Icelandic Mountain Guides

Page 1

Kj枚lur 7 mm

Icelandic Mountain Guides

MOUNTAINGUIDES.IS ICELANDROVERS.IS GREENLAND.IS

Catalogue 2014

MAKE EVERY MOMENT AN EXPERIENCE

2014 ICELAND 路 GREENLAND TREKKING - HIKING - DISCOVERY - BACKPACKING - SKIING - BIKING - 4X4 SUPER JEEP BASE CAMP HIKING - INCENTIVES - SELF GUIDED - OUTDOOR ADVENTURES - EXPEDITIONS


www.icelandillustrated.com

DEAR FELLOW TRAVELERS Dear fellow travelers Icelandic Mountain Guides is Iceland’s premier adventure tour operator now celebrating its 20th anniversary. For 20 years we have been in continuous operation of offering adventures in the wilderness of Iceland and Greenland. The company was established in 1994 by four young mountain and outdoor enthusiasts and pioneers whose aim was to introduce the wonders of Icelandic nature to travelers from all over the world. We started by offering Glacier Walks in Skaftafell and later on Sólheimajökull. Hiking, backpacking and other adventures and expeditions in Iceland and Greenland soon followed. Today Icelandic Mountain Guides is a company that offers adventure tours ranging from short day tours to longer multi-day expeditions in the great outdoors in both summer and winter. So whether it is the exploration of the icescapes of glaciers, crossing of impressive highlands, trekking in the extraordinary rhyolite massifs or hiking in fascinating valleys, our aim is to Make Every Moment an Experience.

Quality and professionalism We at Icelandic Mountain Guides are continuously working towards improving the quality of our tours and improving the skills and training of our guides to assure that all our clients have a safe and memorable journey. The Icelandic Mountain Guide’s team of guides and drivers is a selected group of specialists and professional mountaineers, many have background in mountain rescue and all are passionate nature lovers and travelers. Our guides have a record that includes an incredible number of expeditions and impressive journeys, should it be of high altitude summits or long winter tours in the high Arctic. All have first-aid training and operate in accordance with the company’s safety policy.

www.mountainguides.is www.icelandrovers.is www.greenland.is

2


Safety and training We set high professional standards when it comes to the safety of our outdoor adventures. Since 2004 our mountain guides have received training from qualified instructors from New Zealand and from 2008 the training of our glacier and mountain guides is based on recognized standards from the New Zealand Mountain Guides Association. Training is kept up to date by annual courses on glaciers or in river crossings and more, where safety standards are revised and mountain skills practiced. When it comes to staff training we are proud to be the leading company in tourism in Iceland.

A trusted operator that knows the lay of the land Both Iceland and Greenland are counties where nature is untamed and conditions can change unexpectedly. Travelling on these grounds in the safest and the most enjoyable way requires knowledge of the terrain and organization; a knowledge that only passion for the land and years of collective experience can gather. Icelandic Mountain Guides and Iceland Rovers have travelled across and around these two counties for the past decades, and created different kinds of adventure to allow you to experience their fabulous landscapes and fascinating history and cultures. Our Icelandic Mountain Guides’ tours are adventures that are more hiking and highland oriented. Trekking and backpacking adventures fall into that category as well as more challenging expeditions and mountain climbing tours. The name Iceland Rovers covers our softer adventures, tours that focus on discovery of Icelandic nature and culture, theme based tours and highland tours in super jeeps. These tours are less physical while still being active adventures. Iceland Rovers also fosters our incentive department in operation since 1996. Last but not least we have gathered all our Greenland Adventures on Greenland.is. It is a website designed to focus exclusively on all the different tours we offer in Greenland. Whatever adventure you seek, you can be sure that with Icelandic Mountain Guides, Iceland Rovers and Greenland.is you are in the hands of a trusted operator that knows the lay of the land.

mountainguides@mountainguides.is Tel: +354 587 9999

3


OUR GUIDES Our Guides Our aim is to provide fun, adventurous and diverse tour experience, but also a safe one. You can rest assured that with Icelandic Mountain Guides you are in the best of hands. Meet a few of Our Guides.

Helga María Heiðarsdóttir

Helga María is a Reykjavík city girl that loves the backcountry. She started working for IMG as a glacier guide in 2008 and has since then guided many different hiking and discovery adventures. Being a glaciologist, Helga does know an awful lot about glaciers and is now currently working on her Ph.D. in glaciology/geophysics at the University of Iceland. You can be sure that with Helga María as your guide you will get some extra special knowledge about Iceland´s many glaciers as well as getting a lot of interesting geological info.

Helgi Egilsson

Helgi is a fun and open guide that came in working as a glacier guide a few years back. Helgi is currently finishing his degree in Nursing from the University of Iceland but during his free time Helgi guides all kinds of tours, everything from short glacier walks to cross country skiing and backpacking tours. What everyone don´t know is that Helgi is a very talented bass player and amongst other music projects he plays with the ever popular male choir Fjallabræður or the “Mountain Brothers”- what else!.

Ingibjörg G. Guðjónsdóttir

Ingibjörg has over 20 years of experience being a guide and it´s not far-fetched as her education lies in the fields of tourism and ethnology. When it comes to cooking Ingibjörg uses all kinds of wild herbs and spices from the nature. Some even say that she has the knowledge of a sorceress to make the taste of your food unforgettable! You are most likely to find Ingibjörg on the Highlands and Hot Springs super jeep tour or on a trek.

Tomas Manoury Ursula Giger Inga Dagmar Karlsdóttir Inga Dagmar has spent the past 20 years in the mountains, whether it is running, climbing, hiking or with her telemarks tied to her feet. She is a biologist and student of physiotherapy with a keen interest in the flora and fauna of Iceland. You might find Inga on our trekking tours like Hiking at the End of the World.

Ívar Finnbogason

With Ívar´s 20 years of experience, mountaineering is more like a calling for him. Ívar has climbed and guided from the Icelandic highlands to the Arctic. After having spent too much time in his youth ice climbing and being cold in frozen waterfall somewhere, Ívar now spends as much time as he can skiing, mountain biking or getting in shape at the cross fit gym - all depending on the season. You can join Ívar on the Mountains and Fjords of the North.

4

A Swiss native with passion for Iceland Ursula has been guiding for 17 years in both Iceland and Greenland, mostly on hiking and trekking tours. Always adding adventures to her list. Ursula completed an expedition crossing the Greenland icecap last winter. She has a degree in literature and is a specialist in the Icelandic Sagas. You might find Ursúla on the tour Hiking at the End of the World or tracing the Footsteps of Erik the Red in S-Greenland.

Björgvin Hilmarsson

When it comes to mountaineering and climbing, rock, ice or alpine, Björgvin is in his element. That fits well since he is in organing of our longer expeditions as well being a guide. Björgvin holds a degree in molecular biology and journalism. He´s also a proficient photographer and is responsible for many of the photos used in IMG brochures and ads. Being one of the most experienced climbers within IMG he often handles the training of others teaching on many of the courses offered by IMG.

Tomas Manoury is a half French half Icelandic musician/guide has been guiding since the millennium. He specializes in trekking and backpacking tours and he loves to find new routes and trying new trails. His favorite place in Iceland is Grænafjall, a beautiful and isolated mountain with lots of wild vegetation. Even blueberries can be found there spite of being at high altitude and surrounded by glaciers. You might find Tomas on any of our Greenland tours or backpacking between Núpsstaðarskógar and Skaftafell.

Anna Kristín Ásbjörnsdóttir

Anna Kristín is an experienced guide with a wide range of experience in the field of tourism. Like many of our guides she has also volunteered with the Icelandic Rescue teams for several years. Anna Kristín loves exercising in nature and here passion for travel really shows on her tours. On a trekking or backpacking tour with Anna Kristín you are sure to be amazed by her knowledge of Iceland. You might find Anna Kristín driving along the Treasure Trail.


„Each and every journey is an adventure“

All the guides on our longer tours are qualified guides (mountain, trekking or touring guide diploma) and have gone through glacier guiding courses. They come from different backgrounds but have in common their experience, professionalism, love for nature and the highlands. They all enjoy sharing their experience and knowledge with travelers visiting Iceland and Greenland.

Róbert Thor Haraldsson

Robert Thor has been with the company for over a decade. He is also a landscape architect and a geographer. Robert’s experience is extensive; he has led many of IMG’s most demanding hiking, backpacking, and ski tours, like the Iceland Traverse both on foot and ski, and The Greenland Crossing. You might travel with Robert on our backpacking tours like Núpstaðaskógar - Skaftafell.

Leifur Örn Svavarsson

It would take an essay to list all of Leifur’s achievements and experience. With his career as a guide dating back to 1985 he is probably the most experienced Mountain Guide in Iceland. He is one of the founders of IMG and he guides many of our most demanding tours and an expert on Greenland and the Arctic, having crossed the Greenland icecap several times. In spring 2013 Leifur also became the first Icelander to climb the North Col of Mt. Everest. Leifur has a degree in geology with specialty in avalanche speculations, and is an experienced lecturer.

Katrín Káradóttir

Katrín has decades of experience guiding and travelling in Iceland and Greenland. She is one of our main Greenland guides and knows the rough terrain you find there like the palm of her hand. You can ask her anything about the local Inuit culture. Katrín is into mountaineering and likes to challenge herself in that field. She is also a fashion designer and teaches at the Icelandic Academy of the Arts.

Brynjólfur Gíslason

A skipper, a guide, a teacher. Basically a jack of all trades that has been teaching travelers about Icelandic geology, botany, society, history and folklore. He is also into scuba diving and a great cook -if you are lucky he might cook you up his secret bacalhau recipe. Brynjólfur is sometimes found on the way from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk or on a back packing tour somewhere in the interior.

Macime Poncet

In addition to his hiking a glacier guiding qualifications Maxime has a master’s degree in math so you can count on him to work out the best way to go in a scientific way. Maxime guides trekking, back packing tours and cross country ski expeditions in both Iceland and Greenland. You might meet Maxime on The Vatnajökull Crossing or Fjords Glaciers and Peaks.

Þóra Helgadóttir

When Þóra finished her guiding diploma 10 years ago we called ourselves lucky to get her on our team. Þóra has extensive knowledge about everything related to Iceland and the Icelanders in addition to being a great cook and a pleasure to travel with. She has a bad case of the mountain bug - a disease that requires you to spend as much time as you can in the highlands. You might find Þóra on the Treasure Trail or any of our trekking or backpacking tours

Einar Torfi Finnsson Arnar Már Ólafsson

Arnar has over 25 years of experience in the field of tourism. He is an expert super jeep driver and hiking guide.. For a while he was a Lector in Tourism at the University of Akureyri and was the president of the Icelandic Tourism Research Center but now we enjoy his skills in our office as well as up in the highlands. You might travel with Arnar on the Complete Highlands tour or 4x4 Super Jeep adventure like Nature and Northern Lights.

Einar is considered to be an expert in everything regarding outdoor adventures in both Iceland and Greenland. His knowledge of each destination has no limits (really) and you can be sure that a book about some Greenland expedition is never far from his night stand. Einar spends most of his time running the incoming department of IMG but as many of our office staff members he clears his mind every now and then doing what he loves, guiding tours. In winter you might find Einar in Greenland with his cross country skis tied on or in the center of Iceland.

Dagný Indriðadóttir

Dagný is one of our tour specialists but in summer she sometimes takes off to guide, travel or to work as a warden in a mountain hut somewhere. She likes to travel to faraway countries, may it be for hiking, mountain climbing or just to soak in a different culture. Dagný has been seen on all kinds of tours, from cross country skiing to bird watching tours. She is a folklorist and has a degree in gender studies.

5


AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS Environment first Icelandic tourism depends on the continued prosperity of our delicate nature. In all the activities and experiences we offer, our objective has always been to minimize the environmental impact and to leave no trace when we travel. Icelandic Mountain Guides has adopted the World Wildlife Fund conservation plan, concerning ecological tourism in the Arctic, as well as the Scandinavian FINECO project on self-sustainable regional activities in the northern areas. A part of our philosophy is to support local NGOs and to take an active part in discussion about the development of wilderness and open spaces. We take the nature’s side against ideas of heavy industry or new highway projects in unspoiled areas. We pride ourselves in being a company that emphasizes cooperation, sustainability and safety. As a growing company Icelandic Mountain Guides continue to lead by an example as the environmental policy is reviewed regularly to ensure that it´s implemented into all levels of our operations.

In nature we lead by an example! · Energy - Although Icelandic energy is relatively green and sustainable, we aim to reduce our electricity consumption in all office premises. · Transport - To minimize our use of fossil fuels we choose to use regular buses for most transfers and choose fuel efficient minibuses where other means are not offered. As for our Super Jeep tours, we primarily use Land Rover Defenders because they are strong and reliable at the same time as their fuel consumption per passenger seat is the lowest possible for this kind of travel. Office staff in Reykjavík is encouraged to use more environmental ways of transportation, and those who do are offered a monthly allocation. · Purchases - For all purchases of both goods and services, across all divisions, suppliers are subjected to environmental as well as cost-benefit examination. · Promotion - We will continue to advocate environmental awareness on all available platforms.

6


We are proud of the reputation we’ve earned Icelandic Mountain Guides has a distinct record in operating adventure tours in Iceland and we are a proud recipient of various awards and recognitions. In 2006 we were awarded the Icelandair Pioneer Award for designing and developing Glacier Walks, in autumn 2009 we received the Icelandic Tourist Board’s Environmental Award for our environmental policy and awareness and in February 2010 we were awarded the Icelandic Travel Industry Association’s annual Education Award for the education and continuous training we provide for our guides. In 2010 we also received the Icelandic Travel Industry Association’s Innovation Award for the innovation and development of Glacier Walks and furthermore we were nominated for the 2011 Nordic Council Environmental Prize. In April 2013 Icelandic Mountain Guides received the great honor of accepting the 2012 Conch Environmental Award. This is an award issued by the Ministry for the Environment and Natural Resources for being a leading company in nature friendly tourism in Iceland. All these awards have been a great recognition of our efforts and have been a motivation for us to continue to improve in all aspects of our operations and make Icelandic Mountain Guides the most awarded adventure tour company in Iceland. A Brand is a Promise - Icelandic Mountain Guides has a distinctive record in leading visitors across our amazing country.

2 201

For designing and developing Glacier Walks.

ental aw nm a o

Ministry for the Environment and Natural Resources

rd

2006

En vi r

ICELANDAIR PIONEER AWARD

7


In the past two decades our company has grown from an operation run out of a tent in Skaftafell to being Iceland’s premier adventure travel operator. We are proud of what we have achieved since 1994 and we are still guided by the same passion to find and offer new and exciting adventures for everyone in both Iceland and Greenland.

Four young mountain guides and pioneers start a company doing what they love. The summer of 1994 they offer Glacier Walks in Skaftafell, a wild enterprise not everyone believed in at the time, and tours to Iceland’s highest peak. They also purchase a bunch of freeze dried food for the first departure of a backpacking tour on a new route they traced from Núpsstaðarskógar to Skaftafell. Only four persons come along on this first departure, but in the coming years the tour soon gains popularity and so do the Glacier Walks.

Iceland Rovers founded by a group of people (some of the same) passionate by Icelandic culture, nature and Land Rovers. They offer Incentive Tours inspired by Icelandic history and traditions, as well as highland adventures.

8

1995 Start of Incentives.

First groups taken up to Iceland’s highest peak Hvannadalshnúkur.

1994 Purchase of the first fax machines.

First office in Reykjavík. The freezer also serves as a desk but there is room for the fax machine.

1996

1997

1998

Beginning of regular training programs for glacier guides. First Greenland Crossing.

Seeking out new territory! The first backpacking tour to East Greenland.

1999

2000

First expedition to Mt Gunnbjörn, the highest peak in Greenland.

2001

2002

The domaine mountainguides.is is registered.

THE BEGINNING ... 22 Desember 1993

Over 1.000 guests come on Glacier Walks.

20 YEARS OF ADVENTURES

ICELANDIC MOUNTAIN GUIDES celebrates its 20th anniversary.

2003

From 1997, the selection of different hiking and backpacking programs grows. More and more people join the tours, first mostly Icelanders but then also foreign travellers. In 2003 the summer tour program starts to take off.


2014 - 20 YEARS OF ADVENTURES

For designing and developing Glacier Walks.

Awarded the Icelandic Tourist Board‘s Environmental Award.

Glacier training taken to a new level with teachers form New Zealand and introduction to a training program based on standards from New Zealand Mountain Guides Association.

Received the Conch, the Ministry’s of the Environment annual award for leading in nature friendly tourism in Iceland. ental aw nm a o

Ministry for the Environment and Natural Resources

2008

2009

Icelandic Mountain Guides and Iceland Rovers merge and take over the ITM, information and booking center in Bankastræti down town Reykjavík.

2010

2011

2012

Awarded the Icelandic Travel Industry Association Education Award.

Awarded the Icelandic Travel Industry Association Innovation Award.

Over 20.000 guests come on glacier walks.

2013

Set up of IMG‘ Information and Sales office in Skógar.

Day tours from Reykjavík among other Glacier Walks on Sólheimajökull begin.

2007

Over 5.000 guests. come on Glacier Walks.

2006

One of IMG‘s founders, Leifur Örn, becomes the first Icelander to climb Mt Everest via the North col route.

En vi r

Awarded the Icelandair pioneer award for designing and developing Glacier Walks as an activity that every traveller to Iceland can enjoy.

The selection of day tours form Reykjavík keeps growing.

2005

2006

All year opening in Skaftafell begins.

2 201

2004

Set up of IMG‘ Information and Sales office in Skaftafell.

ICELANDAIR PIONEER AWARD

Opening of Kulusuk Hostel in East Greenland.

rd

First Coast to Coast 31 day backpacking tour across Iceland.

Outdoor activity programs for the Icelandic public begin. The aim is to make outdoor activities a lifestyle. One of them „Icelandic Mountain Women“is designed to encourage women to take on Iceland‘s highest peak. “Reach the Top” in collaboration with 66° North is still bringing hundreds of Icelanders to the top of Hvannadalshnúkur.

Offering more then 85 differents tours and over 34.000 guests.

Now offering an extensive selection of longer winter and summer tours.

9


INDEX

ICELAND

ICELANDIC MOUNTAIN GUIDES TOURS Adventures that focus on hiking and highland experience and activities. Includes trekking, backpacking mountaineering, expeditions and a variety of ski tours.

SHORT BREAK ADVENTURES Short tours and packages offering the best in adventure and nature for a short stay. 18 18 19 19

Northern Lights and Glacier Getaway IMG512 Gullfoss, Geysir and Glacier Lagoon IMG513 Winter Adventure Package IMGP16 Summer Adventure Package IMGP17

DISCOVERY ADVENTURES Touring to different locations with multiple shorter hikes, or tours of a selection of different activities. 20 20 21 21

The Treasure Trail IMG332 South Iceland Multi - Activity IMG58 The Complete Highlands IMG39 Iceland Highland Adventure IMG79

TREKKING Assisted treks. Hiking between huts (camps) with only your daypack. 22 22 23 23 24 24

Hiking at the End of the World IMG34​ The Ancient Kjölur Trail IMG37 Landmannalaugar - Þórsmörk IMG31​ Þórsmörk - Skógar IMG35 The Strútur Trail IMG38 The Great Volcanic Trek IMG32

BACKPACKING Hiking between camps carrying all your luggage. 25 In the Shadow of Vatnajökull IMG49​ 26 The Rivers and Glaciers of Vatnajökull IMG40​ 26 Núpsstaðarskógar - Skaftafell IMG41​

SUMMIT TOURS Hiking and mountain climbing. 27 The Three Peaks Challenge

IMG441

MOUNTAIN BIKING Mountain biking on gravel and mud roads or downhill on single tracks. 28 28 29 29

On Bike from Laki to Landmannalaugar Land of Lava HB73 Iceland’s Best Single - Tracks IMB81 The Fjallabak Bike Tour IMB91

IMB71​

SKIING Alpine ski touring and cross country skiing. 30 Landmannalaugar in Winter IMG53​ 30 Mountains and Fjords of the North IMG50​ 31 Oceans, Valleys and Peaks IMG55

EXPEDITIONS Multi day winter skiing with pulkas and extreme backpacking. 32 Sprengisandur: Traverse of the Icelandic Highlands IMG52 32 Vatnajökull Glacier Expedition IMG51 33 Coast to Coast: The Iceland Traverse IMG43

GLACIER AND MOUNTAINEERING COURSES Courses for training different skills in mountain travel. 34 35 35 35

10

Mountain Skills Course IMG58 Ice climbing I IMG112 Ice climbing Il IMG114 Winter Mountaineering IMG116


ICELAND ROVERS TOURS Tours focusing on the discovery of Icelandic nature and culture, theme based tours and highland tours in super jeeps.

SHORT BREAK ADVENTURES Soft adventure tours and packages offering highlights of nature with added comfort. 36 Geysers, Glaciers and Northern Lights ILR21 36 Landmannalaugar Adventure and Golden Circle ILR20

CULTURAL TOURING Touring between places, multiple shorter hikes and/or cultural experience. 37 Kingdom of Volcanoes and Glaciers IMG33 37 Kingdom of Glaciers and Northern Lights IMG33W

4X4 SUPER JEEP EXPEDITIONS 38 38 39 39 40 40

Tours that use modified super jeeps to take you to places and sites in the highlands. Small groups and exciting locations. Highlands and Hot Springs ILR60 Across the Rift ILR62 Nature and Northern Lights ILR41 Winter Highlights ILR54 Winter Adventure in the South ILR56 Ultimate Adventure Tour ILR50

THEME BASED TOURS PHOTO TOURS 41 The Mountains and Colors of the Highlands IMGPH04 41 Glaciers, Lagoons and Waterfalls IMGPH03

KNITTING TOURS

Theme based adventure tours with designer Helena Magnússon. Perfect balance of breathtaking 42 nature and master knitting workshops.

RUNNING TOURS WITH ARCTIC RUNNING

Tours that combine running and travelling for those who want to experience nature and all the 44 best sights and exercise at the same time.

INCENTIVES Incentive travel in Iceland and Greenland - activities, teambuilding, luxury and customized holidays for groups and individual always with focus on nature, tradition and the 46 environment.

ON YOUR OWN

SELF DRIVE AND SELF GUIDED HIKES

51 51 52 52 53 53 53

Car rental packages with a accommodation and travel itinerary and hiking packages with transport, accommodation and detailed travel itinerary. Around Iceland IMGS01 Tour of the Icelandic Highlands IMGS21 South Coast Express IMGS02 Luxury Highlands IMGS22 Laugavegur Trail Self - Guided IMGS31 Hike at the End of the World IMGS34 South Coast Self - Drive IMGS04

DAY TOURS

Glacier Walks for everyone, Super Jeep tours to highland locations and hiking adventures for the day. 54

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES FROM REYKJAVÍK

57

ICELAND ROVERS SUPER JEEP TOURS

60

FROM SKÓGAR / SÓLHEIMAJÖKULL

62

FROM SKAFTAFELL

11


GREENLAND ICELANDIC MOUNTAIN GUIDES TOURS EAST GREENLAND – GROUP TOURS Discovery tours with daily hikes from base camps, boat assisted treks and backcountry backpacking. 68 68 69 69 70 70 71 71

Terre Polaire IMG72 The Essential Greenland Tour IMG78 Mountain, Fjord and Icecap IMG74 Fjords Glaciers and Peaks IMG81 Trekking along the Icefjord IMG84 The Inuit Trail IMG82 Sailing in Scoresby Sound IMG75 Arctic Dog Sledding IMG69

EAST GREENLAND – ON YOUR OWN Self guided individual travel - Day tours and short discovery of nature and culture. 72 72 72 73 73

Kulusuk and the Icebergs IMG222 Remarkable Greenland IMG221 Kulusuk Nature IMG225 The Villages of East Greenland IMG226 World of Winter IMG223

WEST GREENLAND – ILULISSAT/DISCO BAY – GROUP TOURS Hiking in around Ilulissat, Eqi and the Disko Bay Area. 74

Hiking in the Disko Bay

IMG92

WEST GREENLAND – ON YOUR OWN Self guided individual travel – Visit Ilulissat, Eqi and Rodeby, or whole of the west coast. 75 75

The Kingdom of Icebergs (8 days) IMG203 The Icefjord and the Viking Trail (9 days) IMG205

SOUTH GREENLAND – GROUP TOURS Trekking tours with focus on nature and history of the Vikings. 76 76 77

In the Footsteps of Erik the Red IMG70 The Trail of the Vikings IMG77 Best of South Greenland TSM79

SOUTH GREENLAND – ON YOUR OWN Self guided individual travel - Hiking and discovery of the fate of the Viking settlers. 77

Around the Viking Settlements

IMG212

SKI TOURS Cross country or Alpine tour skiing in the Ammassalik area, the Roscoe Mountains, and West Greenland. 78 78 79 79

Skiing in the Deep Arctic IMG63 The Remote Peaks of Greenland IMG67 Backcountry in Liverpool Land IMG60 Alpine Peaks of West Greenland RVR12

EXPEDITIONS 80 80 81 81

12

The crossing of the Greenland Ice Cap and the highest peaks in Greenland. Mt Gunnbjörn, the Highest Peak in Greenland IMG65 The Peaks of Greenland: Mt Gunnbjörn, Dome and Cone IMG66 East Greenland Winter Expedition IMG62 The Greenland Crossing IMG64


ELLATION

All cancellations must be ma de by letter, fax or e-mail. In conformity with business practices within the Iceland ic travel industry, the Travel Agent is obliged to charge cancellation fees to passen ger(s) as follows: For day tours if clients cancel their participation within 18 hours of departure: • If formally cancelled within 18 hours of departure 100 % of tour price will be charge For longer tours if clients d. do formally cancel their par ticipation within one month of departure: • 50 % of tour price, if can celled formally 8 - 21 days prior to departure, • 75 % of tour price, if can celled formally 2 - 7 days prio r to departure, and • 100 % of tour price, if can celled formally within 2 day s prior to departure.

BOOKING CONDITIONS - TERMS OF PAYMENT

VALIDITY OF PRICES

All rates quoted are based on current purchasing price in Iceland. Icelandic Mountain Guides /Icelan d Rovers reserve the right to change prices already quoted or published in our price lists without notice in the event of currency fluctuation, government tax es, or due to any other cos t increases that are outside our control. Any eventual cha nges in rates will not be ma de with less than 8 weeks’ notice prior to arrival. After the invoice has been issued the price is guaranteed aga any surcharge, unless an incr inst ease is due to government laws or currency changes. Icelandic Mountain Guide s/Iceland Rovers will abs orb an amount equivalent 5% of the package price. Am to ounts that exceed the 5% will be charged and clients be entitled to cancel their boo will king with a full refund if the surcharge exceeds 10%. CANC

INSURANCE

We advise all our clients to

OTHER

have insurance.

All complaints must reach ICE LANDIC MOUNTAIN GUIDE S/ICELAND ROVERS within 5 days from departu re from Iceland. Otherwise pos sible compensation is not vali Note: ICELANDIC MOUN d. TAIN GUIDES/ICELAND RO VERS reserve the right to alte tours and itineraries due to wea r ther or road conditions. All pro grams can be changed or cancelled at any moment dur ing the trip to assure the safe ty of the clients and staff of Icelandic Mountain Guide s/Iceland Rovers. No respons ibility is accepted for losses, expenses due to delays, change s of flights, or other services or because of strikes, acciden sickness, damage, negligence ts, , weather, war, changes in sch edules, or other similar causes. Icelandic Mountain Guide s/Iceland Rovers do not ass ume responsibility for acciden or death that can be traced ts to the participant’s negligence , acts of third parties or exte circumstances such as weathe rior r, natural occurrences, war or other similar causes.

13


PRACTICAL INFORMATION

“The Mountain Guides group were very helpful by phone and email in organizing the tour, very professional. This was encouraging and helped make my final decision for the tour.”

Practical Information Difficulty levels - longer summer tours in Iceland and Greenland 1: Easy Accessible to all people in good health. Up to 2 - 4 hours of walking each day (sometimes combined shorter walks) with or without a light daypack. 2: Moderate Accessible to all those in good health, who do some sports regularly, and are used to all-terrain walks. 4 - 6 hours walking per day with a light daypack. 3: Challenging Suitable for people that are physically active and have some background in basic travelling in mountainous terrain (often without paths) with a daypack. 6 - 7 hours walking per day. 4: Demanding Demands a considerable effort and endurance. Good health and hiking experience is all types of terrain required. 6 - 8 hours walking per day. Often involves carrying your own gear. 5: Strenuous Only suitable for people physically and psychologically prepared for highly engaging experience. Expedition level. Usually involves carrying your own gear.

Difficulty levels - longer winter tours in Iceland and Greenland 1: Easy Accessible to all people in good health. Up to 2 - 4 hours of walking each day (sometimes combined shorter walks) with or without a light daypack. 2: Moderate Accessible to all those in good health, who do some sports regularly and are used to all-terrain walks and/or cross country skiing in an area without man made trails. 4 - 6 hours activity per day with a daypack. 3: Challenging Suitable for people that are physically active and have some experience of traveling in difficult conditions and/or backcountry cross country skiing and/or are experienced mountaineering skiers. Involves traveling with a daypack. 6 - 8 hours skiing/activity per day. 4: Demanding Demands a considerable effort and endurance. Good physical health and skiing experience is necessary. 6 - 8 hours skiing per day. Often involves carrying your own gear. 5: Strenuous Only suitable for people physically and psychologically prepared for highly engaging experience. Expedition level. Usually involves carrying your own gear.

