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Vatnajökull Glacier Expedition
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 one of these, the famous volcano of Grímsvötn at the heart of this massive ice field. 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), surely marks the 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 assured to find ourselves in demanding circumstances. Accommodation in tents and huts.
Pre tour meeting
Vatnajökull glacier
Vatnajökull icecap to Grímsvötn caldera
Grímsvötn caldera
Ascent to the summit of volcano Öræfajökull
Buffer day
Return to Reykjavík
Countries visited
Included In Price
Guide for 9 days 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, cabin fees, tents, cooking gear, pulkas/sledges, sleeping bag accommodation last night and transportation from Sandfell to Reykjavík.
Meals Included
This tour includes 25 meals; 8 breakfasts 9 lunches 8 dinners
Important Information
Please note that participants are picked up at accommodation in Reykjavík before the tour starts in Reykjavik and dropped off at accommodation in Reykjavik at the end of the tour.| Start | End | Twin share | |
| 16 Apr 2012 | 24 Apr 2012 | AU$ 1990 | |
| 4 Jun 2012 | 12 Jun 2012 | AU$ 1990 |
Day Pre tour Pre tour meeting
The evening before departure, meeting with the guide inspection of equipment introduction of the itinerary for the following week.
Meals Included
none
Day 1 Vatnajökull glacier
Pick up from accommodation at around 5:30am and transfer to Jökulheimar on the west side of the glacier. From there a four-wheel drive truck brings us up on the icecap of the great Vatnajökull, where we start the walk in the afternoon. First night in tents.
Accommodation
Tents
Meals Included
Lunches1, Dinners1
Day 2 & 3 Vatnajökull icecap to Grímsvötn caldera
We continue the ascent of the main glacier up to the vast plains of the Vatnajökull icecap. In the afternoon of day 3 our destination is in sight as we arrive to the Grímsvötn caldera near the center of the icecap. The first night in tents and second one in the comfortable Grímsvötn hut.
Accommodation
Grímsvötn hut
Meals Included
Breakfasts2, Lunches2, Dinners2
Day 4 Grímsvötn caldera
This day is devoted to the exploration of the magnificent volcanic caldera of Grímsvötn. This is a highly active volcanic area with frequent eruptions in the last century, the last one in 2004. The Grímsvötn caldera is actually a complex of calderas and the effects of the geothermal heat continuously melt the glacier ice to create a sub glacial caldera lake. We spend another night in the comfortable Grímsvötn hut.
Accommodation
Grímsvötn hut
Meals Included
Breakfasts1, Lunches1, Dinners1
Day 5 to 7 Ascent to the summit of volcano Öræfajökull
Days spent following the glacier ridge southwards. A slight ascent precedes the arrival at Iceland's highest mountain, the volcano Öræfajökull. On our agenda is an ascent to the summit, Hvannadalshnúkur, at an altitude of 2110 m. Night in bivouacs or tents, on the ice plateau and inside of the summit crater. The last day we descend the Öræfajökull down to the abandoned Sandfell farm.
Accommodation
Nights in bivouacs or tents
Meals Included
Breakfasts3, Lunches3, Dinners3
Day 8 Buffer day
Day of margin for security reasons, since weather and snow conditions may affect us continuing the journey. Last night in Skaftafell National Park area, sleeping bag accommodation.
Accommodation
Sleeping bag accommodation
Meals Included
Breakfasts1, Lunches1, Dinners1
Day 9 Return to Reykjavík
Return to Reykjavík along the south coast with a regular bus.
Meals Included
Breakfasts1, Lunches1
