Trek through the Black Raven Reefs

The metaphor “Black raven reefs” is a perfect example of the natural poetry of the Old Icelandic language. (Hrafntinnusker: Hrafn for raven, tinna for black and sker for reefs)

This describe a chaos of obsidian, an intense black vitrified lava, sharp as razor, witch spreads among soft collared hills in the centre of a vast caldera of the same name: Hrafntinnusker. This concentrated itinerary is part of our collection of trips that speak to the purist hiker with a spirit of adventure.  This year, we are offering several departures for a maximum number of twelve participants. Our guides, all experienced mountaineers, will lead you safely through this incredible region. Starting at the foot of the imposing Hrafntinnusker caldera over the Landmannalaugar Valley and ending at the fault of Eldgjá or at the foot of the Tindfjöll Mountains, this short trek will lead you through a world of volcanic features – huge lava fields, mountains of rhyolite, basalt, obsidian and pumice, through hot springs and fumaroles, blast craters and fissures. You will discover dream-like, moss-filled valleys and drink from the freshest, clearest streams.

And always watching over you are the majestic, shimmering icecaps, themselves huge, dormant volcanoes surrounded by vast black sand flats, criss-crossed by myriad melt water streams. Presenting no difficulty for good walkers, on most days each member carries only a light daypack as a 4x4 truck carries all personal belongings, heavy equipment and supplies. Every day involves an average of 6-8 hours hiking. Accommodation, is in the well equipped mountain huts, all in beautiful locations. The isolation and severity of the landscape demands that each tour member be in good physical condition and that they actively participate in the trip i.e. the group must work together to set up camp, prepare food etc.

This trek is designed for those who wish to fully experience unspoiled nature at its best, and to see what they may never even have dreamed still existed.  ©Fjallabak

 West itinerary:                                   

1. Reykjavík to Hrafntinnusker
2. Explore Hraftinnusker
3. Markarflot canyon
4. Explore Tindfjöll
5. Ytri-Rangá
6. Fljotshlid > Reykjavik                  

East itinerary:

1. Reykjavík to Hrafntinnusker
2. Hrafntinnusker to Hvanngil
3. Mælifell desest to Strútur
4. Lake Holmsárlón
5. Eldgjá to Álftavatnakrokur
6. Eldgjá to Reykjavik