Safety: The Icelandic climate can be rough and very variable and so is the terrain. We therefore reserve the right to alter and modify the program at any time during the trip to assure the safety of our clients and staff. Our well trained guides will do their very best to assure you a safe and pleasant journey. EASY EASY

ICELAND GREENLAND

2014

14

DIFFICULTY LEVELS MODERATE

CHALLENGING

DEMANDING

STRENUOUS STRENUOUS

Photo: Gréta Guðjónsdóttir Other Photos: Andrea Burgherr, Arinbjörn Hauksson, Arnaldur Halldórsson, Arnar Már Ólafsson, Ágúst Þór Gunnlaugsson, Björgvin Hilmarsson, Broudy Donohue, Craig Downing, Einar Torfi Finnsson, David Trood, Elena Zolas, Ellert Grétarsson, Estelle Divorne, Gréta S. Guðjónsdóttir, Guðrún Jóhannsdóttir, Greenland.com, Gregory Gerault, Helgi Egilsson, Héléne Magnusson, Hike and Bike, Hugh Dougal, Humbert Entress, Inga Fanney Sigurðardóttir, Ingibjörg G. Guðjónssdóttir, Ívar Finnbogason, Jan Zelina, Jean Marmisse, Jessica Levine, Jón Gauti Jónsson, Karl Heinz Lösche,Katrín Káradóttir, Kristján Guðlaugsson, Laufey Magnúsdóttir, Leifur Örn Svavarsson, Mads Phil, Maxim Poncét, Monika K. Waleszczynska, Nanna Dís, Phil Smith, Ragnheiður I. Ágústdóttir, Róbert Þór Haraldsson, Snorri Þór Tryggvason, Stefán Gunnarsson, Steff Hilty, Steinar Mar Ásgrímsson, Sveinn Friðrik Sveinsson, Tomas Manoury, Ursula Giger and Þórhallur Helgason. Editor: Guðrún Jóhannsdóttir Co Editor: Arinbjörn Hauksson Layout: Spör ehf. Printing: Oddi Prentsmiðja


Tour Types - What to expect Iceland Group Tours Discovery Adventures - Travelling with a vehicle between highlight locations. In these locations we will go on short hikes, averaging between 2 - 5 hours total (hiking times often represent a total of many shorter hikes), with only a day pack. - Accommodation can vary from mountain hut/hostel accommodation in sleeping bag to guest house accommodation depending on the tour. - Meals are included. Dinner in hotels and when in hut/hostel accommodation the guide prepares the meals with the help of the group. Summit Tours - Travelling with a vehicle between locations where some of Iceland’s most beautiful summits are climbed. Days with summit climbs can involve over 20 km (13 mi) hiking, over 2000 m (6500 ft ) ascent and take over 14 hours. - Sleeping bag accommodation in huts or a hostel. - Meals are included and the guide prepares the meals with the help of the group. Expeditions - Travelling in isolated backcountry territory, often over difficult terrain. - All gear carried by participants (summer) or dragged in pulkas (winter). - Cooking gear, food and tents distributed equally across the group. - Tent accommodation, sometimes with the occasional mountain hut. - Meals are included and the groups helps the guide to prepare the meals.

Trekking - Hiking on trails between mountain huts with only a day pack while larger luggage is transported between accommodations. Hiking involves an average of 12 - 15 km (7 - 10 mi) per day, often on marked trails. On many treks you will need to ford rivers . - Sleeping bag accommodation in a hut or a hostel. - Meals are included and the guide prepares the meals with the help of the group.

Backpacking - Hiking in less travelled locations between camps/huts with all the gear carried by participants. Hiking involves an average between 10 - 20 km (6 - 13 mi) per day in often difficult terrain and over rivers and/or glaciers. - Cooking gear, food and tents are distributed equally across the group - Meals are included and the guide prepares the meals with the help of the group.

Mountain Biking - Biking mostly on gravel roads and mud trails. Larger luggage transported between accommodations with a support vehicle that follows the group. Involves 10 - 60 km (6 - 35 mi) biking per day. - Sleeping bag accommodation in a hut or a hostel on cross country tours, in guest house on downhill/single track programs. - Meals are included. When in hut/ hostel accommodation the guide prepares the meals with the help of the group.

Alpine Ski Touring - Skiing off piste out of one location, or larger luggage is transported between accommodations while you ski so you need only a day pack. Involves 4 - 7 hours skiing per day. - Accommodation is in a guest house or a mix of mountain huts and guest house. - Meals are included and the guide prepares the meals with the help of the group.

Cultural Touring and Hiking - Travelling with a vehicle between highlight locations and cultural experiences. In between locations we will go on short hikes, averaging between 2 - 4 hours total (hiking times often represent a total of many shorter hikes), with only a daypack. - Hotel accommodation and meals are included (except sometimes lunch) served at the hotels/guest houses.

Super Jeep Tours - Driving on highland roads in Super Jeep to locations that are not easily accessible by other means. In these locations we will go on short hikes, averaging between 2 - 5 hours total (hiking times often represent a total of many shorter hikes), with only a daypack. - Sleeping bag accommodation in mountain huts or hotels and quality guest houses when possible. - Meals are included (except sometimes lunch) and the guide prepares the meals with the help of the group during the highland experience, but in the hotels/guest houses regional dinner is included.

Greenland Group Tours - Hiking over terrain with limited paths that is often rocky and difficult (East and West Greenland) or on trails (South Greenland). - On the Discovery and Trekking tours larger luggage transported by boat between camps on backpacking tours all the gear is carried. - In East and West Greenland we principally stay in tents but use hostel accommodation in the towns and villages, in South Greenland we use hostels. - Meals are included and the guide prepares the meals with the help of the group.

15


16


Nanna Dís

ICELAND


SHORT BREAK ADVENTURES

ICELANDIC MOUNTAIN GUIDES TOURS

Northern Lights and Glacier Getaway IMG512 TOURING 2 DAYS

PER DAY 2 - 3 HRS

GROUP SIZE 2 - 16

LEVEL

EASY

Jökulsárlón Glacier lagoon and Glacier Walk Do you only have a brief moment to unfold all the magic of Iceland and discover all its highlights? Icelands glaciers are one of its main attractions. The massive white giants decorate mountain tops and the icebergs that break off them adorn the lagoons that form at their roots. During this two day visit to Vatnajökull National Park you will visit the world famous Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and get the chance to come in close contact with the ice on a short glacier walk on Svínafellsjökull glacier. We spend the night in a country hotel in the region and it is not unlikely that we will see the northern lights in this calm country. On the way back to Reykjavík we stop to see the beautiful waterfalls of the south coast. Included in price: Guide, vehicle transportation for 2 days, accommodation in a country hotel, breakfast and dinner. Not included: Lunch. Add accommodation in Reykjavík for the perfect short break D1: Reykjavík - Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon - Northern Lights. D2: Svínafellsjökull Glacier Walk-Waterfalls - Reykjavík. Departure dates: Every other Tuesday and Saturday from September 15th to April 15th. During Christmas Thursday and Saturday departures.

Gullfoss, Geysir and Glacier Lagoon IMG513 TOURING 3 DAYS

PER DAY 2 - 3 HRS

GROUP SIZE 4 - 16

LEVEL

EASY

South coast, icebergs and Glacier walk On this three day south coast adventure you will see all the highlights of the south coast of Iceland all the way to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. We start be heading east to Vatnajökull National Park-Skaftafell where we will go on a short glacier walk on Svínafellsjökull glacier. The next day the famous Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon is our main destination. There we will enjoy the sights of the floating icebergs and visit the beches below. On our way back from the lagoon we will take the time to visit other sights in the region like th old chuch at Hof. On the last day we take our time to enjoy Iceland south coast, its waterfalls and black beachs. (and en with a visit to the waterfall Gullfoss and Geysir hotspring. Included in price: Guide, vehicle transportation for 3 days, accommodation at a country hotel, breakfast and dinner. Not included: Lunch Add accommodation in Reykjavík for the perfect short break D1: Reykjavík - Svínafellsjökull Glacier Walk. D2: Jökulárlón Glacier Lagoon Öræfi region. D3: South Coast Waterfalls - Gullfoss - Geysir. Departure dates: 07.11 - 09.11.2013 05.12 - 07.12.2013 12.12 - 21.12.2013

18

www.icelandrovers.is

09.01 - 11.01.2014 23.01 - 25.01.2014 06.02 - 08.02.2014

06.03 - 08.03.2014


Winter Adventure Package ACTIVITY 3 DAYS

PER DAY 10 - 12 HRS

LEVEL

IMGP16

EASY

Multi - activity package from Reykjavík One great way to experience all the different things Iceland has to offer in winter is go on different adventure day tours out of Reykjavík. This package offers a glacier walk on Sólheimajökull glacier with dinner and a Northern Lights hunt, a super jeep adventure with caving, waterfalls, hot springs and glaciers and a Golden Circle tour with Northern Lights hunt. Three tours that give you the very best that Iceland has to offer! Included: 3 days of activities - day tour “Glacier Walk and Northern Lights”, day tour “Golden Circle and Magical Nights and Super Jeep tour “Essential Iceland”. Accommodation in Reykjavík in hostel, guest house, hotel or luxury hotel for 4 nights. Airport transfers can be added. Mid-week and Weekend rates available

Summer Adventure Package ACTIVITY 3 DAYS

PER DAY 10 - 12 HRS

LEVEL

MODERATE

Multi - activity package from Reykjavík There are many different ways to enjoy activities from Reykjavík and see the highlights of Icelandic nature. This package offers three great day tours in a package so you can experience the best of Iceland. On the first day you will go a geothermal hiking tour that includes a bath in a naturally warm river before heading to Sólheimajökull glacier for a short Glacier Walk. On your second day you will get picked up by a super jeep for an unforgettable tour to Landmannalaugar, driving by the roots of the Hekla Volcano. On the last day you go on a Whale Watching tour and have the rest of the day to enjoy Reykjavík, its museums, cafés and swimming pools. Included: 3 days of activities - day tour “Walk through Ice and Fire”, Super Jeep tour “Hekla Volcano and Landmannalaugar” and a Whale Watching tour. Accommodation in Reykjavík in hostel, guest house, hotel or luxury hotel for 4 nights. Airport transfers can be added. Mid-week and Weekend rates available

Húnafló i Akureyri

Breiðafjörður

Hofsjökull

VATN AJÖK ULL

Faxaflói REYKJAVÍK Keflavík

Skaftafell Landmannalaugar

Eyjafjallajökull

Mýrdalsjökull

0

www.mountainguides.is

50 km

Northern Lights and Glacier Getaway Gullfoss, Geysir and Glacier Lagoon Winter Adventure Package Summer Adventure Package

19


DISCOVERY ADVENTURES

“Thanks to Thora and the Mountain Guides I have fallen in love with Iceland and can't wait to come back!”

The Treasure Trail DURATION 6 DAYS

PER DAY 3 - 5 HRS

GROUP SIZE 6 - 16

IMG332

LEVEL EASY / MODERATE

Touring and multiple shorter hikes

Discovery of Iceland’s natural treasures A tour that takes you to some of Iceland’s most attractive locations of the south and west. Famous sites like Þingvellir, Gullfoss, Geysir and Vatnajökull glacier are on our agenda along with lesser known gems. On the tour you will experiencing a great variation in landscape and learn about the other kind of treasures said to be hidden in the ground or beneath a waterfall. Travelling from the ocean and cliffs of Snæfellsnes to Þórsmörk glacier valley in the highlands gives us unbelievable contrasts in the scenery. Add the sand beaches of the south coast, hot springs, waterfalls, lava fields, caves, volcanoes, glaciers and icebergs and you have all the best. Different hikes every day allow you to take in the essentials and the essence of this strange and unique country. Travelling out of the summer season gives you a different sense of Iceland. In the autumn and spring migrating birds set their mark on the environment, the autumn colours along with the northern lights are prominent as fall and winter set in. Snow and ice can make this tour a real winter adventure and in spring, nature is coming back to life and the days seem endless. Included in price: Guide and transportation for 6 days, food (from lunch day 1 to lunch day 6) and cooking gear, accommodation in hostel in beds with linen (4 nights) and in sleeping bag accommodation in mountain hut in Þórsmörk (1 night, sleeping bag included). Accommodation in Reykjavík can be added. D1: Reykjavík-Snæfellsnes. D2: Snæfellsnes, Þingvellir. D3: Gullfoss, Geysir, Þórsmörk. D4: Þórsmörk - South Coast - Skaftafell. D5: Glacier Lagoon D6: Hot Spring Hike - Reykjavík. Departure dates: 24.09 - 29.09.2013 22.10 - 27.10.2013 12.11 - 17.11.2013 27.12 - 01.01.2013

11.02 - 16.02.2014 25.02 - 02.03.2014 25.03 - 30.03.2014 15.04 - 20.04.2014

All departures in English/ French *Shoulder season departures. R-Reverse itinerary

29.04 - 04.05.2014-R 20.05 - 25.05.2014-R *10.06 -15.06.2014 *26.08 - 31.08.2014

South Iceland Multi - Activity

IMG58

DURATION PER DAY GROUP SIZE LEVEL 6 DAYS 6 - 12 3 - 5 (9) HRS MODERATE / CHALLENGING

Activity, action and the highlights of South Iceland This Multi-Activity tour gives you a chance to get to know the best of Iceland and enjoy different activities at the same time. The days are full of fun. We‘lll go mountain biking through a geothermal area, river jetting on the Hvítá river, sea kayaking by the coast of the Atlantic, riding on the Icelandic horse, visit Sólheimajökull for a walk on a glacier and finally hike up to Iceland‘s newest volcanic craters that were formed in the 2010 eruption of Eyjafjallajökull. The highlights of the Golden Circle and the Blue Lagoon will not be missed nor the valley of Þórsmörk, an oasis between the glaciers. For the first part of the tour we will be staying at a farm in the south, but with our ride into Þórsmörk on a rough road and over rivers we will get into the of highland feeling and stay in a hut. This tour mixes a discovery of Iceland with fun activities and adventure! Included in price: Guide and transportation for 6 days, food for 6 days (from lunch day 1 to lunch day 6), accommodation at a farm stay in made up beds (3 nights) and in sleeping bag accommodation in mountain hut in Þórsmörk (2 nights), cooking gear, mountain biking tour, river jet tour, sea kayaking, horse riding tour, glacier walk, entrance to the Blue Lagoon. Accommodation in Reykjavík can be added. Departure dates: 23.06 - 28.06.2014 07.07 - 12.07.2014

20

www.icelandrovers.is

21.07 - 26.07.2014 11.08 - 16.08.2014

25.08 - 30.08.2014


Iceland Highland Adventure HIKING 9 DAYS

The Complete Highlands TOURING 12 DAYS

PER DAY 2 - 5 (9) HRS

GROUP SIZE 6 - 16

IMG39

LEVEL MODERATE / CHALLENGING

Summer highland adventure The Icelandic Highlands hold countless treasures; so many in fact that even a lifetime is not long enough to discover them all. However on this tour our intention is to uncover as many as possible in as short a period as 12 days! To achieve this we will travel many of Iceland’s most famous mountain tracks like Kjölur, Sprengisandur and Fjallabak as well as the rough track of Gæsavötn, just north of the great Vatnajökull glacier. In between we will use our legs to explore different areas like the mystique beauty of the volcano Askja, the unreal landscape of Þórsmörk and the magic of Lake Mývatn. The colorful geothermal mountains of Kerlingarfjöll and Landmannalaugar, the mysterious black deserts or Vatnajökull’s snowy peaks are also ours to discover. This unique landscape is certain to leave a mark on the traveler that in turn leaves only his footprint in the regions traveled. Included in price: Guide, vehicle transportation and food for 12 days (from lunch day 1 to lunch day 12), sleeping bag accommodation in mountain huts (7 nights) and hostels (4 nights). Accommodation in Reykjavík can be added D1 - D2: Golden Circle - Kerlingarfjöll. D3: Hveravellir - Mývatn. D4: Mývatn. D5: Askja. D6: Nýidalur. D7: Landmannalaugar. D8: Eldgjá - Skaftafell. D9: Skaftafell - Jökulsárlón. D10: South Coast - Þórsmörk. D11: Þórsmörk - Fimmvörðuháls. D12: Grændalur. Departure dates: 02.07 - 13.07.2014 16.07 - 27.07.2014

30.07 - 10.08.2014 13.08 - 24.08.2014

All departures are in English/German

PER DAY 5 - 7 HRS

GROUP SIZE 5 - 15

IMG79

LEVEL CHALLENGING MAXIMUM ASCENT 1000 M (3280 FT)

ALTITUDE 0 - 1100 M (0 - 3600 FT)

Highland hiking discovery The North Atlantic Ocean is home to two islands, neighbors that are still so different in many respects. One is an island continent covered by a vast body of ice and a coast line of great peaks and enormous glaciers. The other is a small volcanic island whose high geological activity has shaped its appearance. This Iceland Highland Discovery tour can be taken separately or combined with The Essential Greenland tour on page 68. On the Iceland part of the tour we will visit three different areas that offer us a chance to experience different types of landscape; volcanic, glacial and geothermal. We start in the valley of Þórsmörk, a green oasis between the glaciers, carved into canyons and ridges covered with flowers and arctic birch. From here we head to Skaftafell in Vatnajökull NP sitting right under Iceland’s biggest glaciers and visit the famous Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. Our final destination is Landmannalaugar known for its characteristic yellow rhyolite mountains end geothermal activity. By itself this tour is a great introduction to Iceland’s highlands and combined with Greenland you have a tour that offers wilderness hiking in these two amazing countries. Included in price: Guide, food for 9 days (from lunch day 1 to lunch day 9), transfers with scheduled buses, tent accommodation (8 nights), tents, cooking gear. Please note: The tour starts and ends at the Central Bus station in Reykjavík (BSÍ). Pick up/drop off and or accommodation in Reykjavík can be added Combine this tour with the “Essential Greenland Tour” for a full Essential Iceland Greenland experience. The trip code for the combined tour is IMG73. D1 - D3: Þórsmörk. D4 - D6: Skaftafell. D7 - D8: Landmannalaugar. D9: Reykjavík. Departure dates: 22.07 - 30.07.2014 and 12.08 - 20.08.2014 All departures are in English/French

Húnafló i Akureyri

Breiðafjörður

Hofsjökull

VATN AJÖK ULL

Faxaflói REYKJAVÍK Keflavík

Skaftafell Landmannalaugar

Eyjafjallajökull

Mýrdalsjökull 0

www.mountainguides.is

50 km

The Complete Highlands The Treasure Trail South Iceland Multi-Activity Iceland Highland Discovery

21


TREKKING Assisted treks with daypacks

Hiking at the End of the World IMG34 TREKKING 5 DAYS

PER DAY 5 - 8 HRS

TOTAL DISTANCE 75 KM (45 MI)

GROUP SIZE 6 - 16

LEVEL CHALLENGING

ALTITUDE 20 - 800 M (65 - 2625 FT)

MAXIMUM ASCENT 600 M (1970 FT)

The colourful mountains of the North East Hiking through the magnificent landscapes of the North Eastern inlets is a unique experience. The mountains come in all shapes and sizes and the variety of colors is stunning; everything from the black sands of the beaches to the pinkish orange hues of the mountain ridges. The closeness to the ocean sets its mark on this tour. Each day we follow old trails between isolated coves and fjords over colorful hills and down green valleys to the sea and the drone of the North Atlantic Ocean. This combination of mountains and ocean is what makes this trek a unique one; another advantage is the milder climate that can be expected at this low altitude. The area remained populated until the early seventies and abandoned farms and ancient farmsteads set their mark on the surroundings, however, sheep may be the only living thing connecting us to those former times. Accommodation in well-equipped and comfortable huts. Included in price: Guide, transportation from Egilsstaðir to the Eastern Fjords, food for 5 days (from lunch day 1 to lunch day 5), sleeping bag accommodation (hostel and mountain huts), cooking gear and transfer of luggage. Domestic flights between Reykjavík and Egilsstaðir are optional. Note: The tour starts and ends at the domestic airport in Reykjavik or Egilsstaðir. Pick up/drop off and/or accommodation in Reykjavík can be added. D1: Reykjavík - Egilsstaðir - Borgarfjörður Eystri. D2: Borgarfjörður Eystri Brúnavík - Breiðavík. D3: Breiðavík - Húsavík. D4: Húsavík - Loðmundarfjörður. D5: Loðmundarfjörður - Seyðisfjörður/Egilstaðir. This trek can be linked with the lightweight backpacking tour “In the Shadow of Vatnajökull” IMG49 on most dates

Departure dates: 02.07 - 06.07.2014 09.07 - 13.07.2014

16.07 - 20.07.2014 30.07 - 03.08.2014

All departures in English/German.

06.08 - 10.08.2014 13.08 - 17.08.2014

The Ancient Kjölur Trail TREKKING 4 DAYS

PER DAY 5 - 7 HRS

TOTAL DISTANCE 45 KM (28 MI)

GROUP SIZE 6 - 16

IMG37

LEVEL CHALLENGING

ALTITUDE 440 - 1300 M (1445 - 4265 FT)

MAXIMUM ASCENT 750 M (1900 FT)

Hiking between the Glaciers Kjalvegur and the surrounding area, hemmed in by glaciers and wastelands are the renowned abode of the outlaws of the olden days. The most famous of the Icelandic outlaws was Fjalla - Eyvindur, who endured 18 years in the harsh Icelandic highlands on the run from the law. Legend has it that he spent many a winter at Hveravellir where he not only had water but hot water! This trail takes you into the green Þjófadalir valleys (the Valley of thieves) - where other outlaws spent many a winter in the shadow of Langjökull glacier. Following Fúlakvísl river draining from the glacier you come to a comfortable hut from where you ascend the Hrútfell table mountain. The last day of the trek takes you south to the lake of Hvítárvatn - actually a glacier lagoon from which Hvítá River originates. The famous golden waterfall Gullfoss then sits 30 km downriver at the head of a canyon. After a hike through the surprisingly abundant highland vegetation a short boat ride takes you to the Hvítárnes hut from where you get onto the bus to Reykjavík. Included in price: Guide for 4 days, transfer from Reykjavík to Hveravellir via Gullfoss and Geysir, food for 4 days (from lunch on day 1 to lunch on day 4), sleeping bag accommodation in mountain huts, cooking gear and transfer of luggage. Pick up/drop off and/or accommodation in Reykjavík can be added. D1: Reykjavík - Geysir - Gullfoss - Hveravellir - Þjófadalir. D2: Þjófadalir Þverbrekknamúli. D3: Hrútfell mountain. D4: Fróðárheiði - Hvítárvatn - Reykjavík. Departure dates: 08.07 - 11.07.2014 22.07 - 25.07.2014

22

www.icelandrovers.is

05.08 - 08.08.2014 12.08 - 15.08.2014


“Everyone who likes hiking should do this trip once in their lifetime.”

Landmannalaugar - Þórsmörk TREKKING 5 DAYS

PER DAY 4 - 7 HRS

TOTAL DISTANCE 56 KM (35 MI)

GROUP SIZE 6 - 16

IMG31

LEVEL MODERATE / CHALLENGING

ALTITUDE 200 - 1100 M (650 - 3600 FT)

MAXIMUM ASCENT 600 M (1900 FT)

The famous Laugavegur trek The best known of all treks in Iceland, this trail leads from the geothermal valley of Landmannalaugar in the southern highlands, south to Þórsmörk valley, at the foot of the world famous Eyjafjallajökull volcano. The trail crosses the third biggest geothermal zone in the world, lies through yellow rhyolite mountains, over black deserts, past great canyons and into the verdurous valley of Þórsmörk. It is no coincidence that the “Laugavegur” hike each year attracts travelers from around the world in addition of being a great favorite amongst locals. Accommodation in mountain huts. Included in price: Guide for 5 days, transportation to and from Reykjavík, food for 5 days (from lunch day 1 to lunch day 5), mountain hut fees, cooking gear and transfer of luggage. Note: The tour starts and ends at the central bus station in Reykjavík (BSÍ). Pick up/drop off and/or accommodation in Reykjavík can be added. D1: Reykjavík - Landmannalaugar - Hrafntinnusker. D2: Hrafntinnusker - Álftavatn. D3: Álftavatn - Emstur. D4: Emstur - Þórsmörk. D5: Þórsmörk - Reykjavík.

Þórsmörk - Skógar TREKKING 3 DAYS

PER DAY 4 - 5 HRS

TOTAL DISTANCE 22 KM (13.6 MI)

GROUP SIZE 6 - 16

IMG35

LEVEL MODERATE / CHALLENGING

ALTITUDE 150 - 1000 M (490 - 3280 FT)

MAXIMUM ASCENT 1000 M (3280 FT)

Trek over Iceland’s most recent lava Along with the Laugavegur trek, the hike over Fimmvörðuháls is probably the best known in Iceland. The site of a short eruption just before the one in Eyjafjallajökull last winter, the “Fimmvörðuháls” hike has become a real hot spot, with spectacular nature and exciting geological features. The trail goes from the nature reserve of Þórsmörk, up between the two glaciers, onto and then over the recently formed lava, passing right by the two new craters, Magni and Móði, before descending to the lowlands on the southern side. Once there, we are greeted by the great Skógafoss waterfall and the Atlantic coast is not far away. This astonishing diversity makes this short trek another favorite in Iceland. Accommodation in mountain huts. Included in price: Guide for 3 days, transportation to and from Reykjavík, food for 3 days (from lunch day 1 to lunch day 3), mountain hut fees, cooking gear and transfer of luggage. Note: The tour starts and ends at the central bus station in Reykjavík (BSÍ). Pick up/drop off and/or accommodation in Reykjavík can be added. D1: Reykjavík - Þórsmörk. D2: Þórsmörk - Fimmvörðuháls. D3: Fimmvörðuháls Skógar/Reykjavík. The Landmannalaugar-Þórsmörk trek can be combined with Þórsmörk-Skógar on most Monday dates. This gives the ardent hiker a chance to enjoy an unbelievable seven day trek from Landmannalaugar to Skógar, a truly memorable hike through diverse landscape full of contrasts. For the combined trek, the trip code is IMG36.

Departure dates: Every Monday from June 16th to September 15th. Every Friday from July 11th to August 15th. Additional English/French departures: Monday June 16th and every Monday from July 7th. Additional English/German departures: July 2nd, 16th and 28th and August 6th, 13th and 18th. English/Spanish departures: July 25th and August 8th.

Departure dates: 20.06 - 22.06.2014 27.06 - 29.06.2014 04.07 - 06.07.2014 11.07 - 13.07.2014 18.07 - 20.07.2014

www.mountainguides.is

*20.07 - 22.07.2014 25.07 - 27.07.2014 01.08 - 03.08.2014 08.08 - 10.08.2014 15.08 - 17.08.2014

*17.08 - 19.08.2014 22.08 - 24.08 2014 29.08 - 31.09.2014​ 05.09 - 07.09.2014 *English/German.

23


The Great Volcanic Trek TREKKING 12 DAYS

The Strútur Trail TREKKING 5 DAYS

PER DAY 3 - 9 HRS

TOTAL DISTANCE 60 KM (38 MI)

TOTAL DISTANCE 170 KM (105 MI)

IMG38

GROUP SIZE 6 - 16

LEVEL CHALLENGING

ALTITUDE 400 - 700 M (1300 - 2300 FT)

MAXIMUM ASCENT 300 M (1640 FT)

Hiking through the south of the Fjallabak area Hiking on the Strútur trail takes you straight into the volcanic heartland including a short stop at the renowned Landmannalaugar. On this tour the magnificent Eldgjá fissure is the backbone as you will pass it several times during the tour. The canyon is 40 km long and was created in a massive eruption in the early 9th century and contrasts with the palagonite settings of the landscape. The canyon reaches all the way into the Mýrdalsjökull glacier that will be your companion during the latter part of the hike as well as the vast sands of Mælifellssandur. Mælifellssandur is a black desert from which eerie green peaks reach up into the sky giving one a feeling of something otherworldly. This is by far one of the most dramatic parts of the Fjallabak nature reserve where you will feel the vastness of the land as well of the solitude as there are few who venture into this area. Included in price: Guide, food for 5 days (from lunch on day 1 to lunch on day 5), sleeping bag accommodation in mountain huts, bus from Reykjavík to Eldgjá via Landmannalaugar and from Hvanngil to Reykjavík, cooking gear and transfer of luggage. Note: The tour starts and ends at the central bus station in Reykjavík (BSÍ). Pick up/drop off and/or accommodation in Reykjavík can be added. D1: Reykjavík - Landmannalaugar - Eldgjá -Skælingar. D2: Skælingar - Álftavötn. D3: Álftavötn - Strútur. D4: Strútur - Hvanngil. D5: Hvanngil - Reykjavík. Departure dates: 12.07 - 16.07.2014 26.07 - 30.07.2014

PER DAY 5 - 7 HRS

02.08 - 06.08.2014 16.08 - 16.08.2014

GROUP SIZE 6 - 16

IMG32

LEVEL CHALLENGING

ALTITUDE 50 - 1100 M (165 - 3600 FT)

MAXIMUM ASCENT 500 M (1600 FT)

Iceland’s greatest volcanic regions This marvelous trek takes you through two of the greatest volcanic regions of the southern Icelandic highlands, the Laki area and Fjallabak Nature Reserve. This volcanic landscape is one of the most various and complete one can find, not only in Iceland but in the entire world. The trek starts at the eastern side of the Eldhraun lava field that flowed from the upper part of the 135 craters of the Laki craters in 1783 - 4. We hike along the crater row, passing the great Skaftá river before we come to the desert of Mælifellssandur and the southern end of the Eldgjá fissure. Eldgjá was created by a huge explosive eruption in around 940 AD, and is along with the Laki events counted among the greatest eruptions in human history. From Eldgjá we move along the Hólmsárbotnar lakes and stop to bathe in the hot springs at Strútslaug before we cross the black deserts of Mælifellssandur. The last part of the trek leads us through the colorful Torfajökull massif to the valley of Landmannalaugar. A trek where every day brings new colors and landscapes to please the eye of the keen trekker. Included in price: Guide, transportation, food for 12 days (from lunch day 1 to lunch day 12), sleeping bag accommodation in mountain huts for 6 nights and in tents for 5 nights and transfer of luggage. Note: The tour starts and ends at the central bus station in Reykjavík (BSÍ). Pick up/drop off and/or accommodation in Reykjavík can be added. D1: Reykjavík - Hverfisfljót. D2 - D3: Hverfisfljót - Laki. D4 - D7: Laki - Eldgjá. D8: Eldgjá - Strútur. D9: Mælifellsandur - Hvanngil. D10: Hvanngil - Hrafntinnusker. D11: Hrafntinnusker - Landmannalaugar. D12: Landmannalaugar - Reykjavík. Departure dates: 30.06 - 11.07.2014 21.07 - 01.08.2014

04.08 - 15.08.2014 18.08 - 29.08.2014

Húna flói

01.09 - 12.09.2014

Stórurð Akureyri

Mývatn

Seyðisfjörður

Breiðafjörður

Askja

Hofsjökull

ku

ll

Hveravellir

La

ng

VAT NAJ ÖKU LL

Faxaflói REYKJAVÍK

Landmannalaugar

Keflavík Hverfisfljót

Þórsmörk

Eyjafjallajökull

Mýrdalsjökull

Skógar

24

www.icelandrovers.is

0

50 km

Hiking at the end of the World The Great Volcanic Trek The Ancient Kjölur Trail Landmannalaugar-Þórsmörk Þórsmörk-Skógar The Strútur Trail


BACKPACKING 5 DAYS

PER DAY 6 - 8 HRS

TOTAL DISTANCE 50 KM (33 MI)

GROUP SIZE 6 - 15

Camping or Mountain Huts

In the Shadow of Vatnajökull

IMG49

LEVEL CHALLENGING

ALTITUDE 100 - 800 M (330 - 2600 FT)

MAXIMUM ASCENT 250 M (820 FT)

ök

ul

l

Lightweight backpacking from Snæfell to the Lónsöræfi Nature Reserve Lónsöræfi is one of the most remote hiking areas in Iceland and offers the Hún aflói unrivaled experience of the rugged landscapes to the east of the Vatnajökull glacier, Europe’s largest. The glacier has clearly left its mark on everything here, whether it is a moraine, a lagoon, or a riverbed. The abundance of colors characteristic of the rhyolitic rocks is quite a contrast to the basaltic formations, offering a real feast for eyes and mind. Reindeer roam freely in iðafjörð this remote Bre wilderness andur are vary of humans. Here the trail lies through an unbelievable variety of landscapes; deep canyons, green valleys, incredible cliffs and snow-clad peaks that stand against the sky. Well equipped mountain huts guarantee the comfort of this tour. Icelandic Mountain Guides provides sleeping bags or blankets in the huts, that are also partially stocked with our supplies. That should limit the weight each person has to carry to 7 to 10 kg (15 to 20 lbs) making this more of a trekking than a backpacking gj trip. An extraordinarily beautiful hike in a fantastic area. an

BACKPACKING

“I liked the length of the tour aswell as the type of varied terrain.”

