Touring program 2009:
How demanding is the tour?
easy
a little difficult
strenuous
very strenuous
All the tours depart from the office of the Touring Club of Akureyri (FFA) in Strandgata 23, Akureyri, unless otherwise stated.
May 16th, Hvarfshnjúkur, Svarfaðardalur, 1036m
We drive to Síðadalur Valley, to the farm of Syðra Hvarf where we
start our ascend. When we reach the summit the view is spectacular
across the valleys. Then we descend north along the river to the farm
of hofsá.
Guide: Konráð Gunnarsson
Fee : ISK members1.000/1.500
Departure: 0900 a.m.
May 23rd Reistarárskarð Flár, 1000m
A one day ski tour to the mountains north of Hörgá River. We drive in
private cars to the house Freyjulundur by Reistará River and climb the
mountain north of the river, carrying the skis. When we reach the
Reistarárskarð Pass we step on the skis and turn southwest to Flár,
the summit of the mountain (1000m) where the view over Þorvaldsdalur
and the mountains to the west is exceptional.
Guide: Grétar Grímsson
Fee: ISK members 1.000/1.500
Departure 0900 a.m.
May 29th to May 31st Hvannadalshnjúkur during the Whitsun Holiday
A three day tour to the highest summit in Iceland, a worthy goal for
any mountaineer in Iceland. On friday we drive in private cars to
Skaptafell National Park in Southeast Iceland and spend the night in
sleeping bag accommodation at Svínafell Farm. On Saturday we climb the
mountain, joining a group from Iceland Touring Association. The
vertical ascend is 2.000 m and the round trip probably takes 10 to 15
hrs. We return home the following day. Depending on weather, we might
attempt to climb the mountain on Sunday, instead of Saturday.
Necessary equipment. Sturdy walking boots, crampons, an ice axe,
aclimbing waist harness, a pair of sun glasses, sun block, adequate
clothing and sustenance.
A preparatory meeting is scheduled in Akureyri on Monday May 25th at
20.00 in FFA Headquarters.
Guide: Haraldur Örn Ólafsson from Iceland Touring Association
Fee: members ISK 12.000/15.000
Included in price: Guiding and accommodation
Departure to be announced
May 30th Along the banks of Eyjafjarðará River
We start from the parking lot east of the Airport and walk along the
east bank of the river to Hrafnagil.Nature and birdlife observed under
the guidance of one of our most famous and learned naturalist.
Guide: Þórir Haraldsson
Fee: free
Departure 0900 a.m.
June 6th, Beachwalking at Gásir
Gásir was for centuries the principal place of commerce in Eyjafjörður, in fact in Northern Iceland or up to around 1400 AD. The last reference to Gásir in that capacity is from 1391. Now we will wander along the beach and it is a good opportunity to bring the children along.
Guide: Sverrir Thorstensen
Fee: members ISK 1.000/1.500
Departure: 09.00
June 7th to 11th, Walking week, various gorges and canyons
Short walks for all, two to three hours duration.
Sunday June 7th, Sóragil í Öxnadal (Big Canyon in Öxnadalur Valley)
Tuesday June 9th, Syðragil í Eyjafirði (South Canion in Eyjafjörður)
Wednesday June 10th, Reyká í Eyjafirði (Smoky River in Eyjafjörður)
Thursday June 11th, Syðri Tunguá í Hörgardal, (Southern Tunguá in Hörgárdalur)
Guide: Frímann Guðmundsson/Konráð Gunnarsson
Fee: Free
Departure: 19.00
June 13th, Fífilbrekkuhátið að Hrauni
(Flower Festival at Hraun in Öxnadalur Valley the birthplace of poet and naturalist Jónas Hallgrímsson)
In cooperation with the Touring Society Hörgur we offer a walk on Hallok under the guidance of one of our most knowledgeable person of this particular area. Plus other informative entertainment coupled to this occation.
Giude: Bjarni E. Guðleifsson
Fee: Free
Departure: 09.00
June 14th, Útsýnisferð, Ólafsfjarðarmúli og Svarfaðardalur, rútuferð.
