Included: An experienced hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area 6-day Iceland highlands hiking tour Accommodation for 5 nights in mountain huts (shared dormitory-style rooms) All meals (5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners) Transportation from Reykjavik to the highlands and vice versa Not included: Flights Sleeping bags Showers — can be paid on site 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?

This is a challenging hike that requires great fitness . It’s recommended to prepare in advance with regular day hikes, ideally carrying an 8–10 kg (18–22 lb) backpack. You’ll be spending full days on the trail, covering distances of up to 27 km (16.8 mi) and gaining up to 775 m (2,540 ft) in elevation. The terrain includes river crossings and uneven ground, so you should feel comfortable moving steadily for several hours at a time. Want to see what else is there in the area? Discover more Iceland hiking tours here!

What do I need to bring?

Clothing: Layered clothing system: moisture-wicking base layer, insulating mid-layer, and waterproof outer layer Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots Hat and gloves Buff or neck gaiter High-quality, moisture-wicking socks River crossing shoes (lightweight sneakers or sandals) Personal items & gear: Daypack (20–40L) Extra bag for luggage you won’t carry on the hike (preferably waterproof) Trekking poles (recommended for river crossings, can be shared if needed) Sleeping bag Water bottle or hydration pack Headlamp or torch Food & extras: Snacks (meals are provided, but bring your favorites) Toiletries & essentials: Sunglasses and sunscreen Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap) Towel Earplugs Dry change of clothes Optional: Camera Notebook and pen (or coloring pencils) 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 Iceland highlands hiking tour , 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 highlands hiking tour 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. If your group has participants under the age of 18 , contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Is a single occupancy room available?

A single occupancy room is not available on this Iceland highlands hiking tour because you’ll be sleeping in shared dormitories and there are no single occupancy rooms in mountain huts.

Getting there and meeting location

The starting point of your Iceland highlands hiking tour is Reykjavik . To get there, most people fly into Keflavik Airport (KEF) . From there, you can take a shuttle service, public transport, or rent a car to reach Reykjavik. You will meet your guide at 7 am at the BSI bus terminal Reykjavik on Day 1, so it’s recommended that you arrive in Reykjavik a day before because the tour starts quite early on Day 1.

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

Iceland Hiking Tour: 6 Days Through the Highlands

6 days | Challenging

From $3,668 ()

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We head straight into Iceland’s highlands, where the roads end and the landscapes open up. Over 6 days, we hike through volcanic terrain, wide valleys, and quiet trails that see far fewer people than the country’s famous routes. We start in Landmannalaugar, then move deeper each day, crossing rivers, passing hot springs, and linking remote huts along the way. Everything’s arranged so we can focus on the rhythm of the hike and the places we move through. If you’ve been looking for a trip that feels a bit more real than the usual version of Iceland, why not start here?

Elsebeth

Adventure Highlights

Across Iceland’s wild interior: Hike through the highlands on a continuous route, far from roads and busy trails
Landmannalaugar to Eldgjá: Discover colorful rhyolite mountains and vast volcanic canyons, with hot springs along the trail
More than just hiking: Enjoy mindful hiking, outdoor journaling, and group sharing that deepen the whole experience

Duration

6 days

Season

June through July

Group size

Up to 18 people

The adventure, day by day

Six days. A continuous line through Iceland’s southern highlands. We start in Landmannalaugar and head straight into the interior, crossing rivers, moving through volcanic valleys, and walking into wide, open terrain where there are no roads and very few people. The landscapes shift as we go: bright rhyolite mountains, black sand plains, deep volcanic canyons, geothermal ground underfoot. We link remote huts along the way, keeping a steady pace from one to the next. Hot springs appear naturally along the route, not as stops, but as part of the day. It’s a focused, point-to-point hike through a part of Iceland we don’t just visit, but actually get across.

Day 1: From Reykjavik to Sveinstindur

We meet early at 7 am at BSÍ Bus Terminal in Reykjavik and head into the highlands, crossing the wide plains of South Iceland beneath the Hekla volcano. By midday, we reach Landmannalaugar, where we set out on our first hike through its colorful rhyolite mountains and geothermal terrain. In the afternoon, we continue deeper into the highlands by bus to reach our hut near Sveinstindur, where we settle in and enjoy dinner before resting for the night.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Mountain hut
Hiking: 5–6 km (3–4 mi)

Day 2: From Sveinstindur to Skælingur

We follow the Skaftá River, moving through Hvanngil and into the canyon of Uxatindagljúfur between Uxatinda and Grettir. After emerging from the canyon, we climb up Biðil and continue through Skælingar toward our hut in Stóragil. Expect several river crossings along the way. The day also includes time for silent hiking, moments to pause, and optional journaling. In the evening, we prepare dinner together and gather in small groups to share reflections from the day.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Mountain hut
Hiking: 18 km (11 mi)
Elevation gain: 600–700 m (1,970–2,300 ft)

Day 3: From Skælingur to Álftavötn

We follow the Skælinga route toward the edge of Eldgjá, one of the largest volcanic canyons in the world. We summit Gjátindur for sweeping views, then continue along the canyon’s southeast rim to reach the best viewpoint over Ófærufoss waterfall. From there, we descend into the canyon itself, getting a closer look before continuing through Kvíslarhólmar and along Lambaskarðshólar. The day ends in the striking valley of Álftavötn, where we settle into our hut and enjoy dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Mountain hut
Hiking: 27 km (16.8 mi)
Elevation gain: 600 m (1,970 ft)

Day 4: From Álftavötn to Strútskáli

We spend the day crossing the highlands on lesser-used trails, moving through rhyolite mountains, green valleys, and geothermal areas. The terrain rolls, but much of the day follows wide, open valleys. Along the way, we stop at the remote hot pool of Strútslaug for a well-timed break. There is one short river crossing, using poles and wading shoes. By the end of the day, we reach Strútskáli, where a hot, prepared dinner is waiting for us.

