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fjallabak four hikers

Off the Beaten Path in Fjallabak Nature Reserve: Hiking in Iceland’s Highlands

4 days | Moderate | 5.00
From $2,032 ()
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This is Iceland at its most raw, most surreal. Welcome to Fjallabak Nature Reserve, an area carved to stunning imperfection by volcanic and geothermal activity that doesn’t look like anything else on Earth. The 4-day hiking tour will take us to many of Fjallabak’s otherworldly wonders and surreal landscapes. A fantastic network of trails has it all: vibrantly hued rhyolite mountains, hot springs, lava fields, waterfalls, expanses of black sand, all kinds of volcanic formations, and so much more. We’ll end our days with dips in lakes or hot springs, and a good night’s sleep in charming cottages. This one is a no-brainer—book your spot and join us!

Adventure Highlights

  • Colorful mountains of Landmannalaugar: Hike through one of Iceland’s most recognizable and most spectacular areas
  • 50,000 hectares of exhilarating landscapes: Fjallabak Nature Reserve is a pristine wilderness area with diverse geology
  • Enjoy benefits of geothermal wonders: You will end your days with dips in relaxing hot pools and lakes
Duration
4 days
Season
June through August
Group size
Up to 14 people
Accommodation
Standard: Landmannahellir cottages
Difficulty
Moderate: Good fitness required, hiking up to 15 km (9.3 mi), up to 6-7 hours per day
What's included
Guide, lodging, all meals, trailhead transfers

The adventure, day by day

You keep clicking on hiking tours of Iceland? Consider this your cue to finally book one. Welcome to the Fjallabak Nature Reserve, Iceland’s pristine wilderness area in the Highlands that gathers spectacular natural wonders. With mountainous terrain sculpted by volcanic and geothermal activity, Fjallabak will leave you in awe of its surreal beauty—waterfalls, rhyolite mountains, lava fields, lakes, canyons… You want it, you got it. An expert guide will join you on this 4-day adventure, who will take you to the area’s highlights and make sure you have an adventure of a lifetime.

Day 1: Rauðufossar waterfall
Rauðufossar waterfall in Iceland

We will depart from Reykjavík at 8am, embarking on an exciting journey. Our route will take us eastward through the captivating mountains along Highway 1. We’ll pass through the charming towns of Hveragerði and Selfoss, continuing our adventure through Dómadalsleið into the breathtaking highlands. Before reaching our cozy cabin, Landmannahellir, we’ll go on a scenic hike up to the magnificent Rauðufossar, immersing ourselves in their natural beauty and exploring their origins. We’ll then settle into our cabin at Landmannahellir, where we’ll spend the next three nights.

Meals: Lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Landmannahellir cottages
Hiking: 10 km / 6 miles (3-4 hours)

Day 2: Landmannalaugar
Landmannalaugar hot pools

Today, we begin by driving into Landmannalaugar, a journey of about 30 minutes. A geological wonderland, it offers a surreal and enchanting natural experience for those who venture into its diverse and colorful landscapes. It’s a place where visitors can immerse themselves in the raw beauty of Iceland’s Highlands and appreciate the forces that have shaped this captivating region. Here, we’ll explore the largest and most stunning rhyolite area in the country, embarking on an adventurous hike. Our trail will lead us through Blágil, up Brennisteinsalda (881 m / 2,890′), down Vondugil, and through Laugahraun, showcasing the mesmerizing landscape. After our hike, we’ll indulge in a relaxing soak in a natural hot river bath. We’ll then drive back to our cabin in Landmannahellir.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Landmannahellir cottages
Hiking: 10-15 km / 6-9 miles (6-7 hours)

Day 3: Summit Mount Löðmund
Fjallabak lake

Today is dedicated to an exhilarating mountain-climbing experience. We’ll set out from the cabin and hike up to the summit of Mt. Löðmundur, the highest peak in the Fjallabak region (1,077 m / 3,533 ft). The summit offers a mesmerizing panoramic view of the southern part of the country in every direction.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Landmannahellir cottages
Hiking: 5 hours

Day 4: Final hiking and departure
Haifoss waterfall

Today marks the beginning of our return journey. We’ll pack up and set out from the cabin, hiking toward Sigalda. There, we’ll embark on a memorable walk through the awe-inspiring Sigöldugljúfur canyon. After about an hour of hiking, we’ll continue on, admiring the majestic waterfalls of Háifoss and Granni. If time allows, we’ll also stop at Gjáin before returning to Reykjavík in the late afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Hiking: 2-3 hours

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Meet your guides

Seasoned pros, local legends, and passionate adventurers—your trip is in the best hands.
Þóra
5.00
Þóra
Þóra is a native Icelander who’s been working as a guide for more than 20 years. She became a guide because of her passion for outdoors exploring and love for Iceland’s unique nature. Þóra’s hobbies include running, tennis, biking, and knitting. She is a certified guide and a Wilderness First Responder.
Jón
5.00
Jón
Jón is a very experienced summit and glacier guide for both summer and winter. He’s been leading and co-leading expeditions in Iceland and Greenland and he has been an instructor to junior grades. Jón is an IMG and AIMG-certified glacier guide, a level II hard-ice guide, and a Wilderness First Responder.
Michal
5.00
Michal
Michal comes from the Czech Republic, where he worked as a ski instructor. Prior to joining IMG in 2017, he was also working as an instructor in Austria and Japan. He enjoys skiing, running, and cycling in his free time. Michal is a Wilderness First Responder and a Hard Ice Guide Level One.

