Hiking the Ancient Trails of Iceland

Things to know

• What’s included?

  Included:

  • • An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
    • An experienced and licensed mountain vehicle driver
    • 6 days of guided hiking along Ancient Trails
    • Accommodation in mountain huts for 5 nights (shared dormitories)
    • Transfers:
      • Pick-up & drop-off in Reykjavik
      • Private 4×4 mountain vehicle for the group to get in and out of the highlands & fuel
      • Support vehicle for luggage transfers
    • All meals for the duration of the tour (from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 6)
    • All cooking equipment
    • Showers in mountain huts
    • Admission & parking fees
    • Sleeping bag
    • Agency support 24/7

  Not included:

  • • Flights to Iceland
    • Airport transfers
    • Transportation to the BSI Bus Terminal in Reykjavik
    • Accommodations in Reykjavík before and after the tour
    • Alcoholic beverages
    • Personal hiking gear
    • Any meals in Reykjavik before or after the trip
    • Anything not listed under “Included”
    • Insurance — available to add at checkout
    • Guide gratuities — optional
• How fit do I need to be?

  This Ancient Trails hiking adventure is suitable for all ages as long as you have a decent level of fitness. You’ll be hiking for 6 full days, covering around 7.5-10 miles (12-17 km) per day with moderate altitude change while carrying a daypack. The most elevation you’ll gain within a day is 600 m (1,970 ft).

  One of the best things about this Ancient Trails hiking tour is that it’s fully supported—meaning that your luggage will be transported hut-to-hut with a support vehicle, and you’ll just have to carry the day’s essentials. Keep in mind that the weather and trail conditions may affect the difficulty, and you might encounter several minor river crossings along the trail.

• What will the weather be like?

  Ancient Trails tours run in the summer, from June through September. Temperatures usually range between 5°C and 15°C once in the Highlands—so layering is key! On rare occasions, it can dip as low as -5°C or rise up to 25°C. Iceland’s weather is famously unpredictable, so the most important thing is to be well-prepared with proper clothing and gear.

  There’s really no “perfect” time to visit—each month offers its own unique charm, with changing landscapes, trail conditions, and experiences. Here’s what to expect throughout the season:

  • • June — Snow patches still linger on the trail, but the landscape comes alive with blooming flowers and vibrant colors. Enjoy nearly 24-hour daylight — perfect for birdwatching.
    • July — The most stable weather of the season. Snow fields mostly gone, warmest and driest month, with minimal wind — ideal for hiking.
    • August — Snow-free trails and the first chances to catch the northern lights as the nights slowly return!
    • September — Crisp, chilly nights with a high chance of seeing the northern lights. The weather becomes less predictable, and the trail feels wilder as autumn approaches.
• What do I need to bring?

  Boots and clothing

  • • Lightweight hiking boots – waterproof with ankle support
    • River crossing shoes – open shoes will not do the job
    • Thermal underwear – long-sleeved wool top and bottom
    • Fleece or wool sweater or jacket
    • Strong and light hiking trousers that dry quickly
    • Jacket – windproof, waterproof, and breathable shell
    • Rain trousers – windproof, waterproof, and breathable shell
    • Fleece or wool gloves and beanie
    • Wool socks
    • Neck buff
    • Swimwear – if you want to bathe in the hot geothermal pools

  Gear and luggage

  • • Backpack with rain cover for use during the day (20–40 L)
    • Water-resistant duffel bag for the overnight gear (50–100 L)
    • Water bottle or hydration bladder (1–2 L)
    • Personal first aid kit, including blister care
    • Prescription medication and other personal health items
    • Toiletries, including toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, etc.
    • Lightweight, packable towel
    • Headlamp or flashlight
    • Sunglasses and sun protection
    • Power bank to charge devices
    • Earplugs and sleeping mask
    • Hiking poles and gaiters

  Please note there is a limit of 1 duffel bag and 1 backpack. All of your overnight gear must fit into your duffel bag, while your daypack will be carried during the hikes.

  We kindly ask that you keep your duffel bag as light as possible. The maximum allowed size is 100 L, with a weight limit of 23 kg.

• Group sizes and age requirements

  Group sizes and prices:

  • • For this group adventure, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 5:1.
    • It takes a minimum of 6 people for the tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 10 participants with 2 guides.

  Hiking 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.
    • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

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

• Getting there and meeting location

  To get to the BSI bus terminal in Reykjavik, the starting point of this Ancient Trails tour, you first have to fly into Keflavík International Airport (KEF), serving Reykjavik. From there, you can take a shuttle or a taxi to Reykjavík.

  You will be meeting your guide at 10am on Day 1 at the BSI bus terminal in central Reykjavik, which can be easily accessed by foot or public transportation. From that point on, you’ll hop onto the 4×4 mountain vehicle and start your journey!

• 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.

• Deposits 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 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.