Lonsöraefi Trek 2025: Discovering the End of the World
Seven days of independent trekking in the colorful rhyolite mountains of Lónsöræfi, at the edges of Vatnajökull.
Duration
6 days
From
€2,100/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 roads for vehicles. This 6-day epic offers you both adventure and comfort, with shelters 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 consists 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
Your adventure begins in Höfn, at the gates of the vast glacial expanse of southeast Iceland.
After meeting your guide, you head towards the starting point of the trek, where roads gradually fade away to give way to one of the country's most secluded regions.
From the first steps, an ancient pastoral trail leads you to the heart of the Jökulsá í Lóni valley. The tumultuous glacial river accompanies your progression as the reliefs gradually reveal themselves. Mountains with changing hues rise on either side of the path, ravines cut into the slopes, and torrents flowing from the glaciers draw a raw landscape where water and rock seem to have shaped every detail. Here, human presence fades quickly, leaving all its space to sovereign nature. With a bit of luck, a reindeer appears on the slopes or an arctic fox furtively crosses your route, reminding you that this land remains one of Europe's last great wild spaces.
At the end of this first day, the Múlaskáli refuge unveils itself in an environment of absolute tranquility. Surrounded by mountains and vast mineral expanses, it offers a first evening out of time, where silence is only disturbed by the wind and the murmur of glacial rivers.
As is often the case in Iceland, this itinerary remains subject to weather conditions. To fully enjoy the landscapes and ensure the best hiking conditions, your guide may adapt certain stages according to the weather or the condition of the trails.
From the Trollakrókar gorges to Lake Kollumúlavatn
Múlaskáli → Egilssel
From the Múlaskáli refuge, the trail gently climbs up the valley before rising towards the steep reliefs of Lónsöræfi. As you gain altitude, the landscapes become increasingly spectacular. The sheer walls of the Trollakrókar gorges tower before you, sculpted by millennia of erosion, offering a setting as wild as it is impressive.
The hike continues along the Jökulsá í Lóni river, whose glacial waters wind through the valley floor. A magnificent waterfall punctuates the route before several crossings of small streams, characteristic of this region shaped by glaciers. Gradually, the Kollumúlavatn lake appears, bringing a touch of serenity to this mineral landscape.
Perched on a ridge overlooking the lake, the Egilssel refuge marks the end of this day's journey. From this natural vantage point, panoramas open onto the coloured mountains of Lónsöræfi, offering an exceptional setting to enjoy the tranquility of the place before another night in the wilderness.
Elevation gain: +600 m
Exploration of the heights of Lónsöræfi
Egilssel → Egilssel
This day is dedicated to exploring the surroundings of Egilssel. For the first time since the beginning of the trek, you leave your main backpack at the refuge and set out with just a day pack, offering lighter walking and greater freedom of movement.
The loop itinerary takes you through the most unspoiled landscapes of Lónsöræfi. The trails wind between verdant valleys, rhyolite outcrops in ochre and pink hues, glacial torrents and viewpoints that reveal the full grandeur of this nature reserve. At every turn, the panoramas renew themselves, alternating between colourful mountains, deep valleys and glaciers that dominate the horizon.
After this immersion in pristine nature, you return to Egilssel refuge for a second night, with the feeling of having explored one of Iceland's most exclusive territories.
Elevation gain: +400 m / -400 m
From the shores of Kollumúlavatn to Múlaskáli
Egilssel → Múlaskáli
After leaving the Egilssel shelter, you cross the stream that flows from Kollumúlavatn lake before reaching the vast mineral expanses of Lónsöræfi. The trail crosses a stone universe where scree, volcanic rocks and reliefs sculpted by glaciers make up an almost surreal landscape. In this silent immensity, Iceland reveals one of its wildest faces, evoking in places a truly lunar landscape.
As you descend, nature subtly changes character. The first touches of vegetation reappear in the form of dwarf willows and heather that bring delicate notes of color to this mineral setting. Further 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 shelter, 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 a stunning palette of colors.
Elevation gain: +300 m / -700 m
Meeting the ice of Vatnajökull
Múlaskáli → Múlaskáli
Leaving the Múlaskáli refuge with just a day pack, you set out to explore the surrounding area along a route that brings you back to your accommodation in the late afternoon. This stage offers the opportunity to discover new vistas without changing refuges, while getting closer to the impressive glacial tongues of the Vatnajökull.
