Iceland Winter Trophy
4x4 Self Drive Tour with Guide from 01-08 March 2012
The Iceland Trophy Winter edition is an expedition-like tour showing Iceland off the beaten track. The tour takes place in uninhabited areas of Iceland far away from civilization. On adventurous trails participants use modified 4x4 self-drive vehicles (Land Rover Defender 110, bigger tires 38“, Snorkel, VHF radio intercommunication, GPS, air compressor) which were especially designed for demanding terrain. With these vehicles participants cross e.g. glacier Langjökull and make their way through the snow covered highlands all the way to Landmannalaugar but also visit other main attractions in Iceland, like National Park Thingvellir, the Geysir area and Gullfoss waterfall. The travellers are accompanied by a professional driver guide ensuring safety and giving them detailed information about the country, its nature and culture. At the end of the tour all participants receive a certificate stating that they have successfully taken part in the challenging Iceland Trophy Winter Edition 2012.
Day 1: Arrival
Day 2: Reyjavik - Getting started
Strol through the lovely old town of Reykjavik and maybe get onto an excursion to visit the Blue Lagoon. Our Iceland Trophy staff welcomes you to meet up at 20:00 in the newly opened Cintamani Store in the main shopping street of Reykjavík. Here our staff will go over the planned route for the coming days and make sure everyone is well prepared. They will also go over the car equipment, the off-road techniques and give you some driving tips for this winter tour. You get a chance to ask them questions about the tour program and anything else you can think of! The staff from the store will introduce to you the necessary equipment and clothes you need to bring with you on this demanding adventure tour. The store will give discount on equipment for those who wish to add something to their gear.
Day 3: Reykjavík – Mýrdalsjökull Glacier* – Fimmvörðuháls Eruption Area – Thórsmörk Valley
Before the tour starts we will have a short reminder on off-road techniques and driving skills in Iceland and the car equipment. Your modified 4x4 self-drive vehicle is ready for you outside. We board the ISAKs driving out of town east towards the glacier Mýrdalsjökull which is located on the south coast of Iceland. The Iceland Trophy guide will prepare you with information on how we drive on the glacier. An unbelievable adventure starts. We make our way with our super jeeps on the snow covered plateau and drive to the top of the glacier to enjoy a magnificent view over the highlands. We then head to the west in attempt to reach the eruption sight at Fimmvörðuháls. The eruption in Eyjafjallajökull started with 2 craters erupting in an area called Fimmvörðuháls, which is located on a ridge between the two glaciers Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull. This eruption attracted many observers from all over the world and it displayed a spectacular show of spouting hot lava and running lava flow down to Þórsmörk outdoor area below. From the glacier we head down to the rough and adventurous tracks into Þórsmörk Valley and cross numerous un-bridged rivers on the way. We spend the first night in a remote hut in these beautiful secluded surroundings. Being so remote from artificial lights throughout the tour we have good chances of seeing Northern Lights in right conditions.
* In case the glacier is impassable another exciting route will be chosen.
Day 4: Black Sandy Beaches – Thjórsárdalur Valley – Hekla Volcano – Lake Laugarvatn
We head back the same way as yesterday and have fun driving on the rough snowy tracks from Þórsmörk. We visit the former glacier lagoon by Gígjökull glacier tongue and see how the eruption diminished the lagoon and observe the unique landscape it created instead. We also visit waterfall Seljalandfoss and walk behind this beautiful waterfall. After a short drive on the main road we turn down to the unique black beaches by the Atlantic Ocean and experience some fun beach driving.
Day 5: The Highlands – Hveravellir Geothermal Area – Kerlingarfjöll Mountains
In the morning our convoy sets course to the geothermal area north of Kerlingarfjöll called Hveravellir. To reach this isolated place during winter is an adventurous task. Arriving there after working our way through the snow we can once again have a warm bath in the natural geothermal pool, surrounded by snow and steam. In the afternoon we head back to our base at Kerlingarfjöll. We prepare a mountain barbeque and relax under the dark and starry skies..
Day 6: Back to Reykjavik
We leave Kerlingarfjöll and the highlands behind and make our way through the snowy mountains down to the south coast. We visit the well known Þingvellir national park and take a walk with the guide around these unique surroundings. Before going to Reykjavík we stop at a highly praised lobster restaurant in the old fishing village of Eyrarbakki before we proceed back to capital Reykjavik.Day 7: Free day
Free day - use it to visit the famous Blue Lagoon or to wander around the city of Reykjavik. We are happy to help you planing your day!Day 8: Departure
Shuttle to Keflavik International Airport and individual flight back to the UK (not included, check flight information here).
Weather- and roadconditions may affect the chioce of the route taken!
