Included: A local, certified, experienced guide A professional & licensed driver & 1 private 4×4 vehicle for the group for getting into the Highlands and returning from Thórsmörk Accommodation for 10 nights in mountain huts and 1 night in quadruple room in a hostel in Hvolsvöllur Every meal during the hiking days Vehicle fuel All the cooking equipment Agency support 24/7 Not included: International flights Airport transfers Dinner in Reykjavík Showers in the mountain huts Lockers in Reykjavík to leave remaining luggage not needed during the trip Sleeping bag & personal mountain equipment Guide gratuities — optional Insurance — available to add at checkout Everything not specified under “what’s included”

How fit do I need to be?

This adventure is tailored for experienced hikers with great fitness, who are comfortable with demanding treks on uneven terrain while carrying their own gear (approximately 9kg / 19lbs). Check out the itinerary to learn about day-by-day distances and elevation changes, but in general, daily hikes span abou t 20 km (13 mi), requiring 5-8 hours of trekking each day, with no marked trails, river crossings, and stays in basic mountain huts. This will total in over 150 km (93 miles) over 12 days. The volcanic landscape can be challenging, and the weather can be unforgiving. If you’re seeking a challenging hiking adventure and are ready for multiple full-day treks, the rewards are immense.

What equipment do I need to bring?

Suitcases or duffel bags are not allowed on this tour as you will be hiking with the backpack. If you want to bring extra clothing and luggage in a suitcase or duffel bag, you will have to leave them in Reykjavík and store them in lockers (not included in the price). Ensure that all items fit securely within your backpack without anything protruding, keeping everything dry during the hike. The recommended maximum weight for your backpack is 10kg/22lbs , with an optimal weight of around 8kg/17.6lbs. The quantities listed for specific items are indicative and based on guides’ recommendations. Here’s a general list of personal gear you need to bring: Backpack (35-40 L) Sleeping bag with comfort temperature of 40ºF to 50ºF / 5ºC to 10ºC (for mountain huts) Waterproof bag for clothes Rain cover for your backpack Swimsuit and towel Personal toiletries Personal first-aid kit (make sure to take all you need with you) Sunscreen and sunglasses Earplugs — recommended Headlamp + batteries Camera — optional Power bank (as there’s no power in the huts) Hiking poles — highly recommended Water bottle and thermos Here’s a list of clothing you need to bring: Waterproof hiking boots with a sturdy sole Warm clothes First layer: bottom / upper base layer (Merino wool recommended, 1-2 units) Second layer: fleece jacket (1-2) Third layer: down jacket (1) Waterproof jacket & pants (GoreTex recommended, 1) Hiking pants (1-2) Short sleeve t-shirts (3-5) Long sleeve t-shirts (1-2) Underwear and hiking socks Warm beanie Gloves / mittens Hiking buff Sandals or crocs (for river crossing) Prior to the start of the route, the guide will do a comprehensive gear check with each traveler to ensure that everything necessary is brought. While your guide carries a first-aid kit, each traveler should carry their own necessities based on personal requirements, including any specific pathologies or risks. Please note that drones are strictly prohibited.

Can I rent equipment?

All mandatory gear can be rented if you don’t have your own. You can rent all personal hiking gear from Iceland Camping Equipment in Reykjavik. Gear should be picked up prior to the first day of your hiking tour. It is not necessary for the traveler to bring any kind of extra technical material. If you need to rent gear, let us know and we can help make arrangements.

What can I expect from hiking with a guide?

Hiring a local guide means getting a chance to see trails as equally alluring as tourist fave, the Laugavegur Trail, but much less known to the public — you’ll be getting half the hype and twice the experience of Iceland’s beauty. Iceland has notoriously fickle weather and the hidden trails on this adventure are remote, but your guide will know just what to do if the weather takes a turn or something unexpected happens.

What about group sizes and pricing?

Group sizes and prices: You will be joining a group that usually consists of 7-13 people . Pricing is per person. The group gets confirmed at the moment when at least 7 people sign up. At that time, the group will be informed that the trip has been confirmed—so you can start making your travel plans! This is a fan favorite, so in general, all dates get sold out. If you are an individual traveler, you can join the group. There are no supplements to individual travelers, as they will share a room. Min. age requirements: Everybody over the age of 16 is welcome on this hiking adventure.

What about bad weather?

Iceland is home to infamously unpredictable weather, so you need to be prepared with the right gear. The same white cloud shielding you from sunbeams can easily turn into a stormcloud within minutes. Rest assured, your guide will know the correct course of action if the weather throws a curveball. Plus, you’ll get the chance to warm up in one of the area’s cozy mountain huts.