As you walk, volcanic landscapes gradually give way to the eternal ice of Europe's largest glacier. Shades of blue and white contrast with dark rocks shaped by ancient eruptions, creating a landscape of remarkable power. In the silence of Iceland's vast expanses, only the trickle of meltwater and the distant crackling of the glacier accompany your progress.
After admiring these magnificent panoramas, you return to the Múlaskáli refuge for a final evening in the heart of this wild region, far from any road and commotion.
Elevation gain: +500 m / -500 m
End of your adventure
Múlaskáli → Höfn
For this final day of hiking, you take 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 grand nature that has accompanied you for several days.
As you advance, 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 hiking, you reach the meeting point where your vehicle awaits to take you to Höfn.
You arrive in late afternoon, around 5 p.m., with memories of an off-the-beaten-path adventure, punctuated by spectacular landscapes and privileged moments in the heart of 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
- Airport transfer from the international airport to Höfn meeting point for the trek
- Accommodation and additional nights before and/or after the trek
Included
- 5 Nights in refuge dormitory with sleeping bag (not provided)
- All meals from dinner on day 1 to lunch on day 6
- Guidance for hikes by an experienced guide
- Round-trip transport between Höfn and the trek start/end point
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.
Les informations ci-dessous concernent les voyageurs ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen (EEE), de la Suisse et du Canada se rendant en Islande dans le cadre d'un séjour touristique. Les règles d'entrée pouvant évoluer, nous vous recommandons de vérifier les informations auprès des autorités officielles avant votre départ.
Passeport et carte d'identité
L'Islande est membre de l'espace Schengen. Les ressortissants de l'EEE et de la Suisse peuvent entrer en Islande avec un passeport ou une carte d'identité nationale en cours de validité.
Les ressortissants canadiens doivent quant à eux être munis d'un passeport valide pour toute la durée du séjour.
Le document de voyage doit être en bon état (pas de pages détériorées, déchirées ou modifiées).
Séjour touristique sans visa
Les ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen et de la Suisse bénéficient de la libre circulation au sein de l'espace Schengen et peuvent séjourner en Islande sans limitation de durée dans le cadre d'un séjour touristique.
Les ressortissants canadiens bénéficient d'une exemption de visa pour les séjours touristiques dans l'espace Schengen. Cette exemption permet un séjour pouvant aller jusqu'à 90 jours sur toute période de 180 jours dans l'ensemble des pays Schengen.
Les autorités peuvent demander :
un billet de sortie du territoire (vol retour ou continuation),
une preuve de ressources financières suffisantes pour la durée du séjour.
ETIAS (Système européen d'information et d'autorisation de voyage)
À partir de la date d'entrée en vigueur du système, les ressortissants canadiens devront obtenir une autorisation ETIAS avant de voyager dans l'espace Schengen, dont fait partie l'Islande.
Cette autorisation électronique préalable sera à demander en ligne avant le départ. Elle concernera les voyageurs exemptés de visa et permettra de transmettre certaines informations aux autorités :
informations du passeport
détails du voyage
informations personnelles et sanitaires
Nous vous recommandons de vérifier l'état d'avancement et la date d'entrée en vigueur de l'ETIAS auprès des autorités officielles avant votre départ.
Voyage avec des enfants
Les mineurs doivent être titulaires de leur propre document de voyage valide (passeport ou, pour les ressortissants de l'EEE et de la Suisse, carte d'identité nationale) couvrant la durée du séjour.
Dans certains pays, lorsqu'un mineur voyage sans l'un de ses parents, une autorisation de sortie du territoire peut être exigée selon la réglementation du pays de résidence.
Autres nationalités
Les conditions d'entrée peuvent varier selon la nationalité. Les voyageurs concernés doivent se renseigner auprès de l'ambassade ou du consulat d'Islande de leur pays de résidence.
Pour participer à nos voyages, il est fortement conseillé d'être assuré en assistance-rapatriement et frais médicaux à l’étranger.
Votre agence locale vous encourage à prendre connaissance du contrat spécifique élaboré avec notre partenaire CHAPKA ASSURANCES et AXA ASSISTANCE.
