
This trek can be combined with a longer stay for an in-depth discovery of Iceland, with a recommended minimum of 12 days on site.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
From Höfn to the Wild Valleys of Lónsöræfi
Höfn → Múlaskáli
From Höfn to Múlaskáli: trekking in the heart of the Jökulsá í Lóni valley
Your adventure begins in Höfn, at the gateway to the glacial expanses of south-east Islande. After meeting your guide, head towards the starting point of your trek, where roads gradually fade away to give way to a still little-known region.
From your first steps, follow an ancient pastoral trail that leads you to the heart of the Jökulsá í Lóni valley. The glacial river accompanies your progress while the landscapes reveal themselves as you walk: mountains with changing hues, ravines carved into the hillsides and torrents from glaciers make up an environment shaped by water and rock.
As you advance, human presence becomes more discreet and gives way to wild nature. With a bit of luck, you may spot a reindeer on the slopes or briefly encounter an Arctic fox on your route.
At the end of this first day of hiking, reach the Múlaskáli refuge, situated in the midst of mountains and vast mineral expanses. Enjoy a peaceful evening, marked by the wind and the murmur of glacial rivers.
As is often the case in Islande, the itinerary remains subject to weather conditions. To fully enjoy the landscapes and guarantee good hiking conditions, your guide may adapt certain stages depending on the weather or state of the trails.
From Trollakrókar Gorge to Kollumúlavatn Lake
Múlaskáli → Egilssel
From Múlaskáli to Egilssel: hiking in the heart of Lónsöræfi
Starting from the Múlaskáli refuge, follow the trail that gently climbs the valley before gradually gaining altitude towards the steep reliefs of Lónsöræfi. As you ascend, discover the abrupt walls of the Trollakrókar gorges, shaped by millennia of erosion and set within a wild environment.
Continue your hike along the Jökulsá í Lóni river, whose glacial waters wind through the bottom of the valley. A waterfall punctuates your route, followed by several crossings of small streams characteristic of this region shaped by glaciers.
Gradually, the Kollumúlavatn lake reveals itself amid this mineral landscape. On a ridge overlooking the lake, reach the Egilssel refuge, the final stop of this day's hike.
From the refuge, enjoy panoramic views of the colorful mountains of Lónsöræfi and the tranquility of the place before spending another night in the heart of nature.
Elevation gain: +600 m
Exploration of the Heights of Lónsöræfi
This day is dedicated to exploring the surroundings of the Egilssel refuge. For the first time since the beginning of the trek, leave your main backpack at the refuge and set off with only a day pack, to enjoy lighter walking and greater freedom of movement.
Your loop itinerary takes you through the preserved landscapes of Lónsöræfi. Follow the trails that wind between green valleys, outcrops of rhyolite in ochre and pink hues, glacial streams and various viewpoints over the nature reserve.
As you hike, the landscapes alternate between coloured mountains, deep valleys and glaciers dominating the horizon, offering new perspectives at each stage of the route.
After this day of exploration in the heart of nature, return to the Egilssel refuge for the night.
Elevation gain: +400 m / -400 m
From the shores of Kollumúlavatn to Múlaskáli
Egilssel → Múlaskáli
After leaving the Egilssel refuge, you cross the stream that escapes from Kollumúlavatn lake before rediscovering the vast mineral expanses of Lónsöræfi. The trail crosses a universe of stone where scree, volcanic rocks and reliefs sculpted by glaciers compose an almost unreal setting. In this silent immensity, Iceland reveals one of its wildest faces, evoking in places a truly lunar landscape.
As you descend, nature subtly changes face. The first touches of vegetation reappear in the form of dwarf willows and heathers that bring delicate notes of color to this mineral setting. Lower down, the banks of the Jökulsá í Lóni welcome a few birch groves, rare witnesses to denser vegetation in this isolated region.
At the end of the day, you reach the Múlaskáli refuge, where you settle in for two nights. This stop allows you to fully enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Lónsöræfi and admire the rhyolite mountains which, depending on the light, take on an astonishing palette of colors.
Elevation gain: +300 m / -700 m
Meeting the Glaciers of Vatnajökull
Múlaskáli → Múlaskáli
Departing from the Múlaskáli refuge, set out with just a day pack to explore the surroundings on an itinerary that brings you back to your accommodation in late afternoon. This stage allows you to discover new panoramas without changing refuges, while getting closer to the glacial tongues of Vatnajökull.
As you hike, volcanic reliefs gradually give way to glacial expanses. The shades of blue and white of the ice contrast with the dark rocks shaped by ancient eruptions, creating a landscape marked by the meeting of ice and volcanism.
In the calm of Iceland's vast spaces, the flow of meltwater and distant glacier creaks accompany your progress.
After enjoying these panoramas, return to the Múlaskáli refuge for a final evening in the heart of this wild region, away from roads and hustle and bustle.
Elevation gain: +500 m / -500 m
End of your adventure
Múlaskáli → Höfn
For this final day of hiking, you return to the trails that wind through the wild landscapes of Lónsöræfi. The deep gorges, the reliefs shaped by glaciers and the numerous viewpoints offer a final opportunity to admire this grandiose nature that has accompanied you for several days.
As you progress, the mountains gradually move away, marking the end of this crossing through one of the most isolated regions of Islande. After approximately six hours of walking, you reach the meeting point where your vehicle awaits you to return to Höfn.
