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Hiking with Halla: Laugavegur

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Nature child Halla loves outdoor activities such as rock climbing, biking and hiking. She sometimes works as a private tour guide taking people on hiking journeys out in the wilderness of Iceland and spices it up with spiritual events, yoga, meditation practise and lots of humor. Halla is currently planning a five (5) day trip through Laugavegur, Iceland‘s most popular hiking trail, for the adventurous and single. Gays, lesbians, bisexuals, transgender and straight people are welcome to sign up.

Landmannalaugar – Álftavatn – Emstrur – Þórsmörk – Eyjafjallajökull/ Skógar

  • Drive: 150 min from Reykjavik
  • Terrain: Rough lava fields, snow, smooth trails, crossing rivers
  • 5 days backpack trip
  • Sleep in a tent
  • Total average trip per day 4 – 6 hours
  • Height gain: ~1200 meter
  • Price per person: A total of 25.000 ISK for 5 days or 5.000 ISK per day.

This is a 5 days trip that I have done few times in the past and now I’m planning on going from 5th – 9th of July. This trip is going to be a bit special because I’m gathering a group of people who have two things in common. One is that everybody loves hiking and two everybody is single. But by the end of the trip some of the members might not be single anymore. The trip will be filled with entertaining supplements, yoga, meditation and story telling filled with laughter. So basically this is a modern way of gathering single nature loving people on a journey with the aim of sharing each other’s company with open heart, humor and the will to create real pleasure and joy out of an adventure.

So if you are single and feeling adventurous sign up for the tour. Gays, lesbians, bisexual, transgender and straight people are welcome to join. You simply buy your own food supplies, campsite fee and share cost of shipping extra food into Básar, apart from the 5.000 ISK price per day or a total of 25.000 ISK for the tour guide, that would be me. Of course you will have to pay your own bus ticket from destination Reykjavik-Landmannalaugar and Skógar-Reykjavik. To sign up or get more details simply send an email to me on hallahimintungl@gmail.com before the 29th of June. Tell me a little bit about yourself, when you plan to arrive in Iceland, how experienced a hiker you are and if you are keen to share a tent with other hikers on the trip.

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We will start this trip  at Landmannalaugar which is located in the highlands of Iceland. There we can take a bath in natural hot springs and even a short hike in the area before the actual hike starts (only for those who have good endurance, the rest of the group can chill in the hot springs while the active ones hike in the area). Then we start hiking from Landmannalaugar to Álftavatn where we camp out. It‘s a wonderful journey. You can expect some snow on the trails and we gain heights of ca 800 m.

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For the active ones we can hike around the area in Álftavatn. Then we continue hiking to Emstrur where there will be few rivers to cross. So it’s good to have extra shoes and plastic bags for those occasions. On the way we will also wander through black deserts, rather stunning landscape. We camp out at Emstrur.

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From Emstrur we hike towards Básar in Þórsmörk, where we camp out for two nights. On the way we will pass by an amazing and sublime canyon called Markarfljót. Again we will have to cross some glacier rivers. It is wonderful to hike there in the daytime. We will also have a stock of food in Básar. So this is going to be a nice fiesta for BBQ and grand meals and beverage for those who like to make a proper ”skál”, that is a toast to celebrate this beautiful destination.

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A lovely day hike in Básar in Þórsmörk. There are truly many hiking trails and options to choose from. Participants can make their free choice of where to go on day four. We will simply view them all once we are there. But to name few you can hike to Valahnjúkur 468 m. Stakkholtsgjá wich is a beautiful little creek with a little stream in it. Tindfjöll, Húsadalur and Hvannárgil just to name few. Overnight again in Básar.

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We hike from Básar to the top of Eyjafjallajökull, the glacier which is mostly famous for erupting in 2010 and causing many international (as well as domestic) flights getting cancelled for almost one month. It is stunning to hike through this area. The lava is still warm and you will see heat strokes steaming up from the lava. Highest gain ca 1200 m. We will end the trip in Skógar where we take a bus back to Reykjavík.

