Eyjafjallajokull, Myrdalsjokull and Strutur during winter

Amazing glacier tour

The glacier Eyjafjallajokull (1651 meters over sea-level) is an active volcano with a magma chamber. The glacier itself covers an area of around 100 square kilometers. We stop at the unique Seljalandsfoss waterfall and from there we drive up to the glacier. From there we enjoy the fabulous view of almost the entire region of Southern Iceland and the impressive Westman Islands off the south shore. We drive east over the glacier and through the Fimmvorduhals mountain-pass where lies the hiking-route between Thorsmork valley up north and Skogar region in the south.

East of the mountain-pass Fimmvorduhals we enter the glacier Myrdalsjokull. This is the fourth biggest glacier in Iceland, covering an area of around 580 square kilometers. Under the thick shell of ice lies the volcano Katla which has erupted at least 23 times in historical times. The last eruption in Katla was 1918. Then we drive north to the glacier and down to the sandy mini-desert Maelifellssandur. From there we drive north to Mount Maelifell (Measure-hill) which reaches 800 meters over sea level, then further up north to the nice little highland lodge Strutsskali where we spend the night. This lodge, which was built in year 2002, is heated with oil and equiped with good kitchen facilities and water WC.

On day two we drive to the large hot-spring natural bathing-pool Strutslaug. It is located by the side of a little cold-water river and is devided in two parts by a piled up wall of natural stones. Its size is 6 x 6 meters and 8,5 x 5 meters. Its maximum deep is around 50 cm. In the smaller part of the pool the temperature is 43 degrees centigrade and 37 degrees in the bigger part. Around 30 people can bathe together in the pool. After a refreshing bath we return to the lodge and enjoy an amusing evening programme with informative talk about the region and various games for fun.

On day three we return to Reykjavik. We drive west over the sandy Maelifellssandur mini-desert and over the great Emstrur region down to Fljotshlid agricultural district.

Road condition and weather are crucial factors in planing this trip and making it possible. In favourable conditions and good weather this can be an unforgettable adventure since the icelandic winter is often very majestic up on the mountains and icy glaciers.