What others say about this adventure

5.00 (6 reviews)
L
LeeAnn G.
|August 2024
Beautiful hikes, great food and our trip was full of amazing people. Accommodations were adequate for a mountain experience.
P
Pamela V

This experience is mind blowing!!!!! You feel as if you were on Mars or another planet. I won’t get into details so it can be a surprise for anyone visting. Magni was our tour guy and he made our experiencie super special! He has a great sense of humor and he was so patient and kind to everyone!! Wish all tour guys were like him! Wish I could live this moment over and over again! Thank you!!!!!

a
andresgrisi

Bjarki was a wonderful guide. So professional and pleasant. Good photographer and well informed about everything, history and his roots. Great tour worth it.

5.00(6 reviews)
L
LeeAnn G.
|August 2024
Beautiful hikes, great food and our trip was full of amazing people. Accommodations were adequate for a mountain experience.
P
Pamela V

This experience is mind blowing!!!!! You feel as if you were on Mars or another planet. I won’t get into details so it can be a surprise for anyone visting. Magni was our tour guy and he made our experiencie super special! He has a great sense of humor and he was so patient and kind to everyone!! Wish all tour guys were like him! Wish I could live this moment over and over again! Thank you!!!!!

a
andresgrisi

Bjarki was a wonderful guide. So professional and pleasant. Good photographer and well informed about everything, history and his roots. Great tour worth it.

l
liviacarli11

The experience was amazing and The two guides Silvia and Andrea were so professionals and qualified. I am very happy and I would like to make other experience with them. Thank you very much!!! A lovely vieux

A
Anso M

It was amazing ! Our guide, Magni, was very fun and kind. Thank you for this moment ! A mother – daughter trip like i want

A
Amy B.
|July 2025

Things to know

  • Included:

      • An experienced, local hiking guide & driver with extensive knowledge of the area
      • 4-day Fjallabak hiking adventure
      • Accommodation for 3 nights in Landmannahellir cottages
      • Transportation during the tour in a minibus
      • All meals from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 4

    Add-ons (pricing shown at checkout):

      • Sleeping bag
      • Hiking poles
      • Special dietary requirements

    Not included:

      • Transportation to the starting point
      • Accommodations and food prior to and after the tour
      • Optional excursions and visits
      • Showers in the hut (payable on site)
      • Sleeping bag — possible to rent with your guides
      • Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section above
      • Insurance — recommended, available to add at checkout
      • Guide gratuities — optional
  • This 4-day Fjallabak hiking tour is demanding and requires good endurance. It’s ideal for hikers that are physically active and have some background in basic traveling in mountainous terrain. Fjallabak Nature Reserve is mountainous, so you can expect ascents and descents during the tour. Make sure you’re ready for 4 to 7-hour day hikes of up to 15 km (9 miles) and remember that you’ll be carrying a daypack filled with water and other things you might need throughout the day. All your other luggage will be left at the same hut where you’ll sleep for three nights.

    Want to see what else is there in the area? Discover more Iceland hiking adventures here!

  • Clothing

      • Sturdy hiking boots — waterproof with good ankle support
      • Long sleeve shirt (thermal underwear) — wool or synthetic
      • T-shirt (thermal underwear) — wool or synthetic.
      • Light wool or fleece sweater (second layer)
      • Trousers — strong and light material that dries quickly e.g. soft-shell
      • Jacket with a good hood — windproof, waterproof and breathable
      • Rain trousers — windproof, waterproof and breathable. Please note that full raingear is mandatory in Iceland
      • Gloves
      • Socks — Wool or synthetic (two or three pairs)
      • Warm hat

    Other gear

      • A duffel bag for your belongings
      • Backpack for extra clothes and food during the day (25 – 40L)
      • River shoes – walking sandals or old running shoes with a good grip are a good choice, along with a pair of warm socks or neoprene socks (open sandals or flip-flops will not do the job
      • Light sleeping bag — possible to rent with your guides
      • Towel — lightweight and packable
      • Sunglasses & sun protection
      • Water container — thermos flask or water bottle 0,5 – 1L
      • Headlamp for reading and getting around the hut
      • Casual clothes / change of clothes for wearing in the hut
      • Personal first aid kit (including blister care)
      • Prescription medication and other personal health items
      • Toiletries, toothbrush, toothpaste etc.
      • Power bank for your devices

    Optional gear

      • Walking poles — available to rent with your guides
      • Gaiters
      • Neoprene socks — highly recommended for river crossings
      • Pen knife
      • Earplugs
      • Sun/rain hat or a cap; shorts
      • Thermal mat (for lunch breaks)
      • Puffy jacket (e.g. Primaloft or down)
      • Camera, spare batteries
      • Dry-bags for electronics and extra clothing
      • Slippers for indoor use
      • Aperitif or other heart-warming spirits

    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 prices:

      • For this Fjallabak hiking tour, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 14:1.
      • It takes a minimum of 6 people for this tour to operate. Maximum group size is 14.

    Fjallabak hiking tour can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

    Min. age requirements:

      • If you are older than 16, you’re good to go.
      • Minors older than 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 16, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

  • To get to the starting point of this tour in Reykjavík, most people fly into Keflavík International Airport (KEF). From there, you can take a bus, shuttle, or taxi to Reykjavík.

    You’ll meet your guide at the BSI central bus terminal in Reykjavík at 8:00 am on Day 1 of the tour. Due to a very early start, please arrive in Reykjavik at least a day prior to the first day of the adventure.

  • 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

    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.
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