Highlands Adventure: Explore the Land of Ice and Fire

Things to know

• What’s included?

  What you get on this adventure:

  • • An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
    • 6 days of hiking through Iceland
    • Accommodations for 5 nights in a mountain hut and a hotel
    • Private vehicle for the duration of the trip for all purposes
    • All meals for the duration of the tour
    • Transfer of luggage between huts

  What’s not included:

  • • Transportation to and from Reykjavik
    • Accommodations in Reykjavík before and after the tour
    • Personal hiking gear
    • Alcoholic beverages
    • Meals before and after the tour
    • Guide gratuities — optional
• How fit do I need to be?

  This hike is suitable for everyone with a decent fitness level and in generally good health. If you can walk for four to six hours with little elevation gain, you are good to go!
  You’ll be hiking for several hours, covering around 6-12 miles (9.6-19 km) per day with moderate altitude change while carrying a loaded daypack. Your main luggage will be transported with a support vehicle. Keep in mind that you’ll also be covering tricky volcanic terrain, the weather and trail conditions may affect the difficulty and you will encounter several river crossings along the trail.

• What do I need to bring?

  Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

  • • Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 25-40L bag)
    • Waterproof duffel bag for transporting your overnight gear between huts
    • Quality lightweight hiking shoes with ankle support
    • River crossing shoes — Crocs are a good choice, don’t use open sandals or flip-flops
    • 2-3 pairs of soft wool or fleece hiking socks
    • Long sleeve shirt (thermal underwear, wool or fleece)
    • T-shirt (thermal underwear, wool or synthetic)
    • Light sweater (wool, fleece or similar)
    • Jacket with a good hood — windproof, waterproof and breathable, GoreTex or similar
    • Hiking pants or shorts, something strong and light that dries quickly e.g. soft-shell
    • Rain trousers — windproof, waterproof and breathable, don’t bring a poncho
    • Warm hat and gloves
    • Hiking poles
    • Light towel, easily packable
    • Sunglasses or ski goggles
    • Sun and lip balm
    • Neck buff
    • Wind- and waterproof protective clothes
    • Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
    • Slippers for indoor use
    • Clothes for wearing in the hut/hotel
    • Toiletries (hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
    • Headlamp or flashlight
    • Camera — optional (but recommended)

  Your main luggage will be transported with a support vehicle, and you will not have access to it until you reach the huts in the afternoon. Everything needed for the day’s trek must be in your day backpack.

  Please do not bring hard suitcases. A soft duffel bag, ca 60 L, is preferable, and please do not exceed 40 lbs (18 kg) per person. Also, keep in mind that the bags might move around or get wet during transport, so pack accordingly.

  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.

• Group sizes and age requirements

  Group sizes and prices:

  • • For this group adventure, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 13:1.
    • It takes a minimum of 5 people for this tour to operate.
    • The cost does not decrease as the group grows.

  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 tour, most people fly into Keflavík International Airport (KEF). From there, you can take a bus, shuttle, or taxi to Reykjavík.

  You will be meeting your guide at the BSI bus terminal in central Reykjavik, which can be easily accessed by foot or public transportation. From there, you’ll head to the trailhead.

• Safety measures in 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 mountain, 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 Iceland, please refer to the official guidelines for international travel to Iceland.

• 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

• Deposits and cancellation policy

  A non-refundable 30% deposit to secure your place is due upon booking. The remaining amount is paid 3 months (90 days) prior to departure. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies.

  • • For cancellations anytime prior to sixty (60) calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of seventy percent (70%) of the total amount paid when Booking.
    • For cancellations thirty (30) to fifty-nine (59) calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of fifty percent (50%) of the total amount paid when Booking.
    • After that deadline, Client is not entitled to any refund. Any reimbursable expenses arising out of the Booking incurred by Guide prior to the date of cancellation (including but not limited to plane tickets, car rental payments, and lodging or transportation fees) are non-refundable as soon as they are incurred by the Guide.