Arrival from Reykjavík to Egilsstaðir airport in the morning. One hours' drive to Borgarfjörður to the locally owned Álfheimar Guesthouse where we will stay next for the next 4 nights.

Hike: At 12:00 to Borgarfjörður valley. Rather easy day, walking about 12 km and traversing 400 m of elevation.

We start the day with a 3-hour hike in the village stopping by an old turf house, concert hall, local fish factory, rock gallery and many other interesting places along the way. After a light lunch we hike on unmarked trails in the valley of Borgarfjörður. From the village, we take sheep trails up to Dimmidalur (the Dark Valley) and Jökuldalur (Glacier Valley) to see their rugged, beautiful landscape, right under Dyrfjöll (the Door Mountains). Not only do we walk through the elf community of Lobbuhraun, but we visit their home in Dimmidalur Valley. When we return to Bakkagerði we walk through the village, noticing its many interesting aspects and of course also visiting the queen of the elves at Álfaborg (Elf Hill).

Accommodation at Guesthouse Álfheimar.

Hike: around 16 km and traversing 700 m of elevation.

We start the day after transport to the environmentally friendly harbour of Borgarfjörður, Hafnarhólmi, to visit the puffins and other birds nesting there. Next we hike up from the coast through vegetated mountain screes to Brúnavík pass, at 345 m, and down to Brúnavík inlet. There we visit another beach of black sand, with lots of beautiful stones lying on it, and listen to the waves. After taking our shoes off to ford the small stream, we enjoy a relaxing barefooted walk to the other end of the beach. On our way back we hike over Hofstrandarskarð pass, 321 m high, and walk beside Helgárgil colourful canyon towards Bakkagerði village.

Accommodation at Guesthouse Álfheimar.

Hike: A somewhat difficult hike because of gravelly areas and screes on about 15% on the way. Around 16 km. Traverses 500 m of elevation.

From Vatnskarð pass (431 m), we start the day's hike by going up and crossing the mountain Geldingafjall (640 m), then continuing inland west of Súlur peaks. We will enjoy excellent views over Njarðvík, Fljótsdalshérað Valley, the black sandy beach of Héraðsflói bay and perhaps even towards Vatnajökull Glacier and Mt. Snæfell in the eastern part of the central highlands. We then go down into Stórurð (Boulder Hollow), an expanse of enormous rocks intersected by a small river. Calm turquoise-coloured basins of icy water lie hidden among the huge boulders, often with flat banks of short, tender, green grass. Returning from this mysterious place, we can opt either for the hike along Dyrfjöll (Door Mountains) or the easy way down the valley below Rjúpnafell peak.

Accommodation at Guesthouse Álfheimar.