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There is a stove at the camp site to cook food but it is recommended that you take a little travelling primus with you to make hot drinks and cook dry food packs. Also please remember that everybody is responsible for their own luggage.

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  1. Never start a long hike in new hiking boots. Make sure you have proper hiking boots that you are used to walking in and a first aid kit that includes lots of band aids or so-called second skin. Second skin can be put on your feet in case you get blisters from walking.
  2. Bring food that is easy to carry. If you hike for more than one day then take some dry fruits with you and “flatcakes/flat bread” instead of wheat bread as the bread gets moldy rather quickly during hikes.
  3. For two or more days take with you: A tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mattress, back pack, first aid kit (see above), toilet bag, 1 toilet paper roll, food, drinks, sun glasses, extra shoes to wade rivers, water bottle, lighter, mobile phone and charger, hiking canes or sticks, which are good when wading rivers and also to take off pressure from the knees and hips when going downhill, pocket knife, duct tape, earplugs, towel, sewing kit, warm clothes and clothes that are wind and water proofed. Comfortable hiking boots that you are used to (see above). Good spirit and lots of laughter.
  4. In case of emergency always leave your travelling plan and mobile number with someone in town, so they can follow-up on you and send out rescue team in a worst case scenario.
  5. If you are hiking in an area that you are not familiar with, rule number one is to ask the locals about the area and make sure you have updated weather forecast before starting the journey.

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Halla has been working as a healer for over 20 years. She is a certified Reiki master, Hypnosis Therapist, Astrology Reader, Bowen therapist and loves to practice yoga and meditation. During summer time she performs Shamanic drum healing journeys out in the beautiful nature of Iceland in a tipi tent.  One of her speciality is hypnosis by healing the inner child with focus on rejection, improving the self-image and building up more confidence, success, increased love and happiness within oneself. Since 1996 Halla’s interest in reading western astrology has flourished over the years. She was an Assistant Schoolmaster at the Icelandic Astrology School from 2009 to 2011. Halla worked as a social worker in Iceland for 8 years with a main focus on empowering family ties and working with youth at risk.

For further information, check out  Halla’s website www.magicmoonhealer.com

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Á. Óskarsson
Á. Óskarsson

Á. Óskarsson offers a variety of products and services to sports centers, swimming pools, schools, kindergartens, and the general public. The company specializes in sport-related products, activity-focused games, and a wide range of solutions for sports facilities.

Á. Óskarsson has been involved in numerous big projects related to building sports facilities and has made it their benchmark to offer good quality products and equipment since the company was founded.

See links to social media in the upper left-hand corner

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Á. Óskarsson selur fjölbreytt vöruúrval fyrir íþróttahús, sundlaugar, skóla og leikskóla og einnig ýmsar vörur til einkaafnota. Fyrirtækið selur vörur til íþróttaiðkunnar og leikja ásamt því að bjóða upp á ýmsar lausnir fyrir íþróttamannvirki.

Á. Óskarsson hefur komið að fjölda stórra verkefna við byggingu íþróttamannvirkja og hefur frá stofnun kappkostað að bjóða vandaðar og endingargóðar vörur.

Tenglar á samfélagsmiðla eru í efra horninu vinstra megin.

Webpage/vefsetur

Blush

    Blush was founded in 2011 when it started selling high quality sex products. The goal from the beginning was to change the market and take the discussion about sex products to a higher level. Today Blush provides professional services in a pleasant environment that fulfills different needs, both for individuals and couples. Blush respects diversity and wants to set a good example in all of its messaging to target audiences. Sexual health and equality in sex is important and Blush wants to focus on those issues through education and open discussion. Blush works in a socially responsible manner for society, their customers and the environment.

    Check out Blush’s website: https://blush.is/

    Omnom Chocolate
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      Omnom Chocolate is an Icelandic craft chocolate company based in Reykjavík. We produce handcrafted chocolate from organic cacao beans sourced ethically and sustainably. We’ve developed direct relationships to create premium chocolate with fine flavor cacao beans.

      Our creative flavors are carefully crafted by meticulous chocolate makers. The cacao beans are roasted, winnowed, ground, and refined into melty-smooth chocolate.