Safety measures and insurance

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.

Getting there and meeting location

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. Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, whether that’s at the BSI central bus terminal in Reykjavík or another predetermined location. From there, you’ll head to the trailhead. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group.

Hidden Trails | Iceland

Hiking the Hidden Trails of Iceland

5.00

From $4,970 ()

Cancel in the first 48h for free

Reserve your spot with a minimum deposit

Travel and medical insurance available

Got questions or need a private booking?

Book a call

Intro
Itinerary
Brochure
Accommodation & food
Reviews
Things to know

Duration

12 days

Season

July through September

Group size

Up to 12 people

Accommodation

Standard: Mountain huts

You can get a taste of Iceland on a day trip—but this is the full feast. This is Iceland raw and real, off the grid, off the radar, and entirely yours to explore. Over 12 days, it’ll just be you, your small group, and the country’s most remote and otherworldly terrain. Prepare for a 90-mile journey built for those who want more than snapshots—they want the full story. These surreal trails take you through black sand, neon-green peaks, turquoise lakes, and steaming lava fields. With everything included—meals, logistics, and a top local guide—this rare kind of adventure is ready when you are.

Adventure highlights

Cultural experience

Undergo four seasons in a day, sleep in shepherd huts, eat authentic local meals, and bathe in natural thermal pools
Surreal scenery

Witness enchanting pitch-black ground, volcanic ashes, black sand beaches, lava forests, flaming-colored slopes, and so much more
All-inclusive experience

A local, experience guide takes care of everything—from accommodation arrangements and transfers to all meals and a fantastic itinerary

From $4,970 ()

Cancel in the first 48h for free

Reserve your spot with a minimum deposit

Travel and medical insurance available

Got questions or need a private booking?

Book a call

Highlighted reviews from other travellers

John W.

|September 2025

Iceland Hidden Trails trek was a fantastic experience that exceeded our already high expectations. An experience not to be missed!

Elise V.

|August 2025

Absolutely fabulous. All those different landscapes and views: the lakes, the canyons, the glaciers, the mountains and valleys, the waterfalls...... The hidden trails are beautiful, and it is great to have noone else around than just your own team. The rivercrossings were spectacular.

Patti P.

|August 2025

The Hidden Trails in the Highlands of Iceland with Amarok Adventures was so incredibly unique! The rocky volcanic landscapes with neon green moss defining the slopes were so colorful! Rushing cascading streams, huge pounding waterfalls, and glacial lakes at every turn were breathtaking. We were so lucky to go off busy trails and explore the back country for big glacier views. Our guide, Albert, is super competent in guiding groups, arranging huts, all logistics, describing the varied geology, communication, safe river crossings, and cooking delicious meals. The hiking days were arranged to build up to longer days, with an active rest day in the middle. I loved staying in the cozy dry huts rather than tenting in Iceland's variable weather. It was great not to carry a full backpack load of tent, stove and food. Our group shared many smiles, memories and fun laughs with our guide. I highly recommend Amarok Adventures for a spectacular adventure of a lifetime off busy trails with unforgettable scenery.

Show all reviews

Itinerary

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The landscapes are so epic they make Yellowstone look like child’s play, with paths strewn across challenging volcanic terrain, over rivers and past glaciers. Hike all day among vibrant mountains, vast lava fields and moss painted valleys. Authentic mountain huts allow you to rest after long hikes spent trekking under the midnight sun. Some nights you’ll even rest under sleeping volcanoes! To top it off, weather conditions can have you experiencing all four seasons in just a few short hours, making this the ultimate adventure test and one you’ll be reminiscing about for years to come.

Meet your guides in the Icelandic capital Reykjavík once you’re briefed by your guides, and your personal materials have been reviewed, enjoy the rest of the afternoon. Your first night will be spent in a hostel in Hvolsvöllur, about 90 minutes away from Reykjavik. (Dinner not included.)
Set out to Landmannalaugar in a 4×4 vehicle to one of the most spectacular places in the Highlands of Iceland. Explore a geothermal valley and enjoy the views of impressive lava fields and rivers, lakes, and beautiful craters. For two days, trek and discover all the hidden secrets of the surrounding colorful mountains, hike the spectacular trails and feel the energy that flows through these beautiful valleys. You will spend both nights in a mountain hut.

