Absolutely breath-taking scenery every single day.
Relying on public transport to get to the trailheads worked in all but one instance, so the Exodus team should take that into account should this prove to be a consistent problem.
Iceland Walking Holidays
Iceland Walking Holidays
Leslie Gondor Tour du Mont Blanc Hotel Trek
Hui Dai Mont Blanc Hiking HighlightsMy recent trekking adventure around Mont Blanc was nothing short of spectacular, a truly unforgettable journey through some of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth. Every turn offered a new vista, from the majestic snow-capped peaks to the vibrant alpine meadows, all bathed in the crisp mountain air. The sheer scale and beauty of the scenery were truly humbling, making every step a joy.
Equally commendable were our wonderful group leader and hosts. Their warm hospitality and the delicious, hearty meals they provided after long days of trekking were a highlight. Each meal was a culinary delight, offering a true taste of local flavors and providing the perfect fuel for our adventures. This trip was a perfect blend of challenging trekking, stunning natural beauty, and genuine human connection. Highly recommended!
Craig Isom Mont Blanc Hiking HighlightsChamonix and the Mont Blanc massif are truly one of the world’s alpine splendors. The peaks and alpine glaciers envelop the valley with a gorgeous and stately majesty. The Mont Blanc Highlights ended up being the perfect level of challenge for me, with daily hikes of 6-8 miles and more importantly, 2,500-3,000 feet of elevation gain to an altitude of over 7,000 feet most days. Make sure you are in good condition and have good climbing boots so that you can enjoy the views with minimal discomfort. Our Chalet Chalupa was a nice home for the week, with Carol and Sebastien providing daily meals and comfy beds to allow recovery for the next day’s adventures. No laundry facilities here – take what you’ll need for the week. Our hosts also ferried us around in vans to each day’s hike start point where not supported by the valley’s excellent transit system. All the trails are very well maintained and the views – from someone who always thought the Yosemite Valley was the quintessential hikers paradise – the Mont Blanc massif just has to be seen to be believed. Life changing.
Top 5 Natural Sights to See on Iceland Walking Tours
Alftavatn Lake: Wedged between the rugged rhyolite mountains on the Laugavegur Trail, Alftavatn Lake, also known as Swan Lake, has a staggeringly beautiful backdrop. The lake is renowned for its many species of fowl that congregate around the water, and it’s likely you’ll be able to spot swans, ducks and other waterfowl here. Alftavatn is a tranquil oasis and a popular spot for avid birdwatchers. While camping here during the summer months, you’ll also get to experience Iceland’s Midnight Sun, a natural phenomenon seen north of the Arctic Circle.
Skogafoss Waterfall: One of the largest and most spectacular of Iceland’s waterfalls is Skogafoss with its waters thundering 60 metres down a sheer cliff face in the Skoga River. If you want to experience the real force of the falls, you can walk right up to the cascade to feel the spray on your face and listen to its almighty roar in stereo sound. Alternatively, climb the steep stairs that wind up to the observation platform and enjoy the magnificent view of the falls from above.
Mt Hekla: Having erupted more than a whopping 20 times, Mt Hekla is the most active volcano in the country. Sadly, it has caused great destruction over the centuries, in particular the surrounding forests of the area, and it is certainly a force to be reckoned with. Mt Hekla makes up part of a volcanic ridge which stretches for 25 miles. The area is a favourite for hikers, and you can follow a trail that takes you almost to the summit.
Myrdalsjokull Glacier: Spanning nearly 600 square kilometres, Myrdalsjokull is one of the country’s biggest glaciers and stands on top of the active Katla volcano. When walking in Iceland, it’s worth taking a tour to the volcanic plains to get a closer look at this frozen wonder. Katla is one of Iceland’s most active volcanoes and erupts around once every 50 years. Because it lies beneath Myrdalsjokull Glacier, the eruptions create huge ash clouds. The landscape surrounding the glacier feels quite surreal and it’s an eerie atmosphere looking out across the vastness.
Markarfljotsglufur Canyon: Cutting through the remote landscape of the Icelandic Highlands, Markarfljotsglufur Canyon is stunningly beautiful gorge that looks like it could have stepped out of ‘Lord of the Rings’. And because it is lesser frequented than many other natural sites owing to its location, you may well be the only visitors here at any one time. The canyon drops a staggering 200 metres and can be seen when trekking along the famous Laugavegur Trail. Markarfljotsglufur was originally formed 2000 years ago from an enormous eruption of the notorious volcano Katla, which caused great flooding in the area.
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