Hofsjökull

Snæfell

L

Faxforafló i transportation to Eyjabakkar area, food for 5 Included in price: Guide 5 days,

VA TN AJÖ KU LL

days (from lunch day 1 to lunch day 5), mountain huts, sleeping bags, cooking gear and transportation from foot bridge to Höfn. Domestic flights between ReykjavíkEgilsstaðir/Höfn-Reykjavík are optional.REYK JAVÍK Note: The tour starts and ends at the domestic airport in Reykjavik or Egilsstaðir/Höfn. Keflavík Pick up/drop off and/or accommodation in Reykjavík can be added. D1: Reykjavík - Egilsstaðir - Geldingafell. D2: Geldingafell - Egilssel. D3: Egilssel - Víðidalur - Egilssel. D4: Egilssel - Múlaskáli. D5: Múlaskáli - Eskifell - Hornafjörður - Reykjavík.

Lónsöræfi Höfn

Skaftafell Hverfisfljót

Núpsstaðaskógar

This lightweight backpack tour can be linked with the trek “Hiking at the end of the world” IMG34. Eyjafjallajökull

Departure dates: *07.07 - 11.07.2014 14.07 - 18.07.2014

21.07 - 25.07.2014 *04.08 - 08.08.2014

11.08 - 15.08.2014 25.08 - 29.08.2014

Mýrdalsjökull 0

50 km

In the Shadow of Vatnajökull The Rivers and Glaciers of Vatnajökull Núpstaðaskógar -Skaftafell

*Departure in English/German

www.mountainguides.is

25


“Iceland is a great place to hike and the Laki-Skaftafell route is so beautiful”

Núpsstaðarskógar - Skaftafell BACKPACKING 4 DAYS

PER DAY 6 - 8 HRS

TOTAL DISTANCE 60 KM (38 MI)

GROUP SIZE 4 - 12

IMG41

LEVEL DEMANDING

ALTITUDE 450 - 800 M (1475 - 2625 FT)

MAXIMUM ASCENT 450 M (1475 FT)

21

From forest to mountains st This backpacking tour is the great classic of Icelandic Mountain SEA S O Guides along with the The Rivers and Glacier of Vatnajökull hike. RUNN N ING A remarkable journey from the Núpstaðarskógar valley, along the canyons of Núpsá, up to the Grænalón glacier lagoon nestled between mountains and glacier. Crossing of the Skeiðarárjökull glacier is a challenge rewarded by a visit to one of the most unique places ever, Norðurdalur valley with its glacier lake and icebergs. On the last day the path takes us across the beautiful Skaftafell Mountains over to Morsárdalur glacier valley where little by little the vegetation becomes more abundant until Skaftafell National Park.

The Rivers and Glaciers of Vatnajökull IMG40 BACKPACKING 5 DAYS

PER DAY 6 - 9 HRS

TOTAL DISTANCE 65 KM (40 MI)

GROUP SIZE 4 - 12

LEVEL DEMANDING

ALTITUDE 450 - 650 M (1475-2130 FT)

MAXIMUM ASCENT 250 M (820 FT)

From Hverfisfljót to Núpsstaðarskógar Along with the Núpsstaðarskógar - Skaftafell tour, this is the Icelandic Mountain Guides great classic. A unique five - day hike from the big rivers that come rushing from underneath Vatnajökull to the valley of Núpsstaðarskógar, where arctic birch grows in abundance. On the way we walk along a row of beautiful waterfalls and gullies, before we have to pass the natural hurdle that is the great Síðujökull and the impressive rivers that fall from it. If conditions are difficult we might have to adapt our itinerary to avoid this obstacle. On the other side our challenge during the first part of the hike is rewarded. In the Valley of Bones it is possible to enjoy a warm bath in a natural pool. Further along we pass a series of magnificent waterfalls on our way down to Núpsstaðarskógar. Glaciers have sculpted this landscape and recent lava streams and deep canyons add to the impressive surroundings. An outstanding backpacking tour in an amazing area.

Included in price: Guide for 4 days, transport from Skaftafell to Núpsstaðarskógur, food for 4 days (from lunch day 1 to dinner day 4), cooking gear, tents and safety equipment for glacier crossing. Please note: The tour starts and ends at Skaftafell National Park. Please note: That when travelling from/to Reykjavík extra travel days are needed before and after the backpacking tour, e.g.: D0: Bus Reykjavík to Skaftafell (Kirkjubæjarklaustur). D5: Bus: Skaftafell to Reykjavik. Pick up and/or accommodation in Reykjavík can be added and transportation from to/from Skaftafell. D1: Reykjavík - Núpstaðaskógur - Sléttur. D2: Sléttur - Grænalón. D3: Skeiðarárjökull - Norðurdalur. D4: Norðurdalur - Skaftafell. *The tours “The Rivers and Glaciers of Skaftafell” and “Núpsstaðarskógar-Skaftafell” can be linked at these dates. This nine-day combination trek is designed for the great hiking enthusiasts. A truly unforgettable experience! The trip code for the combined backpacking tour is IMG 42.

Departure dates: 03.07 - 06.07.2014 *17.07 - 20.07.2014

Included in price: Guide for 5 days, transport from Reykjavík, food for 5 days (from lunch day 1 to breakfast on day 6), cooking gear, tents, safety equipment for glacier crossing and transfer from Núpsstaðarskógur to Kirkjubæjarklaustur. Note: The tour starts in Reykjavík and ends at Kirkjubæjarklaustur. Please note that when travelling to Reykjavík extra travel days are needed after the tour, e.g.: D5: Tour ends in Núpsstaðarskógur - extra night in Núpsstaðarskógur. D6: Morning transfer: Núpsstaðarskógur to Kirkjubæjarklaustur, bus from Kirkjubæjarklaustur. Pick up/drop off and/or accommodation in Reykjavík can be added and transportation from Kirkjubæjarklaustur. D1: Reykjavík - Hverfisfljót. D2: Hverfisfljót - Síðujökull. D3: Síðujökull - Beinadalur. D4: Beinadalur - Sléttur. D5: Sléttur - Núpsstaðarskógur. The tours “The Rivers and Glaciers of Vatnajökull” and “Núpsstaðarskógar - Skaftafell” can be linked to make outstanding combination of 9 days. Trip code IMG42.

Departure dates: 12.07 - 16.07.2014 and 26.07 - 30.07.2014

26

www.icelandrovers.is

*31.07 - 03.08.2014 14.08 - 17.08.2014


SUMMIT TOURS

HIKING 4 DAYS

PER DAY 4 - 14 HRS

DURATION 6 DAYS

GROUP SIZE 6 - 12

IMG441

LEVEL DEMANDING

SUMMIT CLIMBING 3 DAYS

MAX. HEIGHT GAIN MORE THAN 2000 M

A superb climbing expedition in the Land of Fire and Ice The breathtaking variety of Icelandic mountain scenery makes this one of the most unusual climbing tours on offer. On the agenda are three different peaks mixed with walks in the magnificent landscape of Landmannalaugar and the Skaftafell area in Vatnajökull NP. With each peak our climbing objectives get more challenging. We start with a climb of Mt Botnsúlur (1095/3593 ft) overlooking Þingvellir NP. and the lake. The world famous volcano Hekla is our next objective where, to reach the peak (1491m / 4890 ft) of this highly active volcano, we have to make our way over the gray pumice, rough lava and sometimes snow, before reaching the fissured summit.* Skaftafell, right under the great Vatnajökull glacier is the home of Hvannadalshnúkur, (2110m / 6921 ft) Iceland’s highest summit and our ultimate climbing objective! Together with all this excellent climbing and hiking, the 24 hour daylight, an opportunity to bathe in a hot river, some amazing views of landscape and birdlife make this tour an amazing adventure holiday.

Hiking and Mountain Climbing

The Three Peaks Challenge

Included in price: Qualified glacier guide for 6 days, transportation for 6 days, food for 6 days (from lunch day 1 to lunch day 6), sleeping bag accommodation (hostel/mountain huts), cooking gear, safety equipment for climbing when needed, bird watching tour to Ingólfshöfði. Pick up/drop off and/or accommodation in Reykjavík can be added. D1: Reykjavík - First peak: Botnsúlur. D2: Mt Hekla. D3: Landmannalaugar Skaftafell. D4: Hvannadalshnúkur, Iceland’s highest peak. D5: Ingólfshöfði and Glacier Lagoon. D6: South Coast - Reykjavík. The climb on Hvannadalshnúkur involves rope climbing and the use of crampons. No special technical skills are required but the hike is physically demanding. In late season this route can be impassable and in that case an alternative summit (Mt Hrútfjallstindar) will be climbed. *Mount Hekla is a highly active Volcano and it is possible that our itinerary will have to be changed if civil authorities so advise. In that case another comparable summit will be climbed.

Departure dates: 26.05 - 30.06.2014 09.06 - 14.06.2014

23.06 - 28.06.2014 14.07 - 19.07.2014

28.07 - 02.08.2014 04.08 - 02.08.2014

www.mountainguides.is

27


BIKE TOURS

“A great combination of biking and adventure!”

Mountain biking

On Bike from Laki to Landmannalaugar IMB71 BIKING 6 DAYS

TOTAL DISTANCE 260 KM (160 MI)

GROUP SIZE 5 - 12

2 3

LEVEL DEMANDING

Biking the less travelled trails of Iceland’s hinterlands A moonlike mountain biking experience through some of the most unique locations in the world. The combination of the Laki volcanic region and the highlights of the southern highlands, the “Fjallabak”, take this tour through fast changing and variable landscapes. During the six days biking, we visit natural treasures like the Laki craters, the Eldgjá fissure, traverse the Eldhraun lava field as well as the heart of the Fjallabak mountain area. The crossing of the black deserts of Mælifellssandur takes us to the hot spring areas of the colorful Landmannalaugar area where the tour finishes with a relaxing dip in the natural warm pool. Indeed a challenge for all adventurous bikers! A well-equipped support vehicle stays with the group the whole time so difficulty levels can be lowered by hopping into the support car for parts of the day. Included in price: Guide, transportation to and from Reykjavík, 4x4 support car and driver, food for 6 days (from lunch day 1 to lunch day 6), 5 nights in sleeping bag accommodation in mountain huts. Not included: Bike, helmet and gloves, sleeping bag. Biking: Mountain biking, cross country or XC biking. For experienced bikers and people in good physical condition. The tour can easily be done on a hard tail bike as many of our participants prefer, but we recommend a light XC full suspension bike with 110 - 140 mm travel. Trails and terrain: Mostly on the back roads of the highlands, rough jeep tracks, many unclear and unmarked but with next to no traffic of vehicles. Most of these tracks get no maintenance and are not designed for biking, neither are the sheep trails used occasionally. Accommodation in Reykjavík can be added. D1: Lava fields of Laki. D2: The craters of Laki. D3: Eldgjá. D4: Mælifellssandur. D5: Fjallabak. D6: Landmannalaugar - Reykjavík. Departure dates: 23.06 - 28.06.2014 14.07 - 19.07.2014

11.08 - 16.08.2014 01.09 - 06.09.2014

Land of Lava

2

HB73

BIKING TOTAL DISTANCE GROUP SIZE LEVEL 5 DAYS 230 KM (175 MI) 6 - 12 MODERATE / CHALLENGING

Five - day mountain bike adventure in the North East This mountain bike adventure takes you through the magnificent landscapes of the north east. On the tour we travel through some of Iceland´s best hidden treasures. We will see Námaskarð geothermal area and the volcano Krafla and the colorful formations of Gjástykki volcanic region, the Ásbyrgi canyon and the beautiful area of the National Park of Jökulsá where we will hike to the magnificent Hljóðaklettar or “Echo Cliffs”. On the last day we will explore Lake Mývatn where in addition to geological wonders we will also see the birdlife the area is known for. On this tour you get both the best scenery and travel on less used trails so you can enjoy the pure nature while you ride through the wide open spaces. All luggage is transported. Sleeping bag accommodation in farmer’s cottages and mountain hut. Included in price: Guide for 5 days, bike, helmet, luggage transport, food for 5 days (from lunch day 1 to lunch day 5), sleeping bag accommodation in farmers cottages and mountain hut. Not included: Sleeping bag. Please note: The tour starts and ends by Lake Mývatn. Trails and terrain: Mostly on the back roads of the highlands, rough jeep tracks, mud roads. D1: Mývatn - Krafla - Öxarfjörd. D2: Ásbyrgi - Hljóðaklettar. D3: Bláskógaheiði Þeystareykir. D4: Bóndhóll. D5: Lake Mývatn. Departure dates: 23.06 - 27.06.2014

28

www.icelandrovers.is

15.07 - 19.07.2014

12.08 - 16.08.2014


4

Iceland’s Best Single - Tracks

IMB81

The Fjallabak Bike Tour

2

IMB91

BIKING TOTAL DISTANCE GROUP SIZE LEVEL 3 - 5 DAYS 150 KM (90 MI) 6 PER GUIDE MODERATE / CHALLENGING

BIKING TOTAL DISTANCE GROUP SIZE LEVEL 3 DAYS CHALLENGING 154 KM (93 MI) INDIVIDUAL TOUR

All Mountain/“Enduro Action”, tracking Iceland’s Best Single - Tracks Fun-filled biking days packed with action for the adventurous bikers, combining the best single tracks with some outstanding landscape. Access is by super-jeep, minimizing the uphill to get the best out of each day. On fast floating single tracks down along riverbeds and numerous waterfalls, or hard packed and highly technical downhill tracks next to Iceland’s most recent lava field, passing the craters of the 2010 eruption, the ride is wild and dramatic and even the bravest will walk the hardest sections. Last but not least the area of the world famous Laugavegur route with outstanding options is on the agenda. The nights are spent in a guesthouse in the central south of Iceland, where it is possible to relax in a hot tub after the actions of the day, or in mountain huts in the highlands. Pure fun on fabulous terrain!

Fjallabak self-guided mountain bike tour Black desert landscape and colorful mountains! On this highland bike tour you will be led through wilderness and open rivers straight into the heart of the “Fjallabak” area for some excellent mountain biking. From Álftavatn you then circle the central part of the famous “Laugavegur” hiking route between Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk, before heading back down to civilization following old roads though the lowlands and river deltas passing the waterfall Seljalandsfoss before coming to Hvolsvöllur where bus will pick you up and take you back to Reykjavík. On the tour you follow detailed route information that lead you through the highlands on less travelled jeep routes. Accommodation is in sleeping bag facilities in a mountain hut and youth hostel. You cycle only with your daypack and your luggage is transported from hut to hut.

Included: Guide for duration of the tour, transportation to and from Reykjavík, 4x4 support car and driver, food during the tour, accommodation. Not included: Bike, helmet and gloves. Knee, elbows, and spine protection - required! Biking: Enduro or All Mountain. The tour emphasis is on technical single-tracks, using super-jeep access to increase the downhill and minimize the climbing. For experienced bikers only! Recommended bike: Full suspension bike with 5 - 7 inch travel/120 - 185mm. Trails and terrain: The single tracks are sheep tracks and hiking paths. Some of them have been widened by horse riding. Most of them get no maintenance and they are not designed for biking. This is wild nature at its best and you never know what waits behind the next corner. Pick up /drop off and/or accommodation in Reykjavík can be added. D1: Landmannalaugar area. D2: Eyjafjallajökull volcano. D3: Mount Hengill. For more specific information about this tour contact us.

Included in price: Bus ride from Reykjavík to start of biking and from end of biking back to Reykjavík, two nights in huts, transport of baggage between huts, information meeting, map and detailed route descriptions. Not included: Bike, helmet, food and personal equipment. Biking: Mountain biking for all bikers on less travelled trails. Hard tail bike or light full suspension bike is suitable for this tour. Trails and terrain: The trails are with hard pact surface to loose gravel. There are several rivers to cross. Notes on equipment: Cycling in the highland of Iceland can require more clothing than bikers usually wear. It is good to have thick finger gloves, thermal underwear, waterproof jacket and trousers. Sandals for river crossing, dry socks and neoprene over boots can be practical to keep your feet warm. GPS and extra batteries are necessary, as well as your helmet and first aid bag. Repair kit can be rented with rental bikes. More information can be found in the equipment list. Please note: The unpredictable weather in Iceland and the rivers that are to cross make this tour not recommended for children. Accommodation in Reykjavík can be added D0: Meeting. D1: Álftavatn. D2: The “Laugavegur” to Fljótshlíð. D3: Fljótshlíð and Seljalandsfoss.

Departure dates: On demand, programs of 3 - 5 days available four you or your group.

Departure dates: Every day between 01.07 and 29.08 2014

Húnafl ói Mývatn

Breiðafjörður

* For all bike tours, technical difficulty, what to expect:

ku

ll

Hofsjökull

?

1. Good surface, short easy hills, wide path and wide turns. Good for beginners 2. Narrow path with loose surface and gentle down steepness. Fun for all mountain bikers. 3. Short steep sections, rocky path, narrow turns, short rock steps. For experienced mountain bikers and fit bikers with little experience. 4. Longer steep section, short very steep parts, side sloping path, large steps and small drops. For experienced bikers only. 5. A Downhill course. Very steep sections, obligatory drops, narrow ridges. Experts only.

La

ng

VATN AJÖK ULL

Faxaflói Landmannalaugar

REYKJAVÍK

Laki

Keflavík

On Bike from Laki to Landmannalaugar Land of Lava The Fjallabak Bike Tour Iceland’s Best Single - Tracks

www.mountainguides.is

Eyjafjallajökull

0

Mýrdalsjökull

50 km

29


SKI TOURS

“Thank you for a great experience”

Cross country and Alpine Touring

Mountains and Fjords of the North IMG50 SKIING 6 DAYS

PER DAY 3 - 8 HRS

ALTITUDE 250 - 1300 M (850 - 4300 FT)

Landmannalaugar in Winter SKIING / WALKING PER DAY GROUP SIZE 6 DAYS 5 - 6 HRS 5 - 12

IMG53

LEVEL MODERATE

TOTAL DISTANCE ALTITUDE APPROX. 110 KM (70 MI) 400 - 1100 M (1310 - 3610 FT)

MAXIMUM ASCENT 500 M (1640 FT)

Cross - country ski tour in Landmannalaugar Iceland has no reason to be jealous of continental Scandinavia when it comes to Cross country skiing with its northerly location just below the Arctic Circle. Here, nature offers striking contrasts and incredibly diverse volcanic landscapes with craters, lava fields, snow filled gorges and canyons where thick steam curls burst out of the Earth’s entrails. Travelling through these magnificent surroundings in the summertime is already an experience of continuous wonder. In winter, it is an extraordinary adventure open to only a few. Landmannalaugar, the base camp for this circuit, is known to summer guests for colorful landscapes and amazing geothermal activity (the world’s third biggest source of geothermal hot springs); in winter the region regains its calm and serenity and this landscape of ravines and canyons becomes even more memorable with steam clouds rising from the snow-clad hills. Add to this scenery the pleasure of a nice warm bath in a hot spring under the evening sky, sometimes decorated with the northern lights, after a good solid day of skiing!

Departure dates: 17.02 - 22.02.2014​

24.02 - 01.03.2014​

LEVEL CHALLENGING / DEMANDING MAXIMUM ASCENT 1500 M (5000 FT)

Alpine touring (or telemark) skiing tour Just below the Arctic circle lies Iceland’s longest fjord, Eyjafjörður, home of the capital of northern Iceland, Akureyri. Surrounded by numerous summits ranging from 1200 to 1500 m (4000 - 4900 ft), Eyjafjörður offers a great number of interesting descents and is an ideal location for a scenic fjord tour. Most of our time will be spent on the west side of the fjord, on the peninsula of Tröllaskagi (Peninsula of the Trolls), but we will also visit the peaks of the east side. The high northern location of these mountains will assure a good quantity of snow and the view over the neighbouring mountains and down to the deep blue fjord is both magnificent and surreal. In late afternoon local swimming pools, that sometimes look more like a spa (heated with the geothermal hot water), provide a welcoming relaxation. Lodging in a country cottage in made up beds. Included in price: Guide for 6 days for groups up to 8 participants and assistant guide for groups from 9-12 participants, food for 6 days (from lunch day 1 to lunch day 6), all transportation during the 6 days, 5 in a country cottage in made up beds. Not included in price: Entry fees to swimming pools (each entry is approx. 550 ISK per person), visit to micro-brewery. Accommodation in Reykjavík can be added. D1: Reykjavík-Öxnadalsheiði-Eyjafjörður. D2: Ólafsfjördur - Dalvík. D3: Kaldabakur - Akureyri. D4: Dalvík - Eyjafjörður. D5: Héðinsfjörður Siglufjörður. D6: Siglufjörður. Departure dates: 23.03 - 28.03.2014 06.04 - 11.04.2014

*13.04 - 18.04.2014 20.04 - 25.04.2014

*Departure in English/German Other departures are in English/French

Included in price: Guide for 6 days, food for 6 days (from lunch day one to lunch day 6), sleeping bag accommodation in mountain huts, cooking gear, transportation. Accommodation in Reykjavík can be added. D1: Reykjavík - Sigalda. D2: Ljótipollur crater. D3: Stórihver hot spring Hrafntinnusker. D4: “The Hat” - “The Bold“. D5: The Hot springs of Vondugil - Suður Námur. D6: Landmannalaugar - Sigalda.

10.03 - 15.03.2014

All departures are in English/French

30

GROUP SIZE 6 - 12

www.icelandrovers.is


Oceans, Valleys and Peaks SKIING 6 DAYS

PER DAY 5 - 8 HRS

TOTAL DISTANCE 50 KM (30 MI)

GROUP SIZE 6 - 12

IMG55

LEVEL CHALLENGING / DEMANDING

ALTITUDE 0 - 1200 M (0 - 3940 FT)

MAXIMUM ASCENT 1100 M (3600 FT)

Alpine touring skiing from hut to hut The mountain massif between the Skjálfandaflói bay and the Eyjafjörður fjord is one of the greatest areas for alpine touring in Iceland. The massif is cut into three mountain ridges by two valleys from north to South with peaks rising up to 1200m (4000ft) over sea level. This makes each day‘s skiing ideal in length and guarantees a very nice skiing down to the huts we stay in during the tour. This ski tour takes us from the East part of the massif across to the west, staying in small basic, but warm mountain huts on the way, enjoying one of the best skiing possible of Iceland’s north coast. Included in price: Flights to/from Akureyri, guide for 6 days for groups up to 8 participants and assistant guide for groups from 9-12 participants, food for 6 days (from lunch day 1 to lunch day 6), all transportation during the 6 days, 5 nights in sleeping bag accommodation. Pick up /drop off and/or accommodation in Reykjavík can be added. D1: Reykjavík - Kinnarfjöll. D2: Kotárhnúkur - Heiðarhús. D3: Skálavíkurhnúkur. D4: Lambaskálar - Gil. D5: Þröskuldur - Kaldbakur. D6: Svarfaðardalur.

28.04 - 03.05.2014 Húnafló i

Tröllaskagi

Akureyri

l

Breiðafjörður

ul

14.04 - 19.04.2014

gj

ök

Departure dates: 31.03 - 15.04.2014

n La

Hofsjökull

Faxaflói

Sprengisandur

VATN AJÖK ULL REYKJAVÍK

Keflavík Landmannalaugar

Mýrdalsjökull

0

www.mountainguides.is

50 km

Hvannadalshnúkur

Mountains and Fjords of the North Landmannalaugar in Winter Ocean, Valleys and Peaks

31


EXPEDITIONS Sprengisandur:Traverse of the Icelandic Highlands IMG52 SKIING / WALKING PER DAY GROUP SIZE LEVEL 10 DAYS 7 - 9 HRS 6 - 12 DEMANDING / STRENUOUS MAXIMUM ASCENT TOTAL DISTANCE ALTITUDE 900 M (2950 FT) 220 KM (135 MI) 100 - 1100 M (330 - 3610 FT)

Cross-country ski tour with pulka/sledge A beautiful traverse on cross country skis over the Icelandic highlands; from the high grounds above Akureyri in the North, over the deserted Sprengisandur - the ancient route between the Hofsjökull and Vatnajökull glaciers - to Landmannalaugar with its high geothermal activity. This is a winter tour to the center of Iceland, an area that in this season is not easily accessible. Our reward is an incredible combination of wide open spaces and impressive mountainous landscape and steaming ground. This is where snow, ice, fire and water come together to create an enchanting winter world. The snow covered vastness, unpredictable winter weather conditions, and the isolation make this tour a personal challenge for the participants. Accommodation in tents and huts. Included in price: Guide for groups up to 8 participants and assistant guide for groups from 9-12 participants, food for 10 days (from lunch day 1 to lunch day 10), domestic flight from Reykjavik to Akureyri, transportation from Akureyri to Eyjafjörður, hut fees, tents (3 nights), cooking gear, pulkas/sledges and transportation from Sigalda. Accommodation in Reykjavík can be added. Departure date: 20.03 - 29.03.2014 Departure in English/French.

Vatnajökull Glacier Expedition

IMG51

SKIING / WALKING PER DAY GROUP SIZE LEVEL 9 DAYS 7 - 9 HRS 6 - 12 DEMANDING / STRENUOUS MAXIMUM ASCENT TOTAL DISTANCE ALTITUDE 500 M (1640 FT) 120 -140 KM (77 - 90 MI) 700 - 2110 M (2300 - 6900 FT)

Cross country ski tour with pulka/sledge A glacier expedition; the crossing of Europe’s largest glacier the mighty Vatnajökull during the bright spring days. Covering the high plateau of this part of the country with ice, the giant glacier hides a number of active volcanoes. The main goal of this adventure is to reach the most famous one, the volcano of Grímsvötn situated at the heart of this massive ice field, that made a short, but powerful outburst in the spring of 2011. Thereafter, the course is set towards Öræfajökull volcano, with the intent of reaching the highest point in Iceland. The climb up to the peak, Hvannadalshnúkur (2110 m), is yet another highlight of our journey. From there we have a long descent down the glacial tongue to the south side of the glacier. On this glacier traverse the conditions can sometimes be comparable to those of the arctic, even in spring we can be sure to find ourselves in demanding circumstances. Accommodation in tents and huts. Included in price: Guide for groups up to 7 participants and assistant guide for groups from 8-12 participants, food for 9 days (from lunch day 1 to lunch day 9), transportation from Reykjavík to Jökulheimar, lodge fees, tents, cooking gear, pulkas/sledges, sleeping bag accommodation last night and transportation from Sandfell to Reykjavík. Departure dates: 15.04 - 23.04.2014 and 27.05 - 04.06.2014 All departures are in English/French

32

www.icelandrovers.is


“I wanted as much hiking as I could get in and that is what I got. Thanks”

ALTITUDE 0 - 1200 M (0 - 3900 FT)

MAXIMUM ASCENT 600 M (1970 FT)

A True Backpacking Expedition into the Wilderness of Iceland This is the ultimate challenge for the serious backpack hiker; a total traverse of the Icelandic highlands. From the northern lowlands to the south coast, along the North-Atlantic volcanic Rift and Europe’s biggest glacier, through different types of volcanic and glacial landscapes, this fantastic journey is a unique experience. Just the duration of the expedition, makes one bound to try all kinds of weather conditions, and even season shifts may be observed. The expedition is made up of five legs, each one with different characteristics. Ásbyrgi - Mývatn IMG44 - Canyons and lava fields: 4 day tour 01.07 - 04.07.2014 Mývatn - Askja IMG45-Desert and Volcanoes: 5 day tour 06.07 - 10.07.2014 Askja - Nýidalur IMG46 - The Desert under the Glacier: 6 day tour 12.07 - 17.07.2014 Nýidalur - Eldgjá IMG47 - Lava of Trolls and Lakes of Elves: 7 day tour 19.07 - 25.07.2014 Eldgjá - Vík IMG48 - Land of the hidden Volcano: 5 day tour 27.07 - 31.07.2014 It is possible to join or leave the expedition between legs, thus participating in a particular section of the journey. From the lowlands of Ásbyrgi we cross the entire national park of Jökulsárgljúfur, known for its magnificent canyon and the renowned Dettifoss waterfall, passing the extraordinary lava fields and craters of the Krafla volcano and the famous lake Mývatn. The lake’s celebrity is well deserved, its natural beauty, variety of flora, fauna and landscape shaped by volcanic activity. After the unique surroundings of Mývatn lake the trail takes us through the black desert of Ódáðahraun to another world famous volcanic area, Askja and its huge caldera. From there the great Vatnajökull glacier will be our companion south-west through Vonarskarð pass to Nýidalur valley. The contrast of the black volcanic desert and the glacier, the desolation and the hostility of the environment, render this landscape strangely lunar but beautiful at the same time. The trail south from Nýidalur to Eldgjá, represents one of the biggest challenges for hikers in Iceland traversing sandy plains, rough lava, cliffs, glacier and numerous major rivers. Crossing the outlet glaciers of Mýrdalsjökull and their rivers in the last part of the traverse takes us into mountains made up by soft volcanic rock, easily eroded by wind and water and often sculpted like clay. These mountains are exposed to the damp air of the Atlantic Ocean and generously covered by lush, green vegetation making a sharp contrast to the black beaches of Vík.

