Tackle some of the most challenging peaks of Iceland, all under 24-hour daylight. Begin your trip with an ascent of Mt. Hengill for views of Lake Þingvellir and the distant Vestmann Islands. Next, take on the tempestuous 1,651m (5,417 ft) Eyjafjallajökull volcano, that last erupted in 2010. Finish off with Hvannadalshnúkur, the tallest in Iceland at 2,110m (6,922 ft)—an ascent which often takes 12-15 hours to complete. Mixing some of the best hiking with rest day sightseeing over five days, are you ready to take on The Three Peaks Challenge?
Climb three stunning peaks including an active volcano and a world-famous glacier
Non-stop sightseeing under the 24-hour Midnight Sun
Visit the Golden Circle, the diamond beach and the black sand desert
Start your journey with an early morning pick-up at your accommodation in Reykjavik and drive east to the north side of the Hengill Volcano massive. After a short drive, you’ll reach Mt Hengill and hike up the highest peak, Vörðuskeggi Peak (805 m). Spend the rest of the day climbing and after 5-6 hours reach the top — the panoramic views of Lake Þingvellir and Langjökull to the north and Eyjafjallajökull and the distant Westman Islands will leave you breathless! The walking route is quite steep but the trail is still relatively easy for an experienced hiker. In the afternoon, visit the Geysir geothermal area and the waterfall of Gullfoss before driving to your accommodation in the Flúðir area.
This day can be replaced by a hike to the Fagradalsfjall eruption in case of an active eruption taking place.
Today you’ll conquer your second peak, the famous Eyjafjallajökull which erupted in 2010 and caused enormous disruption to air travel across western and northern Europe for several days. At 1,651m, this high stratovolcano offers a magnificent view from the top. The vertical ascent is around 1,600 m and the tour takes from 9-12 hours. After descent, head to your overnight accommodation at hotel Skógafoss.
Explore the beautiful South Coast and some of the most photogenic places on this hemisphere. Visit the world-famous black sand beach of Reynisfjara with unique basalt rock formations and dramatic scenery, the picturesque village Vík, and the Skaftafell National Park. Don’t miss the glacier lagoon Jökulsárlón and the diamond beach where icebergs from the lagoon drift ashore like scattered diamonds. After a day of sightseeing, relax at your hotel and prepare for the biggest challenge of this tour!
Expect a long and strenuous day, as you try to ascend Hvannadalshnúkur (2110 m/6922 ft) — Iceland’s highest peak. This will be the most challenging day of the trip with a 2040m (6562 ft) ascent! The pyramidal peak of the Öræfajökull volcano promises an unforgettable climb with rewarding breathtaking panoramas. No special technical skills are required to climb, but prepare for up to 15 hours of walking! Once you reach the summit, return to your hotel at the foot of Hvannadalshnúkur, where a warm meal and bed will await you.
In case snow/weather conditions are not good on Hvannadalshnúkur, you will have to change the itinerary to another similar summit in the area.
After three amazing and challenging climbs, you will say goodbye to the snowy wilderness and make your way back westward along the scenic south coast of Iceland. Pass beneath Eyjafjallajökull once again and visit the impressive Skógarfoss waterfall, one of the largest and most elegant waterfalls in Iceland. You can expect to be in Reykjavík in the late afternoon.
Want to explore Iceland more? Make sure to browse through the selection of the best hiking trips in Iceland!
57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.
We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re travelling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Iceland please refer to Iceland’s official Covid website.
Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!
What you get on this adventure:
Special dietary supplements, such as vegetarian, pescatarian, vegan, gluten free or other, can be ordered at some extra cost. The supplement will include meals that meet the requirements of your diet.
What’s not included:
This adventure in Iceland is an advanced tour of three peaks ranging from 1446m (4745ft) above sea level to 2000m (6562 ft). Advanced hikes include full days of hiking and climbing with steep descents and challenging switchbacks. This adventure doesn’t require any technical climbing knowledge or equipment, but you should be prepared to hike between 6 and 15 hours. This tour requires great fitness and endurance, as well as previous hiking experience. Keep in mind, you’ll also be packing a daypack filled with water and other things you’ll need throughout the day.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
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. Iceland is home to infamously unpredictable weather, so you need to be prepared with the right gear.
Group sizes and prices:
Min. age requirements:
If your group has hikers under the age of 16, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
Registration for an adventure with your guide requires a 30% deposit.
The balance of program fees will generally be due 90 days prior to the starting date of the program. It is your responsibility to adhere to the fee payment schedule. Late payment will result in cancellation of program reservations and forfeiture of all fees paid.
All cancellations must be made by letter or e-mail. In conformity with business practices within the Icelandic travel industry, the travel agent is obliged to charge cancellation fees to passenger(s). If clients formally cancel their participation:
Icelandic Mountain Guides reserve the right to alter tours and itineraries due to weather or road conditions. All programs can be changed or cancelled at any moment during the trip to assure the safety of the clients and staff. No responsibility is accepted for losses, expenses due to delays, changes of flights, or other services or because of strikes, accidents, sickness, damage, negligence, weather, war, changes in schedules, or other similar causes. Icelandic Mountain Guides does not assume responsibility for accidents or death that can be traced to the participant’s negligence, acts of third parties or exterior circumstances such as weather, natural occurrences, war or other similar causes.
Any eventual changes in rates (due to purchasing prices, currency fluctuation and such) will not be made with less than 8 weeks’ notice prior to arrival.
After the invoice has been issued, the price is guaranteed against any surcharge, unless an increase is due to government laws or currency changes. Your guide will absorb an amount equivalent to 5% of the package price. Amounts that exceed the 5% will be charged and clients will be entitled to cancel their booking with a full refund if the surcharge exceeds 10%.
To get to Reykjavik, most people fly into Keflavik International Airport just under an hour away. From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service to Reykjavik. Your guide will suggest the best place to meet, usually at your accommodation in Reykjavik.
