An 8-day guided trail running tour through Iceland's southern region, covering 7 runs on volcanic terrain, coastal clifftops, and highland plateaus. Based at four different lakeside guesthouses and boutique lodges around Reykjavik and further south, the trip is fully supported—all meals, transport, and activity fees included. Runs range from 5 to 12 miles (8 to 19 km) and offer multiple distance options daily to accommodate different ability levels. Between runs, hot spring soaks, a glacial snowmobile excursion, a ferry to the Westmann Islands, and visits to Gullfoss and Geysir round out the week.
Welcome to Iceland! For the first two nights we’re based at a cozy lakeside guesthouse on the outskirts of Reykjavik, giving everyone a chance to settle in and recover from the flight. Once the group is together we take care of introductions, head out for an optional evening shakeout run to stretch the legs, and sit down to the first of many good dinners together before an early night.
Meals: Dinner
Running: 5–8 mi (8–13 km) optional evening shakeout
Accommodation: Lakeside guesthouse
We shake off the travel with our first proper run at the Búrfell crater, set inside the Heiðmörk Nature Park just outside Reykjavik. It’s a perfect introduction to Iceland on foot—the trail runs across crushed volcanic rock with sweeping views in every direction. After a picnic lunch at the finish line, we spend the afternoon recovering at the Sky Lagoon, where steaming water, silica face masks, and cold beer take care of everything post-run needs. Back to the guesthouse in the evening for a home-cooked dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Running: 6–10 mi (10–16 km), 600–1,500 ft (180–460 m) elevation gain; single track, gravel, dirt road, and lava
Accommodation: Lakeside guesthouse
Today we drive to Reykjadalur, a valley carved in half by a hot steaming river—one of Iceland’s more surreal run settings. There are several route options, and all of them finish at one of Iceland’s public swimming pools, complete with hot tubs and steam baths. After lunch at a local restaurant, we make stops at Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most dramatic waterfalls, and at the Geysir hot spring—the original erupting geyser after which all others take their name. We finish the day at a cozy guesthouse for dinner and sleep.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Running: 5–11 mi (8–18 km), 1,200–1,800 ft (365–550 m) elevation gain; single track and dirt road
Accommodation: Guesthouse
We start today with a point-to-point trail run through one of Iceland’s most dramatic river canyons, beginning at the towering Háifoss waterfall and following the Fossá river toward the remarkable oasis of Gjáin Canyon. Along the way we pass the Viking manor ruins at Stöng and wind through lush valleys with waterfalls and volcanic formations at every turn. Lunch is at a restaurant supplied by a geothermally heated greenhouse—an incredibly unique spot. Afterward, another hot spring soak before heading back to the lodge for the evening.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Running: 7 mi (11 km), 1,010 ft (310 m) elevation gain; mostly dirt road and trail
Accommodation: Guesthouse
A longer drive today takes us up into the interior highlands to reach Landmannalaugar—a geothermal basin where rainbow-colored rhyolite mountains rise out of ancient lava flows and steam vents make the whole place look almost alien. We take our time running through this otherworldly landscape before the now-routine hot spring dip and a picnic lunch. Expect this to be a standout day. Afterward, we descend out of the highlands toward our next lodge set in the pristine Icelandic countryside.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Running: 5–10 mi (8–16 km), 1,200–1,800 ft (365–550 m) elevation gain; single track
Accommodation: Guesthouse
After breakfast, we catch a ferry to the Westmann Islands, a small volcanic archipelago off Iceland’s south coast. The run traces clifftop trails among puffin colonies, shaggy sheep, and open Atlantic views—bring your camera. After lunch, the local public swimming pool offers some welcome recovery, and there’s time to explore the town, including a small museum and a local brewery that tends to be popular. We catch the afternoon ferry back to the mainland and return to the lodge for a farm-to-table dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Running: 6–12 mi (10–19 km), 1,200–3,000 ft (365–915 m) elevation gain; single track, dirt road, and some lava
Just reaching the trailhead is an adventure in itself. Þórsmörk—the Valley of Thor—is a protected nature reserve surrounded by glaciers, covered in birch forest, and threaded with glacial rivers. It’s a grand finale of a run by any measure, finishing with a scenic lunch before we make the reluctant return to Reykjavik. We stretch the last evening out as long as possible with a celebratory dinner and the infamous awards ceremony.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Running: 5–9 mi (8–14 km), 600–1,500 ft (180–460 m) elevation gain; double and single track
Accommodation: Boutique lodge
Breakfast is served at the hotel. Airport taxis can be arranged for flights departing after 9:30 am.
Meals: Breakfast
Running: No scheduled run
Included:
Not included:
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!
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.
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.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
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.
Got everything you need? Grab your gear through Active Junky and earn cash back on top outdoor brands — plus a $10 bonus on your first $25+ purchase. Shop now at Active Junky!
Group sizes and pricing
Trail running tours in Iceland can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
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.
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.
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.