Ascent: 438 m (1,440 ft)
Descent: 476 m (1,560 ft)
Max elevation: 1,002 m (3,290 ft)
Hiking: 7-15 km (4-9 mi)
Driving: 105 km (121 mi)
On your fourth day, drive to the Langisjór lake. Once you’re there, spend the day hiking through the Fögrufjöll mountains (the “beautiful mountains”) with the Vatnajökull glacier on the horizon. Enjoy the wilderness that floods in this place, where only the faint sound of water and the wind are heard. Spend the night in a mountain hut.

Ascent: 300 m (985 ft)
Descent: 350 m (1,150 ft)
Max elevation: 800 m (2,625 ft)
Hiking: 12 km (7 mi)
Driving: 60 km (37 mi)
Today, explore the deserts, lava fields and canyons. Hike to the magical and mysterious area of Skælingar, a lava field near the Skaftá river. Follow the trail and it will take you to the outstanding Hvanngil canyon, where the moss & the lava together create a range of colors that will leave you amazed. After admiring the beautiful coastal views, spend the night in a mountain hut.

Ascent: 416 m (1,365 ft)
Descent: 564 m (1,850 ft)
Max elevation: 685 m (2,250 ft)
Hiking: 16 km (10 mi)
After breakfast, get ready to trek to Eldgjá (the “Fire Canyon”). Descend inside the canyon and explore its ancient rocks & the “impassable waterfall” Ófaerufoss before finishing the day off with a short trek to the hut of Hólaskjól, where you’ll spend the night.

Ascent: 580 m (1,900 ft)
Descent: 703 m (2,300 ft)
Max elevation: 934 m (3,065 ft)
Hiking: 18 km (11 mi)
Get ready to hike the unique trails leading to the lakes of Álftavötn. You’ll hike through stunning green hills and along the Syðri Ófæra river. The peaceful energy will leave you speechless. It’s a really unique place to feel the Highlands energy, before entering into the deserts that you’ll explore in the next few days of the trip. Spend the night at the mountain hut.

Ascent: 182 m (600 ft)
Descent: 58 m (190 ft)
Max elevation: 446 m (1,465 ft)
Hiking: 10 km (6 mi)
On the longest day of your trip, your group will continue hiking along the river and cross the exciting canyon to head towards Strútur. You will be amazed by the black sand marbled with bright green streaks of centennial moss that covers the impressive Icelandinc volcanoes, connecting them to the beautiful surrounding flora. As you reach a natural hot spring, relax in the geothermal sulphurous waters, or if the weather doesn’t allow it, enjoy the spectacular views. Hike towards the mountain hut where you will spend the night.

Ascent: 673 m (2,210 ft)
Descent: 495 m (1,625 ft)
Max elevation: 706 m (2,315 ft)
Hiking: 23 km (14 mi)
After an early breakfast, your group will leave the last mountain hut to face the unknown and follow the Laugavegur Trail and witness the magical lake of Álftavatn. After 17 kilometers of hiking through spectacular landscapes and enjoying the view of the deep and decorative lake, spend the night at the last mountain hut on this trip.

Ascent: 375 m (1,230 ft)
Descent: 375 m (1,230 ft)
Max elevation: 728 m (2,390 ft)
Hiking: 17 km (11 mi)
Enjoy the fresh morning air as you continue your hike through the beautiful wilderness of Iceland. Discover the wonders of the famous black desert and cross several rivers by foot. Spend the day surrounded by beautiful pink and white flowers growing in the desert soil, and witness the breathtaking Myrdalsjökull glacier just a few kilometers away. The glacier sitting on top of the explosive volcano Katla is the fourth largest ice cap. It covers nearly 600 square kilometres, and the blue ice streaked with different shades of white will leave you breathless. From the desert plain and escorted by the Hattafell volcano, descend to the vicinity of the Emstrur canyon where the refuge is located and spend the night.

Ascent: 224 m (735 ft)
Descent: 288 m (945 ft)
Max elevation: 604 m (1,980 ft)
Hiking: 16 km (10 mi)
Your last day of hiking will be spent in the area surrounding the Emestur canyon, where you’ll cross ancient glacial moraines and volcanic terrain, until you reach an oasis of dwarf birch trees, willow forests and hanging glaciers. Explore one of the most popular hiking trails—Thórsmörk, the valley of the God of Thunder. If the weather allows, conclude your trip with a delicious barbecue made with local products, surrounded by an incredible landscape. Spend your last night at the mountain hut.

Ascent: 288 m (945 ft)
Descent: 506 m (1,660 ft)
Max elevation: 481 m (1,580 ft)
Hiking: 16 km (10 mi)
Today you say farewell to the hidden trails of Iceland. You’ll return to your starting point, Reykjavík. Leave recharged and one memorable adventure richer!

