Looking for the ultimate way to experience Iceland’s wild highlands—without skimping on comfort? You’ve found it. Over 5 epic days, you’ll explore Thórsmörk’s lush valleys, trek across glaciers, wander through steaming rhyolite mountains, soak in Landmannalaugar’s famous hot springs, sightsee along the legendary Golden Circle, and so much more. With a private 4×4 and the best accommodations in the Highlands, this trip blends rugged adventure with high-end comfort. And the best part? This journey is fully flexible, designed to be accessible to all desires & fitness levels. Get ready for off-road thrills, breathtaking sights, and top-tier Icelandic hospitality—this is the Highlands like you’ve never seen them before!
Embark on a walking & jeep adventure in Iceland’s Highlands and discover the perfect blend of backroads exploration and high-end comfort. In just five action-packed days, you’ll visitIceland’s most stunning landscapes—from the lush valleys of Thórsmörk to the steaming hot springs of Landmannalaugar and the glacier-carved peaks of Kerlingarfjöll. With a private 4x4, expert guide, and top-tier accommodations, you’ll immerse yourself the wild beauty of Iceland without sacrificing comfort.
On day 1 of this adventure, we will embark on a picturesque journey from Reykjavik to Thorsmork valley, nestled amidst Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes. We will hike through rugged terrain and lush valleys, soaking in the natural beauty along the way. As the day draws to a close, we’ll find solace in the charming coastal town of Vik, where the soothing sounds of the ocean invite us to unwind.
Hiking time: 1-6 hours (several options available)
Hiking distance: 3-14 km/ 1.8-8.6 mi (several options available)
Max elevation: 1,100 m/ 3,600 ft
Accommodation: Skálakot Manor or similar
Continue your adventure from Vik to Thakgil, where towering cliffs and winding rivers await exploration. Today we hike to Huldojökull, one of the largest icefalls in Iceland breaking off of Myrdálsjökull. Later, we’ll delve into the mystical depths of the Katla Ice Cave late in the evening to be the only people there.
Hiking time: 3-4 hours
Hiking distance: 12 km/ 7.4 mi
Max elevation: 1,000 m/ 3,280 ft
Accommodation: Skálakot Manor or similar
Today is a big day of driving through the true Icelandic Wilderness. We’ll set out from Vik towards Maelifell, where the iconic green peak rises majestically from the stark black sands. Then we continue our journey to Landmannalaugar, where vibrant rhyolite mountains and natural hot springs await us. Finally, we’ll arrive and stay at the tranquil Hrauneyri Highland Center, surrounded by the untamed beauty of the Highlands.
Hiking time: 2-3 hours
Accommodation: Hrauneyjar Highland centre
On day 4, we’ll embark on an exhilarating journey from Hrauneyri Highland Center to Langjokull, Iceland’s second largest ice cap. Afterwards we head further along the Kjolur route to the rugged mountains of Kerlingafjoll where we will descend into Hveradalir, an otherworldly geothermal area surrounded by frozen glaciers, nature’s spa.
In the evening, we’ll arrive at the Highland Base Camp Kerlingafjoll, the only year-round luxury hotel nestled deep within the Highlands.
Hiking time: 1-3 hours (several options available)
Max elevation: 800 m/ 2,624 ft
Accommodation: Highland Basecamp
We will spend our last day in Iceland sightseeing along Iceland’s famous Golden Circle. Afterwards, your guides will return you to Reykjavik, concluding your unforgettable expedition.
Julian the owner was absolutely amazing and he catered for the 8 of us. With pick up and and drop off back to the airport included he took care of everything which helped as we had young kids. Going in December I was a bit worried about driving in snow conditions but we booked Artic Exped to do the driving for us and made the arrangements for hotels / excursions – this made our experience hassel free. Thank you so much Artic Exped for the wonderful exprience and memories of Iceland.
Included:
Add-ons
Not included:
This trip is appropriate for anyone with decent basic fitness levels.
Since this is a private trip, the itinerary is flexible. For example, on Day 1 of the tour, you and the group will get to choose among several different hikes, with between 1 and 6 hours of total hiking duration.
Despite the flexibility of the trip, you should be able to hike for at least 2-3 hours a day in varied terrain and with some elevation gain. If you don’t think you’re ready to do so, we’d recommend doing some light cardio training, ideally hiking, 1-3 times a week in advance of the trip.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
Group sizes and pricing
This Iceland Highlands luxury tour can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The starting point of your private luxury tour of Iceland’s Highlands is Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital. To get there, most people fly into Keflavik International Airport near Reykjavik. From there, you can take a bus, town car, taxi, or rent a car and drive to Reykjavik. All of these options will take you around 40-45 minutes.
Once there, you will meet your guide in the pre-arranged location at the pre-determined time. Your guide will provide more information about the meeting point and time after you book the tour.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!
Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!
Deposits
Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.
Cancellations
Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options—Basic, Flexible, or Super Flexible. Depending on which one you choose, a different cancellation policy will apply to your booking.
Basic
Flexible
Super Flexible
We had an amazing trip with Julian! We spent five days with him driving along the south coast and stopping along the way for ice cave exploring, glacier hiking, waterfall views, geysers, hot springs, beach walks, rock formations, and more. Julian had answers for every question we asked, was great company, and helped us plan the trip perfectly to balance adventure with relaxation, avoid crowded times at certain places, take great pictures, and eat great food. Couldn’t recommend him more!