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Hiking the Ancient Trails of Iceland

6 days | Moderate | 4.98
From $4,490 ()
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Iceland’s real story isn’t found in guidebooks—it’s carved into the land itself. So, what lies ahead is no ordinary hike. It’s a 6-day journey past ancient glaciers, forgotten Viking paths, and 100-year-old huts. Out here, far from the modern world, the line between legend and reality quietly fades. Hiking hut-to-hut, we’ll cross the Highlands—a surreal, shifting landscape tucked between two mighty glaciers. Expect impossibly green valleys, steaming geothermal vents, endless lava fields, and massive glaciers pouring down the mountainsides.

Magnus
Magnus

Adventure Highlights

  • Get to know Iceland's legacy: See a unique blend of historic landmarks and timeless landscapes, learn about the stories that shaped this land
  • Fully supported tour: No heavy packs, no logistics to worry about—gear is transported hut-to-hut, your meals prepared for you, and you're led by certified local guides
  • Crowd-free adventure: Most days, you won’t see another soul besides your fellow hikers and maybe a few curious sheep or roaming horses
Duration
6 days
Season
July through September
Group size
Up to 10 people
Accommodation
Standard: Huts with shared dormitories
Difficulty
Moderate: Good fitness required for 7.5-10 miles (12-17 km) of hiking daily on diverse terrain
What's included
Guide, driver, accommodation, all meals, transfers, luggage transfers, sleeping bag

The adventure, day by day

Leave the touristy trails behind and uncover the rich history behind Iceland’s iconic landscapes on this 6-day hiking tour! Explore a spectacular mix of natural landmarks, ranging from geysers and colorful rhyolite mountains to timeless glaciers, while learning about their legacy from a seasoned local guide. Spend your time off the trails unwinding in scenic mountain huts, chilling in saunas, and tasting traditional Icelandic delicacies.  

Day 1: Troll Mountains
Geysir geothermal area in the summer

Your guide will meet you at 10am at the BSI bus terminal in Reykjavik. We’ll start strong with a visit to part of the famous Golden Circle (the rest comes later). At Thingvellir National Park—the site of the world’s oldest parliament—we’ll walk among the Mid-Atlantic Rift and dive into the history of Iceland.

Next, we’ll stop at the cozy Efstidalur farm for lunch, where you can taste fresh skyr, meet the cows, and hear the farm’s story from the owners. After the meal, it’s off to the Geysir geothermal area to watch boiling water shoot high into the air. Then we leave the busy sights behind and head for the remote highlands of Kerlingarfjöll, where our first mountain hut and dinner await. A geothermal pool in a valley is just a short hike away, the perfect ending to a day!

Meals: Lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Hut

Day 2: Hot Spring Valley
Iceland hot spring valley

After breakfast, pack up your luggage and place it in the car. Today, we’ll hike the out-and-back trail to the Hveradalir geothermal area and complete a loop around the valley to soak in all the amazing sights. We’ll encounter a spectacular array of colors—including yellow, blue, black, green, and red—created by the iron and rhyolite that compose the surrounding mountains.

After the hike, we’ll be transported to the Hveravellir hut, where we will spend the night and enjoy a truly unique dinner in an old turf house built 150 years ago. Be sure to take a dip in the nearby geothermal pool before hitting the hay.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Hveravellir hut
Hiking: 7 miles (12 km)
Elevation change: 1,970 ft (600 m)

Day 3: Valley of Thieves
Valley of Thieves Iceland

This is where the real hut-to-hut adventure begins—no heavy packs to worry about, as your luggage and food are transported for you. Today’s hike follows the ancient Kjalvegur route, once traveled by Vikings, settlers, and farmers. The trail, essentially the Silk Road of Iceland, winds between the Langjökull and Hofsjökull glaciers, crossing black lava fields, volcanic craters, grassy valleys, and colorful patches of hardy flowers and brush.