Panorama Bus Tour Ólafsfjarðarmúli and Svarfaðardalur Valley. Bus tour to Ólafsfjarðarmúli under the guidance of Kristján Eldjárn Þórarinsson from Tjörn Farm, there we enjoy the panoramic view. Then we drive to Svarfaðardalur Valley and stop at places of interest. Coffeebreak in the school at Húsabakki. We drive home in the afternoon, this is an easy and entertaining trip for all.
Guide: Kristján Eldjárn Hjartarson
Fee: members ISK 5.000/5.500
Included, guidance, coffee, and bus
Departure: 08.00
June 20th, Derrisskarð, 1150m
We drive to Hrafangilshraun (Raven Canyon Lava Field) in Þorvaldsdalur Valley and from there we walk up the valley over Fögruhlið and into Derrisdal Valley. From there we descend down along Syðri Sæludal Valley to the farm of Hlíð in Skíðadalur Valley.
Guide: Grétar Grímsson
Fee: members ISK 3.500/4.000
Included: Guidance and bus
Departure: 08.00
June 21st, Summer Solstice on Múlakolla, 970m
An evening walk to enjoy the midnight sun on the longest day of the year. We start our walk from the old road around Ólafsfjarðarmúli near Brimnes house, just outside Ólafsfjörður Town. We ascend the mountain, north of thr river, into Gvendarskál and from there to the summit of Múlakolla. At the end of the trip there will be a grill party (not included in the fee).
Guide: Gunnar Halldórsson
Fee: members ISK 1.000/1.500
Departure: 20.00
June 23rd, Midsummer Night at Kræðufell, 717m
We start our walk from the highest point of the road in Víkurskarð Pass, through Gæsadal Vallaey (Geese Valley) to the mountain Kræðufell. We descend through Hranárskarð Pass to the south of the farm of Fagribær. The walk is not very taxing.
Guide: Roar Kvam
Fee: members ISK1.000/1.500
Departure: 21.00
June 27th, Öxnadalur, Sesseljubúð, Háls
We set out from the site of the discontinued mountain hut of Sesseljubúð. We proceed along Grjótá River to Gilsárskarð Pass. From there we continue to Varmavatnshólafjall Mountain, which offers a spectacular and panoramic view. Then we descend down Vatsdal Valley along Hraunsvatn (Lava Water) and arrive at Háls farm.
Guide: Stefán Sigurðsson
Fee: members ISK 1.000/1.500
Departure: 08.00
June 28th, Lofthellir Cave east of Lake Mývatn (Spelunking)
A one day tour exploring a magnificent cave east of Lake Mývatn. We drive to Lúdentsborgir craters east of Lake Mývatn and from there we walk to the cave, which is situated in a lava field between the mountains of Hvannfell and Búrfell. The total length of the cave is 370 m and it is five storeys high. There are many gigantic and breathtaking icicle formations in the cave. All must bring a dependable torch (preferably spare batteries too) and a sturdy helmet.
Guide: Haukur Ívarsson
Fee: Members ISK 1.000/1.500
Departure 10.00
July 4th, Krossastaðir Stórihnjúkur Skíðastaðir
The walk starts from Krossastaðir Farm in the Þelamörk region, we ascend through the tree nursery at Vaglir and on south of
Krossastaðagil canyon. We cross north over the canyon and walk on to Stórahnjúk. Then we walk along the mountain ridge to Mannshryggur and finally we descend to Skíðastaðir (The Ski Chalet)
Guide: Ingvar Teitsson
Fee: Members ISK 1.000/1.500
Departure 08.00
July 5th, Naturés Delight
The life on the beach from birds to micro entities along Eyjafjörður Fjord. This is a fun filled and informative trip for the whole family.
Guide: Þórir Haraldsson
Fee: Members ISK 1.000/1.500
Departure 10.00
July 11th, Grímsey
This is an informative ferry trip to Grímsey Island which is situated on the Artic Circle. Local guides will tell us all about the island. We return the same evening.
Guide: Konráð Gunnarsson
Fee: Members ISK 12.500/13.000
Included Guidance and ferry trip
Departure: To be announced
July 12th Along Glerá River
A one day walk along Glerá River, above and within Akureyri, from Glerárdalur Valley where the river falls through a spectacular gorge to its estuary north of Oddeyri in Akureyri. In the gorge and alongthe river we find many rare and beautiful plants.
