What you get on this adventure: An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area A 4-day Eldgja Canyon trek in the Icelandic Highlands All transportation during the adventure (including pick-up and drop-off in Reykjavik) Accommodation (sleeping bags in dormitory-style rooms) in mountain huts (3 nights) Luggage transfers between mountain huts Meals as indicated in the itinerary Facility fee in Landmannalaugar South Coast tour with a Black Sand Beach stop during your ride back to Reykjavík What’s not included: Transportation to Reykjavik Accommodation in Reykjavik before and after the tour Meals not indicated in the itinerary Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks Guide gratuities — optional

How fit do I need to be?

To join this guided Eldgja Canyon hiking trip in Iceland’s Highlands, participants should have experience with full-day hikes (up to 8 hours). The longest distance covered during this Iceland hiking tour will be 11.2 miles (18 km), with elevation gains of up to 2,000 ft (600 m). Most people who regularly hike should be able to participate in this tour. You don’t need to have experience with multi-day hiking tours for this Iceland hiking adventure, but we recommend maintaining an active lifestyle and hiking regularly in weeks leading up to the trip. It’s important to be aware that Iceland’s weather can be unpredictable, which may pose challenges during hiking activities. Furthermore, keep in mind that you’ll need to carry a daypack containing essentials like water, lunch, and other items during your hikes. However, rest assured that throughout your journey, you’ll have a knowledgeable guide accompanying you every step of the way. They’ll provide encouragement, set an appropriate pace, and assess the fitness level of the group, ensuring necessary breaks are taken. Your guide’s presence will ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.

What do I need to bring?

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring: Daypack large enough to fit everything you may need in a day (25-40 L) Travel sack for your baggage that is transported between cabins Sleeping bag and travel pillow Waterproof hiking boots Wading shoes for crossing rivers Sport shoes — to wear when not hiking Water bottle (1-2L) Thermal underwear (top and bottom) Two sets of shirts Wool or fleece thermal mid layer Hiking pants Waterproof and breathable pants and jacket Wool hat and gloves Hiking socks (2 to 3 pairs) Swimwear and towel Sunglasses Sunscreen and aftersun lotion Health supplies and prescription medicine Bring comfortable clothes appropriate for the season. We suggest checking the weather forecast and being prepared for different conditions—weather is pretty volatile in Iceland even in the summer and especially at higher elevations. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

What will the accommodation and meals be like?

During the Eldgja Canyon hiking tour, accommodation will be in sleeping bag setups in mountain huts. While the first two huts have water toilets but no showers, the last night will be spent at the more luxurious Hólaskjól Highland Centre, offering access to good showers. Breakfast will be provided at the huts before trekking activities, and participants will prepare their own lunch and snacks after breakfasts. Dinners will be cooked by the entire group—fresh fish for the first dinner and traditional Icelandic meat soup for the second. At Hólaskjól Highland Center, there will be a barbecue featuring Icelandic lamb meat. Special dietary needs like vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options can be accommodated, just let your guide in advance! While alcoholic beverages and soft drinks are not included, participants are welcome to bring some for the tour. The first meal included in the price is dinner on the first day, while the last is breakfast on the last day. Participants should bring their own lunch pack for the first day, while lunch or snacks can be purchased at a restaurant in Vík Village on the way back to Reykjavík on the last day.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and prices: For this group adventure, the maximum client-to-guide ratio is 15:1. It takes a minimum of 5 people for this tour to operate. The cost does not decrease as the group grows. Eldgja Canyon trek can be arranged for private groups. Contact us to make arrangements. Min. age requirements: If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. Minors as young as 14 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 Reykjavik, the starting point of the tour, most people fly into Keflavik International Airport . From there, we suggest taking a 40-minute bus ride to the city. There is a line connecting the airport and the city after each arrival. Participants are recommended to arrive in the city one day before the tour, especially if flying from afar. Your guide will pick you up either at your hotel or at one of Reykjavik’s bus stations in the morning (8.30am) of Day 1 and take you on a scenic ride to the Landmannalaugar.

Safety measures in the Highlands, iceland

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance. With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the trails, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more. Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans. We also expect you to respect local regulations and take measures to protect yourselves, your guides, and the communities you’re traveling to. For more information on travel recommendations and restrictions in the Highlands, Iceland, please refer to Iceland’s foreign travel advice . If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!