Departure date: 01.07 - 31.07.2014 Please note that an extra travel day is needed after the traverse, as well as before and after each leg of the backpacking tour.

Húna flói Akureyri

Breiðafjörður Hofsjökull

l

TOTAL DISTANCE 450 KM (280 MI)

ul

PER DAY GROUP SIZE LEVEL 6 - 10 HRS 4 - 12 DEMANDING / STRENUOUS

Sprengisandur

ök

BACKPACKING 31 DAYS

Included in price: Guide, food for 31 days (from lunch day 1 to lunch day 31), cooking gear, tents, hut fees, camping fees and safety equipment for glacier and river crossing. Please note: The tour starts at Ásbyrgi and ends at Vík. Accommodation and transportation to the start point and from the end point available, upon request.

gj

Coast to Coast: The Iceland Traverse IMG43

La

n

VAT NAJ ÖKU LL Grímsvötn

Faxaflói REYKJAVÍK

Hvannadalshnúkur Landmannalaugar

Keflavík

www.mountainguides.is

Mýrdalsjökull

0

50 km

the Icelandic Highlands Sprengisandur: Traverse of tion Vatnajökull Glacier Expedi Traverse Coast to coast: The Iceland

33


GLACIER AND MOUNTAINEERING COURSES Mountain Skills Course 34

Glacier and Mountaineering courses

Icelandic Mountain Guides is a leading company in Iceland when it comes to Glacier and Mountaineering courses. Our courses aim at giving outdoor enthusiasts the necessary knowledge to be able to travel safely in the mountains and on glaciers, so they have confidence in building their own experience. Our team of highly qualified guides and instructors ensure the quality of the training and a low number of students per instructor a personal experience.

Mountain Skills Course DURATION 6 DAYS

GROUP SIZE 6 PER GUIDE

IMG111

LEVEL DEMANDING

Intensive mountain skills course in Skaftafell The Mountain Skills Course is IMG’s flagship when it comes to courses for the general public. The course is made up of three shorter courses combined into one. The result is an extensive course where participants go through the fundamentals of mountaineering. After completing this course, participants will be much better prepared for travelling in the mountains on their own, in a safe way. Among the course objectives are general rope work, making of rock- and snow anchors, crevasse rescue and ice climbing. We also look at safety issues regarding avalanches and beacon search, glacier and mountain travels, crampon technique, self-arrest with an ice-axe and a lot more. On the course, participants will get to know how to use some of the equipment necessary in mountaineering, as well as experiencing camping overnight on a glacier. A course for those who want to get to know real mountaineering with experienced instructors. Included in price: One instructor for every six participants, all food during the course (except food on the way to Skaftafell and back),sleeping bag accommodation (shared facilities), all common glacier and safety equipment, glacier tents and cooking equipment when staying on the higher glacier, transport to Skaftafell and back to Reykjavík. Not included: Personal mountain- and glacier equipment Accommodation in Reykjavík can be added. Dates: 26.03 - 31.03.2014 and 16.04 - 21.04.2014

www.icelandrovers.is


Ice Climbing I DURATION ONE EVENING AND ONE WEEKEND

IMG112 GROUP SIZE 6 PER GUIDE

LEVEL

MODERATE

Beginners course in ice climbing. The goal of the course is to teach appropriate techniques in movement on ice, the proper use of knots and methods of putting up anchors, ice protection and rappelling stations. The main focus is on teaching proper movement and do as much actual climbing as possible.

Ice Climbing Il DURATION ONE EVENING AND ONE FULL DAY

IMG114 GROUP SIZE 4 PER GUIDE

LEVEL DEMANDING

Advanced course in ice climbing. The goal of the course is to evolve from climbing on a top-rope to leading easy routes on ice with uttermost security standards. In detail view of ice protection, main anchors and methods to retreat/rappel of routes. Climbing will preferably be on frozen waterfalls. Not for beginners. More information and details on Icelandic Mountain Guides courses can be found on our website. Ice Climbing l: November dates. Ice Climbing ll: January dates.

Winter Mountaineering DURATION ONE EVENING AND ONE WEEKEND

IMG116

GROUP SIZE LEVEL CHALLENGING 6 PER GUIDE

Basics of mountaineering. The goal of this course is to teach participants the fundamentals of climbing and mountaineering with the highest safety standards in winter environments. Participants will learn how to plan trips and travel in the mountains so they get the confidence in building their own experience. Furthermore, there will be actual climbing on steep snowy slopes and/or ridges. During one evening session we will go over the usage of each knot and the process of steep snow climbing and take a look at mountaineering equipment and clothing. After, we will have a weekend of training our skills out at a location in the mountains. More information and details on Icelandic Mountain Guides courses can be found on our website. Dates: February dates

www.mountainguides.is

35


Landmannalaugar Adventure and Golden Circle ILR20 DURATION 2 DAYS

LEVEL

EASY

36

ður

Departure dates: 08.11 - 09.11.2014 06.12 - 07.12.2014 20.12 - 21.12.2014

Departure dates: 27.09 - 28.09.2013 25.10 - 26.10.2013 22.11 - 23.11-2013 Breiðafjörður

afjör

Included in price: Driver- tour guide, full board (from lunch on day 1 to lunch on day 2), one night at hotel, traditional tasting plate, entrance to Fontana spa and Glacier Walk. Accommodation in Reykjavík can be added. D1: Golden Circle - Northern Lights. D2: Eyjafjallajökull - Glacier Walk - waterfalls.

Included in price: Driver- tour guide, full board (from lunch on day 1 to lunch on day 2), sleeping bag accommodation in mountain hut, sleeping bag, sleeping bag linen, (bathrobe) and towel (bring your swimsuit!) Accommodation in Reykjavík can be added. D1: Landmannalaugar - Northern Lights. D2: Gullfoss - Geysir, Þingvellir. Skag

Golden circle, glacier walk and northern lights A short getaway tour to the must see places of south Iceland mixed with moments of relaxation, good food and a chance the see the northern lights. Heading out we start with the sights of the Golden Circle before stopping at the Fontana spa for dip into the hot pool and a visit to the saunas. After a small taste of local products at a nearby restaurant we head to our hotel. If we are lucky the the Northern Lights may come out so we can enjoy their show. The next day our theme is glaciers! We head east to the volcano of Eyjafjallajökull and then for a short glacier walk on Sólheimajökull where we see different ice formations and while feeling ancient glacier ice under our feet. The perfect two day tour out of Reykjavík with just the right mix of activity and comfort.

Super Jeep Week-End Adventure in Winter Let’s get out there and experience some of what the Icelandic winter has to offer the way the locals do! A super jeep adventure in unpredictable weather, blizzards, and great food in a comfortable mountain hut followed by hot spring bathing and looking out for the northern lights! This winter adventure week-end takes you out of the city, to the area “behind the mountains “, Fjallabak, in the South Highlands of Iceland. This is the home of some of the country’s most beautiful scenery. Our route takes us past volcanoes, mountains, hills and craters that in winter are covered with a beautiful snow blanket, into Landmannalaugar, the valley of Hot Springs, where the striking contrast between ice and fire creates a magical world. There we stay the night in a comfortable mountain hut, where we will have a three course lamb dinner. Right next to the hut you will find a natural warm river, perfect for a relaxing bath under the stars, while waiting to see if the Aurora Borealis come out and dance in the sky for us. On the way back the next day a visit to Gullfoss the “Golden waterfall” and the Geysir geothermal area will put the finishing touch on your winter adventure week-end.

Húnafló i

27.12 - 28.12.2013 24.01 - 25.01.2014 07.02 - 08.02.2014

La

n

VATN AJÖK ULL

Faxaflói REYKJAVÍK Keflavík

10.01 - 11.01.2014 31.01 - 01.02.2014 21.02 - 22.02.2014

21.03 - 22.03.2014 11.04 - 12.04.2014 25.04 - 26.04.2014

07.03 - 08.03.2014 28.03 - 29.03.2014 11.04 - 12.04.2014

Hofsjökull

l

GROUP SIZE 2 - 12

EASY

ul

DURATION 2 DAYS

LEVEL

ök

Geysers, Glaciers and Northern Lights ILR21

GROUP SIZE MIN 2

gj

SHORT BREAK ADVENTURES

ICELAND ROVERS TOURS

Landmannalaugar Adventure and Golden Circle Geysers, Glaciers and Northern Lights

www.icelandrovers.is

Landmannalaugar

Eyjafjallajökull

Mýrdalsjökull

Sólheimajökull

0

50 km


DURATION HIKING PER DAY GROUP SIZE LEVEL 5 DAYS 6 - 16 2 - 6 HRS EASY / MODERATE

Kingdom of Volcanoes and Glaciers IMG33 DURATION HIKING PER DAY GROUP SIZE LEVEL 5 DAYS 6 - 16 2 - 6 HRS EASY / MODERATE

The most beautiful landscapes of South and South - East Iceland This is an outstanding trip to one of Iceland’s most attractive areas, including the famous Geysir and Gullfoss waterfall. The south east is our destination where we visit the Skaftafell area of Vatnajökull National Park, the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and the famous Laki volcano. On this tour you will enjoy short hikes through stunning volcanic sceneries with breathtaking panoramic views over glaciers and spectacular mountain peaks. Whether it is the glacier lagoon and its amazing icebergs, the incredible volcanic landscapes of the Laki area or the forests of Skaftafell that impress you the most, you can be certain to have an outstanding adventure. If weather permits, we might enjoy the midnight sun decorating Vatnajökull icecap, and Iceland’s highest peak. The evenings and nights will be spent at a nice and comfortable countryside hotel in the close vicinity of the small town of Kirkjubæjarklaustur in the southeast. Transport in comfortable 4 wheel drive minibus. Included in price: Guide, vehicle transportation and breakfast/dinner for 5 days (lunch is not included, but can be added), accommodation in a comfortable country hotel. Not included: A 2-3 hour walk on the Svínafellsjökull glacier (all glacier and safety gear provided) and lunch. Accommodation in Reykjavík can be added. D1: Gullfoss - Geysir. D2: Vatnajökull National Park - Skaftafell. D3: Volcano Laki. D4: Jökulsárlón - Slaga. D5: Vík - Hot springs of Reykjadalur.

Magnificent landscapes and northern lights in South and South-East Iceland This is the winter version of this outstanding adventure tour to that takes you to one of Iceland’s most attractive areas. As we head east to the Skaftafell/ Vatnajökull area in the south east, our route takes us to the famous Geysir hot spring, the Gullfoss waterfall and along the south coast of Iceland with its waterfalls and museums. Once in the Skaftafell/Vatnajökull area our days are a mixture of nature and culture with hikes where we enjoy breathtaking panoramic views over glaciers, go see the glacier lagoon with its amazing icebergs and visit local farms and old churches for a glimpse of the local culture. At night we do our best to find and enjoy the dramatic Aurora Borealis and on a selected evening we will venture out, hunting for these mysterious lights of the winter sky. Accommodation is at nice and comfortable countryside hotels. Transport in a 4 wheel drive minibus. Included in price: Guide for 5 days, vehicle transportation for 5 days, breakfast and dinner for 5 days (lunch is not included, but can be added), entrance to Skógar museum, accommodation in comfortable country hotels. Not included: A 2-3 hours walk on the Svínafellsjökull glacier (all glacier and safety gear provided) and lunch. Accommodation in Reykjavík can be added. D1: Gullfoss - Geysir. D2: The Waterfalls of the South - Skógasafn Kirkjubæjarklaustur. D3: Vatnajökull National Park-Skaftafell. D4: Jökulsárlón Sheep farm. D5: Vík - Hot springs of Reykjadalur. Departure dates: 15.10 - 19.10.2013 17.02 - 21.02.2014​ 19.11 - 23.11-2013​ 17.03 - 21.03.2014​ Húnafló i *27.12 - 31.12.2013​ 21.04 - 25.04.2014​ Akureyri

*21.07 - 25.07.2014 **04.08 - 08.08.2014 *18.08 - 22.08.2014

**01.09 - 05.09.2014 *15.09 - 19.09.2014

19.05 - 23.05.2014

All departures are in English/French *Friday departure

Egilsstaðir

Breiðafjörður

Hofsjökull

VATN AJÖK ULL

Faxaflói

Departure dates: **02.06 - 06.06.2014 *16.06 - 20.06.2014 **07.07 - 11.07.2014

CULTURAL TOURING AND HIKING

Kingdom of Glaciers and Northern Lights IMG33W

REYKJAVÍK

Skaftafell

Keflavík

Eyjafjallajökull

*English/French departures **English/German departures

Mýrdalsjökull

Kingdom, Summer and Winter 0

www.mountainguides.is

50 km

37


4X4 SUPER JEEP EXPEDITIONS

Across the Rift DURATION 7 DAYS

Highlands and Hot Springs DURATION 7 DAYS

GROUP SIZE MIN 4

LEVEL

ILR60

Driving, hiking and nature baths

EASY

The Highlights and Hot Spots of Iceland This is one of our favorite super jeep tours. The aim is to take a bath in as many hot springs as possible and at the same time enjoy the wild nature of the Icelandic highlands. Our route takes us between all sorts of pools, from remote small and unknown natural pools without any facilities to a large world known phenomenon, the Blue Lagoon. In between we go for short hikes in well-known places like Gullfoss, Geysir and the yellow rhyolite mountains of Landmannalaugar, and get to know the history and geology of Iceland in places like Þingvellir N.P. and the Glaumbær historical farm in Skagafjörður. The super jeeps used for this tour are specially built to take on the rugged Icelandic mountain tracks and they offer an opportunity to experience the country’s less accessible highlands in a more intimate way while travelling in a small group. Each day 2 - 4 hours of moderate hiking is on our agenda, either in one place or it may be divided into few shorter walks at different locations. Driving distances and time vary from day to day, depending on areas and itinerary and can be from 2 up to 6 hours. An easy but active and fun tour that lets you experience the highlights and hot spots of Iceland!

GROUP SIZE MIN 4

04.08 - 10.08.2014 18.08 - 24.08.2014

Included: Driver - guide per group of 4-7 persons, food (from lunch on day 1 to lunch on day 7), accommodation in hotels (4 nights) and sleeping bag accommodation in mountain huts (2 nights). Not included: Sleeping bags and sleeping bag linen is not included but can be rented. Optional whale watching tour in Húsavík. Accommodation in Reykjavík can be added. D1: Geysir - Gullfoss - Fjallabak. D2: Landmannalaugar. D3: Sprengisandur Gæsavötn. D4: Askja. D5 - D6: Lake Mývatn. D7: Dettifoss - Húsavík (optional whale watching) - flight to Reykjavík. Departure dates: 07.07 - 13.07.2014 28.07 - 03.08.2014

08.09 - 14.09.2014

All departures are in English/French

38

EASY

The wilderness of the interior highlands The best thing about travelling in a Super Jeep is that you can go to deep into the highlands, and see places that are not so easily reached by other means. On this tour we go through the middle of Iceland following the rift line that splits the coutntry in two. That at brings us to places of volcanic and geothermal activity, like Geysir, Landmannalaugar and Askja, and natural wonders like the Lake Mývatn area and Dettifoss. Taking the roads that are less travelled which allows us experence sides of Iceland that are known to only a few. We end our tour in the north of Iceland and fly back to Reykjavík. To ensure the comfort of out travel we stay at hotels or quality guest houses when possible but in the deserted highlands north of Vatnajökull we stay in mountain huts.

Included in price: Driver-guide per group of 4 - 7 persons, food (from lunch on day 1 to lunch on day 7), accommodation in guesthouses (2 nights) and sleeping bag accommodation in mountain huts (4 nights). Visit to Víðimýri church and Glaumbær folk museum, entrance to the Blue Lagoon. Not included: Sleeping bags and sleeping bag linen is not included but can be rented. Optional rafting or horse riding tour in Skagafjörður Accommodation in Reykjavík can be added. D1: Þingvellir - Golden Circle - Hveravellir. D2: Hveravellir - Skagafjörður - Grettislaug Hot Spring. D3: Skagafjörður - Laugafell. D4: Laugafell Landmannalaugar. D5: Landmannalaugar - Strútur. D6: Strútur - Vík - Seljavellir Pool. D7: Seljavellir - Blue Lagoon. Departure dates: 23.06 - 29.06.2014 21.07 - 27.07.2014

LEVEL

ILR62

www.icelandrovers.is

11.08 - 27.08.2014 01.09 - 07.09.2014


Nature and Northern Lights DURATION 4 DAYS

GROUP SIZE 4 - 14

LEVEL

ILR41

EASY

Long weekend highland adventure The south of Iceland offers incredible variety in landscape. Endless black sand beaches contrast with the coastal mountains, glaciers, geysers and the waterfalls. The landscape is ever-changing, and sometimes it changes so dramatically that you might think you have gone to a different country! On this highland adventure you get to see the best of the south in just 4 days, though without any unnecessary rush. A visit to Gullfoss and Geysir, and adventurous highland rides into both the valley of Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk are the highlights of this tour. Add to that a glacier walk on Sólheimajökull glacier, and visit to the historic valley of Þjórsárdalur and the world famous Blue Lagoon. At night we return to the comfort of our country hotel where good food awaits us and the opportunity to relax in an open air hot tub under the night sky. If we are lucky the Northern lights may come out and grace us with a spectacular show. Travelling in a modern super jeep allows us access to the highlands and staying at hotels assures the comfort of this tour. Included in price: Driver-guide, 3 nights at a hotel, breakfast and dinner (lunch is not included), glacier walk and safety equipment, entrance to the Blue Lagoon. Accommodation in Reykjavík can be added. D1: Þingvellir - Golden Circle - Þjórsárdalur. D2: Hekla - Landmannalaugar. D3: Seljalandsfoss - Þórsmörk. D4: South coast - Ice walk on Sólheimajokull glacier Krísuvík - Blue Lagoon. Departure dates: 01.10 - 04.10.2013​ 19.11 - 22.11.2013​ *27.12 - 30.12.2013 ​

14.01 - 17.01.2014​ 11.02 - 14.02.2014​ 11.03 - 14.03.2014​

15.04 - 18.04.2014 All departures are in English/French *Friday departure

Winter Highlights DURATION 5 DAYS

ILR54

WALKING PER DAY GROUP SIZE LEVEL 2 - 5 HRS 4 - 15 MODERATE

Winter highland adventure In winter, Iceland’s mountainous interior hides many rare treasures under a layer of snow and ice. However, these magical places are not too easily accessible. That is why on this tour we use impressive 4x4 super-jeeps that have been modified and adapted for winter conditions (raised chassis and giant underinflated tires that allow the vehicles to “float” on the snow) to reach these locations and experience adventures filled with different impressions. Travelling in these jeeps is an adventure in its own right, we are going on a ride into an enchanting winter world and sometimes in extreme conditions! Places like Hveravellir, Landmannalaugar and of course Gullfoss and Geysir are on our program and at these destinations more adventures await: hiking in snowshoes through landscapes that are held in winter’s frozen grips, open air baths in natural hot springs. The sight of waterfalls of all shapes and sizes, where water and ice can form magical sculptures, vapor clouds that burst out from earth’s interior, solfataras, mud pots, and geysers that are strangely spectacular in the winter season. A tour in completely different universe and unique scenery! Included in price: Driver-guide per group of 4-6 persons, food for 5 days (from lunch day one to lunch day 5), sleeping bag accommodation in mountain huts, cooking gear. Not included: Sleeping bag. Accommodation in Reykjavík can be added. D1: Þingvellir NP. - Deildartunguhver Hot Spring - Barnafoss - Hraunfossar. D2: Hveravellir. D3: Gullfoss - Geysir - Háifoss waterfall - Þjórsárdalur - Hekla. D4: Landmannalaugar. D5: Landmannalaugar - Tungná river - Hjálparfoss waterfall. Departure dates: 24.02 - 28.02.2014​ 10.03 - 14.03.2014​

31.03 - 04.04.2014 14.04 - 18.04.2014

All departures are in English/French

www.mountainguides.is

39


“The tour allowed us to visit places and sites that we likely would not have seen.”

Ultimate Adventure Tour DURATION 5 DAYS

Departure dates: 03.03 - 08.03.2014 and 21.04 - 26.04.2014 All departures are in English/German

40

Departure dates: 03.03 - 07.03.2014 and 24.03 - 28.03.2014 All departures are in English/French

ður afjör

Húnafló i

Breiðafjörður

Hofsjökull

l

Hveravellir ul

Included in price: Guide, transportation and food for 6 days (from lunch day one to lunch day 6), super jeep ride to and from Landmannalaugar (1 driver-guide for 4-7 persons) sleeping bag accommodation in hostel (3 nights) mountain hut (2 nights), glacier walk, enterance to the Blue Lagoon. Not included: Sleeping bag. Accommodation in Reykjavík can be added. D1: Reykjanes - Blue Lagoon. D2: Gullfoss - Geysir. D3: South Coast - Glacier Walk. D4: Super Jeep tour to Landmannalaugar. D5: Landmannalaugar. D6: Super Jeep tour to Reykjavík.

Included in price: Super-Jeep and driver-guides carrying maximum of 4 persons. 1 night in a guesthouse in the south of Iceland, 3 nights in sleeping bag accommodation in mountain huts, sleeping bags and sleeping bag linen. Full board on the tour with picnic lunch. Accommodation in Reykjavík can be added.

Skag

Winter tour with a 3 day Super Jeep safari Try a different way to experience Iceland in a season that is still unknown to many. Enjoy the Northern Lights instead of the bright nights, see frozen waterfalls and snow covered landscapes. Iceland in winter is an undiscovered country and to experience the best of it you need and insider to take you to the best places! Join us on an experience of nature, snow and great many great adventures. We’ll visit frozen waterfalls, take a walk on huge glaciers and go deep into highlands of Iceland. The tour ends with a super jeep tour inland to the breathtaking scenery of Landmannalaugar where we spend two nights in a basic mountain hut. Here, far away from civilization we have a good chance to get to see the fantastic Northern Lights, possibly sitting in the hot water of a little stream and get to go snowshoeing in magnificent landscape. A tour that combines all the best of South Iceland in winter.

Super Jeep Expedition to Grímsvötn volcano and the Great Vatnajökull Glacier Iceland is truly a geological wonder and everywhere you go you can find steaming hot springs and active volcanoes, even in places you would least expect to find such phenomena, even right on top of a glacier. On the Ultimate Adventure Tour you will get to experience some of Iceland’s most extraordinary places, the top of the biggest glacier in Europe (where we find a natural steam bath only a few have tried) that is also the home of Grímsvötn volcano and Landmannalaugar with its rhyolite volcanic mountains and hot baths. During our trip we also take short hikes to get to know the history and geology of Iceland, and visit the world famous hot springs of the Geysir area and the Gullfoss waterfall. On this adventure tour we travel in Super Jeeps that are specially equipped to handle the Icelandic mountain roads and glacier driving in winter. Driving distances and times will vary from day-to-day, depending upon road and off-roads conditions. Unpredictable weather conditions add to the adventure, so this is a tour for people who dare to face the unexpected! On this ultimate adventure we offer some of Iceland’s best and most experienced mountaineers as guides to take us places that most people never see.

ök

TOURING WALKING PER DAY GROUP SIZE LEVEL 2 - 5 HRS 6 DAYS 4 - 16 MODERATE

LEVEL EASY / MODERATE

gj

Winter Adventure in the South

GROUP SIZE MIN 2

ILR50

n La

VATN AJÖK ULL

Faxaflói

Grímsvötn

REYKJAVÍK Keflavík

Highlands and Hot Springs Mountains and Wilderness Nature and Northern Lights Winter Highlights Ultimate Adventure Tour Winter Adventure in the South Across the Rift

www.icelandrovers.is

Landmannalaugar

Eyjafjallajökull

0

50 km

Mýrdalsjökull Sólaheimajökull


PHOTO TOURS

Photo Tours

Photo Tours are a new and a welcome addition to our catalog. These are the perfect tours for both the professional and amateur photographers that want to enjoy Icelandic nature but still get enough time to stop and take photos of the amazing landscape and the special light Iceland is known for. In the company of a professional photographer and guide you will be taken to glaciers and waterfalls, or into remote highland areas and shown the best locations for that perfect shot. For those who want, we will look at the key technical issues such as shutter speed, aperture, depth of field and focal length. These tours are guided by Gréta Guðjónsdóttir; an Icelandic Pro Photographer and a certified guide with passion for landscape photography and outdoor activity. On a Photo Tour you get all the time you need to take great photos! These tours are for photographers of all levels, from beginners to experienced photographers.

Glaciers, Lagoons and Waterfalls IMGPH03 DURATION 5 DAYS

GROUP SIZE 5 - 12

The Glaciers of Iceland in winter The Glaciers of Iceland in winter is a magical place for photography. It is a period when the sun does not rise high above the horizon but instead we get a very special kind of light for our photos. On this tour we travel to the kingdom of glaciers. Vatnajökull National park is our destination and there we will find breathtaking glaciers and at their feet, lagoons with floating icebergs. On the way we drive along the south coast and spend some time by the waterfalls of the south at the beaches of Reynisfjara, where black sand and basalt columns contrast the ocean. Included in price: One guide and photography instructor for up to 6 persons for 5 days (for groups of 7 - 12 persons a second instructor will be with the group), tranport to/from Reykjavík, food for 5 days (from lunch on day 1 to lunch on day 5), guest house/hotel accommodation. Note: The tour starts and ends at the Reykjavik Central Bus Station (BSÍ) Pick up/drop off and accommodation in Reykjavík can be added. Departure dates: February/March 2014

The Mountains and Colors of the Highlands IMGPH04 DURATION 5 DAYS

GROUP SIZE 5 - 12

Tour to the colorful geothermal areas of Kerlingafjöll and Hveravellir This is a tour that puts focus on the Icelandic highlands and its impressive formations, shaped by volcanism and geothermal energy. On this tour we visit two areas on the Kjölur road that will give us plenty of opportunities for great photos. Our starting point is the Hveravellir geothermal area where we explore its many different hot springs and surrounding lava fields. After a couple of days hiking and taking our time with our cameras we head south to Kerlingafjöll. This is a mountain massive with numerous hot springs. The distinguishing orange and red colors of the mountains mixed with green moss and steam from hot springs make this an unbelievable place for photography. On the way we will have time to visit Gullfoss and Geysir. Included in price: One guide and photography instructor for up to 6 persons for 5 days (for groups of 7 - 12 persons a second instructor will be with the group), transport to/ from Reykjavík, food for 5 days (from lunch on day 1 to lunch on day 5), sleeping bag accommodation in mountain huts and cooking gear. Note: The tour starts and ends at the Reykjavik Central Bus Station (BSÍ). Pick up/drop off and accommodation in Reykjavík can be added. Departure dates: July 2014

Day tours or 2 - 3 days programs

Day tours to the Reykjanes peninsula, Caving tours and Northern Lights tours also available for groups on demand. Contact us for our short 2 - 3 day programs to Þórsmörk, Snæfellsnes and Landmannalaugar.

www.mountainguides.is

41


KNITTING TOURS Nature, culture and knitting workshops with Hélène Magnusson, “The Icelandic Knitter”

42

“This was simply the best vacations I ever had. I look forward to come back in the Spinning tour.”

Knitting Tours Knitting tours are theme based adventure tours that are offered in collaboration with Icelandic knitting expert and designer Hélène Magnússon. Hélène´s endless interest in the Icelandic knitting tradition, combined with her experience as a mountain guide are the impetus for all our knitting tours. Knitters from all over the world take tours with Hélène for an unforgettable experience where Icelandic traditions and culture, breathtaking nature and master knitting workshops, perfectly balance one another.

Knitting Tours: Combination of hiking and workshops

The Knitting tours are designed to give an insight into Icelandic Culture and Knitting Traditions. In all of the tours the objective is to mix knitting with the beautiful Icelandic nature and meet local people, knitters, spinners, dyers, designers and farmers. Each tour has its own way of exploring the Icelandic nature, whether it´s by hiking, trekking or by short walks on a discovery adventure. Everyone should be able to find a knitting tour suitable for their needs. Our selection of knitting tours covers all seasons; summer, winter, fall and spring. Each seasonal tour has its own special feature and knitting workshops. Here below you can see examples of different knitting tours. For more information about the selection of our knitting tours please visit our websites www.mountainguides.is or www.icelandrovers.is

New Years Knitting with Northern Lights IMGK01 Warm Wool, nature and cozy winter nights - 3 days This early fall tour will take us through the whole process of working the Icelandic wool; rounding and sorting the sheep, shearing, spinning, dying and knitting, we’ll do it all ourselves! We will share the life of Icelandic farmers and have a lot of fun! Knitting in the Magical Icelandic Night IMGK07 Knitting in the country side and the craft and design fair - 4 days This amazing tour coincides with the Design March festival but will also take us into the highlands in Landmannalaugar and its incredible diverse volcanic landscapes; craters, lava fields, gorges and canyons. This is an extraordinary adventure open to only a few during the winter months. Icelandic Spring Knitting IMGK02

Knitting and hiking in the Enchanting North IMGK04 Visit to the land of the hidden people - 6 days This wonderful tour is a new variation of our popular Knitting in the North tour that will take us to the truly beautiful Textile Museum in Blönduós. We will visit the region´s many natural wonders and get inspired by the unique variety of flora, fauna and landscape.