Hiking the Hidden Trails of Iceland

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

Albert

AIMG Mountain & Glacier Guide

Albert is the owner of Amarok Adventures and has guided adventure treks in Iceland, Greenland, South America and Nepal. He has also worked as a documentary and travel photographer for international magazines. He has lived in Iceland since 2015, traveling the country discovering hidden gems and loads of adventure off the beaten path — always with his camera in tow. Albert has been awarded with “Senior Polar Guide” license by the Polar Tourism Guides Association.

5.00

Mónica

AIMG Mountain & Glacier Guide

Mónica is a Mountain guide certified by UIMLA. She is extensively experienced in mountaineering, sport climbing and skiing. Originally from Spain, Mónica shares her love for nature and the outdoors with clients all over the world. She knows her way around Iceland’s hidden gems, as well as all the best spots in Black Forest, Morocco, United States, Scotland and Nepal. Mónica has been awarded with “Senior Polar Guide” license by the Polar Tourism Guides Association.

Accommodation & food

Accommodation

Accommodation

You will stay in rooms of four without distinction of gender and with shared bathrooms. During the days in the Highlands, you will stay in a mountain hut that has multiple rooms shared between all the guests without distinction of gender. There’s a kitchen inside the same building, and showers & toilets outside of the main building.

*Important: the price of the showers is not included in the price.

The accommodation in Hvolsvöllur has quadruple rooms with bunk beds and without pillows. The possibility of having double or single rooms in any accommodation is impossible, since they do not have them.
Many accommodations in Iceland do not have blinds, so due to the polar day, we recommend using a mask.

Food

The diet of the trip is conceived as a full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner) every day that you are in the Highlands. The only meals not included are the dinner on day 1 & any food after breakfast on day 12. The lunch at noon will be picnic style to take full advantage of the daily trekking route, and will have to be carried by travelers in their backpacks during the route.

Breakfast and dinner will be held in the mountain hut itself and will be elaborate meals. Every day, the guides will prepare dinner and the travelers will participate in the cleaning. The guides will be in charge of coordinating the different group tasks among all the travelers.

In case of special dietary needs, let us know upon booking!

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What Hiking the Hidden Trails of Iceland Is Really Like

Albert Ojembarrena

AIMG Mountain & Glacier Guide

5.00(38 reviews)

John W.

|September 2025

Iceland Hidden Trails trek was a fantastic experience that exceeded our already high expectations. An experience not to be missed!

Elise V.

|August 2025

Patti P.

|August 2025

Show all reviews

Things to know

Included:
- - A local, certified, experienced guide
  - A professional & licensed driver & 1 private 4×4 vehicle for the group for getting into the Highlands and returning from Thórsmörk
  - Accommodation for 10 nights in mountain huts and 1 night in quadruple room in a hostel in Hvolsvöllur
  - Every meal during the hiking days
  - Vehicle fuel
  - All the cooking equipment
  - Agency support 24/7
Not included:
- - International flights
  - Airport transfers
  - Dinner in Reykjavík
  - Showers in the mountain huts
  - Lockers in Reykjavík to leave remaining luggage not needed during the trip
  - Sleeping bag & personal mountain equipment
  - Guide gratuities — optional
  - Insurance — available to add at checkout
  - Everything not specified under “what’s included”
This adventure is tailored for experienced hikers with great fitness, who are comfortable with demanding treks on uneven terrain while carrying their own gear (approximately 9kg / 19lbs).

Check out the itinerary to learn about day-by-day distances and elevation changes, but in general, daily hikes span about 20 km (13 mi), requiring 5-8 hours of trekking each day, with no marked trails, river crossings, and stays in basic mountain huts. This will total in over 150 km (93 miles) over 12 days. The volcanic landscape can be challenging, and the weather can be unforgiving. If you’re seeking a challenging hiking adventure and are ready for multiple full-day treks, the rewards are immense.
Suitcases or duffel bags are not allowed on this tour as you will be hiking with the backpack. If you want to bring extra clothing and luggage in a suitcase or duffel bag, you will have to leave them in Reykjavík and store them in lockers (not included in the price).

Ensure that all items fit securely within your backpack without anything protruding, keeping everything dry during the hike. The recommended maximum weight for your backpack is 10kg/22lbs, with an optimal weight of around 8kg/17.6lbs. The quantities listed for specific items are indicative and based on guides’ recommendations.