Pour souscrire à une assurance, connaître les garanties et les tarifs, suivez le lien ci-dessous.
CAP EXPLORER : La solution d’assurance complète conçue pour vivre sereinement votre voyage !
Choisissez la formule qui vous correspond le mieux:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Spécifiques à nos voyages, nous suggérons fortement d’y souscrire.
Si vous choisissez de souscrire à l’une de ces formules, la convention détaillant l’ensemble des garanties et les modalités de déclaration du sinistre sont disponibles sur le site Internet de l'assureur.
Votre agence locale en aura connaissance, mais seul le participant est responsable du respect des procédures de déclaration de tout sinistre. Le participant doit donc conserver cette convention avec lui pendant toute la durée de son voyage.
Practical information
This stay is planned in a small group of 4 to 8 participants.
Hikes : Hikes of moderate to difficult level 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 the stages. The itinerary can be slightly modified depending on the weather and climatic conditions, your guide will adapt the itinerary accordingly.
Baggage : It is important to note that you will have to carry your own equipment throughout this hike (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 insulating bags. It will be possible to leave some of your belongings in Reykjavik for those extending their stay. The refuges have bags and blankets, so a "sleeping bag liner" is sufficient. We will also change refuges very little, so 2 days will be without carrying all your belongings. The maximum weight of the backpack is 12 kgs.
Transport : Before and after the trek, transfers are carried out in a comfortable minibus.
Accommodation : Nights in comfortable and well-equipped refuges. Beds in dormitories with sleeping bag (not provided). In Iceland, the refuges have toilets and showers in separate buildings. Most refuges have hot water showers where time is limited to a few minutes (included in the price).
Food : Cuisine with a vegetarian tendency based on delicious quality organic products. Hearty "Scandinavian" breakfast, lunch picnic with 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 special diet or food allergy be clearly stated at the time of registration. For the conviviality of the group, but nothing mandatory, we recommend that everyone bring a small specialty from their region (biscuits, cheese, wine, etc.).
Participation : We ask trip members to lend a hand and help the guide with meal preparation.
Extension of stay : Please contact us. You may not return to Iceland anytime soon and extending your trip with a self-drive tour is the best option to make the most of your stay. Be careful, decide to extend your stay in advance, as having your airline ticket changed 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 the weather and current 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 trekking 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
Non, l'Islande fait partie de l'espace Schengen (hors UE mais associée). Les ressortissants français peuvent y voyager avec une carte d'identité ou un passeport en cours de validité. La monnaie est la couronne islandaise. Aucune formalité particulière à l'arrivée.
Rendez-vous dans la section Mes Voyages pour retrouver tous vos projets.
Vous pouvez envoyer un message à votre hôte directement depuis le Salon de Thé.
Pour un voyage sur mesure de qualité, comptez entre 300 et 480 euros par jour et par personne, incluant hébergement, repas, transports internes et activités. Les vols internationaux (200-500 euros A/R) sont en supplément. L'Islande est parmi les destinations les plus chères d'Europe.
Vos documents sont accessibles dans l'onglet Documents de votre voyage.
Absolument. Nous adaptons chaque circuit au profil des voyageurs. Pour les familles, nous privilégions des rythmes détendus, des hébergements familiaux, des activités ludiques et pédagogiques, et des transferts privés confortables. Nos guides locaux francophones savent capter l'attention des enfants avec des anecdotes adaptées à leur âge.
C'est simple. Vous échangez avec notre équipe locale pour définir vos envies, votre budget et vos dates. Vous recevez une proposition d'itinéraire détaillée sous 48 heures. Vous ajustez ensemble chaque détail jusqu'à la version parfaite. Vous confirmez et partez l'esprit tranquille. Votre agence locale reste disponible 7j/7 pendant toute la durée du voyage.
En cas d'urgence, contactez immédiatement votre agence locale.
Le paiement s'effectue généralement en deux fois.
Notre agence fait partie du réseau Nomadays, immatriculé en France. Vous bénéficiez de la garantie APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) qui couvre 100% de vos fonds. Paiement sécurisé, assurance rapatriement incluse, et assistance francophone 24h/24 sur place pendant tout votre séjour.
Let's talk about your adventure — Central Highlands
Contemplative Explorer of Icelandic Lands, based in Helgafell, 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