Knitting and hiking between Fire and Ice IMGK05 Adventurous and sporty knitting tour - 6 days This adventurous and sporty tour takes us to the Þingborg Wool Center and the Skógar Folk Museum. The Fimmvörðuháls Hike from Skógar to the nature reserve of Þórsmörk will be an unforgettable knitting experience as we get the chance to knit by the newly formed craters Magni and Móði.

Knitting during lamb season - 4 days The tour coincides with the yearly Craft and Design fair. We will visit the crafters at Ullarselið who hand spin and hand dye their yarn and learn about using plants to dye wool from the botanist Guðrún. We will visit the birth place of the famous unspun lopi yarn and play with new born lambs and Icelandic cashmere kids.

Hiking and knitting with the Elves IMGK03 Mountains and fjords of the East. This tour takes us to the hidden treasures in the east of Iceland, mostly populated with elves. We will knit fairy like lace and hike in the untouched wilderness and colorful landscape of the unspoiled fjords and inlets. Combined with an Icelandic plant dye workshop, it will be an unforgettable journey away from the mass tourism.

www.icelandrovers.is


“I enjoyed Helene’s knowledge of Iceland and the knitting. It was nice to have both the information about Iceland, culture, history, geology, and the knitting information all in one person!”

Knitting Workshops: In the knitting workshop, Héléne will share her deep and extensive knowledge of the Icelandic knitting heritage. She‘ll teach many traditional Icelandic knitting styles and show different types of yarn and knitting samples as she shares stories and interviews she made with old knitters. Hélène’s classes are truly inspirational and will delight beginners as expert knitters. Yarn is supplied in the workshops but all other equipment listed in the equipment list for each knitting tour is required. The knitting workshops vary from 1 to 6 hours and each tour and workshop has its own theme.

Examples of Knitting Workshops: Icelandic wool workshop: Hélène will tell us about the unique characteristics of the Icelandic wool and the genesis of the famous unspun lopi and will show us sample of artisanal Icelandic yarns. We will knit a little sample in the round with this highly breakable yarn, using the Magic loop technique, a technique largely adopted in Iceland today. “Steek with me” workshop: Almost everything is knitted in the round in Iceland, then cut open or steeked. Purling back seems more intimidating than steeking and Hélène will tell us funny stories of how knitters found out ways to avoid purling in the past. Beside the methods traditionally used in Iceland today, we will explore many different steeks and compare their advantages related to particular projects. We may even dare to steek lace! Icelandic sweater workshop: We will learn about the different sweaters and traditional costume jackets in Iceland, how the well-known Icelandic lopi sweater emerged a surprisingly short time ago and how the yoke pattern developed in the inspired hands of Icelandic women. We‘ll go through all the basic knitting techniques and chart reading as well as knitting a little lopi sweater with all the elements of a full-sized one. Héléne will share designer tips to make the sweater easy knitting, comfortable and a better fit. Traditional Icelandic Leaf mittens workshop: Hélène will tell us about the many different styles of traditional mittens in Iceland, such as the embroidered mittens from North Iceland, the Nordic style mittens, the two thumbed mittens, etc... She will tell us especially about the origins and special motifs in the colorful traditional mittens from the West fjords, called Leaf mittens. We will knit a sample from Hélène’s book.

Traditional Icelandic intarsia workshop: Once commonly seen in knitted inserts in sheep and fish skin shoes, Icelandic intarsia is a tradition unique to Iceland. We will knit a tiny insert in four colors with a cross motif and cover all the basic intarsia techniques as well as the specifics of the Icelandic intarsia. Hélène will also tell us about yarn management and give us tips for knitting the modern and challenging designs in her book, Icelandic Color Knitting: using Rose Patterns.

Traditional Icelandic lace workshop: We will explore the different construction methods and look at the characteristics of the Icelandic lace as seen in the Old long shawls and triangular shawls but also in other garments, accessories and dresses. We will see how designs and patterning evolved and how the unique characteristics of the Icelandic wool played an important role. Icelandic handknits from Textile Museum workshop: The workshop is based on Hélène’s book, Icelandic Handknits, a collection of heirloom designs from the Textile Museum in Blönduós (Voyageurs Press, February 2013). Hélène will present the book in the Museum itself and we will get to knit designs from it under her special guidance.

Bring your companion with you! Non-knitters are most welcome on all of our knitting tours. They will be able to take short walks or participate in other local activities during the knitting workshops. About Héléne Magnússon Hélène is a knit designer with a degree in textile and fashion. Her research into, and many publications about, Icelandic knitting traditions have earned her the respect of textile historians and museum curators throughout Iceland and around the world. Hélène believes that the best way to preserve traditions is to continue using them, giving them new life. Her exclusive designs, inspired by tradition but with a modern twist, have been exhibited widely both in Iceland and elsewhere. She was featured as a significant contemporary knitwear designer in Iceland in Knitting around the world by Lela Nargi. She is the author of Icelandic Color Knitting: using Rose Patterns, a colorful book about traditional Icelandic intarsia and translated into many languages. Her two upcoming books, Icelandic Handknits, a collection of heirloom designs from the Textile Museum in Blönduós and The Icelandic lace dresses of Adalbjörg Jónsdóttir are eagerly anticipated by knitting experts and crafters all over the world, who adore Hélène’s unique style. Hélène is the founder of The Icelandic Knitter (icelandicknitter.com), the first Icelandic online knitting magazine, and of Love Story yarns, a range of artisanal yarns that make the best out of the Icelandic wool. Hélène began her professional life as a lawyer in Paris before she made a complete life change and moved to Iceland, where she worked as a hired girl in a sheep farm and a mountain guide. The varied skills she learned in those early years richly inform the amazing hiking and knitting tours she now passionately guides. „Héléne is known for her unique knitting designs with strong ties to Iceland and Icelandic culture but with a modern twist“

www.mountainguides.is

43


RUNNING TOURS WITH ARCTIC RUNNING

Arctic Running

Day tours from Akureyri

Arctic Running offers running tours for people that like to exercise and enjoy nature at the same time. While on the go you get to explore the environment and our tours make sure that you enjoy the best of each season. You can choose between day tours and longer tours from Reykjavik and Akureyri. The tours involve 5 to 35 km of running per day and are escorted by a local running guide. On the longer tours all luggage is transported. The AR guides are some of the most experienced runners in Iceland and frequently take part in trail running events and longer running tours. If you are planning a vacation in Iceland and want to experience the pure Icelandic nature and be able to exercise each day as well, then why not try a running tour and enjoy trail running in Iceland whilst exploring the environment and its beautiful nature. For a closer look at Arctic Running tours and events, visit arcitcrunning.is.

Akureyri Morning Run - Midnight Run DISTANCE 5 - 10 KM (3 - 6 MI)

DURATION 1H30 - 2 HRS

GROUP SIZE MIN 2

AR21/AR22

LEVEL MODERATE

Guided running tour along interesting running trails just outside the town of Akureyri in the north of Iceland. Available: Every day at 6:30 (for morning run) 22:00 (for midnight run).

Tailor made running tours

If you are interested in exploring a certain area in or around ReykjavĂ­k, contact us to set up a tailor made running tour.

44

www.arcticrunning.is


Day tours in and from Reykjavík

Longer tours

Reykjavík Morning Run - Explore Reykjavík Running AR01

Dettifoss trail

DISTANCE 5 - 7 KM (3 - 4.5 MI)

DURATION 1 - 1.5 HRS

A guided running tour through the heart of the city of Reykjavík. This tour passes many interesting areas and gives a good view of Reykjavík.

Running the Golden Circle DISTANCE 15 - 20 KM (9 - 12.5 MI)

AR12 DURATION 7 - 8 HRS HRS

A visit to Þingvellir National Park, known for the separation of the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates and of historical importance to Iceland. We continue to the famous Gullfoss waterfall (by bus) and run 15 - 20 km to the Geysir hot spring area.

Blue Lagoon run

AR13

DISTANCE 5 - 10 KM (3 - 6 MI)

DURATION 5 - 6 HRS

This wellness trip offers a guided trail run by the lava fields of the Blue lagoon. After a 5 - 10km run we relax in the waters of the Blue lagoon before heading back to Reykjavík. Entrance to the Blue lagoon included.

Run for your life - Fimmvörðuháls run DISTANCE 25 KM (15.5 MI)

ELEVATION 1000 M (3300 FT)

AR14

DURATION 7 - 8 HRS

Fimmvörðuháls is the area between the glaciers Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull in the South of Iceland. Our run starts by the waterfall Skógar and goes past the craters formed in the 2010 eruption, through the pass between the two glaciers and downhill to Þórsmörk. This tour starts at Skógar and ends at Þórsmörk. AR01 available: Every day at 06:30. AR12 available: Every day at 08:00. AR14 available: June 13th - September 15th: Every day at 12:00 from Skógar. All our tour are for minimum 2 persons and are level moderate.

Be ready dressed to run!

DURATION 3 DAYS

ARL01

RUNNING 80 KM (48 MI)

GROUP SIZE 6 - 12

LEVEL DEMANDING

The highlights of the north This tour starts by the magnificent Lake Mývatn and passes by some of its best known geological wonders. On the second day we enter the National Park of Vatnajökull and run by the waterfall of Dettifoss and the horse-shoe shaped canyon of Ásbyrgi, on our way through the Dettifoss trail. Included: Running guide, transport of luggage, full board for 3 days (from lunch on day 1 to lunch on day 3) with introduction to local food, camping fees for 2 nights.

Run to the hills

ARL12

DURATION RUNNING GROUP SIZE LEVEL 8 DAYS 10 - 20 KM EACH DAY 6 - 14 CHALLENGING / DEMANDING

Icelands National Parks This tour goes around many of the national parks and nature reserves of the country and in each place we go for a run. We visit the northern territory of Vatnajökull National Park with highlights such as Askja, Dettifoss and Ásbyrgi, and run around Landmannalaugar area and it’s beautiful and colorful mountains. The geological wonders by Lake Mývatn will also be visited and the Nature Baths located in the middle of the lava field by the lake. We also run in the Snæfellsjökull National Park, which was formed around a volcano hidden under a glacier in the esoteric peninsula in the West. Included: Running guide, vehicle transportation and full board for 8 days (from lunch on day 1 to lunch on day 8) with introduction to local food, sleeping bag accommodation in mountain huts/hostel.

Laugavegur Running tour DURATION 3 DAYS

ARL04

RUNNING GROUP SIZE LEVEL 85 KM (53 MI) TOTAL 4 - 14 CHALLENGING

Iceland’s most famous trail The Laugavegur route is one of the most popular hiking routes in Iceland. We run the route, the whole 80 km in three days. The run starts in Landmannalaugar, surrounded by colorful geothermal mountains and hot springs. On the second day we arrive in Þórsmörk and the tour ends with a run through the pass of Fimmvörðuháls between the two glaciers and volcanoes of Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull. Included: Running guide, transport of luggage, full board for 3 days (from lunch on day 1 to lunch on day 3) with introduction to local food, camping fees for 2 nights. ARL01 - Departures: 04.07 - 06.07.2014, 25.07 - 27.07.2014 and 15.07 - 17.08.2014 ARL12 - Departures: 18.07 - 25.07.2014 and 08.08 - 15.08.2014 ARL04 - Departures: 08.07 - 10.07.2014, 15.07 - 17.07.2014, 29.07 - 31.07.2014, 05.08 - 07. 08.2014, 19.08 - 21. 08.2014 and 02.09 - 04.09 2014

www.arcticrunning.is

45


ICELAND ROVERS INCENTIVES

INCENTIVES

entives the first thoughts are When you think about inc tainment. But there is more often about fun and enter r. Incentives need to have to a successful incentive tou l contribute to organizationa a purpose of learning and on ati stin you need to find a De success. To get this result ent t is able to work with differ tha y an mp Co nt me ge na Ma ct d always give you the perfe needs, in various places an that for fresh ideas, perfection product. If you are looking and ence and variety of action comes from years of experi es n Iceland Rovers Incentiv luxury in the same trip, the e care of your needs and is the company that will tak AN EXPERIENCE! MAKE EVERY MOMENT

ICE - WATER - FIRE - AIR - EARTH

In Iceland the elements are there for you to play with

46


Why Iceland? at cold - We are cool but not th far away from you - We are really not that Iceland is one of the - We are wild but safe... world. safest countries in the

Bjรถrgvin Hilmarsson

rn - We are exotic but mode - We are full of contrasts ceptional - We are extreme and ex d raw environment - We offer both luxury an ht now, so do not wait - We are here for you rig . ve the time of your life any longer, come and ha

47


up of highly Our incentive team is a gro years of qualified professionals with will custom experience in the field. We m for your group design an exclusive progra an educational, whether you are planning trip. Every professional or entertaining l be carefully minute of your adventure wil your needs. designed by our team to fit

We design Incentive Programs – VIP Customized Travel – Wilderness Adventures – Luxury Travel Spa and Geothermal Experience – Challenging Adventures – Ecological awareness programs Educational tour – Gourmet food tasting tours – Traditional Theme Tours

Incentives in Iceland Iceland has become a favored location for incentive travel and for a good reason. Iceland is a country of contrasts. Glaciers and hot springs make up fascinating surroundings for all kinds of outdoor recreational activities and team building. This easy access to nature along with ample opportunities for different activities i.e. hiking, horse riding or adventure tours on super jeeps to the mountainous interiors make Iceland a prime location for your incentive tour. Add the luxury of geothermal pools and spas, as well as fine dining from first class ingredients such as fresh fish or lamb. In Iceland you have the perfect combination of activity, luxury and relaxation.

Iceland Rovers Incentives Iceland Rovers Incentives was established in 1997 making it one of the oldest running incentive agencies in Iceland. From the beginning Iceland Rovers has specialized in cultural and recreational adventure tourism in Iceland offering a wide choice of activities, teambuilding and customized holidays for groups and individual. Our distinction comes through our focus on the unique features of Icelandic nature, traditions and the environment, adding that small touch that will make you remember your tour in Iceland for a long time. We know to which special location to take you, what activities to offer your group and we work only with the best suppliers. Our experience in organizing different events makes Iceland Rovers the Destination Management Company for you.

48


Some of our programs: - Taste of Iceland - Discover traditional Icelandic cuisine in natural settings. - Icelandic herbs and traditions - Get insight into the wisdoms of the past. - Visit the Vikings - Old meets new as we travel back in time to experience history. - Environment First - Contribute to the environment in a constructive way. - Myth and Mystery - Learn about the supernatural, culture and myths. - Run a Race - Tie up your laces and settle into the starting blocks! - Snorkeling - Float in the incredibly clear water of the Silfra fissure in Þingvellir. - Glacier Experience - Cracking ice under your feet, ice sculptures and crevasses.

Your project Just imagine yourself in Iceland. Standing on the top of a glacier or hiking on a volcano. Riding a horse or mountain biking between steaming hot springs. Where ever you go you are always surrounded by incredible nature. We might take you into the world of myth and mystery on a caving tour with a cultural twist or send you blazing on a snowmobile, riding super jeeps on rugged roads or even send you flying in a helicopter. Iceland is a world of contrasts where you have an opportunity to mix luxury with raw nature in the same trip. Whatever you imagine - we can take you there! Our specialty lies in making an incentive program that is inspired by your dreams.

Glacier Walking – Ice Climbing – Ice Golf Snowmobiling – Dog Sledding Snorkeling – River Jet – Sea Angling – Rafting Whale Watching – Ocean Bathing Geothermal Spas – Hidden Hot Springs – Caves Quad Riding – Mountain Biking Helicopter – Mountain Peaks – Lava Fields Northern Lights – Gourmet Food Tasting

ICELAND ROVERS- INSPIRED BY YOUR DREAMS

49


ON YOUR OWN

“Thank you and to your company for looking after us so well. We had the most fantastic holiday.”

Self Drive and Self Guided Tours

Self - Guided Trekking Tours We also offer self-guided trekking tours with or without the option of luggage transfer. On our self-guided hikes you travel freely between huts at your own pace. Some programs allow you mix trekking/backpacking program with a self-drive. That way you get a bit of both; roaming in the wilderness and the chance to visit places that are accessible with a vehicle, and even the comfort of a soft, warm bed at night.

The Accommodation Depending on your itinerary different types of accommodation are available. You choose your category and we take care of the reservations and organization. In the hotels and guest houses food service is usually available, but for those staying in hostels or camping we provide a box with cooking equipment and utensils. On most tours you can choose guest house accommodation, with or without private bath, or hostel type accommodation. In summer you have the option to stay in a tent on some routes, or if you are so inclined we offer programs that only include the best hotels available. In the highlands and on the trekking tours you will be staying in mountain huts.

On Your Own Be free! Travel independently. Set your own pace, take the detours you choose to take and stop to admire the scenery when you want. Lie down in a soft mossy crag and enjoy the peace and quiet... if that’s what you are looking for. Or see as much of Iceland hiking and driving as you can. All this comes with the flexibility with traveling on your own. You experience Iceland in a more personalized way and at the same time enjoy the benefits of a prepared package planned by our travel experts. You choose the formula that fits your budget and we take care of the rest. With a detailed road book and a planned itinerary you are ready to enjoy Iceland in a safe and easy way.

Self - Drive Tours

Icelandic Mountain Guides now offer a selection of self-drive programs. From a short tour of the highlights of the south in just 3 days, to a complete tour around the island, or a tour of the rough interior. All our self-drive tours have a focus on activity and cultural experience. Some lean more towards one or the other, depending a bit on the itinerary and the time of year you travel. In your road book we will give you a description of daily hikes you can take and when optional extra activities are available. We will also tell you about interesting sites to visit that allows you to get to know Icelandic culture and the Iceland we know.

50

www.icelandrovers.is


Tour of the Icelandic Highlands DURATION 13 DAYS

Around Iceland DURATION 13 DAYS

IMGS01

SELF DRIVE TO UR

WITH DAILY H IKES LEVEL MODERATE

The highlights: The variety of landscapes, massive glaciers, interesting volcanic phenomena, impressive waterfalls, long coastlines, deep fjords, wilderness and national parks. The tour that has it all! Popular sites and secret locations waiting to be discovered. This complete tour around Iceland offers some of the most beautiful walks accessible with a passenger vehicle. Start with a visit to the Snæfellsnes peninsula, home of the cone shaped Snæfellsjökull glacier. In the north you will see seal colonies, jagged mountain peaks and some of Iceland´s most magnificent natural wonders, like Lake Mývatn and Dettifoss waterfall with its canyon. After 5 days up north, the road takes you to the mystical east fjords where the mist crawls down the mountains in the evening. Once on the south coast, the immense Vatnajökull glacier greets you, with outlet glaciers that come crawling down between the mountains and the beautiful Jökulsárlón lagoon attracting locals and travelers alike. Skaftafell NP offers glacier and mountain hikes, and for the adventurous, a hike to the highest peak of Iceland is possible. The black beaches of Vík, sheer cliffs with thousands of puffins, beautiful waterfalls, geysers and the infamous Eyjafjallajökull volcano are just a few of the natural wonders to see on your way back to Reykjavík, not to mention the ancient parliament site at Þingvellir. D1 - D2: Snæfellsnes. D3: Vatnsnes. D4: Öxnadalur. D5: Mývatn. D6: DettifossJökulsárgljúfur. D7: North East. D8: Eastern Fjords. D9: Jökulsárlón. D10: Skaftafell NP. D11 - D12: South Coast. D13: Gullfoss - Geysir - Þingvellir. Available all year (in winter some roads and hikes may change). Included: Rental car in the category of your choice, CDW insurance, extra driver, accommodation in the category of your choice, detailed information pack including selfguided walking route notes and maps, breakfast with guest house accommodation, box with cooking equipment, thermos etc. with hostel and camping option, tent and mattress with camping option (only available in summer). Not included: Fuel, meals (other than breakfast with guest house accommodation). Accommodation options for this package: Guesthouse (with/without private bath), sleeping bag in hostels/huts, camping. Optional extras: Accommodation in Reykjavík before and after the tour with airport bus transfer, different activities (see itinerary), sleeping bags SCDW car insurance and GPS.

IMGS21

LEVEL MODERATE / CHALLENGING

The highlights: Þingvellir, Skaftafell, Jökulsárlón, Eldgjá, Sprengisandur, Kjölur, Mývatn and Landmannalaugar The Highlands and highlights of Iceland! You head out to in your rental 4x4 to Hvalfjörður (the bay of whales) where you visit Glymur which is the highest waterfall in Iceland. Through historic Þingvellir, you traverse the south coast with stops at beautiful Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, and finally visit the village of Vik with its black beaches, and spectacular Dyrhólaey promontory. Skaftafell NP and Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon are next, both nestled under the shadow of Vatnajökull, the biggest glacier in Europe. Head to the interior of the country, visiting Eldgjá (canyon of fire) and Landmannalaugar with its stunning, multicolored rhyolite mountains. Further north lies the immense black desert of Sprengisandur enroute to the stunning lake Myvatn, known for its extremely rich animal and plant life, and the Askja volcanic caldera to the east. Heading back towards Reykjavik, you take the ancient Kjölur road through the highlands, passing through the volcanic massif of Kerlingafjöll mountains. Finally, the must see Gullfoss waterfall and Geysir hot spring before you return to Reykjavík. D1: Glymur - Þingvellir - Hella. D2: South Coast. D3: Skaftafell NP. D4: Jökulsárlón - Múlagljúfur. D5: Eldgjá - Langisjór. D6: Landmannalaugar. D7: Sprengisandur Nýidalur. D8: Sprengisandur - Mývatn. D9: Mývatn. D10: Askja. D11: North - Kjölur. D12: Kerlingafjöll. 13: Gullfoss - Geysir - Reykjavík. Available from from mid June to mid september. Included: Rental car 4x4 in the category of your choice, CDW insurance, extra driver, accommodation in the category of your choise, detailed information pack including self-guided walking route notes and maps, box with cooking equipment, thermos etc, (tent, matress with camping option). Not included: Fuel, meals. Accommodation options for this package: Sleeping bag accommodataion in hostels/huts or camping. Optional extras: Glacier walk, acommodation in Reykjavík, airport transfer to/from Keflavik airport, sleeping bags.

www.mountainguides.is

51


South Coast Express DURATION 3 DAYS

IMGS02

LEVEL EASY

The highlights: Iceland’s treasures, Glacier lagoon, Europe´s biggest glacier, Glacier hike, Golden Circle.

THREE DAY ALONG THE S SOUTH COA ST

In just 3 days you will see some of the most splendid and popular natural phenomena in Iceland. You fly directly from Reykjavík to the village of Höfn in Hornarfjördur bay which is famous for its delicious langoustine lobster. In Höfn you will get your vehicle and set course west along the south coast. The drive back to Reykjavik takes you past no less than three glaciers, one of them being Vatnajökull, the biggest glacier in Europe. Under Vatnajökull you will go see the Jökulsárlón Glacier lake, visit the forestry green hills of Skaftafell and take a glacier hike on crampons. Continuing along the south coast, you visit the black beaches of Vík and the waterfalls of Skógarfoss and Seljalandsfoss that lie beneath the world (in)famous Eyjafjallajökull volcano. Finally you drive along the Golden circle to see the magnificent Gullfoss waterfall and the great Geysir hot spring. Return to Reykjavik on day 3. D1: Höfn - Jökulsárlón - Skaftafell. D2: Skaftafell - South Coast - Eyjafjöll. D3: Golden Circle. Available all year. Included: Rental car for 3 days, CDW insurance and extra driver, accommodation in the category of your choise, detailed information pack including self-guided walking route notes and maps, breakfast with guest house accommodation, box with cooking equipment, thermos etc. with hostel and camping accommodation, tent, mattress with camping option (only available in summer). Accommodation options for this package: Hotel, guest house, sleeping bag in hostel or camping. Optional extras: Acommodation in Reykjavík, airport transfer to/from Keflavik airport, sleeping bags for hostel and camping accommodation, a 2-3 hour glacier walk on Svínafellsjökull with Icelandic Mountain Guides.

Luxury Highlands DURATION 8 DAYS

IMGS22 LEVEL MODERATE

This is a trip where you´ll get the best of both worlds. A piece of Iceland‘s rought interiour and some of Iceland´s most beautiful and breathtaking places, while staying in the best hotels available. Experience the magic of Snæfellsjökull and the beaches of Snæfellsnes. Then drive through the lush valley of Borgarfjörður, visiting the historic Reykholt, home of the Sagas, and Deildartunguhver, the most powerful hotspring in Europe. Turning inland to Langjökull glacier you take the mountain piste of Kaldidalur to Þingvellir on to the world famous Gullfoss waterfall and Geysir hotspring. Kerlingarfjöll massif and then the fantastically colorful mountains of Landmannalaugar are next. Continue behind the mountains to Vatnajökull glacier that will take your breath away in its immensity. After having explored the Skaftafell- Vatnajökull NP and seeing calving icebergs floating majestically on the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon, you head back towards Reykjavik, driving past the (in)famous Eyjafjallajökull volcano glacier and the village of Vík, famous for its black beaches. The last day is spent exploring the Reykjanes peninsula and you finish the tour with a dip into the Blue Lagoon, chosen one of 25 wonders of the world by to National Geographic magazine. D1: Snæfellsnes. D2: Borgarfjörður - Langjökull - Kaldidalur - Þingvellir - Gullfoss Geysir. D3: Kerlingarfjöll. D4: Landmannalaugar. D5: Langisjór - Eldgjá. D6: Skaftafell Jökulsárlón. D7: South Coast. D8: Reykjanes - Blue Lagoon. Included: Comfortable 4x4 jeep in the category of your choice, CDW insurance and extra driver, hotel accommodation, detailed information pack including self-guided walking route notes and maps, breakfast, lunch equipment (thermos, cooler, etc). Not included: Fuel, meals (other than breakfast). Accommodation options for this package: Hotel Optional extras: Car upgrade, snow cat trip on Snæfellsjökull or a boat tour on Breiðafjörður, glacier walk in Skaftafell or Sólheimajökull, acommodation in Reykjavík, airport transfer to/from Keflavik airport.

52

www.icelandrovers.is


“Good itinerary in great environment.”

Laugavegur Trail Self - Guided HIKING 5 DAYS

PER DAY 5 - 8 HRS

ALTITUDE 20 - 800 M (65 - 2625 FT)

IMGS31

LEVEL CHALLENGING MAXIMUM ASCENT 600 M (1970 FT)

The highlights: Rhyolite mountains, geothermal area, canyons

THE FA LAUGAVMEOGUS South Coast Self - Drive IMGS04 UR DURATION 5 DAYS LEVEL EASY / MODERATE ON YO

The best known of all treks in Iceland, this trail leads from the geothermal valley of Landmannalaugar in the southern UR OWN highlands, south to Þórsmörk valley, at the foot of world famous Eyjafjallajökull volcano. The trail crosses the third biggest geothermal zone in the world, lies through yellow rhyolite mountains, over black deserts, past great canyons and into the verdurous valley of Þórsmörk. It is no coincidence that the “Laugavegur” hike each year attracts travelers from around the world in addition of being a great favorite amongst locals. Accommodation in mountain huts. D1: Reykjavík - Landmannalaugar - Hrafntinnusker. D2: Hrafntinnusker - Álftavatn. D3: Álftavatn - Emstur. D4: Emstur - Þórsmörk. D5: Þórsmörk - Reykjavík.Available mid June - mid September. Included: Public bus transfer to Landmannalaugar and from Þórsmörk, accommodation in mountain huts while hiking detailed information pack including self-guided walking route notes and maps. Not included: Luggage transport (available on certain dates as optional extra), food. Optional extras: Luggage transfer, extra nights in Landmannalaugar or Þórsmörk, accommodation in Reykjavík, airport transfer to/from Keflavik airport, sleeping bags.

Hike at the End of the World HIKING 6 DAYS

PER DAY 5 - 8 HRS

ALTITUDE 20 - 800 M (65 - 2625 FT)

IMGS34

LEVEL CHALLENGING MAXIMUM ASCENT 600 M (1970 FT)

The highlights: Rhyolite Mountains and deep fjords. The hike takes you to an area that has been mostly deserted from the early seventies, so abandoned farms and ancient farmsteads set their mark on the surroundings. You probably won‘t meet anyone. Except perhaps sheep - and elves. This is their land, but they´re willing to share. The mountains are glorious and they come in all shapes, sizes and colors, pink, brown, yellow, green and brown. Not to mention the moss, ranging from bright neon green to pale gray. You will follow rails that lead you through lush valleys, up and around the beautiful mountains, across brooks and rivers and along deep fjords.

The highlights: Fjords. Skaftafell, Glacier and Waterfalls You pick up your car and cruise south to Höfn and past a glacial lake with calving icebergs and to Vatnajökull NP-Skaftafell From there you continue along the south coast with black sands, inspiring rock formations close to Vík village, huge waterfalls, such as Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss (both cascading from the ever infamous Ey-ja-fja-lla-jö-kull - still the source of bad dreams for the international airline industry), visit the ancient parliament site and the name giver of all the world´s geysers, Geysir. Just to mention a few! D1: Egilsstaðir (Seyðisfjörður) - Höfn. D2: Jökulsárlón - Ingólfshöfði Cap. D3: Skaftafell. D4: South Coast. D5: Gullfoss - Geysir - Þingvellir - Reykjavík. Available in Summer Included: Rental car, CDW insurance and extra driver, accommodation in the category of your choice, detailed information pack, breakfast with guest house accommodation, box with cooking equipment, thermos etc. with hostel and camping accommodation, (tent, mattress with camping option). Accommodation options for this package: guest house (with or without private bath), sleeping bag accommodation in hostels/huts, camping. Optional extras: Flight to Egilsstaðir, accommodation in Reykjavík before and after the tour with airport bus transfer, SCDW car insurance and GPS Why not get the best of both worlds? Hike the eastern fjords and mountains, where cars can´t go and then drive along the south coast to Reykjavik and see all the sights - glaciers, lagoons, waterfalls, geysers, black sands and bird cliffs. Combine these 2 packages for a 13 day tour.