On recent volcanic activity in Iceland

Iceland, the “Land of Fire and Ice,” has forever lived with volcanic activity. Minor and major eruptions have occurred every few years since the island was formed. Some of Iceland’s appeal, aside from sheer natural beauty, surely stems from this very fact. However, every new eruption, such as the recent Reykjanes Peninsula fissure, will make some travelers, tourists, and adventurers uneasy, especially given the fact that sensationalist media is not immune to misinformation and speculation. Since we work with a number of expert local guides in Iceland, we thought we’d share their input and fill you in on what’s actually going on. First of all, air traffic has not been affected. Flights to and from Keflavík International Airport and Reykjavík Domestic Airport are operating as they always do. Second, the effects of volcanic activity have been localized, with some roads closed, and all services in Iceland are operating as usual. Reykjavik, the capital, is around 40 km (25 miles) away from the volcanic fissure, and life there is as normal as ever. And third, trips offered by 57hours are taking place much further away, and are thereby even less likely to be affected by the volcanic activity, being perfectly safe for adventurers. Naturally, the authorities (and guides) are monitoring the situation and doing everything possible to keep both local residents and visitors safe and well informed. In case you have any additional questions or dilemmas, feel free to get in touch with either your guide or 57hours. For more information, please visit: https://safetravel.is/ https://www.visiticeland.com/article/volcano-info Or watch the video with Dr. Matthew Roberts from the Icelandic Meteorological Office explaining the recent volcanic activities in Iceland: https://youtu.be/QA3-BXYuYrw?feature=shared

ICELANDIC HIGHLANDS | ICELAND

Eldgja Canyon Trek: Discover Iceland’s Highlands

5.00

Guided Eldgja Canyon Trek in Iceland’s Highlands.

Langisjor lake and its surroundings seen from high above.

Uxatindar mountain, covered in green moss, beside a lake, in the Icelandic Highlands.

A hiker admiring the view above the Eldgja Canyon.

Hikers in Skaelingar, in a small hamlet in the icelandic Highlands.

Hikers admiring the view of the Icelandic Highlands from the Sveinstindur peak.

A waterfall near the Holaskjol Visitor Center, Iceland.

Hvanngil valley with a mossy mountain and a braided river, in the Icelandic Highlands.

Langisjor lake during gloomy weather, in the Icelandic Highlands.

A hiker admiring a view over the Langisjor lake, in Iceland.

Meandering Skafta river, flowing between mossy hills, in Iceland.

River Skafta near the Fludir village, in the Icelandic Highlands.

Trekkers admiring the views above the Eldgja Canyon, in the Icelandic Highlands.

Mossy Uxatindar mountain looming above a jet-black expanse, Icelandic Highlands.

Mossy hillside in the icelandic Highlands.

From $2,150 ()

Duration

4 days

Season

July through August

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Intro
Itinerary
Brochure
Reviews
Things to know

Step back in time to 939 AD, the year of the biggest eruption in recorded history. The result? 25-mile Eldgja canyon—the largest volcanic chasm on the planet! This is where we’ll be hiking for 4 days—going from hut to hut along this geologic wonder in the heart of Icelandic Highlands. Picture colorful mountains in Landmannalaugar, the sprawling 12-mile-long Langisjor lake, and cascading waterfalls amidst moss-draped hills. And let’s not forget the sweeping 360-degree vistas from the Sveinstindur peak and extra sights like the iconic Black Sand Beach. It’s no secret why this tour is a top pick among local guides, including yours truly, Guðfinnur Þór, who’s thought of every detail for your seamless adventure—from pickup to drop-off in Reykjavik. Are you ready to write your own chapter in the saga of the Land of Fire and Ice? Let’s make some memories!

Adventure highlights

Otherworldly nature

Immerse yourself in the surreal beauty of Iceland’s Highlands, with landscapes straight out of a fantasy realm
Taste of wilderness

Stay in simple huts nestled amidst the untouched wilderness and offering a genuine taste of the wild, far from civilization
Hassle-free experience

Fully enjoy every moment, knowing that every detail has been planned, ensuring a seamless adventure from start to finish

Itinerary

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Let’s explore the heart of Iceland's Highlands on a 4-day trek along the breathtaking Eldgja Canyon. Starting in Reykjavik, our journey unfolds with highlights like Landmannalaugar's colorful mountains and Langisjor's expansive lake. Led by an expert guide, you’ll hike to the Sveinstindur peak for panoramic vistas, then trek to Skælingar hut and marvel at the region's unique lava formations. Journey continues to Hólaskjól Highland Centre before returning to Reykjavik, with a South Coast tour included. Experience includes accommodations, meals, and transportation.