      Omnom’s process is one of constant exploration, invention, and experimentation. If it doesn’t please us, if something isn’t absolutely delicious, there’s no reason to be doing it. So, we always start with our taste buds and follow our instincts. Our team searches for the finest ingredients in the world and new ways to improve chocolate. This obsession with knowing where our ingredients come from has led us around the corner to dairy farms in the Icelandic countryside and all the way to rainforest cacao farms of Nicaragua.

      In only a few short years, we’ve grown from our 50 sq. m. petrol station space and become an award-winning chocolate maker. Now, with our headquarters in 101 Reykjavík, our chocolate is sent out around Iceland and all over the world.

      At the end of the day, our goal is to make chocolate.

       

      Nasdaq

         

        Nasdaq (Nasdaq: NDAQ) is a global technology company serving the capital markets and other industries. Our diverse offering of data, analytics, software and services enables clients to optimize and execute their business vision with confidence.

        With over 4,300 employees in 39 offices around the world, at Nasdaq we all contribute to the success of the company and its culture, and each one of us has the ability to make a difference. When it comes to our core mission and values, we embrace the role of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (DIB) as a fundamental driver of our corporate growth, workplace culture and market development. We strive to create a culture that embraces the power of different perspectives—a culture where people’s unique backgrounds and different experiences helps us fuel innovation and support our clients around the world.

        Our unique position at the center of the capital markets allows us to see firsthand how these values have redefined corporate culture and success, deepening and accelerating our own commitment to champion inclusive growth and prosperity, as we strive to create more equitable opportunities to help people of all backgrounds reach their full potential. Most notably, we published our diversity statistics for the first time in 2020. These metrics serve as a quantitative assessment of where we are today and help determine what strategies we need to adopt to enhance diversity in the workplace. We recognize that we have much work to do, but we are steadfast in our commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive culture—one that reflects the communities in which we live, allows all employees to be their true, authentic selves and fosters individual growth and achievement.

        As we move forward together, we will continue advancing diverse ideas and perspectives that help fulfill the promise of a more inclusive and prosperous world. We aim to set the pace for rethinking capital markets and economies anywhere and everywhere. To learn more about the company, technology solutions and career opportunities, visit us on LinkedIn, on Twitter @Nasdaq, or at www.nasdaq.com.

        Blue Lagoon
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        Named by National Geographic as one of the 25 Wonders of the World, the Blue Lagoon is a shimmering expanse of warmth, relaxation, and rejuvenation. Its unique geothermal seawater
        comes from 2.000 meters within the earth where seawater and freshwater converge in a tectonic realm of porous lava and searing heat. Propelled by extreme pressure, the water ascends to the earth’s surface, emerging enriched with silica, algae, and minerals—the elements that endow Blue Lagoon geothermal seawater with its radiant, healing properties.

        From its humble beginnings in the shadows of a geothermal power plant, Blue Lagoon has evolved into a world of wonder, now encompassing two hotels, three restaurants, three
        geothermal lagoons, a subterranean spa, a renowned line of skin care, a thriving research center, and a wealth of spa and refreshment facilities.

        Achieving harmony with the volcanic landscape, the lagoon and its surrounding architecture embody the unification of the man-made and the natural, and adhere to the highest principles of sustainability.

        The Blue Lagoon. A wonder of the world. A world of wonder.

        Landsbankinn
        - leading financial institution
        Landsbankinn

        Landsbankinn is a leading Icelandic financial institution. It offers a full range of financial services and is the market leader in the Icelandic financial service sector with the largest branch network.

        The present bank was established on 7 October 2008 but the history of its predecessor dates back to 1886. The bank is owned by the National Treasury of Iceland, which holds 98.2% of its share capital, and other shareholders who own 1.8%.

        Landsbankinn’s strategy is to provide comprehensive financial services that meet customer’s needs. It emphasizes providing exemplary service to customers, developing e-banking for their convenience, increasing the efficiency of support functions, modernizing its technology and ensuring effective utilization of its balance sheet.