Finally, you’ll end up at one of the most remote huts you can imagine—a small shelter in the vast wilderness, just for you and your group. After settling in, you’ll hike to the summit of Rauðkollur (Redhead Mountain) for incredible glacier and valley views. When you return, a warm dinner will be waiting.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Hut
Hiking: 7-11 miles (11-18 km)
Elevation change: 490-1970 ft (150-600 m)

Day 4: Follow the Cairns
Cairns mountain Iceland

Today’s trail follows ancient Viking cairns and winds alongside the Fúlakvísl river, skirting the edge of the vast Kjalhraun lava field. All the while, we’ll have sweeping views of Hrútfell mountain and its glaciated slopes. Keep an eye on the canyon below—carved by lava and water long ago—where the roaring river now rushes through.

Tonight’s hut at Þverbrekknamúli feels like a true Highland oasis. Surrounded by dramatic peaks and wide-open views, this is the kind of place you’ll wish you could linger for days.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Þverbrekknamúli hut
Hiking: 9 miles (14 km)
Elevation change: 330 ft (100 m)

Day 5: Ghosts and glaciers
Colorful Iceland Ancient Trails

On Day 5, we’ll reach one of Iceland’s oldest mountain huts—Hvítnes. Built in 1930 with a traditional turf roof, this hut is protected by law for its history and uniqueness. The trail to get here winds through lush vegetation, marked by deep horse tracks and clear, cold springs.

Hvítnes sits near the glacial lake Hvítárvatn, fed by Langjökull glacier—the source of the Hvítá river and Gullfoss waterfall. Just outside the hut, an icy river flows, perfect for a daring dip. For your final dinner, get ready for a feast—a true Viking-style barbecue to celebrate the journey.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Hvítnes hut
Hiking: 10 miles (16 km)
Elevation change: 880 ft (270 m)

Day 6: Back to civilization
Gullfoss waterfall

It’s time to leave the Highlands behind. After breakfast, we’ll drive to Gullfoss waterfall and take in the stunning views of this iconic natural wonder. Next, we’ll stop at Farmers Bistro, a cozy local spot, for a final lunch together.

Our journey back to Reykjavík follows a different route than the way in, wrapping up the tour around 3pm. If you want to stay longer and explore more, just ask your guides—they’ll have plenty of great recommendations.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch

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Meet your guide

Seasoned pros, local legends, and passionate adventurers—your trip is in the best hands.
Magnus
5.00
Magnus
Magnus Viking—yes, that’s really his name—was made for adventure and meeting people, so guiding suits him perfectly. When he’s not leading trips, he’s a commercial pilot, flight instructor, ship captain, and truck driver. And on every adventure, by his side without fail, is his Siberian husky: Fenris the White Wolf. Magnus has gathered a fantastic team of guides who share his passion for Iceland’s wilderness and history. Arni, Arnar, Jonas, Stefan, Dadi, Johann, Ingolfur, Thorbjorn, Gunnar—you might meet any of them on this trip. They’re all certified, experienced, and there to keep you safe—but just as importantly, they’re great company on the trail!