The adventure begins in Reykjavík with pickup starting at 8:30 am from your hotel or a designated bus stop. Our group will then head to Landmannalaugar, famous for its colorful mountains, hot springs, and lava fields. Optional short hike will be available during the 2-hour stop, exploring the Laugahraun Lava, Brennisteinsalda mountain, and Grænagil Canyon. After relaxing in the hot spring, the journey continues in a 4×4 vehicle along the F208 mountain road to Lake Langisjór. Here, we will embark on today’s main trek, hiking to the Sveinstindur peak (3,580 ft / 1,093 m), offering breathtaking panoramic views of valleys and mountains. The hike then leads to a cabin by the river Skaftá, where we’ll spend the first night.

Meals: Dinner
Hiking: 10 miles (16 km) + optional 2.8-mile (4.5 km) Landmannalaugar hike
Elevation gain: 1,970 ft (600 m)
After breakfast and preparing your lunch boxes and snacks, Day 2 begins with a walk alongside the river Skaftá and through the Hvanngil valley, offering unforgettable views of mountain Uxatindur. The hike’s destination for day two is Skælingar, where adventurous hikers can bathe in a small lake. Skælingar features an old cabin that once belonged to farmers in this area, used during the autumn sheep round-up. The site boasts unusual lava formations, remnants of the Skaftáreldar eruptions, creating a calm yet fantastical atmosphere. Many stunning lava formations adorn the landscape, adding to the area’s beauty.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 11,2 miles (18 km)
Elevation gain: ~2,000 ft (610 m)
After another breakfast at our mountain hut, the day starts with a trek to the mountain Gjátindur from the top of which there’s a magnificent view over the Eldgjá fissure, an impressive 25-mile (40 km) long canyon created by eruptions that took place in the year 939. After enjoying the views of the canyon, we’ll continue hiking. The trail will lead us down Gjátindur into the lava canyon and to the famous waterfall Ófærufoss – a popular destination for a lunch break before continuing the trail to Hólaskjól Highland Center. We’ll have a barbecue dinner to celebrate the achievements in the evening and spend the night in a cabin in Hólaskjól.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 11,2 miles (18 km)
Elevation gain: ~1,500 ft (457 m)
After breakfast there’ll be time to look at an amazing waterfall that is hidden close to Hólaskjól Highland Center. From Hólaskjól Highland Centre, our group will be driven to the main road that stretches along the South Coast. The first stop will be in the village of Vík where we’ll be able to have lunch. The next stop will be on the famous Black Beach, before heading to the Seljalandsfoss waterfall and back to Reykjavík. The estimated arrival time is around 5pm. Say goodbye to fellow hikers and your guide, and to Iceland—or continue touring on your own.

Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: only short walks

Eldgja Canyon Trek: Discover Iceland’s Highlands

Adventure Brochure

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If you have questions or need help with planning a trip, schedule a call with one of our adventure experts.

Meet your guides

5.00

Guðfinnur Þór

Guðfinnur “Guffi” Þór is an experienced hiking guide with a deep knowledge of the highlands along the South Coast of Iceland. His guiding journey began with trekking clubs, where he honed his skills before transitioning into a seasoned guide for trekking companies. In 2018, Guffi and his wife Áslaug established the Hólaskjól Highland Centre. Since then, Guffi has dedicated himself entirely to guiding tours in the South Coast highlands, focusing on trekking and leading groups to remote destinations.

5.00

Icetrek

Icetrek specializes in unveiling the captivating beauty of the Icelandic highlands, known as “Hálendið'' in Icelandic. Their guiding team is dedicated to showcasing the rugged terrain and natural wonders of this unique region. From the colorful landscapes of Landmannalaugar to the expansive volcanic canyon of Eldgjá, they offer tailored experiences for individuals and groups, whether it’s day tours or hiking and trekking adventures. Discover the allure of the Icelandic Highlands with Icetrek.

5.00(1 review)

Lisa C.

|August 2024

Highly recommend the Eldgja Canyon Trek! Breathtaking views, experienced and knowledgeable Icelandic guides, and the best part is that we had the trails and huts all to ourselves. We started our hike at Landmannalaugar, where the Laugavegur trek begins with tons of people hiking and waiting in line for the bathrooms. I appreciated walking through the colorful mountains but then was relieved to get away from the congested area. After we left the crowds doing the Laugavegur trek and drove to our starting trailhead, we did not see anyone else outside of our trekking group for the next three days, until we arrived at a spectacular waterfall near Hólaskjól Highland Center where we spent our last night. Our guide, Josep, knew everything about the geology and ecology of the volcanoes and glaciers of Iceland. Even more interesting, he told us about Viking history including Icelandic sagas, folklore and mythology such as the story of Katla the volcano. Josep knew every river and stream, mountain and hill, valley and canyon, and he could tell us how the landscape had changed over centuries and during his lifetime. For the first two nights, we stayed in charming mountain huts. They did not have electricity but they did have gas heaters for cooking and warming plus flush toilets in nearby outhouses. The best part is that the cozy huts were reserved just for our group. They were originally built for farmers rounding up sheep in the fall and are still used for this purpose today. But the huts have been upgraded and are now maintained by Utivist, a hiking club run by the organizer of the Eldgja trek, Guffi. After three days of hiking with spectacular views and exciting river crossings, we arrived at Hólaskjól Highland Center, which is run by Guffi and his wife Aslaug. They are the organizers of this trek and supplied us with hearty and healthy meals and snacks to fuel us through our days of hiking. Staying at Hólaskjól is a treat in itself, as it is the center for rounding up the sheep every fall and is a lovely place to spend a night (or three). We had a lamb bbq for the final dinner, with much celebration and laughter reliving the highlights of the trek. The next morning, we explored the trails leading from Hólaskjól to a nearby waterfall. We then drove back to Reykjavik with several stops along the way to see waterfalls, Vik (famous black sand beach), waterfalls, puffins, and more waterfalls. Several months ago, when I started looking into treks in Iceland, the Laugavegur kept coming up. I almost signed up for it but then I saw the Eldgja Canyon trek. I am so happy that we took the road less traveled, skipped the crowds at the Laugavegur trek, and instead explored this hidden gem with an experienced Icelandic guide! Packing note: If this is your first trip to Iceland, you might not realize that it can be chilly and rainy even in the summer. The packing list includes waterproof hiking boots, pants, and jacket. Those are necessities for this trek — and you’ll be happy you have them for everything else you do outdoors in Iceland.

Show all reviews

Lisa C.

|August 2024

Things to know

What you get on this adventure:
- - An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - A 4-day Eldgja Canyon trek in the Icelandic Highlands
  - All transportation during the adventure (including pick-up and drop-off in Reykjavik)
  - Accommodation (sleeping bags in dormitory-style rooms) in mountain huts (3 nights)
  - Luggage transfers between mountain huts
  - Meals as indicated in the itinerary
  - Facility fee in Landmannalaugar
  - South Coast tour with a Black Sand Beach stop during your ride back to Reykjavík
What’s not included:
- - Transportation to Reykjavik
  - Accommodation in Reykjavik before and after the tour
  - Meals not indicated in the itinerary
  - Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
  - Guide gratuities — optional
To join this guided Eldgja Canyon hiking trip in Iceland’s Highlands, participants should have experience with full-day hikes (up to 8 hours). The longest distance covered during this Iceland hiking tour will be 11.2 miles (18 km), with elevation gains of up to 2,000 ft (600 m). Most people who regularly hike should be able to participate in this tour. You don’t need to have experience with multi-day hiking tours for this Iceland hiking adventure, but we recommend maintaining an active lifestyle and hiking regularly in weeks leading up to the trip.

It’s important to be aware that Iceland’s weather can be unpredictable, which may pose challenges during hiking activities. Furthermore, keep in mind that you’ll need to carry a daypack containing essentials like water, lunch, and other items during your hikes.

However, rest assured that throughout your journey, you’ll have a knowledgeable guide accompanying you every step of the way. They’ll provide encouragement, set an appropriate pace, and assess the fitness level of the group, ensuring necessary breaks are taken. Your guide’s presence will ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
- - Daypack large enough to fit everything you may need in a day (25-40 L)
  - Travel sack for your baggage that is transported between cabins
  - Sleeping bag and travel pillow
  - Waterproof hiking boots
  - Wading shoes for crossing rivers
  - Sport shoes — to wear when not hiking
  - Water bottle (1-2L)
  - Thermal underwear (top and bottom)
  - Two sets of shirts
  - Wool or fleece thermal mid layer
  - Hiking pants
  - Waterproof and breathable pants and jacket
  - Wool hat and gloves
  - Hiking socks (2 to 3 pairs)
  - Swimwear and towel
  - Sunglasses
  - Sunscreen and aftersun lotion
  - Health supplies and prescription medicine
Bring comfortable clothes appropriate for the season. We suggest checking the weather forecast and being prepared for different conditions—weather is pretty volatile in Iceland even in the summer and especially at higher elevations. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
During the Eldgja Canyon hiking tour, accommodation will be in sleeping bag setups in mountain huts. While the first two huts have water toilets but no showers, the last night will be spent at the more luxurious Hólaskjól Highland Centre, offering access to good showers.

