Icelandic Highlands Packraft Expedition

We’ve put together a route description for a fantastic 4 day expedition through the highlands of Iceland, which traverses incredible landscapes and links together some of the highlands’ most iconic locations.

Paddling towards the rhyolite mountains of Landmannalaugar

Paddling: 40 km

Hiking: 30 km

Length: 4 days / 3 nights

This expedition links some of the highlands' most impressive sights, traverses black sand deserts and vibrant mossy mountains, and finishes at the majestic colourful mountains of Landmannalaugar- complete with the perfect hot spring to rest tired legs!

Highlights include the 17km long rift volcano Laki, responsible for the largest eruption in Iceland’s history, highland lake Langisjór, the black sands of Tungnaáröræfi and the colourful rhyolitic mountains of Landmannalaugar.

To see any of these places might be the focal point of one’s trip to Iceland, so linking them all in a human-powered hiking and paddling expedition feels all the more special.

The use of packrafts allows us to design a route not constrained by water obstacles such as rivers and lakes. Instead, we seek them out. This gives the result that our hiking routes are devoid of people, and we get to experience true untouched wilderness.

Disclaimer

This route description is for informational purposes only. Individuals or groups that wish to complete the described route are responsible for confirming from primary sources that information is correct and up to date before setting out. North Tides accepts no liability for events caused due to incorrect, outdated or missing information herein.

Route History

Marek Cavojsky proposed this route; we completed it together in September 2022. The route variation “option B” (see description) was traversed with a group in 2025. I'm not aware of other teams doing the same route, but it would hardly be surprising given the quality of the locations linked together.

Guided Expeditions

If you’re interested in a guided expedition, whether the one described or elsewhere in Iceland, email us at info@northtides.is

Getting there and back

Laki is situated in the southern Icelandic highlands at the end of mountain road F206. As this route is a traverse, rather than a loop, it is recommended to arrange transport into Laki rather than drive yourself. At the time of writing, there is only one company offering transport to Laki (www.secreticeland.com). With two cars it would be possible to run a shuttle, but a large modified 4x4/superjeep may be required to get to Laki if the river crossings are high.

Fortunately, the way back from Landmannalaugar is easy, with multiple buses per day running to Hvolsvöllur and Reykjavík. A quick search of “highland bus” or “landmannalaugar bus” will show the options.

If you have the time/energy, it is recommended to spend a few days exploring Landmannalaugar after completing this route. Although it is probably the busiest place in the Icelandic highlands, this is for good reason as there is a plethora of quality hiking routes and an awesome hot spring right next to the campground.

Route Summary

The route begins at the volcanic rift Laki. Hike from here to glacial river Skaftá. Cross using packrafts, and hike across a small mountain ridge and paddle down the incredible highland lake Langisjór. Climb Sveinstindur to get the best view in all of Iceland (optional) and hike to Lónakvísl, a small oasis like stream running through the black sand desert of Tungnaáröræfi. Hike to glacial river Tungnaá and paddle 35 km to the colourful rhyolite mountains of Landmannalaugar.

All of the paddling is flat water lakes or rivers. There are no rapids or swiftwater hazards en route, assuming that teams put in and take out at the correct locations.

This route is an adventure route and is amazing for the variation and quality of scenery that it passes through, but it involves a fair amount of hiking with heavy backpacks. If you are looking for an easy trip, this is not it. Likewise, if you want your packrafting to be mainly about quality whitewater, look elsewhere.

The real beauty of this route is that it links together amazing places, and packrafts allow us to draw lines across the map that are illogical for hiking routes; this route is an amazing example of an experience made possible by packrafts. If you want a wilderness experience, want to get away from established trails/roads and don’t mind carrying a heavy backpack to get it done then keep reading!

Equipment

All the paddling is flatwater, which will be made easier by a flatwater packraft. Higher volume packrafts with sit higher in the water and may be useful for paddling over shallow sections.

All of the water is cold. Glacial rivers or highland lakes will be 0 – 4 degrees Celsius, therefore a drysuit is advised. A spray skirt is nice to have on the packraft, not for rapids but to keep the drips of cold water off.

Hazards

As often the case in the highlands of Iceland, the main hazard is adverse weather. Even in summertime you can see temperatures around freezing, strong winds and heavy rain. If you are thinking of doing this route, you should be well prepared and have a plan B, C and D in case of emergency. Participants should have: