Iceland Trail Running Tour: 8 Days in the Land of Fire and Ice

Things to know

• What’s included?

  Included:

  • • Expert trip leaders and local Icelandic guides and logistics team
    • 8-day Iceland trail running tour
    • Accommodation for 7 nights in hand-selected lakeside guesthouses and boutique lodges (double occupancy)
    • 6 or 7 carefully scouted runs through diverse terrain
    • All meals from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on Day 8
    • Snacks and water during runs
    • All ground transportation within Iceland in a comfortable air-conditioned bus with licensed driver
    • All luggage transfers
    • Entry fees and tickets for pools, hot springs, ferries, and museums
    • Guided glacial snowmobiling experience
    • Entry to multiple Icelandic thermal baths, including the Blue Lagoon
    • Visit to the original Geysir hot spring
    • Coffee, tea, and juice at breakfasts
    • Guide merchandise

  Not included:

  • • Flights to/from Reykjavik, Iceland
    • Airport transfers
    • Alcoholic beverages and drinks other than water
    • Personal purchases and souvenirs
    • Personal running gear and equipment, including trail shoes, hydration pack, and waterproof rain gear
    • 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?

  In order to join this trail running Iceland tour, excellent fitness is required, as well as some experience running or hiking off-road. You can expect running on crushed lava fields, dirt roads, and single-track trails.

  The most you’ll run within a day is up to 19 km (12 mi), with up to 900 m (3,000 ft) of elevation gain. Runs range from 5 to 12 miles (8 to 19 km) and multiple distance options are offered each day, so there’s no time or pace pressure—daily maximums are listed in the itinerary. Your guides adjust plans according to the group’s abilities and preferences. You’ll do 7 runs on this tour.

  While this isn’t a high-mileage trip, the combination of volcanic terrain, variable weather, and back-to-back running days makes excellent fitness a real requirement. Keep in mind that Iceland’s weather can be rough and changeable, making conditions more demanding than the distances alone suggest. While there’s no strict requirement to join this tour, comfort with trail running is beneficial.

  Want to see what else is there in the area? Discover more Europe trail running tours here!

• What’s the terrain like?

  Most runs feature a mix of single-track trails and dirt/gravel roads, across three terrain types: crushed lava fields, dirt roads, and single-track trail. There’s no significant technical difficulty, but the best viewpoints usually involve some climbing.

• Besides running, what other activities are included?

  The trip is packed with uniquely Icelandic experiences. You’ll snowmobile on a glacier, soak in multiple hot springs (including the famous Blue Lagoon), take a ferry to the Westmann Islands, and visit iconic sights like Gullfoss waterfall and the original Geysir hot spring. There’s also time to explore local towns and, on Day 6, a local brewery.

• What do I need to bring?

  Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

  • • Day pack large enough to carry everything you might need throughout the day (around a 25–40L bag)
    • Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
    • Trail running shoes
    • Waterproof rain jacket — essential, Iceland’s weather changes fast
    • Comfortable running clothes
    • Swimsuit and towel (for hot spring and pool soaks)
    • Warm hat and gloves
    • Thermal base layer
    • Spare clothes for layering
    • Sunhat
    • Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, tissues, etc.)
    • Sunglasses
    • Camera — optional (but strongly 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 age requirements

  Group sizes and pricing

  • • For this trail running tour in Iceland, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 8:1. 
    • It takes a minimum of 8 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 14 participants.

  Trail running tours 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.
• Is a single occupancy room available?

  The price for this Iceland trail running tour is based on twin-share rooms, but a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee. You can leave us a note at checkout if interested.

• Getting there and meeting location

  The starting point of your Iceland trail running tour is Reykjavik. Most people fly into Reykjavik Keflavik International Airport (KEF). Airport transfers are not included—the Flybus shuttle is recommended and guidance is provided upon booking. Please aim to arrive in time for the group dinner 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.

• Deposit and cancellation policy

  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.