Húnaflói Akureyri

Egilsstaðir

Breiðafjörður Askja

Stykkishólmur

ku

ll

Hofsjökull

ng

D1: Reykjavík - Egilsstaðir - Borgarfjörður Eystri. D2: Borgarfjörður Eystri - Brúnavik Breiðavík. D3: Breiðavík - Húsavík. D4: Húsavík - Loðmundarfjörður. D5: Loðmundarfjörður - (Seyðisfjörður) Egilsstaðir. Available in July - August

La

VATNAJ ÖKULL

Faxaflói

Höfn

REYKJAVÍK

Included: Flight from Reykjavík to Egilsstaðir, accommodation in well-equipped and comfortable huts, detailed information pack including self-guided walking route notes and maps. Not included: Luggage transport, food. Optional extras: Luggage transfer while trekking, sleeping bags.

Skaftafell

Landmannalaugar

Keflavík

www.mountainguides.is

Eyjafjallajökull

Mýrdalsjökull

0

50 km

Luxury Rough Around Iceland Tour of the Icelandic Highlands Hiking at the End of the World South Coast Express Laugavegur Self Guided South coast self - drive

53


ICELAND DAY TOURS

Take a Walk on the Ice Side / Sólheimajök ull Ice Climbing Walk through Ice and Fire / Horses and Glaciers Glacier Walk and Northern Lights Hot Springs and Lava Cave Golden Circle and Magical Nights Fimmvörðuháls Volcano Hike

“We did the “Walk on the Ice Side” tour and it was awesome!”

Take a Walk on the Ice Side DURATION 9 - 10 HRS TOTAL

Skógar

IMG01

ON THE ICE 3 - 3H30

Day tours around and from Reykjavík

Pick up: 08:30 from hotel or guesthouse in Reykjavik. Note: Pick up is with a Reykjavík Excursions bus. Included: Transport, guiding services, glacier gear and safety equipment. Note: Bring warm clothing, rain gear; hiking boots and lunch (it is also possible to buy lunch on the way). Boots can be rented and we lend rain coats to those who need. Minimum age: 10 years. Guaranteed departures: All year: Every day except 24th, 25th of December and 1st of January.

LEVEL EASY

Glacier Walk on Sólheimajökull glacier A Glacier Walk is a great way to experience Icelandic nature and a tour to Sólheimajökull glacier tongue is an ideal way to spend the day. On the two hour drive from Reykjavík you will pass right under the famous Eyjafjallajökull volcano that caused so much trouble in the spring of 2010. Just east of it lies Sólheimajökull an outlet glacier from Mýrdalsjökull Iceland’s fourth largest. You will go on a safe and easy glacier walk on crampons up onto the ice field where you will explore a wonderland of ice sculptures, ridges and deep crevasses, and learn about the glacier and the effect of the eruption on it and its surroundings. Our experienced mountain guides will teach you how to use basic glacier equipment necessary for this tour. On the way back there is a stop at the picturesque waterfalls Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss.

Walk through Ice and Fire DURATION 10 - 11 HRS TOTAL

ACTIVE 4 - 5 HRS

IMG02 LEVEL EASY / MODERATE

Hot Springs Hike and Glacier Walk A tour that combines two of Iceland’s natural highlights; hot springs and glaciers! This day tour starts at Hengill geothermal area, located at the foot of an old volcanic cone. There you will take a 2-3 hour walk past a series of beautiful hot springs either to the Reykjadalur valley where you can enjoy a bath in a beautiful warm stream. Depending on accessibility to Reykjadalur over the coldest winter months a visit to the hot springs of Grændalur valley is equally beautiful but without the bath. The tour continues by car right towards the two waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skógarfoss, taking you right past the Eyjafjallajökull volcano to wonders of the Sólheimajökull glacier where a short and easy Glacier Walk between ice sculptures, ridges and deep crevasses will complete your day. A tour that offers both magnificent nature and beautiful scenery. Pick up: 08:30 from hotel or guesthouse in Reykjavik. Included: Transport, guiding services, glacier gear and safety equipment. Not included: Lunch. Lunch can be added or bought on the on the way. Note: Bring warm clothing, rain gear and hiking boots, bathing suit and towel. Boots can be rented

Horses and Glaciers DURATION 11 - 12 HRS TOTAL

IMG03

RIDING 1H30

ICE WALK 2HRS

LEVEL EASY

Horse Riding and Glacier Walk This tour starts with about a 1h30-2 hrs. horseback riding in the spirit of the Vikings. Where we go depends on wind, weather and the participants’ riding experience. After a traditional meal that varies with the season, the tour continues right past the Eyjafjallajökull volcano to the great Mýrdalsjökull glacier, one of Iceland’s largest glaciers. Here, on the Sólheimajökull glacier tongue, equipped with crampons and ice axes, you will set forth on a Glacier Walk to discover a wonderland of ice sculptures, ridges and deep crevasses that will truly complete your day. A great combination of traditional horse riding and fascinating natural surroundings. Pick up: 08:15 from hotel or guesthouse in Reykjavik. Note: Pick up is with Eldhestar minibus. Included: Transport, guiding services, glacier gear, riding gear, safety equipment and lunch. Note: Bring warm clothing, rain gear, hiking shoes. Boots can be rented and we lend rain coats to those who need.

54

Þórsmörk

Minimum age: 8 years. Guaranteed departures: June 1st to September 30th. Every day. October 1st to October 31st and March 1st to May 31st. Mondays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

www.icelandrovers.is

and we lend rain coats to those who need. Minimum age: 8 years. Guaranteed departures: June 1st to September 30th. Every day. October 1st to October 31st and March 1st to May 31st. Mondays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.


Hot Springs and Lava Cave DURATION 6 - 7 HRS TOTAL

HIKING 4 HRS

IMG06

LEVEL EASY

Hengill Geothermal area and hidden lava cave On this tour we take you to the famous Hengill Volcano and into the Icelandic underground! The journey begins by exploring one of the many lava caves in the Bláfjöll mountain range, just east of Reykjavík. You will find out how lava caves are formed and discover the beauty of stalagmites and stalactites. Having enjoyed the hidden beauties of the underground, we head out to the Hengill geothermal area where an easy hike in magnificently ethereal surroundings, dotted with hot springs and bubbling mud pools, awaits you. The hike continues down through Reykjadalur “the Smokey Valley” where it is possible to enjoy a natural bath in a warm stream. Pick up: 11:30 from hotel or guesthouse in Reykjavik. Included: Transport, guiding services, snow shoes (winter), helmets and headlamp for caving. Note: Bring warm clothing, rain gear, good shoes, bathing suit, towel and lunch. Not included: Lunch. Lunch can be added or bought on the way. Minimum age: 8 years. Guaranteed departures: April 1st to October 31st: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

Reykjavík by Food DURATION 3 HRS TOTAL

IMG04

WALKING 1H30 TASTING 1H30 LEVEL EASY

Reykjavík tasting tour Explore the city, its food and restaurants and at the same time learn about Icelandic culinary traditions. The Reykjavik by food tour takes you around the streets and in to restaurants for taste of some of our delicious and bizarre traditional Icelandic food. While going between places, your host will introduce Icelandic traditions and customs in food to you and also point out different restaurants for you to try. We will stop at selected restaurants and café for a taste of the food we talk about. The tour starts at the ITM information centre in Bankastræti at 12:00. A taste of the Icelandic food that you might have read about but have never tried before. Meeting point: 12:00 at ITM information centre in Bankastræti. Included: Guiding and tasting. Note: Dress according to weather and please come hungry Minimum: 2 persons Guaranteed departures: Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

Glacier Walk and Northern Lights DURATION 11 - 12 HRS TOTAL

ACTIVE 2 - 3 HRS

IMG07

LEVEL EASY

“One of the best days of my life”

Glacier Walk and Aurora Adventure On this day tour we combine two amazing winter highlights, a Glacier Walk and a search for the amazing Aurora Borealis with a traditional dinner all in the same day. Driving towards Mýrdalsjökull glacier, we visit two impressive waterfalls, Seljalandsfoss and Skógarfoss. On Sólheimajökull glacier a safe and easy Glacier Walk on crampons will take you up on to the ice field where you will discover the different features of the glacier such as water cauldrons, deep crevasses, ridges and waterways. You will also experience the different shades of glacier ice; white ice, blue ice and plain clear ice. We then have a delicious traditional Icelandic dinner. As we head back to Reykjavík, we will drive into the night looking out for those magical Northern Lights. Pick up: 11:30 from hotel or guesthouse in Reykjavik. Included: Transport, guiding service, glacier gear, safety equipment and traditional dinner (drinks not included). Note: Bring warm clothing, rain gear, good shoes and snack/lunch. Minimum age: 8 years. Guaranteed departures: October 15th to April 15th: Every day except 24th, 25th of December and 1st of January. September 15th - October 15th Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. *Please note that the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, therefore sightings cannot be guaranteed. In spring the possibility of seeing the northern lights decreases with the longer days.

www.mountainguides.is

55


Sólheimajökull Ice Climbing DURATION 9 - 10 HRS TOTAL

CLIMBING 3 - 4 HRS

IMG05

ALL LEVEL

Ice Climbing If you want to venture into the vertical world of ice climbing, but have never had the opportunity, you can join us on Sólheimajökull and experience the thrill with veteran assistance. With Icelandic Mountain Guides you can learn the basic techniques and how to use the appropriate equipment. Ice climbing is a unique experience that can be practiced all year round in Iceland, therefore we can offer you the perfect opportunity to go out and swing those ice tools. Pick up: In Reykjavík from hotel or guesthouse from 08:30. Please note: Pick up is with a Reykjavík Excursions bus. Included: Transport, guiding services, stiff ice climbing boots, ice climbing gear and other safety equipment.

Golden Circle and Magical Nights DURATION 10 - 11 HRS TOTAL

ACTIVE 1 - 2 HRS

Not included: Lunch. Lunch can be added or the bought on the way. Note: Bring warm clothing and rain gear. Minimum age: 14 years. Guaranteed departures: September 1st to April 30th: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

IMG09

LEVEL EASY

Gullfoss - Geysir, Relaxing Nature Bath, Dinner and Northern Lights This is a tour that combines the famous Golden Circle with a visit to a geothermal spa, dinner and a chance to enjoy the natural magic of the Northern lights! First we enjoy of landscape and nature on the Golden Circle route, beginning with the old Viking parliament at Þingvellir National Park, full of history and right on the volcanic rift. Next we visit the great Geyser and the reliable Strokkur geyser that erupts every 3 to 7 minutes, spouting hot water up as high as 15-30m. The magnificent Gullfoss is not far away and you will enjoy the sight of it cascading down the white colored Hvítá River. After enjoying these jewels of Icelandic nature it is time to experience Iceland’s geothermal power with a visit to Laugarvatn Fontana spa with its natural steam baths and open air hot pools. We continue to nourish our bodies with a dinner at the local restaurant Lindin, known for its delicious chocolate mousse After a delicious dinner it is time to start searching for the spectacular phenomena that is the Aurora Borealis. Pick up: 11:30 from hotel or guesthouse in Reykjavik. Included: Transport, guiding service, entrance and towel at Laugarvatn Fontana, today’s special and chocolate mousse dessert at Lindin Restaurant.

Note: Bring warm clothing, rain gear, good shoes, bathing suit, towel and snack. Drinks are not included. Guaranteed departure: September 15th to April 15th: Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

*Please note that the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, therefore sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Fimmvörðuháls Volcano Hike DURATION 16 - 17 HRS TOTAL

IMG14

LEVEL DEMANDING

From Skógar to Þórsmörk – Day tour from Reykjavík The Fimmvörðuháls pass from Skógar to Þórsmörk is one of Iceland´s most popular hiking routes. The trail takes us up from Skógar, along Skógá River and its many waterfalls. We head up between the two glaciers, Eyjafjallajokull and Mýrdalsjökull, to the recently formed lava and the new craters, Magni and Móði. Here the fresh lava is still steaming under the surface and the heat of the lava can still be felt. Heading down from the craters to the magnificent Þórsmörk glacier valley, we continue to enjoy more geological features as well as some amazing views over the highlands of Iceland and the surrounding glaciers. Given that we have time in Þórsmörk we enjoy our dinner in the fairytale landscape that surrounds the valley before we head back to Reykjavík on the bus. Once in a lifetime experience for all hikers and nature enthusiasts! Pick up: 07:00 from hotel or guesthouse in Reykjavik. Please note: Pick up is with a Reykjavík Excursions bus. Included: Transport and guiding service. Not included: Lunch, dinner. Note: Bring warm clothing, rain gear, hiking boots, food, drinks and energy bars. Boots can be rented and we lend rain coats to

56

www.icelandrovers.is

those who need. Minimum: 2 persons. Minimum age: 16 years Guaranteed departure: June 1st to August 31st: Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays. Available without transfer from Reykjavík.


l

Hofsjökull

ul

Húsafell

ök

La

n

Faxaflói

VAT NA JÖK

Gullfoss

REYKJAVÍK Keflavík Landmannalaugar

Essential Iceland Fimmvörðuháls Volcano Mt. Hekla and Landmannalaugar Tour Northern Lights and Lobster Þórsmörk Glacier Valley The Classic Golden Circle Eyjafjallajökull and Glacier Walk

Þórsmörk Eyjafjallajökull

0

Mýrdalsjökull

50 km

“We loved this tour and our guide Arnar was amazing! He was knowledgeable, informative, and super fun.”

Essential Iceland DURATION 9 - 11 HRS

ILR01 LEVEL EASY

Viking parliament, Glacier, Lava Cave, Hot Spring and Waterfalls Enjoy an amazing tour through a landscape of extreme contrasts, full of history and geology. Our day begins with a stop at Þingvellir National Park, the site of the ancient Viking parliament dating back to the 10th century. From there we head into the highlands, through the barren mountain pass of Kaldidalur to Langjökull for an unforgettable discovery of this enormous glacier. The lava field of Hallmundarhraun is our next destination where you will explore one of Iceland’s biggest and most majestic lava caves. After a short caving experience, you will visit the extraordinary, lush waterfalls, Hraunfossar and Barnafoss, and take a look at one of the world’s largest hot springs, Deildartunguhver before returning to Reykjavík. Pick up: 08:30 from hotel or guesthouse in Reykjavik. Included: Driver-tour guide, helmet and headlamp for caving. Not included: Lunch. Lunch can be bought on the way.

Note: Bring warm clothing, good shoes and lunch. Guaranteed departures: All year: Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, except 1st of January.

Eyjafjallajökull Volcano Tour DURATION 10 - 12 HRS

ILR17

LEVEL MODERATE / CHALLENGING

www.mountainguides.is

4x4 Adventures

Steaming lava and Iceland’s youngest craters An exciting day tour that takes you to the area of the recent eruption that made headlines all over the world. Our destination is the Fimmvörðuháls pass and the craters Magni and Móði (1100m) that erupted during the first phase of the eruption. Just east of the world famous Mt. Eyjafjallajökull volcano we turn onto a mountain track leading up the Fimmvörðuháls pass. Leaving our vehicles behind at 800m altitude we gear up for a 3 hour long hike to the craters where the fresh lava isstill steaming and glowing under the surface. While exploring the craters and these new grounds you will get a sense of the forces of nature that were at work. A breathtaking view over the Þórsmörk valley and the glaciers descending from the Mýrdalsjökull ice cap are also ours to enjoy. On the way back you admire the beauty and power of the North Atlantic Ocean when we take a 4x4 drive down onto the black sand beaches. Last but not least, the picturesque waterfalls Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss are mandatory stops where the brave ones can venture behind the waterfall as it falls off its cliff! Pick-up: 08:00 from hotel or guesthouse in Reykjavik. Included: Driver-tour guide and a 3 hour hike. Not included: Lunch. Lunch can be bought on the way. Note: This tour includes a 3 hour hike at

ICELAND ROVERS SUPER JEEP SUPER TOURS

gj

1000m altitude. It is important to bring warm clothing, rain gear and hiking shoes. Boots can be rented and we lend rain coats for those who need. Guaranteed departures: June 15th to October 31st Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

57


Hekla Volcano and Landmannalaugar Tour ILR05 DURATION 11 - 12 HRS

LEVEL EASY

Mt. Hekla, Landmannalaugar, Craters and Volcanic Landscape This is a unique and unforgettable tour through some of the most rugged terrain in the southern highlands of Iceland. We start by heading to the foot of Hekla where the landscape has been shaped by centuries of volcanic activity. In our jeep we climb as high as 1000 m (3280’) above sea level to enjoy fascinating views over the Fjallabak Nature Reserve and some of Iceland’s glaciers as well, although visibility is weather permitting. Now we are in one of the largest geothermal areas in Iceland where fire and ice shape the landscape. We continue to Landmannalaugar where a short hike to enjoy the colorful landscape and a warm bath in a natural pool is optional before heading back to Reykjavík. This is a land of unreal beauty with steaming hot springs, glacier ice and explosive craters, and an amazing range of colors. Pick-up: 08:00 from hotel or guesthouse in Reykjavik. Included: Driver-tour guide and Landmannalaugar service fee. Not included: Lunch. Lunch can be bought on the way. Note: Bring warm clothing, good shoes,

bathing suit, towel and lunch. Boots can be rented and we lend rain coats to those who need. Guaranteed departures: June 15th to October 31st: Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Northern Lights and Lobster DURATION 5 - 6 HRS

ILR06

LEVEL EASY

Northern Lights, Black sand beaches and Lobster Feast You will be whisked out of Reykjavik in search of a night sky that is free of city lights in order to enhance the beauty of the Aurora Borealis as this spectacular natural phenomenon is best enjoyed well away from any light source. On the way we will head down to the black sand beaches of the south for some Icelandic delicacies, before continuing our search for the wonders of the night sky. The road takes us to one of Iceland’s most renowned seafood restaurants for an unforgettable lobster feast. The search for those mysterious lights of the winter sky will then continue all the way back to Reykjavík. Pick-up: 18:30 from hotel guesthouse in Reykjavik. Included: Driver-tour guide, lobster feast and Icelandic schnapps.

Note: Drinks and dessert are not included. Guaranteed departures: September 1st to April 15th: Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

*Please note that the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, therefore, sightings cannot be guaranteed.

58

www.icelandrovers.is


Þórsmörk Glacier Valley

ILR12

LEVEL EASY

DURATION 9 - 11 HRS

In the Shadow of the Volcano Þórsmörk Glacier Valley, named after the mighty pagan God Thor, is a natural oasis that lies just behind the now famous Eyjafjallajökull volcano. The 2010 eruption altered the appearance of the landscape here but at the same time it reminds us of how the elements of ice and fire constantly shape and reshape the surface of our planet. To get into this land behind the glaciers can be quite the adventure. We have to drive on a 4x4 track, over numerous unbridged glacial rivers, some of which can be quite deep. Once there, you will find yourself in a magnificent valley, full of geological wonders and unique vistas that Icelandic nature lovers have enjoyed for centuries, with the volcano rising to the south. On your way back, the spectacular Seljalandsfoss waterfall awaits where the brave one can venture behind the cascading water. A 4x4 tour into Þórsmörk Glacier Valley is truly an experience of nature. Pick-up: 08:30 from hotel or guesthouse in Reykjavik. Included: Driver-tour guide. Not included: Lunch. Lunch can be bought on the way.

Volcano and Glacier Walk DURATION 10 - 12 HRS

Note: Bring warm clothing, rain gear and good shoes. Guaranteed departures: June 1st to August 31st: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.

ILR12W

LEVEL EASY

Eyjafjallajökull Volcano, glacier walk and black beaches This exciting day tour is our winter version of the Þórsmörk tour. From Reykjavík we set out taking the road east towards the Volcano Eyjafjallajökull. There we turn in the direction of Þórsmörk and head inland all the way up to Gígjökull, an outlet glacier that falls down from the Eyjafjallajökull Crater. Here we see the impact of the 2010 eruption on this glacier and get an idea of the forces at play. Continuing east we come to Sólheimajökull glacier where we go for a Blue Ice Glacier Walk (1h30). Here you will discover all kinds of ice formations and the different colors of the glacier ice. On the way we visit the impressive waterfall of Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss before heading back to Reykjavík. Pick-up: 08:00 from hotel or guesthouse in Reykjavik. Included: Driver-tour guide and a glacier walk (1h30). Not included: Lunch. Lunch can be bought on the way.

Note: Bring warm clothing, rain gear and good shoes. Minimum age: 8 years. Guaranteed departures: September 1st to May 31st: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.

The Classic Golden Circle Tour DURATION 8- 9 HRS

ILR13

LEVEL EASY

Þingvellir, Gullfoss and Geysir and Langjökull glacier Þingvellir National Park, home of Iceland’s ancient Viking parliament and listed as a UNESCO’s World Heritage site will be our first or last stop depending on conditions. There we take a walk to experience firsthand the geological phenomenon that is the Mid-Atlantic ridge. From Þingvellir we head east over Lyngdalsheiði following a road with great views of the rugged lava fields, passing Laugarvatn lake, we arrive at Haukadalur, home of the great Geysir and the reliable Strokkur geyser that erupts with 3 to 7 minutes intervals. Next the magnificent Gullfoss awaits us as it comes cascading down the white colored Hvítá river. We then head up to Langjökull glacier for a look and feel of the glacier. From June 15th to September 30th we take the back roads through lava fields for a super jeep adventure back to Reykjavík. Pick-up: 08:30 from hotel or guesthouse in Reykjavik. Included: Driver-tour guide Not included: Lunch. Lunch (Icelandic

www.mountainguides.is

Meat Soup) can be added or bought on the way. Guaranteed departure: All year: Wednesdays and Saturdays.

59


MÝRDALSJÖKULL DAY TOURS

“This tour was the highlight of our trip to Iceland and one we will never forget.”

Sólheimajökull Exploration

IMG12

DURATION 3 - 4 HRS TOTAL ON THE ICE 2H30 - 3H30 LEVEL EASY

Sólheimajökull Glacier Walks and Hiking

Glacier Walk on Sólheimajökull This easy Glacier Walk is suitable for all. The tour takes you right up onto the Sólheimajökull glacier where a wonderland of ice sculptures, ridges and deep crevasses await your discovery. While enjoying the spectacular surroundings of the Sólheimajökull glacier tongue, you will learn more about the behavior of glaciers and their impact on nature. At the beginning of the tour, an experienced glacier guide will teach you how to use basic equipment, crampons and an ice axe which are provided for all tours into magical frozen world.

Blue Ice Adventure

IMG11

DURATION 2 HRS TOTAL ON THE ICE 1H30

LEVEL EASY

Easy glacier walk on Sólheimajökull On this easy and safe glacier walk you will get a glimpse of the breathtaking Sólheimajökull glacier and its surroundings. The tour focuses on the exploration of water cauldrons, waterways and other ice features of the glacier where you will experience the different shades of the glacier ice, white ice, blue ice and just plain clear ice. Before setting out a glacier guide will teach you how to use the basic glacier equipment, such as crampons and ice axes, which are provided for all glacier tours. This tour is suitable for all over the age of 8 years old.

Meeting point: Parking area at the foot of the Sólheimajökull. Included: Guiding services, glacier gear and safety equipment. Note: Bring warm clothing, rain gear and good shoes. Minimum age: 10 years Departures: All year: Every day at 12:00 (except December 24th and 25th, and January 1st). Additionally June 1st to August 31st at 10:30. Pre-booking is necessary in winter at +354 587 9999. Return pick up from Skógar available on demand from July 1st to August 15th at 11:30.

Meeting point: Parking area at the foot of the Sólheimajökull glacier. Included: Guiding services, glacier gear and safety equipment. Note: Bring warm clothing, rain gear and good shoes. Minimum age: 8 years. Departures: Every day at 10:00 and 14:00 (except December 24th and 25th, and January 1st). Additionally March 1st to October 31st : Every day at 15:30. Pre-booking is necessary in winter at +354 587 9999. Return pick up from Skógar available on demand from July 1st to August 15th at 13:30.

“A superb experience”.

60

www.icelandrovers.is


“Just a quick note to say “thank you” for a fantastic climb of Eyjafjallajökull”

Fimmvörðuháls Volcano Hike

IMG17

DURATION TOTAL DISTANCE ​ELEVATION LEVEL 8 - 10 HRS HIKING 22 KM (14 MI) 1000 M (3300 FT) DEMANDING

Iceland’s most recent lava The Fimmvörðuháls pass from Skógar to Þórsmörk is one of Iceland´s most popular hiking routes. The trail takes us up from Skógar, along Skógá River and its many waterfalls. We head up between the two glaciers, Eyjafjallajokull and Mýrdalsjökull, to the recently formed lava and the new craters, Magni and Móði. Here the fresh lava is still steaming under the surface and the heat of the lava can still be felt. Heading down from the craters to the magnificent Þórsmörk glacier valley we continue to enjoy more geological features as well as some amazing views over the highlands of Iceland and the surrounding glaciers. In Þórsmörk we enjoy our dinner in the fairytale landscape that surrounds the valley before we head back to Reykjavík on the bus. Once in a lifetime experience for all hikers and nature enthusiasts! Meeting point: At Skógar (IMG sales office) 15 minutes before departure. Included: Guiding services, transport back from Þórsmörk. Not included: Lunch, dinner, drinks and energy bars Note: Bring warm clothing, rain gear, hiking boots and lunch/energy bars and drinks.

Minimum age: 16 years Minimum: 2 persons Departures: June 16th to August 31st: Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays at 10:00. Transfer from Reykjavík available.

www.mountainguides.is

61


DAY TOURS FROM SKAFTAFELL - VATNAJÖKULL NATIONAL PARK 62

“The guide was awesome and the scenery was out of this world! Highly recommend!”

Glacier Adventure

IMG22

DURATION 4 HRS TOTAL ON THE ICE 3 HRS LEVEL MODERATE

Blue Ice Experience

IMG21

DURATION 2H30 - 3 HRS ON THE ICE 1H30 - 2 HRS LEVEL EASY

Glacier Walk on Svínafellsjökull glacier tongue An easy Glacier Walk on the Svínafellsjökull glacier tongue, a breathtaking outlet glacier projecting from Vatnajökull. From here the scenery and views are simply stunning. You will be lead through a wonderland of ice sculptures, wandering through ice ridges and the deep crevasses of the glacier. An experienced guide teaches you how to use basic glacier equipment like crampons and ice axes and leads you safely into this glacial wonderland. Meeting point: Icelandic Mountain Guides Sales Lodge (next to National Park Visitor Center) 15 minutes prior to departure. Included: Guiding services, glacier gear and safety equipment. Note: Bring warm clothing, rain gear

Glacier Adventure This is a moderate Glacier Walk in the majestic landscape of Svínafellsjökull, surrounded by some of Iceland’s most spectacular peaks. You will hike along the Svínafellsjökull glacier tongue into the valley between the summits of Hvannadalshnúkur and Hrútsfjall, traversing zones of different glacial formations. This is a wonderland of ice, made up by water cauldrons, deep crevasses and strangely shaped ridges. Here our guide will tell you everything about the ever changing formations of this frozen giant. The panoramic view of the glacier, its dramatic icefall and the surrounding peaks, combined with the unique experience of ice under your feet, is sure to leave lasting memories. Meeting point: Icelandic Mountain Guides Sales Lodge (next to National Park Visitor Center) 15 minutes prior to departure. Included: Guiding services, glacier gear and safety equipment. Note: Bring warm clothing, rain gear, hiking boots and a snack. Minimum age: 14 years.

and hiking boots. Minimum age: 8 years. Departures: All year: Every day at 10:00 and 14:00, except 24th, 25th of December and 1st of January. Additionally July 1st to August 31st: Every day at 11:00 and 15:00.

www.icelandrovers.is

Departures: May 1st to September 30th: Every day at 09:00 and 13:00. Additionally July 1st to August 31st: Every day at 9:30 and 13:30. From June 1st to August 31st: Pick up available on demand from Svínafell camp site and Fosshótel Skaftafell 30 minutes prior to departure.


Glacier Walk and Jökulsárlón DURATION 7 - 8 HRS

LEVEL MODERATE

A perfect combo tour with a Glacier Walk and a Zodiac Adventure cruise on the Glacier Lagoon.

Full Day Glacier Adventure

IMG23

DURATION 7 HRS TOTAL ON THE ICE 6H30 LEVEL MODERATE / CHALLENGING

Glacier Expedition This is a moderate to challenging Glacier Tour in the majestic landscape of Svínafellsjökull, surrounded by some of Iceland’s most spectacular peaks. On this full day adventure you will hike up the Svínafellsjökull glacier tongue deep into the glacier valley between the summits of Hvannadalshnúkur and Hrútsfjall. An experienced glacier guide will safely lead you into this frozen world and reveal to you the secrets of this largest glacier in Europe. A whole day on the glacier will allow you to experience the magic of ice to the fullest. A definite must for ice and outdoor enthusiasts. Meeting point: Icelandic Mountain Guides Sales Lodge (next to National Park Visitor Center) 15 minutes prior to departure. Included: Guiding services, glacier gear and safety equipment. Note: Bring warm clothing, rain gear, hiking boots, and lunch.

Minimum age: 16 years Minimum: 2 persons Departures: June 1st to August 31st: Every day at 09:00. Pick up is available on demand from Svinafell and Fosshótel Skaftafell 30 minutes prior to departure.