Here’s a general list of personal gear you need to bring:
- - Backpack (35-40 L)
  - Sleeping bag with comfort temperature of 40ºF to 50ºF / 5ºC to 10ºC (for mountain huts)
  - Waterproof bag for clothes
  - Rain cover for your backpack
  - Swimsuit and towel
  - Personal toiletries
  - Personal first-aid kit (make sure to take all you need with you)
  - Sunscreen and sunglasses
  - Earplugs — recommended
  - Headlamp + batteries
  - Camera — optional
  - Power bank (as there’s no power in the huts)
  - Hiking poles — highly recommended
  - Water bottle and thermos
Here’s a list of clothing you need to bring:
- - Waterproof hiking boots with a sturdy sole
  - Warm clothes
    
    First layer: bottom / upper base layer (Merino wool recommended, 1-2 units)
    
    Second layer: fleece jacket (1-2)
    
    Third layer: down jacket (1)
  - Waterproof jacket & pants (GoreTex recommended, 1)
  - Hiking pants (1-2)
  - Short sleeve t-shirts (3-5)
  - Long sleeve t-shirts (1-2)
  - Underwear and hiking socks
  - Warm beanie
  - Gloves / mittens
  - Hiking buff
  - Sandals or crocs (for river crossing)
Prior to the start of the route, the guide will do a comprehensive gear check with each traveler to ensure that everything necessary is brought.

While your guide carries a first-aid kit, each traveler should carry their own necessities based on personal requirements, including any specific pathologies or risks.

Please note that drones are strictly prohibited.
All mandatory gear can be rented if you don’t have your own. You can rent all personal hiking gear from Iceland Camping Equipment in Reykjavik. Gear should be picked up prior to the first day of your hiking tour. It is not necessary for the traveler to bring any kind of extra technical material. If you need to rent gear, let us know and we can help make arrangements.
Hiring a local guide means getting a chance to see trails as equally alluring as tourist fave, the Laugavegur Trail, but much less known to the public — you’ll be getting half the hype and twice the experience of Iceland’s beauty. Iceland has notoriously fickle weather and the hidden trails on this adventure are remote, but your guide will know just what to do if the weather takes a turn or something unexpected happens.
Group sizes and prices:
- - You will be joining a group that usually consists of 7-13 people.
  - Pricing is per person.
  - The group gets confirmed at the moment when at least 7 people sign up. At that time, the group will be informed that the trip has been confirmed—so you can start making your travel plans! This is a fan favorite, so in general, all dates get sold out.
  - If you are an individual traveler, you can join the group. There are no supplements to individual travelers, as they will share a room.
Min. age requirements:
- - Everybody over the age of 16 is welcome on this hiking adventure.
Iceland is home to infamously unpredictable weather, so you need to be prepared with the right gear. The same white cloud shielding you from sunbeams can easily turn into a stormcloud within minutes. Rest assured, your guide will know the correct course of action if the weather throws a curveball. Plus, you’ll get the chance to warm up in one of the area’s cozy mountain huts.
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.
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.

Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, whether that’s at the BSI central bus terminal in Reykjavík or another predetermined location. From there, you’ll head to the trailhead. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group.
For set dates, secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking. The remaining 70% of the amount is paid the latest 3 months (90 days) prior to departure.

Once you book, the cancellation policy stated below applies:

If canceled within 48 hours of booking: 100% of the total tour price is refundable (including the deposit).

If canceled before confirmation of the group: 100% of the total tour price is refundable (including the deposit).

If canceled 59 days or more prior to the departure date: 50% of the total tour price is refundable.

If canceled 30-58 days prior to the departure date: 25% of the total tour price is refundable.

If canceled 0-29 days prior to the departure date: 0% of the total tour price is refundable.

Please note that booking fees are non-refundable in all cases and will be deducted from the refund amount.

After booking, client will need to sign the travel agreement. If the client declines to sign the travel agreement, we interpret this as the traveler not accepting the general and specific terms and conditions of the trip. As a result, Amarok Adventures will be entitled to cancel the reservation at the client’s own risk and expense.

In case the client needs to reschedule their multi-day tour, the following payment policies will apply:

If the client wishes to transfer to another trip or reschedule for the same trip on a different date within the same year, the remaining 70% of the payment must be collected at the time of the client’s request for the change.

If the client wishes to transfer to another trip or reschedule for the same trip on a different date in the following year, the remaining 70% of the payment must be collected 4 months prior to the start of the trip (7 months for “Expedition” categorized multi-day tours) & the client will need to cover the cost variance based on the updated price for the upcoming year.

The Guide expressly prohibits the occurrence of dual consecutive postponements, and clients are not permitted to request a second consecutive rescheduling of their travel arrangements.