Included: An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area 5-day Old Charcoal Trail backpacking tour (5 days of hiking) All camping equipment for 4 nights (tents, cooking equipment) All meals, from lunch on Day 1 through lunch on Day 5 All necessary permits and fees Transfer to and from the trailhead Add-ons : Sleeping bag rental — rental available, leave a note at checkout if interested Not included: Transportation to Kirkjubæjarklaustur, Iceland Sleeping bag Personal gear & clothing Alcoholic beverages Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section above Insurance—recommended, available to add at checkout Guide gratuities—optional

How fit do I need to be?

To join this Old Charcoal Trail backpacking tour, excellent fitness is required . You’ll be hiking for 5 days in a row, covering up to 16 km (9.9 mi) per day, walking 6–8 hours daily through remote and often rough terrain. There are no roads, no huts, and no easy exits once the route begins—this is genuine backcountry. Previous multi-day hiking or backpacking experience is strongly recommended. Want to see what else is there in the area? Discover more Iceland hiking tours here !

What do I need to bring?

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring: Backpack large enough to carry all your belongings Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity) Hiking poles — optional Sleeping bag — can be rented Comfortable hiking clothes Trekking boots and trousers Fleece shirt Warm and waterproof jacket Rain gear Spare clothes for layering Functional underwear Hat Gloves Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.) Headlamp or flashlight Sunglasses Camera — optional (but recommended) 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 age requirements

Group sizes and pricing For this Old Charcoal Trail hike , the usual client-to-guide ratio is 12 :1. It takes a minimum of 4 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 12 participants . Old Charcoal Trail hikes 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 Old Charcoal Trail hike 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.

Getting there and meeting location

The starting point of this Old Charcoal Trail tour is Kirkjubæjarklaustur, a small town in South Iceland. To get there, most people fly into Keflavík International Airport (KEF) and then travel by bus or rental car along the Ring Road (Route 1)—Kirkjubæjarklaustur is roughly a 3.5-hour drive east of Reykjavík. It’s recommended to arrive at least one day before the tour starts. Accommodation the night prior is at your own arrangement. You will meet your guide at 8 am on Day 1 at the N1 service station in Kirkjubæjarklaustur . A short transfer of approximately 30 minutes takes the group to the starting point of the hike.

Safety measures and insurance

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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ICELANDIC HIGHLANDS | ICELAND

The Old Charcoal Trail: Backpacking in Southern Highlands, Iceland

5 days | Moderate to Challenging

From $2,721 ()

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The highlands south of Vatnajökull glacier are one of Iceland’s best-kept secrets—a raw, roadless landscape where lava fields give way to deep canyons, waterfalls tumble into glacial rivers, and birch forests hide in valleys that only a handful of backpackers ever reach. The Old Charcoal Trail follows a historic route once walked by farmers collecting fuel from the forests of Núpsstaðarskógur. Five days, tents, and real wilderness—this is Iceland the way most people never get to see it.

Einar

Adventure Highlights

Off the beaten track, for real: No roads, no crowds, no shortcuts—just five days deep in the untouched highlands south of Vatnajökull, where solitude is practically guaranteed
A landscape that keeps delivering: Glacial rivers, volcanic craters, imposing moraines, a natural hot spring, and the mighty Vatnajökull and its outlet glaciers over 5 days
History underfoot: The trail follows an ancient path once used to reach Núpsstaðarskógur, where charcoal was produced using methods that shaped Iceland's rural past

Duration

5 days

Season

July through September

Group size

Up to 12 people

The adventure, day by day

Download itineraries

A five-day backpacking adventure through the remote highlands south of Vatnajökull glacier, following a historic route once walked by Icelandic farmers. Your guides take care of equipment, food, and logistics—all you need to do is show up and hike. Small groups, big wilderness, and a landscape that's genuinely hard to reach any other way.

Day 1: Along the Djúpá river

We meet at 8 am at the N1 service station in Kirkjubæjarklaustur, collect supplies, and sort shared gear before a short 30-minute transfer to the trailhead. The day’s route follows the glacial Djúpá river, which winds through thick layers of lava laid down by past eruptions. Early on, we encounter the first waterfall on the Djúpá, pass picturesque side streams and a small lake, and trace the opening of Hrafná canyon. We continue to Lambá canyon, where we set up camp for the night. If the weather plays along, there’s an optional afternoon walk into Lambárgljúfur canyon.

Meals: Lunch, dinner
Hiking: 10 km (6.2 mi)
Elevation: +150 m (+492 ft)
Accommodation: Camping (tents)

Day 2: Waterfalls and mountain views

Continuing alongside the Djúpá, we reach the impressive Bassi waterfall before the route steepens—climbing slopes and following a long stretch of rapids. From up here, the views open up to Vatnajökull and its outlet glacier, Síðujökull. We pass through the hills of Gæsabringur—an area frequented by pink-footed geese, and a stunning place in autumn—before descending to the gorge of Langagil, where camp is set up for the night.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hiking: 12 km (7.5 mi)
Elevation: +300 m (+984 ft)
Accommodation: Camping (tents)

Day 3: Gravel ridges and lava fields

Leaving Langagil, we ascend the broad gravel ridge of Langasker, where sweeping views of Vatnajökull and landmarks like Hágöngur mountain make for a dramatic walk. The route continues to the striking red crater Eldgígur, then to the glacier’s edge for a crossing of a small glacial river. Entering a black lava field, we descend to a camp beside a crystal-clear spring river—where a natural hot spring sits at a perfect 38°C, ready for a well-earned soak.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hiking: 14 km (8.7 mi)
Elevation: +300 m (+984 ft) / -200 m (-656 ft)
Accommodation: Camping (tents)