Glacier Walk and the Glacier Lagoon On this amazing combination tour you will start with a Glacier Walk, on Svínafellsjökull glacier tongue. There, one of our experienced glacier guides will lead you safely through the glacial wonderland of ridges, crevasses and ice formations. Next, the tour continues to the famous Glacier Lagoon where we will take a ride on a Zodiac Adventure Cruise, sailing between the icebergs of all shapes and sizes, floating around the clear blue water. After the Zodiac experience we head down to the black sand beach to take a closer look at the icebergs that have floated all the way from the glacier lagoon and into the Atlantic Ocean. The perfect combination tour, packed with fun activities and breathtaking sceneries. Meeting point: Icelandic Mountain Guides Sales Lodge (next to National Park Visitor Center) 15 min. prior to departure. Includes: Guiding services, transportation, glacier gear and safety equipment, a Zodiac tour and a short hike. Note: Bring lunch, warm clothing, rain gear and hiking boots. Hiking boots can be rented and lunch bought on the way. Minimum age: 14 years. Minimum: 2 persons Departures: June 15th to September 15th: Every day at 08.30. Pick up is available on demand from Svinafell and Fosshótel Skaftafell 30 minutes prior to departure.

www.mountainguides.is

63


Ice Climbing

IMG24

DURATION 4 HRS TOTAL

ON THE ICE 3 HRS

LEVEL: All levels, the challenge can be adapted to each group and individual.

Ice Climbing A three hour ice-climbing tour for almost any level. Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced ice climber the Svínafellsjökull glacier is the ideal playground for you with its ice walls of various shapes and heights. The location is excellent for either the introduction of the sport or to improve your technique. The spectacular scenery of the surrounding mountains can be enjoyed from a different angle on this tour. A fun tour for everyone, known to leave a lasting impression and create memories for a life time. Meeting point: Icelandic Mountain Guides Sales Lodge (next to National Park Visitor Center) 15 minutes prior to departure. Included: Guiding services, glacier and ice climbing gear and other safety equipment.

64

Note: Bring warm clothing, rain gear, gloves and snacks. Minimum age: 10 years. Minimum: 2 persons. Departures: June 1st to August 31st: Every day at 09:30 and 14:30.

Hrútsfjallstindar Peaks DURATION 14 - 16 HRS

DISTANCE 22 KM (14 MI)

​HEIGHT GAIN 1800 M (6500 FT)

IMG27 LEVEL DEMANDING / STRENUOUS

Hrútsfjallstindar Peaks 1875 Hrútsfjallstindar is the name of the impressive peaks dominating the skyline to the north of Svínafellsjökull glacier. There are four peaks and the highest one is 1875 m high (6150 ‘). For many years the peaks have challenged serious climbers and several climbing routes are already established. However a trip up to the Hrútsfjallstindar is on par with a trip to the summit of Hvannadalshnúkur. The hike is equally demanding and takes about 14 - 16 hours. The route offers magnificent scenery over the Öræfajökull massif as well as the Skaftafellsjökull and Svínafellsjökull glaciers. No special mountaineering skills are required but the hike can be physically demanding. Meeting point: Icelandic Mountain Guides Sales Lodge (next to National Park Visitor Center) 30 minutes prior to departure. Includes: Guiding services, ice gear and safety equipment. Note: A briefing with your guide takes place the evening before. Bring warm clothing, rain gear, hiking boots, lunch, energy bars and drinks.

www.icelandrovers.is

Minimum age: 16 years Minimum: 2 persons. Departures: April 1st to September 30th: Saturdays, at 05:00 in the morning, when weather and conditions permit. For other departures: Please contact our sales office.


“We climbed Hvannadalshnúkur with Icelandic Mountain Guides and had an awesome experience.”

Hvannadalshnúkur: Iceland’s Highest Summit DURATION 10 - 15 HRS

TOTAL DISTANCE 22 KM (14 MI)

​HEIGHT GAIN OVER 2000 M (6500 FT)

IMG25 LEVEL STRENUOUS

A hike on snow and ice to Hvannadalshnúkur Summit The ascent of the highest peak in Iceland, Hvannadalshnúkur (2110 m / 6921 feet) is a once in a lifetime must for outdoors enthusiasts. This unforgettable climb has breathtaking panoramic views stretching over the rugged outlet glaciers of Vatnajökull glacier and over the vast sandy plains of the glaciated rivers below. No special technical skills are required but the hike is physically challenging. From midsummer, conditions may change forcing us to lower the number of guests per guide. For up to date information on conditions and prices please contact IMG in Skaftafell National Park. Meeting point: Icelandic Mountain Guides Sales Lodge (next to National Park Visitor Center) 30 minutes prior to departure. Included: Guiding services, glacier gear and safety equipment. Note: A briefing with a guide takes place the evening before. Bring warm clothing, rain gear, hiking boots and food. Minimum age: 16 years

Minimum: 2 persons. Departures: April 1st to August 15th: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, at 05:00 in the morning, when weather and conditions permit. For other departures: Please contact our guides in Skaftafell. See our web site for other mountain climbing tours available

For package price with accommodation before and after the accession to Hvannadalshnúkur summit, please contact us. Are you into Alpine Ski Touring? Check out our packages form Reykjavík for ski touring down Iceland Highest Peak on www.mountainguides.is

www.mountainguides.is

65


Imagine ...

ight into mountains descending stra a country with steep granite ing s float on deep fjords reflect the sea. Where white iceberg local e ocean. A country where the their images on a calm blu that helped ts and uphold the customs people still honor their roo that hostile environment. Well, them survive in an extremely we at say to ss Greenland. Needle country exists and it is called country s have been in love with this Icelandic Mountain Guide aineering ing about expeditions, mount since our childhood, dream enland adding more trips to our Gre and great adventures. Always overy, sailing backpacking, trekking, disc catalog and now we offer and is the as individual packages. Icel and skiing options as well Mountain enland tour and Icelandic ideal base to start your Gre enture. a successful Greenland adv Guides the ideal partner for


GREENLAND


EAST GREENLAND

“Friend wanted to go to Greenland, and others wanted Iceland so we decided on both!”

Group Tours

East Greenland sometimes referred to as the “backside” because of the regions isolation. However it is this same isolation that makes it a unique destination. Here the mountains rise the highest, towering directly up from the sea and along with deep fjords dotted with icebergs give the environment a dramatic aura. Countless lakes, streams, rivers and waterfalls along with an intensity of a light that is unique also contribute to the magnificent scenery. The awesome landscape is unparalleled in the entire arctic making East Greenland a unique destination.

Terre Polaire BASE CAMP 12 DAYS

PER DAY 5 - 6 HRS

GROUP SIZE LEVEL 5 -15 MODERATE / CHALLENGING

BASE CAMP PER DAY 8 DAYS 5 - 7 HRS

IMG78

GROUP SIZE LEVEL 5 -15 MODERATE / CHALLENGING

HIKING DISTANCE ALTITUDE MAXIMUM ASCENT 80 KM (50 MI) 0 - 1000 M (0 - 3280 FT) 1000 M (3280 FT)

HIKING DISTANCE 70 KM (43 MI)

Base camp hiking in Greenland The east coast of Greenland in the Ammassalik area is one of the most spectacular places on this great island. Everywhere high peaks rise up and long deep fjords decorated with icebergs cut between inumerable small islands. On this amazing tour we will explore different areas with hikes setting out from our base camps, occasionally climb some easy peaks to enjoy the fascinating views and visit some of the villages in the area. The tour starts with a visit of Kulusuk Island before we head up to the Ikaasatsivaq strait, north of Ammassalik Island. There we’ll hike along the coast and climb up to the neighboring peaks, with view over the Sermilik fjord and visit the small hunters village of Tiniteqilaaq. The Karale fjord is our next destination. Facing the spectacular Knud Rasmussen glacier we will witness how it comes falling into the ocean creating a great spectacle. On the way to Ammassalik Island we stop by the small village of Sermiliqaq, before coming to the town of Tasiilaq, the area’s administrative centre. Base camp hiking gives us a chance to get to know each area in a more profound way, both the landscape and villages that will give us an insight into the life and culture of the Inuit. A marvelous adventure in an isolated and untamed natural environment.

Greenland discovery The North Atlantic Ocean is home to two islands, neighbors that are still so different in many respects. One is an island continent covered by a vast body of ice and a coast line of great peaks and enormous glaciers. The other is a small volcanic island whose high geological activity has shaped its appearance. This Greenland tour can be taken separately or combined with the Iceland Highland Adventure on page 21. This tour is a discovery of a world that is both so close but unlike anything. We immerse ourselves in the arctic experience on the dramatic east coast of Greenland where the landscape is marked by contrasts between high peaks and the fjords decorated with floating icebergs. Traveling between base camps by boat we explore the areas around the village of Tasiilaq on Ammassalik Island, Kummiiut and the Karale fjord where the great glacier tongue of Knud Rasmussen glacier calves into the fjord in a spectacular way. Every day there is a hike and often we try to reach higher ground for a view over the granite peaks, glaciers and fjords. With the combination of the Iceland highland discovery you have a tour that offers the best of the untamed wilderness of these two amazing counties.

Included: Guide, food for 12 days (from lunch day 1 to lunch day 12), flights: Reykjavik - Kulusuk - Reykjavík, boat transfers, tents (7 nights), 2 nights in hostel in Tasiilaq, 2 nights in hostel in Kulusuk. Please note: The tour starts and ends at the domestic airport in Reykjavík. Pick up/drop off and/or accommodation in Reykjavík can be added. D1: Kulusuk. D2: Kulusuk Island. D3: Ikaasatsivaq strait. D4: Unnamed mountain. D5: Sermilik Fjord - Tineteqilaaq. D6: Unnamed mountain. D7: Knud-Rasmussen Fjord. D8: Karale Glacier. D9: Viewpoint over fjords and glaciers (1290m). D10: Sermiliqaq - Tasiilaq. D11: Mount Somandsfjeldet - Tasiilaq. D12: Kulusuk.

Included: Guide, food for 8 days (from lunch day 1 to lunch day 8), flights: Reykjavik - Kulusuk - Reykjavík, boat transfers in Greenland, tents accommodation (4 nights), 3 nights in hostel in Tasiilaq. Please note: The tour starts and ends at the domestic airport in Reykjavík. Pick up/drop off and or accommodation in Reykjavík can be added. D1: Kulusuk - Knud-Rasmussen glacier - Karale fjord. D2: Karale fjord. D3: Karale Kuumiiut. D4: Mount Kuumiiut. D5: Kuumiiut - Tasiilaq. D6: Mount Somandsfjeldet - Tasiilaq. D7: Mount Præstefjeld-Tasilaq. D8: Tasilaq- Kulusuk.

Departure dates: 07.07 - 18.07.2014 21.07 - 01.08.2014

68

The Essential Greenland Tour

IMG72

ALTITUDE MAXIMUM ASCENT 0 - 1000 M (0 - 3280 FT) 1000 M (3280 FT)

Departure dates: 14.07 - 21.07.2014 and 04.08 - 11.08.2014 04.08 - 15.08.2014 18.08 - 29.08.2014

Combine this tour with the “Iceland Highland Adventur” for a full Essential Iceland Greenland experience. The trip code for the combined tour is IMG73. All departures are in English/French

All departures are in English/French

www.greenland.is


Fjords, Glaciers and Peaks HIKING 12 DAYS

PER DAY 5 - 7 HRS

TOTAL DISTANCE 140 KM (87 MI)

Mountain, Fjord and Icecap BASE CAMP 10 DAYS

PER DAY 5 - 8 HRS

HIKING DISTANCE 70 KM (43 MI)

GROUP SIZE 5 -15

ALTITUDE 0 - 1050 M (0 - 3420 FT)

IMG74

LEVEL MODERATE / CHALLENGING MAXIMUM ASCENT 1050 M (3420 FT)

Base camp hiking in Greenland The east coast of Greenland has one of the most spectacular landscapes in the world. This tour offers a great showing of exactly that. From Kulusuk we sail across the vast iceberg filled Ammassalik fjord Tunu where we explore smaller fjords and summits of the steep granite mountains in the vicinity of the village of Kummiut. After we head over to the area of the hunters and fisherman village of Tiniteqilaq. There, more granite ridges and the rugged coastlines are waiting to be explored. Our camps are set in scenic places and we have time to relax and enjoy the surroundings. The last stop is on Kulusuk Island where we find interesting bird life and can enjoy views over the drift ice coming from the North Pole. Our last night we stay in the village of Kulusuk among the red, yellow and blue houses of the locals. Stunning hiking tour in the Arctic surroundings of East Greenland.

GROUP SIZE 5 -14

IMG81

LEVEL CHALLENGING

ALTITUDE 0 - 850 M ( 0 - 2790 FT)

MAXIMUM ASCENT 850 M (2790 FT)

Boat assisted trek in East Greenland This extraordinary trip takes you to some of the most remote and wild places in Greenland. Here the mountains are steeper and higher than in most other parts of this huge island, and the local Inuit stay close to their origin still depending on fishing and hunting for their survival. Deep fjord systems and floating icebergs create the perfect arctic atmosphere for an unforgettable journey. On this amazing trekking tour we will enjoy the sights of this breathtaking landscape both from below and from the top of small peaks we ascend for an incredible view. The tour includes the “must see“ Karale fjord as well as the remote but fantastic Tasiilaq fjord. This area is relatively easily accessed and yet so remote, and the use of our boat makes this the ideal travel for those who like to do a real trekking without carrying heavy packs. Included: Guide, food for 12 days (from lunch day 1 to lunch day 12), flights: Reykjavik - Kulusuk - Reykjavík, boat transfers, boat for baggage transport, tents (8 nights), hut (2 nights) and 1 night in a hostel in Kulusuk. Please note: The tour starts and ends at the domestic airport in Reykjavík Pick up/drop off and/or accommodation in Reykjavík can be added. D1: Kulusuk - Karale Fjord. D2: Unnamed mountain. D3: Karale Fjord. D4: Karale Nunartivaq. D5: Nunartivaq - Ikateq. D6: Ikateq - Tunu fjord - Tunup Kua. D7: Tunup Kua - Tasilaq fjord. D8: Tasilaq fjord - Tasilap kua. D9: Tasilaq mountain hut. D10: Unnamed summit - Tasilaq mountain hut. D11: Tasilaq fjord - Kulusuk. D12: Kulusuk. Departure dates: 30.06 - 11.07.2014 14.07 - 25.07.2014

28.07 - 08.08.2014 11.08 - 22.08.2014

All departures are in English/French

Included: Guide, food for 10 days (from lunch day 1 to lunch day 10), flights: Reykjavik Kulusuk - Reykjavík, boat transfers, tents (8 nights), 1 night in hostel in Kulusuk Please note: The tour starts and ends at the domestic airport in Reykjavík. Pick up/drop off and/or accommodation in Reykjavík can be added. D1: Kulusuk - Tunu. D2: Fjord Tunu. D3: Ascent of Mount Kuumiiut. D4: The unnamed mountain. D5: Fjord next to Tiniteqilaq. D6: Tiniteqilaq. D7: Parnartivartik and Niiniartivaraq. D8: Tiniteqilaq fjord - Kulusuk. D9: Kulusuk. D10: Kulusuk. Departure dates: 19.06 - 28.06.2014, 17.07 - 26.07.2014 and 14.08 - 23.08.2014 All departures are in English

www.mountainguides.is

69


Trekking along the Icefjord HIKING 7 DAYS

PER DAY 6 - 7 HRS

TOTAL DISTANCE 75 KM (46 MI)

GROUP SIZE 6 -14

IMG84

LEVEL CHALLENGING

ALTITUDE 0 - 500 M (0 - 1640 FT)

MAXIMUM ASCENT 500 M (1640 FT)

Short trek on Ammassalik Island The remote region of the Ammassalik district has many splendid possibilities for hikers and trekkers alike. This trek takes us to the fantastic Sermilik Icefjord, the hunter’s village Tiniteqilaaq, along the west coast of the Ammassalik Island and across it on the traditional Sermilikvej path. Endless numbers of icebergs reflected in the calm sea, colorful yellow granite, jagged peaks kissing the sky capped with white glaciers, lakes and rivers. The perfect spectacle for the eye of the keen trekker and in an extremely peaceful environment. The trip ends in the charming town of Tasiilaq with its typical colorful Greenlandic houses. Baggage is transported with a boat from camp to camp. Included: Guide, food for 7 days (from lunch day 1 to lunch day 7), flights: Reykjavik - Kulusuk - Reykjavík, boat transfers: Kulusuk - Tasiilaq - Kulusuk, tents (3 nights) hut (1 night) and 2 nights in a hostel in Tasiilaq. Please note: The tour starts and ends at the domestic airport in Reykjavík Pick up/drop off and/or accommodation in Reykjavík can be added. D1: Kulusuk - Tiniteqilaaq, Ammassalik Island. D2: Sermilik ice fjord. D3: Sermilik coast - Mittivakkat glacier. D4: The Mittivakkat glacier. D5: Sermilikvej path Tasiilaq. D6: Mount Somandsfjell. D7: Kulusuk. Departure dates: 28.06 - 04.07.2014 19.07 - 25.07.2014

09.08 - 15.08.2014 23.08 - 29.08.2014

The Inuit Trail HIKING 12 DAYS

GROUP SIZE 6 - 14

PER DAY 6 - 8 HRS

TOTAL DISTANCE 100 KM (62 MI)

IMG82

ALTITUDE 0 - 700 m (0 - 2295 FT)

LEVEL DEMANDING MAXIMUM ASCENT 700 M (2295 FT)

Profound backcountry backpacking This tour is the ultimate East Greenland backpacking trip. It offers every challenge of good backpacking, narrow valleys and fjords, high granite peaks rising almost straight up from the sea and of course fantastic views from beautiful wild camps. The tour takes us to places in the mountains east of the Sermilik fjord you cannot access by other means than on foot. Here we discover the fragile flora and bird life of the Arctic and of course the enormous amount of icebergs and drift ice of the Sermilik called Ice fjord for a reason! Our walk takes us past lakes and rivers, along the coast of ice filled fjords where the mountains are reflected in the still water of the Arctic summer. We visit the hunters villages of Tiniteqilaaq and Kulusuk and the regional capital Tasiilaq (1800 inhabitants). During the backpacking we carry provisions for 3 to 4 days at a time, assuring a reasonable limit to the weight of our backpacks. Included: Guide, food for 12 days (from lunch day 1 to lunch day 12), flights: Reykjavik - Kulusuk - Reykjavík, boat transfers, tents (8 nights), cooking gear, 2 nights in a hostel in Tasiilaq and 1 night in a hostel in Kulusuk. Please note: Tour starts and ends at the domestic airport in Reykjavík. Pick up/drop off and/or accommodation in Reykjavík can be added. D1: Kulusuk - Ammassalik Fjord - Fjord Qingertivaq. D2: Qingertivaq - Sermilik fjord. D3: Sermilik fjord - Ikerasaalaq. D4: Sapulik - Lake 13. D5: Amitsivattiva fjord - Tiniteqilaq. D6: Tiniteqilaq. D7: Crossing of Ammassalik Island. D8: The 4 Qorlortoq Lakes, D9: Tasiilaq. D10: Somandsfjell- Flower valley Tasiilaq. D11: Tasiilaq - Kulusuk. D12: Kulusuk - Reykjavík. Departure dates: 12.07 - 23.07.2014 and 09.08 - 20.08.2014 All departures are in English/French.

70

www.greenland.is


Arctic Dog Sledding DURATION 8 DAYS

GROUP SIZE 2 -12

IMG69

LEVEL MODERATE

Winter adventure with 5 days dog sledding on Ammassalik Island East Greenland is probably the most isolated part of this great country, and here old traditions are still very much upheld. In winter, hunting and ice fishing are a part of the way of life and dog sledges are used to travel between locations. For visitors, dog sledding is a great way to experience both the magnificent landscape and nature of this isolated area and to get a feel for the traditional arctic way of life. On this tour we will set out from the town of Tasiilaq for a tour of the Ammassalik Island. We will travel to the coast of the Sermilik ice fjord, visit the small settlement of Tiniteqilaaq where we will dine with a local family, go ice fishing (or on a boat tour) before turning back through the middle of the Ammassalik Island to Tasiilaq. There we have time to visit the town or to go on an (optional) snow shoe hike to the valley of flowers. This is a tour that takes you deep into the arctic world of East Greenland.

Sailing in Scoresby Sound DURATION SAILING DISTANCE 500 KM ( 310 MI ) 8 DAYS

GROUP SIZE 6 - 12

IMG75

LEVEL EASY / MODERATE

Scoresby Sound in a schooner On this tour you get to experience the arctic in a completely different way - on a schooner! The Scoresby Sound great fjord system extends 350 kilometers inland with numerous fjords branching off in all directions. Travelling by boat is definitely the best way to explore this remote region. Sailing in our wooden schooner between icebergs that drift form the calving glaciers, we will visit islands and fjords that display surprising vegetation and are home to wildlife. This manner of travelling also gives us the opportunity to reach fjords that resemble more canyons with sheer cliffs plummeting to depths of more than 2000 meters! Along the way we will get in touch with the local culture and history. This is a fantastic adventure that takes you deep into the arctic wilderness! Included: Guide for 8 days, flights: Reykjavík - Constable Point – Reykjavik, food on board for 8 days (from lunch day 1 to lunch day 8), accommodation on board for 7 nights, excursions and arrangements as noted in the itinerary. Not included: Personal equipment, insurance and expenses. Pick up/drop off and/or accommodation in Reykjavík can be added.

Included: Flights, helicopter transfer, airport taxes, 3 nights in Tasiilaq, guided dogsled tour 5 days, with full board and 3 nights in huts and 1 night in sleeping bag accommodation in Tiniteqilaaq (you can take 10 kg of luggage with you), snow suit for the dogsled tour, snowshoes. Not included: Sleeping bag (can be rented). D1: Kulusuk - Tasiilaq. D2: Tasiilaq - The Sermilik Coast. D3: The Sermilik Coast. D4: The Sermilik Coast - Tiniteqilaaq. D5: Tiniteqilaaq - Pitserpaajik. D6: Pitserpaajik - Tasiilaq. D7: Tasiilaq. D8: Kulusuk. Departure dates: 15.03 - 22.03.2014 26.03 - 02.04.2014

05.04 - 12.04.2014 16.04 - 23.04.2014

Tiniteqilaa

GREE NLAN D

26.04 - 03.05.2014

0

CLE ARC TIC CIR

Departure dates: 06.08 - 13.08.2014 Schooner Opal 03.09 - 10.09.2014 Schooner Hildur

ICELAND Reykjavík

Tasiiilaq

www.mountainguides.is

Sermiligaaq

Kuummiut

Kulusuk

20 km

Terre Polaire Trekking of the Icefjord Fjords, Glaciers and Peaks The Inuit Trail Essential Greenland Tour

71


EAST GREENLAND

“Would definitely recommend this trip.”

Self-Guided Individual Travel

Day tours to Kulusuk The small settlement of Kulusuk is an excellent introduction to the way of life in a village in the Ammassalik area. It lies on a small rocky island between saw-toothed mountains and extensive fjords, and it is almost always surrounded by icebergs floating in the glittering Arctic Ocean. Traditional hunting and fishing are still essential sources of income for many families in the settlement. On a day tour to Kulusuk you will have 4 hours to explore the Island, the village and the surroundings. For you to get the best out of your day tour to Kulusuk we offer two different day tour options.

Kulusuk and the Icebergs

IMG222

In Greenland, the ocean is always close by. It surrounds the small islands and settlement and is a source of food. In summer when it is not frozen over the sea around Kulusuk is dotted with icebergs of all shapes and sizes and the only way to get around is by boat. On this day tour we start with a boat tour (2 hrs) sailing between the icebergs over to the mountainous Apusiaajik Island to see the where a glacier comes flowing from the island into the sea. After we head back to Kulusuk for a short visit of the village with its characteristic red, yellow and green houses and see a demonstration of a drum dance (weather permitting). The walk back to the airport is about 3 km (boat tour optional). Included in tour: Flights, boat tour, guiding in Kulusuk. Note: The tour includes a 3 km walk. Bring good hiking shoes and warm clothes.

Kulusuk Nature

IMG225

To experience something different and truly Greenlandic extend your stay in Kulusuk to really enjoy the peace and quiet of the Greenlandic nature and explore Kulusuk’s more traditional attractions. This two day tour includes the boat tour to Apusiaajik Island and (weather permitting) show of a local drum dance (as on a day tour). Additionally you have time to visit the village, its beautiful church that is built of material from a shipwreck in the early 20th century and the charming family-run museum (optional) based on one woman’s passion to collect everything. After spending the night in this fascinating place you will have the chance to enjoy a beautiful hike before catching your flight back to Iceland. Included in tour: Flights, boat tour, guiding in Kulusuk, accommodation in hostel or hotel, half board optional. Note: Bring good hiking shoes and warm clothes.

Departures: June 15th to September 6th every day. Departures: June 15th to September 5th every day.

Remarkable Greenland

IMG221

On this day tour you’ll fly from Reykjavík to Kulusuk in the morning. Upon arrival in Kulusuk you will be met by a guide that takes you for an informative walk to the village (about 3 km). On the way you will learn about the history of the area and the way of life of the locals. Arriving at the village you will have time to see the village, the locals and their craft, enjoy a show of kayaking and see a performance of a traditional drum dance (both weather permitting). You’ll then walk back to the airport (boat tour optional). in time for your flight back to Iceland. Included in tour: Flights and guiding in Kulusuk. Note: The tour includes a 6 km walk. Bring good hiking shoes and warm clothes. Departures: June 15th to September 6th every day except Sundays.

72

www.greenland.is


The Villages of East Greenland IMG226 For a large part of the year, the inhabitants of the Ammassalik area are isolated from the outside world meaning that they still depend on some of the traditional way of life. With three days in east Greenland you will have the chance to see more and add more depth to your experience, and visit both Kulusuk and Tasiilaq which is the Ammassalik area’s administrative center and the biggest settlement in east Greenland with a population of around 2000. In Tasiilaq, the local museum (optional) gives a good overview of the area’s history and there are many hiking options in the town’s surroundings, or you can go on a boat tour (optional). By extending your stay in East Greenland you’ll get to know- or at least see - the tip of the iceberg of a culture that is quite unique. Included in tour: Flights, boat tour, guiding in Kulusuk, transfer Kulusuk - Tasiilaq Kulusuk, accommodation in hostel or hotel, half board optional. Note: Bring good hiking shoes and warm clothes. Departures: June 15th to September 4th every day except.

World of Winter

IMG223 East Greenland discovery with dog sledding In winter, East Greenland turns in to a white winter world where snow-covered mountains and frozen fjords set their mark on the landscape. These fascinating surroundings are the destination of this winter tour. Here we will visit the island of Ammassalik, and the town of Tasiilaq is our first destination. To get a better insight into what the arctic really feels like and the Inuit way of life we will go on a two day dog sledge tour to the coast of the Sermillik fjord. This ride will give you an insight into how the locals still use sledges in their daily lives in winter. In the fascinating surroundings by the fjord you will enjoy a snowshoe hike and spend the night in a hut on the coast. Returning from the dog sledge adventure you have a day for an optional snowshoe tour to the valley of flowers, use the time to visit the town of Tasiilaq, have dinner at a local family‘s house, visit the town’s museums or enjoy other activities. The dogs are original Greenlandic dogs, a breed that evolved in East Greenland for pulling sledges. The sledge dogs are top athletes full of energy and for them pulling is a necessity. They all have their distinctive personality and a specific role in the team that pulls the sledge. Included: Flights, helicopter transfer, airport taxes, 3 nights in a hotel or gueshouse in Tasiilaq, dogsled tour 2 days, with full board and one night in sleeping bag accommodation in hut, snow suit for the dogsled tour, sleeping bag for the dogsled tour (you can take 10 kg of luggage on the dogsled tour). Not included: Lunch and dinner while in Tasiilaq. Optional: Snowshoe tour to the Flower Valley Departures: Every Saturday from 1 of March to 19 of April st

th

Kulusuk Hostel Opened 2013 Kulusuk is a small and charming settlement and a gateway to the amazing nature and interesting culture of Ammassalik, East Greenland. Make a stop in Kulusuk and experience a different world! Icelandic Mountain Guides now offer accommodation in Kulusuk at the Kulusuk Hostel. The Hostel is in a house that is typical for the area, a small wooden house; simple but sufficient. All renovations at the hostel have been made with the philosophy of recycling and reusing material available as much as possible and to preserve the Greenlandic characteristics of the house. By staying at Kulusuk Hostel you get a chance to view icebergs from your dorm-window and be woken up by sled dogs barking. On the first floor there is a common room with a self-catering kitchen and dining area and a hot shower. The top floor is a sleeping loft with a mountain-hut style sleeping bag accommodation in a dormitory for up to 15 persons. The hostel is open to both individuals and groups. During the summer months our staff will welcome you at Kulusuk Hostel. However, if you want to explore the area during winter, do not hesitate to contact us. For booking and further information on travelling in the Ammasalik area, please contact kulusuk@mountainguides.is

www.mountainguides.is

73


WEST GREENLAND - ILULISSAT AND DISKO BAY

“All activities were exciting and interesting”

The Disko Bay is the home of the world fastest glacier, calving an incredible amount of ice into the sea. It is also a place of pristine nature, mountains, lakes, glaciers, waterfalls, deep blue sea and during the summer, the midnight sun. Many of the famous explorers of the early 20th century started their fantastic adventures here, PaulÉmile Victor, Alfred Wegener and many others led their expeditions from a base in the Disko Bay Area.

