First part is forested but after the quarry it gets volcanic again. Marking is sometimes confusing, especially around the quarry. Water only at the start (a small river flowing out of the reservoir) and the end (a tiny stream going to the lake Djúpavatn).
Most of the section goes through lava fields. Well marked. The only water is at the start (ask for it in one of the private lodges) and the end (river flowing from the reservoir).
Rough from the start, flat and industrial in the middle with a long gradual ascent and sharp descent at the end. Some parts are vaguely marked or not at all. There isn’t any water between the Exhibition centre in Hellisheiði and the ski resort in Bláfjallaskáli.
This stage is hilly with lots of waterfalls and plenty of streams to drink from. It’s very well marked but you need to know where to go since the signs don’t say ‘Reykjavegur’ but only local names (follow signs to: Dyravegur / Dyradalur, then Sleggjubeinsdalur). There is a free hut, Múlasel, at the end of the stage.
Reykjavegur is a 127 km long hike along the Reykjanes peninsula, south-west Iceland. Even though Reykjavík is nearby, it attracts only a small number of hikers. We didn’t meet any throughout the 7 days and it was the beginning of August, peak hiking season.
A lot has been written about hiking around lake Mývatn as there are many options for day walks in the area. One of the longest trails you can do starts directly in Reykjahlíð and takes you through Hverfjall and Dimmuborgir – varied, but still only volcanic landscapes.
Easy trail along an astonishing canyon and its side gorges. Well marked with water in the beginning and the end
Relatively easy, well marked trail along the left side of Jökulsárgljúfur canyon. Drinking water is at the Dettifoss campsite (for hikers only!) and then plenty in Hólmatungur
Easy, yet still unmarked trail over moor dunes and tussocks. There is a drinking water at Dettifoss campsite
The stage is unmarked, tiring and the most challenging of the whole hike as you walk almost exclusively on soft scree. Drinking water is available by the lake Eilífsvötn.