Breakfast will be provided at the huts before trekking activities, and participants will prepare their own lunch and snacks after breakfasts. Dinners will be cooked by the entire group—fresh fish for the first dinner and traditional Icelandic meat soup for the second. At Hólaskjól Highland Center, there will be a barbecue featuring Icelandic lamb meat. Special dietary needs like vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options can be accommodated, just let your guide in advance! While alcoholic beverages and soft drinks are not included, participants are welcome to bring some for the tour.

The first meal included in the price is dinner on the first day, while the last is breakfast on the last day. Participants should bring their own lunch pack for the first day, while lunch or snacks can be purchased at a restaurant in Vík Village on the way back to Reykjavík on the last day.
Group sizes and prices:
- - For this group adventure, the maximum client-to-guide ratio is 15:1.
  - It takes a minimum of 5 people for this tour to operate.
  - The cost does not decrease as the group grows.
Eldgja Canyon trek can be arranged for private groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements:
- - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  - Minors as young as 14 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.
To get to Reykjavik, the starting point of the tour, most people fly into Keflavik International Airport. From there, we suggest taking a 40-minute bus ride to the city. There is a line connecting the airport and the city after each arrival.

Participants are recommended to arrive in the city one day before the tour, especially if flying from afar. Your guide will pick you up either at your hotel or at one of Reykjavik’s bus stations in the morning (8.30am) of Day 1 and take you on a scenic ride to the Landmannalaugar.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance. With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the trails, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more.

Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans.
We also expect you to respect local regulations and take measures to protect yourselves, your guides, and the communities you’re traveling to. For more information on travel recommendations and restrictions in the Highlands, Iceland, please refer to Iceland’s foreign travel advice.

If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!
Iceland, the “Land of Fire and Ice,” has forever lived with volcanic activity. Minor and major eruptions have occurred every few years since the island was formed. Some of Iceland’s appeal, aside from sheer natural beauty, surely stems from this very fact.

However, every new eruption, such as the recent Reykjanes Peninsula fissure, will make some travelers, tourists, and adventurers uneasy, especially given the fact that sensationalist media is not immune to misinformation and speculation.

Since we work with a number of expert local guides in Iceland, we thought we’d share their input and fill you in on what’s actually going on.

First of all, air traffic has not been affected. Flights to and from Keflavík International Airport and Reykjavík Domestic Airport are operating as they always do.
Second, the effects of volcanic activity have been localized, with some roads closed, and all services in Iceland are operating as usual. Reykjavik, the capital, is around 40 km (25 miles) away from the volcanic fissure, and life there is as normal as ever.

And third, trips offered by 57hours are taking place much further away, and are thereby even less likely to be affected by the volcanic activity, being perfectly safe for adventurers. Naturally, the authorities (and guides) are monitoring the situation and doing everything possible to keep both local residents and visitors safe and well informed.

In case you have any additional questions or dilemmas, feel free to get in touch with either your guide or 57hours. For more information, please visit:
https://safetravel.is/
https://www.visiticeland.com/article/volcano-info

Or watch the video with Dr. Matthew Roberts from the Icelandic Meteorological Office explaining the recent volcanic activities in Iceland:
https://youtu.be/QA3-BXYuYrw?feature=shared
Deposits

You can secure one of the set dates with a 30% deposit upon booking. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.

Cancellations

Booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:

Basic
- - In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
  - For cancellations 60 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a 70% refund of the trip price.
  - For cancellations 0-59 days before the trip, there is no refund.
Flexible
- - In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
  - For cancellations 60 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
  - For cancellations 30-59 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
  - For cancellations 0-29 days before the trip, there is no refund.
Super Flexible
- - In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
  - For cancellations 30 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
  - For cancellations 0-29 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.