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Iceland Hiking Retreat: 4-Day Mindful Highlands Trek
Date and group size

Add more flexibility to your trip

Things come up, and sometimes plans need to be changed. Check out our flexible cancellation options. Booking fees are non-refundable after 48hours in all cases.
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Deposits

When booking a trip, you can either pay for it in full or reserve your spot with a 30% deposit. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.

Cancellations

After 48 hours, booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. You can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:

Basic
  • 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.
Flexible
  • If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  • If canceled 60 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  • If canceled 30-59 days before departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  • If canceled within 29 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
  • Booking fees are non-refundable after 48 hours grace period.
Super Flexible
  • If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  • If canceled 30 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  • If canceled within 29 days of departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  • Booking fees are non-refundable after 48 hours grace period.
Summary
Iceland Hiking Retreat: 4-Day Mindful Highlands Trek
Itinerary
Iceland Hiking Retreat: 4-Day Mindful Highlands Trek
Date(s)
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People
1 Person
  • Iceland Hiking Retreat: 4-Day Mindful Highlands Trek - 1
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    Booking fees
    Group discount
    People
    Cancellation policy
Cancel in the first 48h for free
Reserve your spot with a minimum deposit
Travel and medical insurance available

  • This 4-day Iceland hiking retreat takes us deep into the remote Highlands along the little-traveled Strútstigur route. Each day we hike through striking volcanic landscapes—rhyolite mountains, geothermal valleys, and vast glacial sand plains—while carrying only daypacks as luggage is transferred between huts. The experience combines moderate hiking with mindful practices such as quiet walking, journaling in nature, and shared reflection in a small group. Evenings are spent in mountain huts, enjoying nourishing vegetarian meals prepared by our guides. With transportation arranged from Reykjavík and hut-to-hut logistics handled for us, we can focus fully on the rhythm of the trail and the powerful landscapes surrounding us.

    • We meet early in the morning at 7 am at the BSÍ Reykjavík Bus Terminal, where our highland bus picks us up for the journey into the Icelandic Highlands. We drive across the plains of South Iceland, stopping in the picturesque village of Vík í Mýrdal before continuing through the lava fields of Laki toward the remote interior. After reaching Hólaskjól, our luggage is transferred to the huts while we continue with daypacks toward the mysterious lakes of Álftavötn. Here, we settle in, prepare dinner together, and spend our first night surrounded by the quiet wilderness.

      Meals: Dinner
      Accommodation: Mountain hut
      Hiking: 7 km (4.3 mi)
      Elevation gain: 119 m (390 ft)

      Vik village in Iceland

    • Today is a full day of hiking through the remote highlands. We follow little-used trails through landscapes that constantly shift—from colorful rhyolite mountains and steaming hot springs to green valleys. Along the way, we stop at the geothermal pool Strútslaug to rest and recharge. The terrain is hilly but mostly follows wide valleys, with one short river crossing where we use poles and wading shoes. By evening, we reach the Strútskali hut, where a warm and nourishing meal awaits.

      Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
      Accommodation: Mountain hut
      Hiking: 21 km (13 mi)
      Elevation gain: 775 m (2,540 ft)

      Geothermal pool hikers

    • Today we stay based at the hut and explore the surrounding landscapes. Depending on the weather and group energy, we may hike the nearby mountain Strútur, return to the geothermal pool Strútslaug, or venture toward the glacier and the rhyolite volcano Torfajökull. This flexible day allows us to move at a relaxed pace while immersing ourselves in the striking volcanic scenery of the Icelandic Highlands.

      Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
      Accommodation: Mountain hut
      Hiking: 13 km (8 mi)
      Elevation gain: 425 m (1,394 ft)

      Torfajokull glacier system

    • On our final day, we hike across the glacial sand deserts and wetlands near the Mýrdalsjökull glacier. Crossing sections of the vast Mælifellssandur desert, we experience the stark and open landscapes that define Iceland’s interior. Toward the end of the hike, we can split into two groups: one taking a route over a nearby mountain peak while the other continues across the plains. We finish our hike at Hvanngil on the Laugavegur trail, where our bus meets us for the journey back to Reykjavík, arriving in the evening.

      Meals: Breakfast, lunch
      Hiking: 16 km (10 mi)
      Elevation gain: 169 m (554 ft)

      Peaceful Reykjavik city

    • Included:

        • An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
        • 4-day Iceland hiking retreat
        • Accommodation for 3 nights in mountain huts
        • All meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 4
        • Transport from Reykjavík to the trailhead and back
        • Luggage transfer between huts

      Not included:

        • Flights to and from Iceland
        • Transportation to the meeting point (BSÍ bus terminal Reykjavik)
        • Snacks between meals
        • Sleeping bag
        • Hiking poles
        • Showers in the huts (payable on site)
        • Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section above
        • Insurance — recommended, available to add at checkout
        • Guide gratuities — optional

    • This retreat requires a good level of fitness. Expect hiking up to 8 hours and 21 km (13 mi) per day, with up to 775 m (2,540 ft) of elevation.

      The terrain in the Icelandic Highlands can include volcanic landscapes, rocky trails, and occasional river crossings. Weather conditions can change quickly, so participants should be comfortable spending long days outdoors with a daypack.

      It’s recommended to prepare for the trip by doing practice day hikes before the tour while carrying a 7–10 kg (15–22 lb) backpack. Luggage transfers between huts are included in this trip.

      Want to see what else is there in the area? Discover more Iceland hiking tours here!

    • Clothing and footwear:

        • Layered clothing (base layer, insulating mid-layer, waterproof outer layer)
        • Hat and gloves
        • Buff or neck gaiter
        • Extra dry clothes
        • Moisture-wicking socks
        • Sturdy waterproof hiking boots
        • River crossing shoes (lightweight sneakers or sandals)

      Gear:

        • Daypack (20–40 L)
        • Extra bag for transported luggage (waterproof preferred)
        • Trekking poles (recommended)
        • Sleeping bag
        • Water bottle or hydration pack
        • Headlamp or torch
        • Snacks
        • Sunglasses and sunscreen
        • Toiletries and towel
        • Camera
        • Notebook for journaling
        • Earplugs (optional) 

      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.

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    • Group sizes and pricing

        • For this Iceland hiking retreat, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 9:1. 
        • It takes a minimum of 8 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 18 participants.

      An Iceland hiking retreat 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 Iceland hiking retreat on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

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

    • A single occupancy room is not available on this Iceland hiking retreat because you’ll be staying at huts which feature dormitory-style lodging.

    • The starting point of your Iceland hiking retreat is Reykjavik. To get there, most people fly into Keflavík International Airport (KEF). From there, you can take a shuttle service or a taxi to reach the BSÍ bus terminal in Reykjavik.

      You will meet your guides at 7 am at the BSÍ Bus Terminal in Reykjavík on Day 1.

    • 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.

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