you are here: Home > Iceland > Fjallabak Treks Information

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.

TOP

The Group and Language:

Fjallabak is an Icelandic company that markets its trips worldwide. Generally, its groups are made up of mostly of Europeans, primarily French. When you travel with Fjallabak, you should expect 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.

TOP

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.

TOP

Accommodations:

In Reykjavik:

The accommodations in Reykjavik are normally in simple guest houses with shared baths. Some trips begin with the first night at a lodge in the countryside.

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 a considerable choice.

The huts are somewhat similar to those in Europe and the Alps. They provide dormitory or bunk style sleeping accommodations, kitchen and dinning area, and bathroom facilities. Generally, there is no hut keeper or warden and each group most provide 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 gamesman 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".

TOP

Land Costs:

Land Costs Include:

Please note each trip will vary, however, this list will give you a good idea of what is included: group transfer from the Keflavik Airport (this meeting time is usually 5:00 pm), group transfer to the Keflavik Airport on the last day, usually in the morning, dinner the first day through breakfast on the last day of the trek, accommodations (these vary for each trip), English speaking guide and/or driver guide, the first night accommodation in either Reykjavik or in a country lodge, the last night accommodation in Reykjavik.

Not Included:

Airfare, extra nights in Reykjavik, optional or individual transfers to/from the airport or during the trip, shower tokens if needed, beverages, special foods, items of personal nature, telephone calls, laundry etc., unguided or optional excursions, trips to guides. Allow roughly $300 - $400 in additional costs. Single rooms, 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 travelling with an adult.

TOP

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.

TOP

What to Pack:

Each trip has its special packing list, which will be sent when we receive your deposit.

TOP

Hiking Grades:

Distant Journeys grades our trips as follows. However, the Iceland trips are graded by Fjallabak. Their easy trips can be more like our moderate grade. Their moderate grade are more like our strenuous grade. Please keep this in mind.

Easy: 3 – 4 hours daily carrying a small daypack on generally gentle terrain. Distances from 4 – 8 miles. Elevation gain and loss of 500' to 1,500'.

Moderate: 4 – 5 hours daily on varied terrain. Distances from 4 – 8 miles. Elevation gain 500' to 1,500' and loss 500' – 1,500'.(Fjallabak would define this easy to moderate)

Strenuous: 5 – 7 hours daily on varied terrain with consistent ascents and descents of 2 – 3 or more hours. Distances from 6 – 11 miles. Elevation gain 2,500' – 3,500' and loss 2,500' – 3,500'.(Fjallabak would define this as moderate to strenuous)

Strenuous Plus: 5 – 8 hours on varied, sometimes challenging terrain with consistent ascents and descents of 2 – 3 or more hours. Distances from 6 – 15 miles. Elevation gain 3,000' – 5,000' and loss 3,000' – 5,000'. Though each day is not strenuous plus, there are some sections that include rough terrain and open and exposed trails.(Fjallabak would define this as strenuous.)