Day 4: Bone valley and birch woods

We cross the Vestari Bergvatnsá river and head down Bone Valley along the river’s southern bank, a route dotted with waterfalls and side gullies. A historic lava flow fills sections of the riverbed—a striking stretch to walk through. Arriving at the flat area of Hvassvellir, we descend into Núpsstaðarskógur, one of Iceland’s most extensive birch forests and the very place where farmers once produced the charcoal that gave this trail its name. Camp is set amid the valley’s lush vegetation.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hiking: 12 km (7.5 mi)
Elevation: +200 m (+656 ft) / -400 m (-1,312 ft)
Accommodation: Camping (tents)

Day 5: Hvítá river canyon and Lómagnúpur mountain

On the final day, we leave the birch forest behind and ascend through the Hvítá river canyon, passing several waterfalls and river crossings. The route climbs to the shoulder of Hvirfildalur valley, then descends along the flank of Lómagnúpur—the rhyolite giant known for its sheer vertical cliffs. At the mountain’s end, we reach the main road, where a vehicle waits to bring everyone back to Kirkjubæjarklaustur.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Hiking: 16 km (9.9 mi)
Elevation: +200 m (+656 ft) / -400 m (-1,312 ft)

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Lodging

Camping (tents)

Tents are set up in some genuinely spectacular spots throughout the tour. Night one is in Lambá canyon along the glacial Djúpá river; night two at the gorge of Langagil, with Vatnajökull looming in the distance; night three beside a crystal-clear spring river with a natural hot spring at 38°C right on the doorstep; and night four deep in the lush birch forest of Núpsstaðarskógur. All camping equipment is provided by your guides (sleeping bags can be rented at an additional cost). Meals are prepared together, from lunch on Day 1 straight through to lunch on Day 5.

Adventure, packed to go

The Old Charcoal Trail: Backpacking in Southern Highlands, Iceland

Adventure Brochure

Adventure brochure

Download to share and explore full itineraries, key info, FAQs, and guide details.

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Meet your guides

Seasoned pros, local legends, and passionate adventurers—your trip is in the best hands.

5.00

Einar

Having been raised by nature-loving parents, Einar has been an outdoor addict since a very early age. In 1989, at the age of 24, he started working full-time as a guide. Since Einar founded one of Iceland’s top outdoor travel companies, he is well-versed in trip planning and guiding—and he also has more certifications than we can count. He has been leading trekking tours, backpacking, glacier travel, avalanche training, mountaineering, and many other winter skills courses.

5.00

Kristinn

Originally from Iceland, Kristinn studied geography, during which time he worked as a National Park Ranger in one of Iceland’s national parks. Although he spent most of his life working as a graphic designer, Kristinn’s passion has always been travel and the outdoors. Recently he decided to take his professional life in a new direction—he became a guide and started working with his childhood friend Einar. Kristinn loves spending his time hiking, cycling, skiing, fishing, mountain biking, and cross country skiing.

Things to know

Included:
- - An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - 5-day Old Charcoal Trail backpacking tour (5 days of hiking)
  - All camping equipment for 4 nights (tents, cooking equipment)
  - All meals, from lunch on Day 1 through lunch on Day 5
  - All necessary permits and fees
  - Transfer to and from the trailhead
Add-ons:
- - Sleeping bag rental — rental available, leave a note at checkout if interested
Not included:
- - Transportation to Kirkjubæjarklaustur, Iceland
  - Sleeping bag
  - Personal gear & clothing
  - Alcoholic beverages
  - Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section above
  - Insurance—recommended, available to add at checkout
  - Guide gratuities—optional
To join this Old Charcoal Trail backpacking tour, excellent fitness is required. You’ll be hiking for 5 days in a row, covering up to 16 km (9.9 mi) per day, walking 6–8 hours daily through remote and often rough terrain. There are no roads, no huts, and no easy exits once the route begins—this is genuine backcountry. Previous multi-day hiking or backpacking experience is strongly recommended.

Want to see what else is there in the area? Discover more Iceland hiking tours here!
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
- - Backpack large enough to carry all your belongings
  - Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
  - Hiking poles — optional
  - Sleeping bag — can be rented
  - Comfortable hiking clothes
  - Trekking boots and trousers
  - Fleece shirt
  - Warm and waterproof jacket
  - Rain gear
  - Spare clothes for layering
  - Functional underwear
  - Hat
  - Gloves
  - Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
  - Headlamp or flashlight
  - Sunglasses
  - Camera — optional (but recommended)
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 Old Charcoal Trail hike, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 12:1.
  - It takes a minimum of 4 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 12 participants.
Old Charcoal Trail hikes 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 Old Charcoal Trail hike 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.
The starting point of this Old Charcoal Trail tour is Kirkjubæjarklaustur, a small town in South Iceland. To get there, most people fly into Keflavík International Airport (KEF) and then travel by bus or rental car along the Ring Road (Route 1)—Kirkjubæjarklaustur is roughly a 3.5-hour drive east of Reykjavík.

It’s recommended to arrive at least one day before the tour starts. Accommodation the night prior is at your own arrangement.

You will meet your guide at 8 am on Day 1 at the N1 service station in Kirkjubæjarklaustur. A short transfer of approximately 30 minutes takes the group to the starting point of the hike.
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.
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
- - If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If cancelled 90 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled within 89 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
Flexible
- - If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If cancelled 90 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled 60-89 days before departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled within 59 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
Super Flexible
- - If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If cancelled 60 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled within 59 days of departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.

Have more questions?

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