What others say about this adventure

4.98 (85 reviews)
S
Sean H.
|September 2026
The Ancient Trails trip was a once in a lifetime experience! From the beautiful and harsh terrain to the unpredictable weather in Iceland, this trip really immersed us in the Icelandic history and culture.
j
jody q.
|September 2026
The most interesting beautiful trail I have ever been on. The guides provide, stories, food and music to match and enhance the experience.
M
Melissa M.
|September 2026
Fabulous trip. The group was a perfect size--- with 8 adventurers and Magnus, Arnar, and Fernis (gorgeous mascot). Our engagement with Iceland's landscape was immediate, and we enjoyed the vast glaciers, hot springs, valleys, and mountains throughout the well-planned hikes. Magnus and Arnar were outstanding planners, leaders, guides, and cooks!!
4.98(85 reviews)
S
Sean H.
|September 2026
The Ancient Trails trip was a once in a lifetime experience! From the beautiful and harsh terrain to the unpredictable weather in Iceland, this trip really immersed us in the Icelandic history and culture.
j
jody q.
|September 2026
The most interesting beautiful trail I have ever been on. The guides provide, stories, food and music to match and enhance the experience.
M
Melissa M.
|September 2026
Fabulous trip. The group was a perfect size--- with 8 adventurers and Magnus, Arnar, and Fernis (gorgeous mascot). Our engagement with Iceland's landscape was immediate, and we enjoyed the vast glaciers, hot springs, valleys, and mountains throughout the well-planned hikes. Magnus and Arnar were outstanding planners, leaders, guides, and cooks!!
A
Alana O.
|August 2026
Adventure of a lifetime
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Guy G.
|August 2026
While I have nothing to compare this experience to since it is my first multi-day hike, I am not sure that I could have asked for a better adventure! The hike takes you through amazing areas that change geologically fairly significantly from areas that look like Mars, to huge lava fields, to geothermal areas surrounded by volcanic mountains to glaciers in many spots. The food was very good and staying in the huts was better than I anticipated and helped our group have a good camaraderie. Iceland itself is a great adventure, but this hike in Iceland made it even better!
K
Kate M.
|August 2026
We were totally off the beaten track, didn’t see another souls for 3 days other than our group. We scaled mountains, walked on glacier ice, swam in natural hot pools. Amazing!
J
Juliette K.
|August 2026
Wonderful variety of landscape and huts
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Frances M.
|August 2026
You have to experience it to understand it all It’s a personal adventure not for the faint hearted. Our weather conditions were challenging but the arrival at each warm hut was welcoming and relaxing.?
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Josee-Anne L.
|August 2026
Great guides, cozy huts, an amazing hike, stunning vistas, interesting stories, and so much more. An unforgettable adventure!
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Lisa K.
|August 2026
Hiking into the undisturbed wilderness of Iceland was unforgettable
D
David L.
|July 2026
The trek was easy to handle for a reasonably healthy person. I am a 63 year old man and pretty fit. I found the pace and the distances each day very easy. The landscape and the views were fantastic. It is a great trip.
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Gavin G.
|July 2026
It exceeded my expectations on every level , every water break was filled with tales from Norse mythology, and we hiked through the most dramatic and beautiful landscapes .... my only regret is that I can only give 5 stars
A
Amanda C.
|July 2026
We loved the ancient trail hikes . The tranquility , the trails and the experience in the huts was excellent. Iceland is definitely one of my favourite places to visit
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Rochelle D.
|July 2026
A wonderful experience. It was cold and windy sometimes but scenery and hiking amazing. The 8 participants in our group got along well. Fenris, the husky, added to our adventure.
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Subrahmanyam K.
|July 2026
Beautiful location and a moderately challenging trail. Weather was the main difference and it cooperated well, even if fierce winds created challenging times.
P
Patricia D.
|July 2026
So thankful I chose this particular hike. I loved being away from people and exposed to such a raw environment. The huts, the tracks, the information, the guides, plus the added bonus of a fantastic group made this hike such a memorable one for me.
D
Deborah B.
|July 2026
An absolutely magical 6 days hiking in the Iceland highlands. And experience I will never forget.
J
Jenny H.
|July 2026
Hikes were challenging in a few spots. It was really amazing.
J
Joseph G.
|September 2025
This is a moderate level trek in a very remote part of Iceland. We did not see anyone else for most of the trip. The huts are spartan but comfortable and are part of the experience.
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Tom T.
|September 2025
Beautiful scenery. Great food. Very relaxed hiking pace made for the perfect trip
J
Julia R.
|September 2025
I couldn’t have been more pleased with the small group of people on our 6 day Hut to Hut trek. As a solo traveler, we were all in our 60’s; from all walks of life & with different levels of hiking experiences. Tossed into the cozy huts, we became fast friends. Being able to hike across a part of Iceland, listening to the history of Vikings, trolls, early immigrants made our beautiful surroundings come to life. The basic Icelandic meals were flavorful and memorable. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone looking to experience more than the top 10 things to do when in Iceland.
l
lynn v.
|September 2025
Wonderful experience. This was our first trip to Iceland and will definitely not be the last!
J
Jamileh p.
|September 2025
It was everything I hoped for, plus more. Fabulous scenery, adventure, food, hiking. SO happy I chose this trip. THANK YOU.
J
Justin O.
|September 2025
The 6-day hut to hut was an exceptional trip. I would have been happy to stay longer with our group and guide.
j
john b.
|September 2025
dramatic scenery everywhere we went. it was great tour of interior Iceland and a wonderful escape into the outdoors .
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Nancy K.
|August 2025