        The bank’s vision is to be exemplary and its role is to be a trusted financial partner.

        Special emphasis is placed on promoting a performance-oriented culture in the bank. To follow up on the implementation of this strategy, the bank has defined key goals which are measured regularly to determine progress. These goals include, for example, customer satisfaction and loyalty, profitability, cost efficiency and the correlation between risk appetite and employee satisfaction.

        Landsbankinn wishes to lead the development of a sustainable society in Iceland by integrating economic, social and environmental concerns in its operations. The Bank aims to ensure that both its owners and society at large benefit from its activities.

        It intends to achieve this aim by building solid infrastructure and a strong team of 1.100 employees, by listening to its customers and by respecting and encouraging its employees to actively participate in their community. Landsbankinn was a founding member of Festa, a Centre for Corporate Social Responsibility, and is a member of the UN Global Compact.

        Landsbankinn has been a proud sponsor of the Reykjavik Pride since it was first celebrated in Iceland.

        Dohop
        - get inspired
        Dohop

        “Dohop allows people to find the cheapest flights available with just one click. Founded in Reykjavik in 2004, it is the only Icelandic company of its kind and quickly became the go-to tool for finding cheap flights among the locals. Dohop finds the best deals among hundreds of different airlines and online travel agencies, to make sure that the user is getting the cheapest price. Dohop also offers hotel and car rental search engines, so users can make all of their travel bookings from a single website.

        Dohop‘s specialty is finding so-called “self-connect” flight options, which can save travelers money by booking a ticket through two or more different airlines. The ability to look for these self-connect option is what sets Dohop apart from its competition, as it can save people hundreds of dollars on certain routes.

        More recently, Dohop has developed a unique product called Dohop Go!, which allows users to check for the cheapest available flights from their home airport. This tool is perfect for those who are looking for travel inspiration but are not willing to overpay for their flight ticket. Dohop Go! is now available in the Dohop Flights App, both for Android and iOS, along with its traditional flight, hotel, and car search engines. “

        VSÓ Ráðgjöf

           

          VSÓ Ráðgjöf er alhliða ráðgjafar- og verkfræðifyrirtæki sem leggur áherslu á trausta og faglega þjónustu sem tryggir viðskiptavinum hagkvæmustu lausnir hverju sinni, skilar raunverulegum árangri og stuðlar að samkeppnisforskoti.  Á skrifstofum VSÓ í Reykjavík og í Noregi starfar yfir 80 manna samhentur hópur verkfræðinga og annarra tæknimenntaðra starfsmanna.

          Macland
          - for all your Apple needs
          Macland

          From starting out as a proper startup with only a good idea and the need to change things, to becoming an established company with 6 employees. Starting from scratch and expanding organically has allowed us to love our expansion and take our customers on the ride with us.

          Macland is located at Laugavegur 23 (101, Downtown Reykjavik)
          For all your Apple needs. We are here.

          Ísey skyr
          - once tasted never forgotten

          Our Story
          Once upon a time, 1,100 years ago in fact, Nordic settlers began arriving in Iceland. They brought with them the skills and knowledge for producing skyr. As time passed, the know-how and recipe for this nutritious food slowly faded out elsewhere in the Nordic region. Luckily, the Icelandic skyr-making tradition continued.

          For centuries, Icelandic skyr formed a cornerstone of the national diet, helping to keep people strong in living conditions that were often harsh. On family farms countrywide, it was the women who nurtured this dairy and passing on both the recipe and the original Icelandic skyr cultures from mother to daughter.

          Ísey skyr builds on this remarkable legacy. It was some of those very same women, the recipients of their mothers’ expertise, who, around 90 years ago, taught Icelandic dairy scientists the art of skyr-making. The production process is more high-tech these days, and the quality standards more rigorous. However, the basic recipe and the use of original cultures to ferment the skimmed milk remain the same. Protein rich, fat-free, creamy and delicious – Ísey skyr is as relevant to consumers now as it was all those centuries ago.
          This is our secret and you are in on it

          You can read more about Ísey skyr on our website.

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