Guide: Ingimar Eydal
Fee: Members ISK 1.000/1.500
Departure: 10.00
July 17th to July 21st The Askja Trail 1st Tour.
Accommodation in huts, we walk with minimal equipment, a minibus ferries all other equipment. All meals are provided.
Day 1. We drive to Dreki Hut east of Dyngjufjöll.
Day 2. Walk along a trail from Drekagil across Dungjufjöll to the famous Askja Caldera, we can possibly take a swim in Víti (Hell). We will be picked up at the car park north of
Víti and driven back to Dreki Hut.
Day 3. We drive back to the car park north of Víti Crater. From there we walk along a trail across Dyngjufjöll through Jónsskarð Pass and down to Dyngjufjalladalur
Valley.Accommodation in Dyngjufell, a hut owned by FFA. Distance 19 to 20 km.
Day 4. We walk from Dyngjufell north along Dyngjafalladal Valley to Suðurárbotnar along Suðurá River. Accommodation in Botni Hut owned by FFA. Distance 20 to 22 km.
Day 5. During the final day we follow an old jeep trail from Botni Hut down through Suðurárbotna along Suðurá River to Svartárkot Farm. Distance 15 to 16 km. We then
drive to Mývatssveit through Engidalur Valley and Stöng. We relax in the Geothermal Baths in Mývatnssveit and then we have dinner in Gamli Bærinn (the Old Farm) in
Reynihlíð (not included). Finally we drive to Akureyri.
Guide: Ingvar Teitsson
Fee: Members ISK 47.000/49.000
Included: Guidance,bustour, minibus, all meals and accomodation.
A booking deposit of ISK 5.000 is required.
Departure: 16.00
July 18th, Dýjafjallshnjúkur, 1445m
We start from Dagverðartunga Farm in Hörgárdal Valley south of Fornhagagil Canyon. We continue along Úlfá River and Tungudalsá River to Ytri Tungudal Valley to Dyngjuhnjúk Summit. Next we go north across Tungudalsá River and ascend Dyngjufjallshnjúk Summit. Return via the same route.
Guide: Grétar Grímsson
Fee: Members ISK 1.000/1.500
Departure 08.00
July 19th, Krossafjall Mountain
A one day tour to a prominent mountain west of Eyjafjörður Fjord, variously known as Krossafjall or Sólarfjall. The first settler in the Eyjafjörður area, Helgi the Lean is said to have ascended the mountain during his first spring in the area. He then discovered that there was much less snow fall further inland in the Eyjafjörður Fjord and decided to settle down there at a place called Kristnes.
Guide: Elín Hjaltadóttir
Fee: Members ISK 1.000/1.500
Departure: 08.00
July 24th, to July 26th, Gil, Þönglabakki, Látur, Svínárnes.
On Friday we drive to Gil and from there we walk to Þönglabakki Farm where we stay overnight.On Saturday we walk past Þorgeirsfjörð Fjord across Migindiskamb, Blæjukamb, Blæju and on to Keflavík. Next we turn into the valley across Uxaskarð to Látrar Farm where we stay overnight. During Sunday we walk along Látrastönd towards Svínárnes.
Gudes: Sigurgeir Sigurðsson/Gunnar Halldórsson
Fee: Members ISK 7.500/8.700
Included: Guidance, Busses and Accomodation
Departure: 13.00
July 25th, A Cultural Tour to Hrísey Island
We take a bus from Akureyri to Árskógsströnd and the Ferry Sævar to Hrísey Island. There we use the islanders unique method of transportation, namely a tractor, which takes us north to the lighthouse on the island. Then we visit the Shark Catching Museum and the museum Holt. At last we enjoy a good dinner at Brekka. After dinner we return to Akureyri.
Guide: Aðalsteinn Bergdal
Fee: Members ISK 9.500/9.900
Included. Guidance,Busses, Ferry, Lighthouse Tour,Museums, Dinner.