You arrive in the late afternoon, around 5 p.m., with memories of an off-the-beaten-path adventure, punctuated by spectacular landscapes and privileged moments close to Icelandic nature. Elevation gain: +500 m / -500 m
Your driver will then take you back to Höfn.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International Flight
- Personal Insurance Cancellation-Repatriation
- Transport from the international airport to Höfn meeting point of the trek
- Accommodation and additional nights before and/or after the trek
Included
- 5 Nights in mountain hut dormitory with sleeping bag (not provided)
- All meals from dinner on day 1 to lunch on day 6
- Guidance for hikes with an experienced guide
- Round-trip transport between Höfn and the start-finish of the trek
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland and Canada traveling to Iceland for a tourist stay. As entry rules may change, we recommend that you verify the information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport and ID card
Iceland is a member of the Schengen area. Nationals of the EEA and Switzerland may enter Iceland with a valid passport or national ID card.
Canadian nationals must be in possession of a valid passport for the entire duration of their stay.
The travel document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Tourist stay without visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area and Switzerland benefit from freedom of movement within the Schengen area and may stay in Iceland for an unlimited duration for a tourist stay.
Canadian nationals benefit from a visa exemption for tourist stays in the Schengen area. This exemption allows a stay of up to 90 days within any 180-day period across all Schengen countries.
Authorities may request:
an exit ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of the stay.
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System)
From the date the system comes into effect, Canadian nationals will be required to obtain an ETIAS authorization before traveling in the Schengen area, of which Iceland is a member.
This prior electronic authorization must be requested online before departure. It will apply to visa-exempt travelers and will allow certain information to be transmitted to the authorities:
passport information
travel details
personal and health information
We recommend that you check the progress and date of entry into force of ETIAS with the official authorities before your departure.
Traveling with children
Minors must hold their own valid travel document (passport or, for EEA and Swiss nationals, national ID card) covering the duration of the stay.
In some countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to leave the territory may be required under the regulations of the country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Concerned travelers should inquire with the embassy or consulate of Iceland in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly advised to be covered for evacuation assistance and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to an insurance plan, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed to travel with peace of mind!
Choose the plan that best suits you:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and claim procedures are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with claim reporting procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Practical information
This trip is planned in a small group of 4 to 8 participants.
Hikes: Moderate to difficult hikes due to carrying your belongings and food. An average of 6 hours of hiking per day is planned. You need to be in sufficiently good physical condition to keep up with the pace and stages. The itinerary may be slightly modified depending on weather and climatic conditions; your guide will adapt the route accordingly.
Luggage: It is important to note that you will have to carry your own equipment throughout this trek (personal belongings, sleeping bag and food). Organize your belongings as best as possible and try to be as light as possible in your choices. Your clothes and sleeping bag must be in insulated bags. It will be possible to leave some of your belongings in Reykjavik for those extending their stay. The refuges have sleeping bag liners and blankets, so a "sleeping bag liner" is sufficient. We will also change shelters infrequently, so 2 days will be without carrying all your belongings. The maximum weight of your bag is 12 kg.
Transport: Before and after the trek, transfers are made in a comfortable mini-bus.
Accommodation: Nights in comfortable and well-equipped shelters. Beds in dormitories with sleeping bag (not provided). In Iceland, shelters have toilets and showers in separate buildings. Most shelters have hot water showers where the time is limited to a few minutes (included in the price).
Food: Cuisine with a vegetarian tendency based on quality organic products. Hearty "Scandinavian" breakfast, midday packed lunch with composed salads, biscuits and hot drinks. In the evening a hearty and convivial dinner based on local specialties and products: lake trout, lamb leg, vegetables, potatoes, salad and excellent dairy products including blueberry skyr. It is essential that any particular diet or food allergy be clearly indicated at the time of registration. For the conviviality of the group, but nothing obligatory, we recommend that everyone brings a small specialty from their region (biscuits, cheese, wine, etc.).
Participation: We ask trip members to give a helping hand and assist the guide in preparing meals.
Extension of stay: Contact us. You may not return to Iceland anytime soon and extending your trip with a self-drive tour is the best option to fully enjoy your stay. Beware, decide to extend your stay in advance, as having your plane ticket modified on site can be expensive, or even impossible!
Our commitments
* Responsible tourism: We choose service providers committed to more environmentally respectful tourism.
* English-speaking guide: An Iceland expert guide will accompany you throughout the trek, ensuring you an enriching experience.
* Program flexibility: The program is given for informational purposes and adapts according to weather and the moment's desires.
* Reforestation of Iceland: We contribute to reforestation with the planting of approximately 1 tree per person.
* Local agency: You are assured of working with a local agency, expert in treks in Iceland.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
No, Iceland is part of the Schengen area (outside the EU but associated). French nationals can travel there with a valid ID card or passport. The currency is the Icelandic króna. No special formalities upon arrival.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, budget between €300 and €480 per day per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transportation, and activities. International flights (€200-500 return) are additional. Iceland is one of Europe's most expensive destinations.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to the traveler's profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed pacing, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST guarantee (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on site throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Central Highlands
Contemplative Explorer of Icelandic Lands, based in Akureyri
Iceland naturally invites you to slow down. When you embrace its rhythm, its silences and its spaces, the journey becomes a true inner experience.
— Jean-Marc