I highly recommend the hut-to-hut adventure on the ancient trails.
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Paul H.
|August 2025
We had a fantastic hike with numerous highlights like the Valley of the Hot Springs, the outlaw cave, scenic beauty everywhere you looked, lunch next to a small waterfall in a magical setting, crossing the river in a monster truck on our way out, etc. Unforgettable!
S
Sean Y.
|August 2025
The experience of wilderness, the mountains n valleys, the rivers n swamps. V good SAGA experience.
P
Pauline C.
|August 2025
Well planned and organised, the trek took us through quiet and unspoiled terrain as well as taking us to the well known Golden circle sights on the way out and back to the real gems. The huts were wonderful! Magnus was very helpful with pre- and post- trip information.
K
Kirk S.
|August 2025
This is a great way to see the highlands of Iceland. The "lollipop" trek on the first day has lots of great thermal activity to see. The trek on the last is good but could benefit from a mid-trek "goal" like an optional high point summit or detour to the extinct volcano some way off the current route.
M
Mark L.
|August 2025
An outstanding adventure. Great guides. Good food. The hike was marvelous.
R
Raymond L.
|August 2025
It’s a challenging but manageable trek. Beautiful views of the glaciers, compelling history, unpredictable weather, and remarkable camaraderie
D
Doug L.
|July 2025
Iceland is a very beautiful country. It’s trails offered both the challenge and relaxation I was looking for. I came to this solo but left with many friends.
A
Anna G.
|July 2025
Again, nothing less than excellent and extraordinary! Away from crowds, in the breathtaking landscapes of Iceland, accompanied with few amazing companions on the trek. Highly recommended!
A
Anna Ż.
|July 2025
Absolutely epic adventure! Six days through Iceland’s highlands – breathtaking views, worth every step.
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Sean B.
|July 2025
We were very lucky with the weather, so we lucked out on the views which were amazing! The hike was challenging and had the right mix of flat terrain and climbs that made it fun and exhilarating. The huts are rustic but if you are used to camping (not glamping) then you will be just fine. There are two natural geothermal pools on the hike which are a must to do. Would do this again for sure!
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Dominic O.
|July 2025
From the very first moment we were treated to wonderful views, stories and experiences. Day after day it felt like a new adventure with incredible scenery and constantly changing terrain. The accommodations were spartan but homely and sufficient. As a group we spend many hours in close quarters sharing stories, eating, playing games and learning about the following days plans. Overall it was everything I had expected and more!
B
Beth S.
|July 2025
The itinerary was very well planned and paced. I loved the remote days when we saw no one but our group. The first and last day transitioned us into and out of it well.
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Tanja T.
|July 2025
It was perfectly organized with the routes, the meals, the driving, with the right distances to hike. It had the right dosage of adventure and thrills.
c
christophe p.
|July 2025
Ancient trails! Away from everything and everybody. Quite a treat.
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Ken D.
|September 2024
For me, the adventure can’t be told without Magnus. I’ll Leave my comments under ‘rate your guide’.
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Doug S.
|September 2024
The hike was awesome too. The weather sometimes did not cooperate. I experienced the heaviest winds ever. But it too was just an added part of the experience. Ha It was nice to hike for several days and not see another person. Loved it.
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Kristine S.
|September 2024
Very fun and challenging.
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Jane B.
|September 2024
A must do trip! So fascinating to see such a beautiful, raw land and to get to know the people who make it so special!
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Steve H.
|September 2024
We worked and the payoff was huge
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Teri H.
|August 2024
From the Troll Mountains to the haunted hut, we had a varied and thoroughly enjoyable trek. The food was fantastic, the trek was invigorating, and the comradery of our group made for an unforgettable experience.
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Laurie B.
|August 2024
Our guides took us to the most rugged and beautiful places. This adventure is a must see, must do with Norse Adventures!
M
Mark E.
|August 2024
I've done some exceptionally challenging hikes in the past 20 years going from Mount climbing in Colorado and Kilimanjaro to a week at the bottom of the Grand Canyon and all of the national parks in the Western us. Maybe it's because I'm 68 now, but this was more difficult than I expected. First day was the hardest but we had rain and the slopes were steep pulled up and down and slippery and wet with coldplay. I had a hiking pole to help my balance about that I don't think I could have done it without falling. We did a number of Steve slopes but we have the option of utilizing the van to skip a day's hike but no one did the sleeping accommodations are tiny. Basically wood huts, some had inside toilets, some outhouse, all but 1 had running water inside with a sink. How the guides finished to produce outstanding meals such conditions is amazing. We made our own sack lunches for lunch time breakfast was cold cereal skier and other things but more than adequate. It's not for the feed apart from people who love Adventure we had a 73 year old lady with us that I couldn't keep up with amazing. Find most of these trips the other participants are great to get along with and are simply fun to be around.
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Kay C.
|August 2024
This was an easy walk along glacial valleys for 3 days; first day was a moderate climb to a spectacular geothermal area. Scenery on the first 2 days was exceptional, less so on the last 2 days but very pleasant. We had huts to ourselves for the first 4 nights, which made the trip much more pleasant than finding room in crowded noisy huts on the more popular routes. Recommend highly
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Brian W.
|August 2024
