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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

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)

    Mossy ridge above the Langisjor lake.
  • 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)

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

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

    black-sand-beach-south-coast-iceland
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Meet your guides

Guðfinnur Þór
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.
Icetrek
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 reviews)
Lisa Chase

Our guide, Josep, was amazing! He 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

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.

    Secure your early bird spot with a 10% deposit! This tour gets sold out very quickly, but with early-bird booking, you will be the first one to know about any new upcoming dates. Pick your preferred dates without the risk of your bucket list adventure selling out!

    • Only 10% of the total amount should be paid as a deposit upon booking. This deposit is non-refundable, but can be transferred to another 57hours adventure anytime in case the dates don’t suit you.
    • Once the dates are set, you can confirm your booking by paying another 20% of the total amount.
    • The final balance is due 3 months (90 days) prior to departure.

    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.
  • 57hours partners with Redpoint Travel Protection, offering you a fully integrated program with a single point of contact for all your needs, from emergency services to travel assistance and protection claims. We highly recommend purchasing a comprehensive protection policy from Redpoint, which will protect you both before and during your travels. Before your departure, your investment is protected by the trip cancellation benefit. Once you depart, your policy provides coverage for trip interruption, medical assistance and rescue, baggage loss, trip delay, and more. Once you complete booking with 57hours, we'll create bespoke quote for you (and your group), making sure you're fully protected for the adventure ahead.
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