Hiking in the Disko Bay TREKKING 12 DAYS

PER DAY 5 - 7 HRS

TOTAL DISTANCE 110 KM (68 MI)

ALTITUDE 0 - 600 M (0 -2000 FT)

LEVEL CHALLENGING MAXIMUM ASCENT 600 M (2000 FT)

Group Tours

Boat assisted trekking in the Disko bay Far north of the Arctic Circle lies the great Disko Bay where some of the biggest glaciers of the northern hemisphere calve Icebergs into the ocean, creating a fascinating landscape. The immense bay separates the mainland from the island of Disko, which is the biggest island off the coast of Greenland. The volcanic origins and character of Disko make it unique and very different from the granite landscape only a few hours boat trip away. The itinerary takes us from Ilulissat to the island, sailing between some of the world‘s most impressive icebergs. On Disko Island we will explore the magnificent untamed landscape before returning to the main land for a discovery of the Ilulissat Ice fjord and then a 3 day trek up the coast to the Kangersuneq Fjord. The route is dotted with lakes and waterfalls, and occasionally we can climb up to enjoy splendid views over the fjord and its icebergs. At the end of the tour we go on a 3 day trip to Port Paul-Émile Victor and the Eqi glacier, a real highlight of this hiking and trekking tour! Included: Included: Guide, food for 12 days (from lunch day 1 to lunch day 12), flights: Reykjavik - Ilulissat - Reykjavík, boat transfers, tents (8 nights), cooking gear and 4 nights in a hostel in Ilulissat. Please note: The tour starts and ends at the domestic airport in Reykjavík. Pick up/drop off and/or accommodation in Reykjavík can be added. Departure dates: 01.07 - 12.07 2014 15.07 - 26.07 2014

74

GROUP SIZE 6 -15

IMG92

www.greenland.is

05.08 - 16.08 2014 19.08 - 30.08 2014

All departures are in English/French


WEST GREENLAND Self Guided Individual Travel

“We absolutely loved the itenerary”

The Kingdom of Icebergs

(8 days) IMG203

Program: Flight from Reykjavík to Ilulissat, three days sailing and hiking at the fantastic Eqi base facing the floating edge of the Eqip Sermia glacier, a day on a whale safari and a day hiking along the ice filled Kangia fjord. A free time in Ilulissat gives the opportunity to visit the very interesting museum of Ilulissat or to take on optional tours before flying back to Reykjavík. Included in tour: Flight Reykjavík - Ilulissat - Reykjavík, accommodation in Ilulissat, boat to Eqi, accommodation in Eqi camp (2 nights), full board during stay at Eqi, whale watching excursion, maps and walking itinerary descriptions. Tours of 3 days and 6 days are also available to Ilulissat, please visit our website www.greenland.is Departures: June: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. July - August 24th: Every day. Please contact our office for information on custom made tours.

The Icefjord and the Viking trail (9 days) IMG205

Program: The best of the west and south of Greenland.

Eqi

Flight from Reykjavík to Ilulissat (3 days), visit of town and the UNESCO classified Kangia Icefjord, visit to Rodeby Village, a day hiking along the Icefjord, boat tour among the Icebergs, flight to Nuuk (1 day), day to visit the capital of Greenland, flight Narsarsuaq (5 days), boat ride to Itilleq and hike Igaliku/Gardar and visit of Norse ruins, boat to Igaliku its small museum and church, visit of Qassiarsuk / Brattahlid, the place where Erik the Red settled in 982, boat tour to the Qooroq Ice Fjord, visit of the town of Narsarsuaq before returning to Reykjavík.

Disko Island

Oqaatsut Ilulissat GREE NLAN D

Included in tour: Flight Reykjavík - Ilulissat, Ilulissat - Nuuk, Nuuk-Narsarsuaq, Narsarsuaq - Reykjavík, accommodation in Ilulissat (3 nights), boat tour to Rodeby, Iceberg boat tour, accommodation in Nuuk (1 night), transfer from Narsasuaq to Igaliku, accommodation in Igaliku (2 nights) and Narsarsuaq (2 nights), boat transfer to Qassiarsuk and boat tour to Qooroq Ice Fjord, maps and walking itinerary descriptions.

ARC TIC CIRCLE

ICELAND

0

20 km

Reykjavík

Hiking in the Disko Bay

Departures: July - August 24th: Mondays Please contact our office for information on custom made tours.

www.mountainguides.is

75


SOUTH GREENLAND Group Tours

South Greenland is often called “the land of contrast”. This is the part of this great island where you find the most variety in landscapes. Green and luscious grassland lies next to deep, blue fjords, together with snow-covered peaks and glaciers coming down from the ice cap. A journey to South Greenland is not only an experience of magnificent nature; it also gives insight into the fascinating history of the Vikings, and the way of life of the real natives of Greenland, the Inuit as well as their traditions.

In the Footsteps of Erik the Red TREKKING 10 DAYS

PER DAY 2 - 8 HRS

TOTAL DISTANCE 50 KM (30 MI)

GROUP SIZE 6 -15

IMG70

LEVEL MODERATE

ALTITUDE 0 - 400 M (0 - 1310 FT)

MAXIMUM ASCENT 400 M (1310 FT)

Boat supported trek in south Greenland Southern Greenland is a fantastic hiking area offering a great variety in landscape, everything from the rugged glacier to the soft beach pebbles and a whole lot in between. On this tour we will be hiking over hills and heaths, along old sheep paths and beach trails at the foot of the world’s largest glacier, the Greenland Icecap, with plenty of opportunities to ponder the glacier and its surroundings. Magnificent outlet glaciers calve into the ocean and majestic icebergs float off into the blue. As we wander through the modern landscape we can reflect on the fates of the Nordic settlers that disappeared mysteriously at the beginning of the 15th century. This is a classic hike in breathtaking surroundings. Included: Guide, food for 10 days (from lunch day 1 to lunch day 10), flights: Reykjavík - Narsarsuaq - Reykjavík, all transportation of people and luggage according to itinerary, accommodation according to itinerary. During this trip all luggage will be transported except for our daypacks. Not included: Personal equipment, drinks and personal expenses and insurance. Please note: The tour starts and ends at the domestic airport in Reykjavík. Pick up/drop off and/or accommodation in Reykjavík can be added Departure dates: *28.06 - 08.07.2014 10.07 - 19.07.2014 *Saturday departure 11 days

**24.07 - 02.08.2014 07.08 - 16.08.2014 **English/German, other departures are in English/French

The Trail of the Vikings

IMG77

TREKKING PER DAY GROUP SIZE LEVEL 12 DAYS 5 - 7 HRS 5 -15 MODERATE / CHALLENGING TOTAL DISTANCE 140 KM (87 MI)

ALTITUDE 0 - 700 M (0 - 2300 FT)

MAXIMUM ASCENT 700 M (2300 FT)

Greenland and Iceland Adventure On this tour we will follow the history of the Norse Viking people, traveling though unforgettable landscape on two neighboring islands, Iceland and Greenland. Iceland, the island of volcanoes and glaciers is our first destination. From Reykjavík where the first settler Ingolfur Arnarson built his farm, we travel along the south coast to the place where he first set foot in Iceland, under the great glacier of Vatnajökull in the south east. From there we return through the magnificent nature of Iceland to the west. On the way we visit historic places like the Þingvellir, the place of the ancient Viking parliament and the fjord of Breiðafjörður. Finally we visit the place where Eric the Red lived while still on this side of the Greenland straight. Next we fly across the sea to the south of Greenland where Eric built his farm and from where his son set out to find Newfound Land, or Vínland. There we visit the archeological sites of Hvalsey, Garðar and Brattahlíð where the footprints of the Norse people that disappeared so mysteriously is still visible. This is a tour that takes you to a past filled with stories and through nature full of geological variety. Included: 6 days in Iceland, 6 in Greenland, guide, food for 12 days (from lunch on day 1 to lunch on day 12, except lunch and dinner in Reykjavík), flights: Reykjavik - Narsarsuaq - Reykjavík, boat transfers in Greenland, bus transfers in Iceland, tent and hostel accommodation in Iceland (5 nights), hostel accommodation in Greenland and 1 night in guest house in Reykjavík. Please note: The tour starts at the central bus station in Reykjavík (BSÍ) and ends at the domestic airport in Reykjavík. Pick up/drop off and/or accommodation in Reykjavík can be added Departure dates: 29.06 - 10.07.2014 and 27.07 - 07.08.2014 All departures are in English/French

76

www.greenland.is


TREKKING 15 DAYS

PER DAY 3 - 7 HRS

TOTAL DISTANCE 80 KM (50 MI)

GROUP SIZE 8 - 12

ALTITUDE 0 - 450 M (0 - 1485 FT)

SOUTH GREENLAND

Best of South Greenland

TSM79

LEVEL MODERATE / CHALLENGING MAXIMUM ASCENT 450 M (1485 FT)

Self Guided Individual Travel

The highlights of South Greenland Join us on an immersion journey to the unexplored secrets of Greenland, one of the last frontiers of the modern world, a journey for adventurous travellers, willing to discover nature in her pure state, and to have first-hand experience of the effects of global warming. This is probably the most complete journey you can do in South Greenland including the best treks in the tundra, an unforgettable excursion on Greenland’s ice sheet, and the biggest and most beautiful mountains and granite walls in Greenland - Ketil and Ulamertorssuaq, in Tasermiut fjord, which are considered one of the ten wonders of the whole Arctic. You will navigate among fjords, icebergs, blocks of ice and spectacular glacier fronts on your way through this magnificent land as well as visit the settlements of Qaqortoq, Narsaq and Nanortalik, Tasiusaq, Igaliko and Qassiarsuk. An optional bath in Uunartoq’s warm springs awaits where you can relish in the breathtaking beauty of the icebergs on the cold waters of the fjord. The wildlife offers some interesting species, caribou, seals and sometimes even whales as well as the arctic salmon and cod. A visit to the best Eskimo and Viking ruins - Brattahlid and Gardar gives this tour a real cultural touch not to mention the meetings with the local Inuit people. Included: Guide, flights: Reykjavík - Narsarsuaq - Reykjavík, transfers in Greenland with RIB boats, accommodations in tents and hostels, meals during the tour (except when in towns and last day´s lunch), entrance to the “Museum of Inuit Culture and Traditions” in Nanortalik, camping and the necessary boat travel equipment. Not included: Personal equipment, drinks and personal expenses and insurance. Please note: The tour starts and ends at the domestic airport in Reykjavík. This tour is run in collaboration with Tassimiut Greenland. Departure dates: Contact us for departure dates in 2014

Self Guided Individual Travel Around the Viking Settlements

(6 days) IMG212 Program: Flight from Reykjavík to Narsarsuaq, boat transfer to Qaqortoq where you stay for two nights, one free day in Qaqortoq, boat transfer to Hvalsey church ruins and then on to Igaliku, two nights in Igaliku, one day with a visit to the plateau North of Igaliku which is absolutely magnificent, walk the King road (3 km) and then boat transfer to Brattahlíð (Quassiarsuk), visit of Brattahlíð, boat transfer to Narsarsuaq, one night in hotel, morning boat trip to the Qooroq Icefjord, afternoon flight back to Reykjavík. Included in tour: Flight from Reykjavík to Narsarsuaq and back to Reykjavík, accommodation during trip, boat transfers as described, accommodation in hotels, boat excursion to Ice fjord, maps and walking itinerary descriptions. Tours of 3 days and 8 days are also available South Greenland, please visit our website www.greenland.is

Narsarsuaq Qassiarsuk

Igaliku Narsaq

Qaqortoq

GREENLAN D

Tasiusaq

Nanortalik ARC TIC CIRCLE

ICELAND

0

20 km

Reykjavík

Departures: Saturdays and Tuesdays form 29th of June to 28th of August. Please contact our office for more information.

www.mountainguides.is

In the footsteps of Erik the Red Trail of the Vikings

77


SKI TOURS

“It was a beautiful, memorable trip. The diversity of the scenery each day was a true delight.”

Alpine Touring and Cross Country

The Remote Peaks of Greenland IMG67 DURATION 8 DAYS

PER DAY 5 - 8 HRS

ALTITUDE 0 - 1150 M (0 - 3780FT)

Skiing in the Deep Arctic SKIING 8 DAYS

PER DAY 6 - 8 HRS

TOTAL DISTANCE 90 KM (55 MI)

GROUP SIZE 5 -12

IMG63

LEVEL CHALLENGING / DEMANDING

ALTITUDE 0 - 500 M (0 - 1640 FT)

LEVEL CHALLENGING / DEMANDING

MAXIMUM ASCENT 1150M (3780 FT)

Alpine ski touring in East-Greenland In the heart of the deep fjords of the Arctic East Greenland, surrounded by steep granite mountains, a small village called Kuumiiut lies burried in snow. This is the ideal place to discover the still existing Inuit hunters culture at the same time as one enjoys the finest alpine touring skiing one could possibly dream about. During the trip we discover the edge of the great „Sweitzerland“ massif by staying a couple of nights in the Tasilaq mountain hut. All transport of baggage is assured by a snowmobile which also helps skiers with the long legs of the trip.

MAXIMUM ASCENT 450 M (1640 FT)

Cross country skiing adventure with support on Ammassalik Island The Ammassalik Island in East Greenland is the perfect destination for a winter cross country skiing adventure. Its magnificent mountains, sharp granite peaks and snow covered glacier calottes decorate the landscape looming above the fjords dotted with icebergs. The friendly atmosphere of the local Inuit population and the assurance of great amount of snow makes this one of the best winter adventures one can experience. On this tour we will cross the Ammassalik Island from Tasiilaq to the Sermilik Icefjord, visit the hunters village Tiniteqilaaq and admire the view to the main Ice shield of the Greenland Glacier, the world’s second largest ice mass. All our gear will be transported for us so you only have to carry your daypack. To ensure the comfort of this tour we will stay in basic huts after spending our days out exploring the arctic world.

Included: Guide, vehicle transportation for 3 days, night in a guest house. Not included: Meals Add accommodation in Reykjavík for the perfect short break D1: Reykjavík - Kulusuk - Kummiut. D2 - D4: Ski touring in Sweitzerland Massif. D5 - D6: Tassilaq Mountain hut. D7: Kummiut - Kuluskuk. D8: Kulusuk. Departure dates: 22.03 - 29.03.2013 and 12.04 - 19.04.2013

Included: Guide for 8 days, food for 8 days (from lunch day 1 to lunch day 8), flight from Reykjavík - Kulusuk - Reykjavik, 3 nights in huts, 1 night in a local house in Tiniteqilaaq, 3 nights in a hostel, luggage transfer from day 2 - day 6. Not included: Personal equipment, insurance and expenses. Pick up/drop off and/or accommodation in Reykjavík can be added. D1: Kulusuk - Tasiilaq. D2 - D4: Tasiilaq - Tiniteqilaaq. D5 - D6: Tiniteqilaaq Tasiilaq. D7: Tasiilaq. D8: Reykjavík. Departure dates: 29.03 - 05.04.2014 and 19.04 - 26.04.2014

78

GROUP SIZE 4 -12

www.greenland.is


Backcountry in Liverpool Land SKIING 8 DAYS

PER DAY 5 - 8 HRS

TOTAL DISTANCE APPROX 60 KM

GROUP SIZE 5 -12 ALTITUDE 0 - 1450 M (0 - 4750 FT)

IMG60

LEVEL CHALLENGING / DEMANDING MAXIMUM ASCENT 2 x 800 M (2 x 2600 FT)

Alpine Ski Touring in Greenland East Greenland or the “backside” as Greenlanders sometimes refer to it, is one of the greatest wilderness areas in the world with endless numbers of fjords, mountains, glaciers, valleys and lakes. Inland is the dominion of the world’s second largest icecap, most of the time crowned by a radiating blue sky, and beneath lie ice covered fjords and colorful villages. This eight day backcountry skiing in Liverpool land offers days of great skiing, joyful evenings and sunlight 24 hours. Dog sledges bring the group up to the mountains where we set camp in the middle of nowhere. From our base, daily tours are taken up to nearby mountains or down to the sea where enormous icebergs lie frozen into the ice. This tour is made for experienced skiers that can handle steep slopes off piste and are fit to walk on the skis or carry them up steep slopes. On the first day the slope is easy and then they get gradually more demanding. Exactly how steep the slopes become depends on the snow conditions and the group’s interest. Two or three routes will be chosen each day. Included: Guide for 8 days, food for 8 days (from lunch day 1 to lunch day 8 (except dinner on day 7)) flights: Reykjavík - Constable Point, transport by helicopter from Constable Point to Ittoqqortoormiit and back to Constable Point, dog sledge transfer, tents and one night in hostel. Not included: Personal equipment, insurance and expenses, dinner last night in Greenland. Please note: Tour starts and ends at the domestic airport in Reykjavík. Pick up/drop off and/or accommodation in Reykjavík can be added. For more information about ski touring in the Roscoe Mountains please visit our website Greenland.is D1: Reykjavík - Constable Point. D2 - D6: Skiing in the Roescoe Mountains. D7: Ittoqqortoormiit. D8: Constable Point-Iceland.

Alpine Peaks of West Greenland SKIING 8 DAYS

PER DAY 3 - 6 HRS

TOTAL DISTANCE 80 KM (50 MI)

RVR12

LEVEL DEMANDING

ALTITUDE 0 UP TO 1600 M (MAY VARY)

MAXIMUM ASCENT 1600 M (3280 FT)

Ski and Sail aboard Rembrandt van Rijn In partnership with Oceanwide Expeditions, Icelandic Mountain Guides offers unique Ski Mountaineering tours to the West coast of Greenland. Maniitsoq is the home of spectacular fjords and the steep snow covered alpine peaks, are the perfect place for mountaineering skis. A wonderful world of unique nature impressions await the visitors who travel to West Greenland. As we sail along the fjords we will view seabirds and marine mammals. We stay on a boat that takes us between locations and turns into a mobile base camp for our ski mountaineering activities, in the company of qualified mountain guides. This is a tour for experienced ski mountaineers who climb snow covered mountains and ski downhill. Included: All meals aboard the ship, 7 nights cruise from Maniitsoq - Maniitsoq, daily ski trips guided by certified mountain guides, program of lectures aboard, accommodation in twin cabins with shared or private facilities, with or without a porthole. Not included: Pre- and post land arrangements, transfers outside Greenland, meals ashore, cancellation and personal insurance (which is mandatory); excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges; and the customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided). Pick up/drop off and/or accommodation in Reykjavík can be added. For more information please visit our website Greenland.is D1: Maniitsoq. D2: Sermilinguaq Fjord. D3 - D5: Evighedsfjorden (Eternity Fjord). D6: Settlement of Kangaamiut. D7: Sermersuut. D8: Maniitsoq.

GR EE NL AN D

Departure dates: *01.04 – 08.04.2014 (7 nights) 08.04 – 16.04.2014 (8 nights) 01.05 – 08.05.2014 (7 nights)

*From Nuuk - Maniitsoq

Departure dates: On demand for groups

Scoresbysund Disco Bay

Ilulissat

Sondre Stromfjord IR CL A R CT IC C

Kulusuk Nuuk

www.mountainguides.is Narsarsuaq

E

ICELAND Reykjavík

79


EXPEDITIONS The Crossing of the Greenland Ice Cap

It is hard to imagine a greater challenge than a white snow desert stretching hundreds of kilometers in all directions, or climbing mountain tops never before climbed by man. Icelandic Mountain Guides organize and lead expeditions to the most remote and hidden parts of Greenland. Whether it is to the Stauning Alps, Watkins Mountains or Schweizerland mountains we can organize flights, logistics, guiding and the complete organization of the expedition of your dreams. Gunnbjörnsfjeld, Dome and Mount Forel are on the list as well as hundreds of unnamed beautiful peaks waiting to be discovered by mountaineers. We also organize shorter private trips both in summer and winter, for trekking, skiing or just exploring. For your travel plans in Greenland, Icelandic Mountain Guides are the true specialists. Please contact us for further information.

Mt Gunnbjörn, the Highest Peak in Greenland IMG65 TOURING 5 DAYS

PER DAY 5 - 7 HRS

TOTAL DISTANCE 20 - 50 KM (12 - 30 MI)

GROUP SIZE LEVEL 6 PER GUIDE CHALLENGING / DEMANDING ALTITUDE 2000 - 3700 M (6500 - 12100 FT)

MAXIMUM ASCENT 1100 M (3610 FT)

Mt Gunnbjörn, the highest peak in Greenland and the Arctic Greenland’s highest mountain, Mt Gunnbjörn is also the highest peak located north of Arctic Circle. Therefore it doesn’t just hold the title of being the highest peak in Greenland but is also the highest peak of the Arctic. Because of the huge size of Greenland, Mt Gunnbjörn has been called the 8th continental peak. On Greenland east coast, where massive mountains rise up from the Greenland Icecap the conditions are pristine, not unsimilar to those of the Antarctic. Mt. Gunnbjorn is easily accessible on ski-plane from Iceland. Once in the Watkins Mountains we set up a comfortable base camp at the foot of the mountain. To make the summit day easier we establish one camp on the way to the summit. The climb can easily be done on snow shoes but touring skis will make the way back to base camp more pleasant. This is a compact 5 day arctic adventure. Included: Meeting with the guide the evening before departure, flight from Reykjavík to Akureyri and back with 20 kg of personal baggage (and 6 kg of hand luggage in limited volume), expedition permits, and all other permits needed for the expedition, insurance for evacuation for all expedition members, rental of airplane for flight from Akureyri to the Watkins Mountains and back, guide, all group equipment like glacier travel equipment, sledges to transport bags, rifle for security, satellite phone for security, solar panel with 12V charger, tents, stoves, all food in Greenland with one week emergency supplies. Not included: Excess weight of personal luggage on the flights between Reykjavík and Akureyri, cost due to delay of flights, hotel in Iceland before departure to Greenland and after the return from Greenland, personal travel insurance, personal mountaineering equipment and skis,personal use of Satellite phone. D1: Flight to Greenland. D2: Set up camp for Mt. Gunnbjörn. D3: Ascent of Mt. Gunnbjörn. D4: Spare day, or to use for sightseeing. D5: Flight back to Iceland.

TOURING 10 DAYS

PER DAY GROUP SIZE LEVEL 6 - 12 HRS 6 PER GUIDE DEMANDING / STRENUOUS

TOTAL DISTANCE 120 KM (75 MI)

ALTITUDE 2000 - 3700 M (6500 - 12100 FT)

There is a risk of delay of the flight from Greenland that has to be considered when participants plan their flight out of Iceland.

MAXIMUM ASCENT 1500 M (5000 FT)

The Ascent of the three highest summits in Greenland On this 10 day expedition the aim is to climb the three highest peaks in Greenland and ski several others! Our destination is the center of the Watkins mountains. To get into this wilderness on the East coast of Greenland we fly in on a ski plane and then establish a comfortable base camp under the slopes of Mt. Gunnbjörn. After climbing Greenland’s highest summit, Mt. Gunnbjörn, we will move our base camp for our climb of Cone and Dome, Greenland’s 2nd and 3rd highest mountains. From the third location of our base camp we will then have access to both great mountaineering and skiing. Included: Meeting with the guide the evening before departure, flight from Reykjavík to Akureyri and back with 20 kg of personal baggage (and 6 kg of hand luggage in limited volume), expedition permits, and all other permits needed for the expedition, insurance for evacuation for all expedition members, rental of airplane for flight from Akureyri to the Watkins Mountains and back, guide, all group equipment like glacier travel equipment, sledges to transport bags, rifle for security, satellite phone for security, solar panel with 12V charger, tents, stoves, all food in Greenland with one week emergency supplies. Not included: Excess weight of personal luggage on the flights between Reykjavík and Akureyri, cost due to delay of flights, hotel in Iceland before departure to Greenland and after the return from Greenland, personal travel insurance, personal mountaineering equipment and skis, personal use of Satellite phone. D1: Flight to Greenland. D2 - D3: Summit attempt on Mt. Gunnbjörn. D4: Camp moved closer to Dome and Cone. D5: Dome. D6: Cone. D7- D9: Ski mountaineering in the Watkins mountains. D10: Flight back to Iceland.

GR EE NL AN D

Departure dates: 5 - 15 June 2014. There is a risk of delay of the flight from Greenland that has to be considered when participants plan their flight out of Iceland.

Scoresbysund

Disco Bay

Ilulissat

Sondre Stromfjord RCL A R CT IC CI

Kulusuk

Departure dates: 1 - 5 June 2014.

80

The Peaks of Greenland: Mt Gunnbjörn, Dome and Cone IMG66

Nuuk

Narsarsuaq www.greenland.is

E

ICELAND Reykjavík


“For any back-country enthusiast this is the ultimate expedition where one needs to overcome several challenges, and not all of them physical!”

The Greenland Crossing TOURING 4 TO 5 WEEKS

PER DAY 6 - 8 HRS

TOTAL DISTANCE 550 KM

East Greenland Winter Expedition DURATION 19 DAYS

PER DAY 6 - 8 HRS

TOTAL DISTANCE 270 KM (170 MI)

GROUP SIZE 4 - 12

IMG62

LEVEL DEMANDING

ALTITUDE 0 - 450 M ( 0 - 1475 FT)

MAXIMUM ASCENT 450 M (1475 FT)

Cross Country ski expeditions between the isolated Inuit villages of the east cost of Greenland The Ammassalik region on the scanty populated east coast of Greenland is a jewel in the Arctic crown. It is among the world´s most recently known civilizations, discovered a mere hundred years ago. This is an expedition where we follow the traditional dog sledding routes between the small hunting villages of the Ammassalik area. With sharp granite peaks rising up to 2000 m from the narrow fjords we make our way between the gigantic icebergs frozen in to the sea ice in to valleys and over mountain passes. On the way between settlements we sleep in tents under the northern lights or in cabins, but in community houses in the four villages that we visit before we arrive in Tasiilaq, the colorful capital town of the area. During the tour we keep our sledges light by getting good quality fresh food and new supplies in every town. In winter there are few people other than the local Inuit hunters that still use dog sledges for their seal hunting and with two nights in each village we witness the daily live and culture of the local Greenlandic people. This is an expeditions that has the perfect mixture of nature and culture.

GROUP SIZE LEVEL 5 PER GUIDE STRENUOUS

ALTITUDE 900 - 2.500 M (2.950 - 8.200 FT)

MAXIMUM ASCENT 250 M (820 FT) IN A DAY

A cross country ski expedition in a Class of its Own Icelandic Mountain Guides is organizing its 8th expedition across the Greenland Glacier, the world’s second biggest sheet of ice in April - May of 2014. The course is set to cross the interior of Greenland from Ammassalik/ Kulusuk on the East Coast to Sondre Stromfjord on the West Coast. It takes about 10 days to climb up to the highest part of the Ice sheet on this route, topping off at 2500 m. The gradient is gradual and the use of skins make sure that the skis move us forward. From the summit it takes about a week to get to the phantom radar station DYE 2, surely one of the most bizarre buildings on the planet that was used to monitor the Russians during the Cold War. From this strange place it takes from 5 days to get to Terra firma - Hill 660, the landfall on the westerns side of the ice sheet. Depending on the snow conditions and the weather we encounter the expedition can last from 21 30 days in total including transport at the beginning and the end For any back country enthusiast this is the ultimate expedition, where one needs to overcome several challenges, and not all of them physical!

G R EE N LA N D

D0: Meet in Reykjavík. D1: Reykjavík - Tasiilaq. D2 - D3: Final preparation in Tasiilaq. D4: Hahn glacier - start of the Crossing. D4 - D15/20: Skiing up to the highest part of the Ice sheet. D15/20 - D24/30: Skiing down on the west side of the Ice sheet, arriving at Hill 660. D24/30 - D26/31: Hiking from Hill 660 to Kangerlussuaq end of the Expedition.

Scoresbysun

Ilulissat

Departure: 12.04.2014

Disco Bay

Sondre Stromfjord

D0: Meet in Reykjavík. D1: Kulusuk. D2 - D4: To Sermiliqaq. D5: Sermiliqaq rest day. D6 - D7 Sermiliqaq - Kuumiiut. D8: Kummiut rest day. D9 - D13: Kuumiiut - Tiniteqilaq. D14: Tiniteqilaq rest day. D15 - D16: Tiniteqilaq -Tasilaq. D17: Tasilaq rest day. D18: Tasilaq or Kulusuk. D19: Flight to Iceland. Departure: 05.04 - 23.04.2014

IMG64

RCL A R CT IC CI

Ammassalik Nuuk

www.mountainguides.is

E

ICELAN

Reykjavík

81



www.icelandillustrated.com

DEAR FELLOW TRAVELERS Dear fellow travelers Icelandic Mountain Guides is Iceland’s premier adventure tour operator now celebrating its 20th anniversary. For 20 years we have been in continuous operation of offering adventures in the wilderness of Iceland and Greenland. The company was established in 1994 by four young mountain and outdoor enthusiasts and pioneers whose aim was to introduce the wonders of Icelandic nature to travelers from all over the world. We started by offering Glacier Walks in Skaftafell and later on Sólheimajökull. Hiking, backpacking and other adventures and expeditions in Iceland and Greenland soon followed. Today Icelandic Mountain Guides is a company that offers adventure tours ranging from short day tours to longer multi-day expeditions in the great outdoors in both summer and winter. So whether it is the exploration of the icescapes of glaciers, crossing of impressive highlands, trekking in the extraordinary rhyolite massifs or hiking in fascinating valleys, our aim is to Make Every Moment an Experience.

Quality and professionalism We at Icelandic Mountain Guides are continuously working towards improving the quality of our tours and improving the skills and training of our guides to assure that all our clients have a safe and memorable journey. The Icelandic Mountain Guide’s team of guides and drivers is a selected group of specialists and professional mountaineers, many have background in mountain rescue and all are passionate nature lovers and travelers. Our guides have a record that includes an incredible number of expeditions and impressive journeys, should it be of high altitude summits or long winter tours in the high Arctic. All have first-aid training and operate in accordance with the company’s safety policy.

www.mountainguides.is www.icelandrovers.is www.greenland.is

2


Kj枚lur 7 mm

Icelandic Mountain Guides

MOUNTAINGUIDES.IS ICELANDROVERS.IS GREENLAND.IS

Catalogue 2014

MAKE EVERY MOMENT AN EXPERIENCE

2014 ICELAND 路 GREENLAND TREKKING - HIKING - DISCOVERY - BACKPACKING - SKIING - BIKING - 4X4 SUPER JEEP BASE CAMP HIKING - INCENTIVES - SELF GUIDED - OUTDOOR ADVENTURES - EXPEDITIONS


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.