The trip is well planned out. Starting with communication, to the first day's sightseeing. The second day was the most challenging and the most awesome views. Good timing before we started to get tired. The rest of the days hiking were very relaxed and very different. The terrain each day was different and that with amazing scenery was wonderful. I enjoyed this over the Salkantay hike in Peru by far!
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Patricia H.
|August 2024
Whew - this was an incredible adventure! as a novice hiker I wanted one that was going to push me, along with the opportunity to experience an epic trip. This trip far exceeded my expectations!
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Craig T.
|August 2024
Luckily, we had no mishaps that really impacted our group, so the adventure all in all was incredible. This speaks more to the trail and to Iceland as an overall destination, rather than this tour operator. Again, a shoutout to Arni, who helped ease the mishaps of the tour operator somewhat.
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Chris B.
|August 2024
Fabulous hikes - could have done with a little less wind (first hike was 45mph!!) offered a great variety of hikes - scenery and exeriences. The meals were awesome - the guides shared some typical Icelandic meals - which were great! Can't thank Jonas and Addi enough!
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David W.
|August 2024
A delight.
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Kelly M.
|July 2024
Just outstanding Such varied and amazing terrain and landscapes
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Kate F.
|July 2024
Ancient hut to hut trail was epic. We experienced glaciers, natural hot springs, geysers, mountains, snow, amazing views and incredible hiking. It was great to stay in the historic huts.
J
Jacqueline H.
|July 2024
Iceland is a very unique and breathtaking country.
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Lisa W.
|September 2023
The adventure was incredible. Iceland is so beautiful. The accommodations were interesting and adequate. The food provided was excellent.
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Bonnie R.
|September 2023
From the amazing hiking to the incredible food it was an unforgettable adventure. The entire experience was well planned and executed. The trail was gorgeous with a diverse landscape. The huts were cozy and fun to stay in. The first couple of days of excellent meals were provided by a farm and restaurants. After that Arni and Magnus were the chefs and they surprised us with their cooking skills. There was so much food- soup, salmon and lamb, that was always prepared perfectly in the small hut kitchens. Would highly recommend getting off the beaten path and hiking the Ancient Trails with Norse Adventures.
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Sheldon C.
|August 2023
Definitely one I will be remembering for years to come.
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James B.
|July 2023
Aside from our first day, we didn't see another hiking group during our trip. It was great to have these trails to ourselves, which was one of the reasons we chose the Kjalvegur trail. The hike at Kerlingarfjöll was challenging, but it was really worth it. And the hikes after that were less challenging but gorgeous.
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Thomas L.
|July 2023
We saw some amazing places on our hike.
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Caroline N.
|July 2023
The Ancient Trails trip was a perfect alternative for our group who wanted to avoid crowds and to visit some lesser known portions of Iceland. The terrain was not difficult and the weather cooperated nicely (late June 2023). The overnight huts met all our needs comfortably. The day hike in the Troll Mountains (Kerlingarfjoll) was amazingly beautiful and breathtaking.
D
DAVID G.
|July 2023
Our adventure was awesome. we started with a drive to our first start point in the highlands. however while travelling to the start point, we hiked through Þingvellir National Park, the original Parliment site dating back to 930 AD. This is also the site of the rift valley and we had the opportunity to hike between the North American and Eurasian Tectonic Plates. We next visited a traditional farm that has embraced agro-turism and had a delightful lunch and farm made ice cream. We continued on to a geyser and then on to Gullfoss Nature Reserve Park that had a large waterfall. Next we drove to the first hut that we were staying in. It was a beautiful hike that had us cross glaciers, high meadows and deserts as well as lava fields. Absolutely breathtaking.
J
Jeanni F.
|June 2023
What a great trip so many excellent photo shots and a great workout!!
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Katy A.
|September 2023
The unique features of the trip (geysirs, hot springs, mountains, fall colours, rivers, waterfalls, plate tectonics, hot pools, and cosy huts) were very enjoyable. The rain, strong winds, deep mud and chilly nights were challenging.
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Walter K.
|October 2026
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Steve C.
|September 2026
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Glenn P.
|August 2026
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Ashok P.
|July 2026
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Barbara E.
|July 2026
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Deborah v.
|July 2026
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Bryan L.
|September 2025
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Thomas K.
|September 2025
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Kirk G.
|August 2025
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greg b.
|September 2024
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Steven F.
|July 2024
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Christina O.
|July 2024
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Sharon M.
|September 2023
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William S.
|September 2023
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Nicole F.
|September 2023
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Eric H.
|September 2023
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Bruce G.
|August 2023
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Joyce G.
|July 2023
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John B.
|August 2026

