Iceland backpacking suggestions

[AlexeyD]

Hello international travelers!

It turns out I will have about a week to explore Iceland in mid-July. I was looking for a backpacking trip with roughly the following criteria:

-5 days (plus-minus a half day or so on either end)
-Great, unique scenery
-Not too crowded (i.e. probably not the Laugavegur route)
-Some off-trail is OK, but nothing that requires crevasse rescue gear (microspikes/axe OK)
-Major bonus points for swimmable hot springs en route
-Will probably be renting a car

I've been looking into the Kerlingarfjöll area as it seems to fit the bill for most of these, but so far I've only been able to find a roughly 40km/3 day loop route, which is a bit on the short side for what we're looking for. Perhaps there's a way to extend it? Anyway, looking forward to any and all suggestions!

-Alexey

[BratwurstGoblin]

Despite the crowds in mid-summer, the Laugavegur+Fimmvorduhals route is still worth consideration. The varied scenery and range of landscapes traversed is simply spectacular. You can avoid much of the crowding by starting from Skogar and going north (opposite of most, also places the Landmannalaugar hot springs at the end), camping away from the main huts, and hiking in the morning/evenings. Most people seem to hike north to south and stop in the huts by early afternoon.

Haven't been in the Kerlingarfjöll area so no advice there.

A while back I was looking at a 5+ day backpacking trip on the far northeast Hornstrandir peninsula. Coastal fjord scenery and some mixed mountain/beach backpacking. Looked really nice, and far less traveled than most other areas in Iceland.

[AlexeyD]

Thanks for the suggestions! We ended up doing a very interesting route, starting near the tiny hamlet called Kalfalfell on the ring road, and ending in the Skaftafell section of Vatanjokull NP. Absolutely spectacular scenery and no people whatsoever. I hope to write a trip report in the next week or so.

[BratwurstGoblin]

Sounds pretty great. I'd be interested to read your trip report - for that inevitable future trip back to Iceland.

[Scott P]

Maybe look into the Lonsoraefi Trail. The weather is usually the best in Iceland since it sits in the rain shadow of the Vatnajokull.

You do have to cross the fringes of two glacial tongues though. Crevassed areas can be avoided.

[AlexeyD]

Maybe look into the Lonsoraefi Trail. The weather is usually the best in Iceland since it sits in the rain shadow of the Vatnajokull.

You do have to cross the fringes of two glacial tongues though. Crevassed areas can be avoided.

We did consider this, but the logistics of getting to/from the start and end points sounded a bit complicated for the short time we had. It's definitely on the list for next time though!