Traveling with Fjallabak
Walking and Hiking in Iceland
There a very few established and marked trails in Iceland. Those that do exist can be rugged and not well defined or well marked. The walking route between Landmannalaugar and Thorsmork is one of the few established hiking routes, the best known and most traveled. In this area, as well as the other areas where they conducts their hikes, Fjallabak takes an overland approach, so to speak, relying little on paths or trails as generally there are none. While this may make some walkers uneasy, it really is part of the uniqueness and beauty of walking in Iceland.
On each hike you should be prepared to hike on rough and varied terrain including rocks, wet terrain, sand, lava deserts. Some of the more demanding hikes include stream crossings.
- Please note that Distant Journeys operates only as the booking agent and that Fjallabak is the tour operator. Fjallabak reserves the right to modify or change the itineraries either prior or during the trip.
The Group and Language
Fjallabak is an Icelandic company that markets its trips worldwide. Generally, its groups are largely made up of Europeans, primarily French. When you travel with Fjallabak, you will to be part of an international group.
Fjallabak’s guides are fluent in English and will always give instructions, directions, explanations and otherwise converse in English when there are English speakers in the group. However, these treks are not conducted primary in English.
- The languages, in which any given trip is conducted, will be determined by the make up of the group.
Generally, because of the large number of French participating in Fjallabak’s treks you should expect to hear quite a bit of French spoken among the group. Most Europeans these days, especially younger ones, speak English or at least understand a great deal. Nonetheless, you should be comfortable traveling in a group where English may not be the first language.
When traveling as part of an international group you should keep in mind that different cultures have different sensibilities. You should not assume that your guide or fellow travelers will always be able to anticipate or sense your needs, concerns, or sensitivities. This does not mean that they are inattentive or uncaring, only that they are perceiving things through the lens of their culture. Should you need something or have a concern you should feel comfortable readily bringing it to your guides attention. He/she will be more than happy to assist you.
Responsibilities of Participants
Depending on the size of the group, most groups will have a guide and a driver; smaller groups may have only a driver/guide. As well as guiding, the guide is also the cook and camp manager when tenting.
- Group members are expected to participate fully in the sharing of group tasks, such as pitching tents and meal preparation and clean up.
Fjallabak’s Guides are well trained and capable, possessing a tremendous amount of local knowledge. They are intimately familiar with the areas through which they will be guiding you and always travel with cell phones, GPS, compass and maps. Most of all, they are passionate about their work and their country– its history, culture, folklore, and open spaces. And, they are eager to share this knowledge with those that travel with them.
Accommodations
The accommodations in Reykjavik range from high end Scandinavian “hip hotels” to simple guest houses with shared facilities. Most of Fjallabak’s itineraries do not include a stay in Reykjavik, though they would be happy to arrange accommodations in Reykjavik should you wish to spend some time there before or after your trek.
Tourism outside of the major cities and towns in Iceland is a fairly young industry. While the number of guesthouses and hotels is on the rise, those that do exist can be somewhat spartan and not at the same standard as those in Europe. They are clean and comfortable, but can lack some of the ambiance and amenities you may be used to. Many have shared baths. Generally, Fjallabak chooses accommodations based on location or the hospitality of the owners. In some areas there is not considerable choices.
The huts are somewhat similar to those in Europe and the Alps. They provide dormitory or bunk style sleeping accommodations, kitchen and dining areas, and bathroom facilities. Generally, there is no hut keeper or warden and each group mostly provides for its own meals, preparation and clean up. While all of the huts will have washing facilities, not all will have showers. Some will have outhouse facilities. Some huts have been purpose-built for hikers, others built for games people, such as fisherman, and others for farmers tending their sheep in remote locations. All are chosen for their location and, as Fjallabak says, “their spirit”.
Land Costs
Land Costs Include:
English speaking guide from day 1 to day 6, bus transfers to and from the mountains, transport of luggage by 4×4 assistance vehicle, all accommodations as outlined in itinerary, all meals from lunch day 1 to lunch day 6.
Please note each trip will vary; however, the above list will give you a good idea of what is generally included.
Not Included:
Airfare, transfers from/to airport, accommodation and meals in Reykjavik entrance fees for museums, swimming pools and optional excursions, beverages, shower tokens if needed, items of personal nature (i.e. telephone calls, laundry etc.), unguided or optional excursions, tips to guides. Allow roughly $300 – $400 in additional costs. Single rooms or up grades in accommodations, if available, are at an additional cost.
There is often a small group surcharge when registrations are less than eight (8) participants. Generally this additional costs is $200. Children are not counted in the minimum/maximum group size.
Family Discounts: Some trips have a family discount for children and young people traveling with an adult.
Hiking Grades
Any hiking trip in the mountains requires a certain amount of effort and proper fitness training will enhance your enjoyment. In the mountains, time and elevation gain or loss as opposed to distance, tend to be the determining factors when defining hiking grades or level of difficulty. We have done our best to grade our trips consistently, please contact us for further clarification. We are happy to offer names of past participants.
- Easy: Hike 3 to 4 hours daily carrying a day pack on generally gentle terrain. Distances from 4 to 8 miles. Elevation gain and loss 500′ to 1,500′.
- Moderate: Hike an average of 4 to 5 hours daily on varied terrain. Distances from 5 to 9 miles. Elevation gains and losses generally 1,500′ to 2,500′, or about 2 hours.
- Strenuous: Hike 5 to 7 hours daily on varied terrain, with consistent ascents and descents of 2 to 3 or more hours generally 2,500′ – 3,500′. Distances from 6 to 11 miles. There are some sections that include steep uphill and downhills.
- Strenuous Plus: 5 to 8 hours partly on rocky, challenging terrain with consistent steep ascents and descents of 2 to 3 or more hours generally 3,000′-5,000′. Distances from 6 to 15 miles. Though each day is not strenuous plus, there are some sections that may include rough terrain and open and exposed trails.
Land of the Midnight Sun
Because of Iceland’s northerly latitude the days are quite long during the summer. This can affect daily schedules and routines, and you may find your guides sense of timing different than yours. For instance, having so many daylight hours, the itinerary for any given day can extend well into the evening and dinners may be served as late as 9:00pm or 10:00pm.
Iceland Trips
Fjallabak Trekking Company
Fjallabak Treks
Fjallabak Discovery Walks
We just got back from the most incredible, amazing, awesome trip!…By the way, my son wants to go back (to Iceland) next year for the five day trek, and my daughter says the trip ‘changed her life’. Not bad!
Alice DelDonno, Lexington MA
