Strútsstígur is one of Útivist's most popular hiking trails. Following is the tour's plan.
Here you can find dates on our website for these tours:
http://www.utivist.is/ferdir-og-dagskra/lengri-ferdir
Included in the price is the bus transport from Reykjavík to Langisjór, and from Hólaskjól to Reykjavík, the guiding, sleeping bag accommodation for three nights, and transportation of the luggage.
Please note that Útivist is a recreational association; it does not insure its passengers, nor does it accept responsibility for their property. Útivist reserves the right to cancel any trip with advance notice, if there is inadequate participation.
Day 1
Departure from Mjódd in Reykjavík at 08:00. The bus ride to Hólaskjól where the trek starts takes about 6 hours, and on the way passengers enjoy looking at beautiful landscape. The hike from Hólaskjól to the hut at Álftavötn where the group stays for the first night is only 6-7 km, estimated time 2 hours.
Day 2
The trail lies at the banks of the river Syðri-Ófæra, and along the hills of Svartahnúksfjöll. Today the group is crossing an unbridged river. On the way there is a natural hot spring, Strútslaug, where the group takes a wonderful bath in the unspoilt nature. Next two nights the group stays at Strútsskáli. Distance 20 km, estimated time 7 hours.
Day 3
The surroundings of Strútsskáli offer a variety of exciting hikings. The choice of the day depends on weather and other conditions. It could be the glacier Torfajökull, the very special canyon of Krókagil, the mountain Strútur, or the canyon Strútsgil.
Day 4
Today the trail lies on deserted sand with the glacier Mýrdalsjökull on the left hand, and the mountains Kaldaklofsfjöll on the right hand, west to Hvanngil. An unbridged rivers have to be crossed today. In Hvanngil the bus will be waiting for the group to bring it back to Reykjavík. Distance about 18 km, estimated time 7 hours.
Practical information
The luggage will be transported between the huts, but please keep in mind that the cargohold is not unlimited. All luggage must be packed in a way that keeps it dry in any circumstances.
There will be a preparation meeting with the guide few days before the trip starts. Information on the date of the meeting is provided at the office.
Preparation list
Following is a list of necessary items:
- Sleeping bag
- Backpack (daypack)
- A small stove and a pot*
- Lighter or matches
- Plates, knives, forks*
- Thermo ½ liter
- Water container
- Sun block og lip balm
- Toothbrush, soap og toilet paper
- Sunglasses
- First-aid kit (second-skin for sore feet, painkillers etc.)
- Lighter or matches
- Fly net
*There is kitchenware in the huts, but as it can be pretty crowded in the kitchen it might be practical to bring one´s own.
Clothing
The weather in Iceland is unpredictable. Keep in mind that you are going to the highlands where it can even snow during the summer. Therefore it is important that your clothing protects you from the weather you expect AND the weather you don't expect.
- Good hiking boots. The boots must give your ankle a good support, besides keeping your feet warm and dry. It is very important that your hiking boots are good, and that you are used to them.
- Walking trousers need to be good, and made of dry-fit or similar artificial fabric. Jeans and other clothing made of cotton is forbidden on treks.
- Warm underwear made of wool or artificial fabrics. It keeps moisture away from the body.
- Hiking socks made of wool or artificial fabrics.
- A warm sweater and/or shirt (fleece or wool is good).
- Wind- and waterproof shells (jacket and pants)
- Mittens and a warm hat
- At least 2 extra pairs of socks
- Shoes to wear when crossing unbridged rivers, f.ex. sneakers. It is important that the shoes can be fastened on the foot.
Food
Passengers need to bring their own food for the trekt. Be careful to choose food containing a lot of energy but not very heavy for the stomach. F.ex. fruits, corn and protein is good in the morning; bread and soup for lunch, and some kind of snacks rich with energy; and something more heavy for the evening, such as meat, pasta and sauce, etc. It is good to have chocolate, biscuits, raisins and etc. handy in case you get hungry or need energy during the day. Don't forget the hot chocolate, instant coffee or tea.
Here you can finde dates on our website
http://www.utivist.is/ferdir-og-dagskra/lengri-ferdir