July 27th, to 31st. The Askja Trail 2nd, Tour
See 1st, Tour Above
Guide: Roar Kvam
August 7th to 9th 2009 Bræðrafell Hrútahálsar
A three day hike in Ódáðahraun, on Friday we drive to Herðubreiðarlindir and hike from there that same day to Bræðrafell Hut where we stay for two nights. We spend Saturday exploring the spectacular crater in Kollóttadyngja and inspect the craters and
solfataras some of which are encrusted with beautiful if fragile sulphur crystals located in Hrútahálsar Mountain. On Sunday we return to Herðubreiðalindir and Akureyri.
Guide: Frímann Guðmundsson
Fee: Members ISK 3.400/4.000
Included: Guiding and accommodation
Departure: 08.00
August 14th to 16th A Jeep Tour
We travel to Kverkfjöll Mountains and surrounding areas. Accommodation in Dreki Hut and Sigurðarskáli Hut.
Guide: Örn Árnason
Fee: Members ISK 4.500/6.100
Included: Guiding and accommodation
Departure: 16.00
August 15th, Kerling Mountain, 1538m, Seven Summits Tour.
We tackle the highest mountain in the Eyjafjörður area. We drive to Finnastaðir Farm and ascend from there to the summit of Kerling Mountain. The panoramic veiw is northing short of spectacular. Now participants can either descend the mountain back to Finnastaðir Farm or trek along the Súlur Mountain Ridge crossing six summits to arrive at the road near the garbage dumps of Akureyri.
Guides: Frímann Guðmundsson/Vignir Víkingsson
Fee: Members free/others ISK 1.000
Departure: 08.00
August 16th Fljótsbakki Vað
We start the tour by driving to Fljótsbakki Farm in Þingeyjarsveit County, Then we proceed walking along the east bank of Skjálfandafljót River to Einarsstaðaskógur Wood through to Fossselskógur Wood which is reputed for its beauty. Then we proceed to Skipapollur and Ullarfoss Waterfall and from there to Vað Farm.
Guide: Ingvar Teitsson
Fee: Members ISK 1.000/1.500
Departure: 10.00
August 21st to 23rd. Herðubreið 1682m
The yearly FFA Climbing Expedition to our National Mountain Herðubreið. Friday we drive in private cars to Herðubreiðarlindir, our base camp, where we stay in a hut or tents. We climb the National Mountain on Saturday, weather permitting. We return to Akureyri Sunday. Necessary auxiliary equipment: A sturdy helmet.
Guide. Ingvar Teitsson
Fee: Hut accommodation members ISK 5.000/6.600
Tent accommodation members ISK 3.000/3.400
Included: Guiding and accommodation
Departure: 16.00
August 29th, Kaldbakur 1173m
Kaldbakur is one of the jewels in the Eyjafjörður Region and the view from the summit is extraordinarily clear in all directions. The mountain is reputed to be one of Earth́s Power Outlets. A trip to the summit is an unforgettable experience. On top of the mountain you can find a big cairn made by order of the Danish General Staff in 1914.
Guide: Björn Ingólfsson
Fee: Members ISK 1.000/1.500
Departure: 08.00
August 30th, Tröllafjall, 1483m
We drive to the parking lot by the corral, then we cross the pedestrian bridge over Glerá River and up along the west bank of the river, then across the pedestrian bridge across Fremri Lambá River along the river up the northern ridge of Tröllafjall.
Guide: Ingimar Eydal
Fee: members ISK 1.000/1.500
Departure: 08.00
September 2009
September 5th, Þingmannavegaur (The Deputy Trail)
We walk over and across Vaðlaheiði Mountain along so called Þingmannavegur Trail, leaving from Hróarsstaðir Farm to the Deputy Assembly Place (Þing). in Eyjafjarðarsveit County. En route we cross the remains of an old stone wall from 1871.
Guide: Roar Kvam
Fee: Members ISK 3.600/4.100
Included : Guiding and bus
Departure: 10.00
September 12th to 13th, Haustlitaferð (Autumn Colours)
We drive to Svartárkot Farm, then we walk to Botni Hut in Suðurárbotnum. There we stay overnight and return along the same route the next day. The autumn colours in this area are said to be divine.
Guide: Anke maría Steinke
Fee: Members ISK 2.400/3.000
Included: Guiding, accommodation
September 26th, Óvissuferð (A trip without destination)
A trip prepared by the FFA travel committee
Further info on www.ffa.is
Fee: Free
Departure: 10.00