Things to know

  • Included:

      • An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
      • An experienced and licensed mountain vehicle driver
      • 6 days of guided hiking along Ancient Trails
      • Accommodation in mountain huts for 5 nights (shared dormitories)
      • Transfers:
        • Pick-up & drop-off in Reykjavik
        • Private 4×4 mountain vehicle for the group to get in and out of the highlands & fuel
        • Support vehicle for luggage transfers
      • All meals for the duration of the tour (from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 6)
      • All cooking equipment
      • Showers in mountain huts
      • Admission & parking fees
      • Sleeping bag
      • Agency support 24/7

    Not included:

      • Flights to Iceland
      • Airport transfers
      • Transportation to the BSI Bus Terminal in Reykjavik
      • Accommodations in Reykjavík before and after the tour
      • Alcoholic beverages
      • Personal hiking gear
      • Any meals in Reykjavik before or after the trip
      • Anything not listed under “Included”
      • Insurance — available to add at checkout
      • Guide gratuities — optional
  • This Ancient Trails hiking adventure is suitable for all ages as long as you have a decent level of fitness. You’ll be hiking for 6 full days, covering around 7.5-10 miles (12-17 km) per day with moderate altitude change while carrying a daypack. The most elevation you’ll gain within a day is 600 m (1,970 ft).

    One of the best things about this Ancient Trails hiking tour is that it’s fully supported—meaning that your luggage will be transported hut-to-hut with a support vehicle, and you’ll just have to carry the day’s essentials. Keep in mind that the weather and trail conditions may affect the difficulty, and you might encounter several minor river crossings along the trail.

    Want to see what else is there in the area? Discover our collection of Iceland hiking tours!

  • Both are multi-day, hut-to-hut treks in Iceland with a support team handling your gear, but they cover different ground. The Laugavegur Trail runs through the South Highlands between Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk, known for its colorful rhyolite mountains.

    This trip follows an ancient route through the central Highlands between two glaciers, with gentler terrain overall, a support vehicle carrying your gear the whole way, and a heavier focus on Viking-era history and folklore. If steep exposure isn’t for you, this is the gentler of the two.

  • This is a moderate-fitness, multi-day trip: 6 days hiking 12–17 km (7.5–10.5 mi) daily with up to 600 m (1,970 ft) of elevation gain, carrying just a daypack since your main gear travels by support vehicle. You need to be comfortable hiking for several consecutive days, but this route doesn’t have the steep, exposed scrambling that some Icelandic treks include—it’s a better fit if you want a demanding but not technical trek.

    Accommodation is remote mountain huts, most of which your group has to itself. Showers are only available the first two days; after that, it’s wet wipes and layering until you’re back in Reykjavik. Temperatures swing widely (5–15°C typical, but ranging from –5 to 25°C), so packing for both cold and warm days matters more than packing light.