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

Day 5: Strútur exploration day

We stay based at the hut and spend the day exploring the surrounding highlands. Depending on the weather, we may hike up Strútur, return to Strútslaug, or head toward the glacier and rhyolite landscapes of Torfajökull. It’s a more flexible day, with time to slow down, take it in, and spend longer in places we’ve moved quickly through before. We wrap it up with a proper dinner at the hut.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Mountain hut
Hiking: up to 13 km (8 mi)
Elevation gain: 425 m (1,395 ft)

Day 6: From Strútur to Hvanngil

We cross glacial sand deserts and wetlands shaped by Mýrdalsjökull, moving through the wide, open expanse of Mælifellssandur. It’s a stark, exposed landscape, very different from the days before. Toward the end, we can split into two groups, one taking a higher mountain route, the other continuing across the plains. We reach Hvanngil on the Laugavegur trail, where our bus meets us for the drive back to Reykjavik, arriving in the evening.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Hiking: 16 km (10 mi)
Elevation gain: 169 m (555 ft)

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Photo gallery

Lodging & food

Mountain huts

We stay in simple mountain huts located deep in Iceland’s highlands, far from roads and towns. Accommodation is in shared dormitory-style rooms, offering a practical place to rest after each day on the trail. Facilities are basic, in line with the remote setting, but everything needed for the journey is in place.

Food

Meals are nutritious and designed to support long days on the trail, with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients whenever possible.

The menu is primarily vegetarian and vegan, with one exception on the final evening, when an Icelandic lamb dish may be served.

Meet your guides

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

5.00

Elsebeth

Elsebeth grew up in Greenland with the mountains as her playground. After an academic career in teaching and learning theory, she shifted her focus to sharing her passion for nature with others. Through her work, she explores how nature fosters deeper learning and inner connectedness and currently guides in the Highlands of South Iceland and in Sweden.

5.00

Fabien

Fabien is a dietitian, health coach, and life coach who specializes in helping people improve both their physical and mental wellbeing. During the hike, he supports participants in turning the physical challenges of the journey into meaningful insights they can apply in their everyday lives. Fabien also designs vibrant vegan and vegetarian meals that fuel long hiking days, supporting endurance, recovery, and mental clarity throughout the adventure.

Things to know

Included:
- - An experienced hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - 6-day Iceland highlands hiking tour
  - Accommodation for 5 nights in mountain huts (shared dormitory-style rooms)
  - All meals (5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners)
  - Transportation from Reykjavik to the highlands and vice versa
Not included:
- - Flights
  - Sleeping bags
  - Showers — can be paid on site
  - Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section above
  - Insurance — recommended, available to add at checkout
  - Guide gratuities — optional
This is a challenging hike that requires great fitness. It’s recommended to prepare in advance with regular day hikes, ideally carrying an 8–10 kg (18–22 lb) backpack.

You’ll be spending full days on the trail, covering distances of up to 27 km (16.8 mi) and gaining up to 775 m (2,540 ft) in elevation. The terrain includes river crossings and uneven ground, so you should feel comfortable moving steadily for several hours at a time.

Want to see what else is there in the area? Discover more Iceland hiking tours here!
Clothing:
- - Layered clothing system: moisture-wicking base layer, insulating mid-layer, and waterproof outer layer
  - Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots
  - Hat and gloves
  - Buff or neck gaiter
  - High-quality, moisture-wicking socks
  - River crossing shoes (lightweight sneakers or sandals)
Personal items & gear:
- - Daypack (20–40L)
  - Extra bag for luggage you won’t carry on the hike (preferably waterproof)
  - Trekking poles (recommended for river crossings, can be shared if needed)
  - Sleeping bag
  - Water bottle or hydration pack
  - Headlamp or torch
Food & extras:
- - Snacks (meals are provided, but bring your favorites)
Toiletries & essentials:
- - Sunglasses and sunscreen
  - Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap)
  - Towel
  - Earplugs
  - Dry change of clothes
Optional:
- - Camera
  - Notebook and pen (or coloring pencils)
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 highlands hiking tour, 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 highlands hiking tour 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.
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 highlands hiking tour because you’ll be sleeping in shared dormitories and there are no single occupancy rooms in mountain huts.
The starting point of your Iceland highlands hiking tour is Reykjavik. To get there, most people fly into Keflavik Airport (KEF). From there, you can take a shuttle service, public transport, or rent a car to reach Reykjavik.

You will meet your guide at 7 am at the BSI bus terminal Reykjavik on Day 1, so it’s recommended that you arrive in Reykjavik a day before because the tour starts quite early 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.
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 60 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled within 59 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
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 30-59 days before departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled within 29 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 30 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled within 29 days of departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.

Have more questions?

Our team is here to answer your questions and plan with you.

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