    Group size stays small and consistent—6 to 10 people with two guides—which is part of what past travelers point to when they describe the trip as feeling like “a new family” by the end. If you want a bigger group experience or don’t want to share remote hut space with strangers for a week, this isn’t the trip for that.

  • Ancient Trails tours run in the summer, from June through September. Temperatures usually range between 5°C and 15°C once in the Highlands—so layering is key! On rare occasions, it can dip as low as -5°C or rise up to 25°C. Iceland’s weather is famously unpredictable, so the most important thing is to be well-prepared with proper clothing and gear.

    There’s really no “perfect” time to visit—each month offers its own unique charm, with changing landscapes, trail conditions, and experiences. Here’s what to expect throughout the season:

      • June — Snow patches still linger on the trail, but the landscape comes alive with blooming flowers and vibrant colors. Enjoy nearly 24-hour daylight — perfect for birdwatching.
      • July — The most stable weather of the season. Snow fields mostly gone, warmest and driest month, with minimal wind — ideal for hiking.
      • August — Snow-free trails and the first chances to catch the northern lights as the nights slowly return!
      • September — Crisp, chilly nights with a high chance of seeing the northern lights. The weather becomes less predictable, and the trail feels wilder as autumn approaches.
  • Boots and clothing

      • Lightweight hiking boots – waterproof with ankle support
      • River crossing shoes – open shoes will not do the job
      • Thermal underwear – long-sleeved wool top and bottom
      • Fleece or wool sweater or jacket
      • Strong and light hiking trousers that dry quickly
      • Jacket – windproof, waterproof, and breathable shell
      • Rain trousers – windproof, waterproof, and breathable shell
      • Fleece or wool gloves and beanie
      • Wool socks
      • Neck buff
      • Swimwear – if you want to bathe in the hot geothermal pools

    Gear and luggage

      • Backpack with rain cover for use during the day (20–40 L)
      • Water-resistant duffel bag for the overnight gear (50–100 L)
      • Water bottle or hydration bladder (1–2 L)
      • Personal first aid kit, including blister care
      • Prescription medication and other personal health items
      • Toiletries, including toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, etc.
      • Lightweight, packable towel
      • Headlamp or flashlight
      • Sunglasses and sun protection
      • Power bank to charge devices
      • Earplugs and sleeping mask
      • Hiking poles and gaiters

    Please note there is a limit of 1 duffel bag and 1 backpack. All of your overnight gear must fit into your duffel bag, while your daypack will be carried during the hikes.

    We kindly ask that you keep your duffel bag as light as possible. The maximum allowed size is 100 L, with a weight limit of 23 kg.

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  • Group sizes and prices:

      • For this group adventure, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 5:1.
      • It takes a minimum of 6 people for the tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 10 participants with 2 guides.

    Hiking in Iceland can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

    Min. age requirements:

      • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
      • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

    If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

  • To get to the BSI bus terminal in Reykjavik, the starting point of this Ancient Trails tour, you first have to fly into Keflavík International Airport (KEF), serving Reykjavik. From there, you can take a shuttle or a taxi to Reykjavík.

    You will be meeting your guide at 10am on Day 1 at the BSI bus terminal in central Reykjavik, which can be easily accessed by foot or public transportation. From that point on, you’ll hop onto the 4×4 mountain vehicle and start your journey!

  • We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.

    Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors 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.

  • 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.

    • If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
    • If canceled 60 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
    • If canceled within 59 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
    • Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48 hours grace period.

    Early Bird booking

    Want to be the first one to know when we publish new dates or secure your spot well in advance? Select a future month that suits you best and lock in your Early Bird spot in time with just a 10% deposit.

    As soon as our guides publish new tour dates, you’ll be the first one to know. We’ll hold your spot for 2 weeks until you choose the date that suits you best.

    More about how Early Bird bookings work below:

    • Only a 10% non-refundable deposit must be paid upon booking, but this deposit can be transferred to any other 57hours adventure in case the dates don’t end up working for you.
    • Once our guides publish new tour dates, we’ll reach out to you so you’ll be the first one to choose from newly released dates.
    • When you pick your date, you’ll confirm your booking by paying another 20% of the total trip amount (amounting to the standard 30% deposit).
    • Once the trip has been confirmed, the regular cancellation policy (found above) applies.
    • The remaining balance is due 90 days before the trip.
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