Mars a bit out of reach? Iceland’s the next best thing. Actually, it’s even better—along with unearthly landscapes, you’ll also find thundering waterfalls, electric green valleys, and hot pools! This 5-day hut-to-hut hiking journey takes you through the wild terrain of Vatnajökull National Park and South Fjallabak. Deep in the Icelandic wilderness, you’ll walk along a volcanic fissure, traverse bright green mossy lava formations, and cross rivers and rivulets. Find just the right balance between solitude and company—you’ll feel like you’ve got the pristine backcountry all to yourself, followed by the camaraderie in remote mountain huts, the ideal spots for mingling with other hikers.
Explore Iceland’s one-of-a-kind landscapes over 5 days
Venture off the beaten path—and away from the crowds
Experience a lifetime of geological and biodiversity in a single week
This is a 5-day tour overflowing with Iceland's most spectacular volcanic wonders—wonders that will have you questioning if you're still on Earth. Accompanied by an expert, local guide, you'll have the chance to hike to the majestic Sveinstindur mountain, bathe in Iceland's famous hot pools, and explore lava forests and valleys along the way. Days are spent exploring these natural marvels, while nights are spent recharging and resting at authentic mountain huts. Transportation during the tour and all meals are included!
Meet your guide at 7:30 am at BSI Central Bus Terminal. Kick off the trip by driving along highland tracks, passing the majestic Hekla volcano and Fjallabak Nature Reserve. Drive through the Landmannalaugar area and let its multicolor mountains lead you towards the captivating Mt. Sveinstindur, nestled by the picturesque lake Langisjor.
As you ascend the peak, you will be treated to awe-inspiring views of the mountainous terrain all the way to the magnificent Vatnajokull Glacier. Following this exhilarating climb, descend down to a traditional hut on the opposite side—this rustic hut offers a genuine immersion into the Icelandic wilderness.
Hiking: 6 km / 4 miles
Elevation: +605 m / +1,985 ft | -520 m / -1,706 ft
Accommodation: Mountain hut
Meals: Lunch and dinner
Following the course of the Skafta River, the trail advances alongside exciting rapids and picturesque waterfalls, ultimately guiding you to the captivating Hvanngil Canyon. The terrain is characterized by striking contrasts of obsidian lava, vibrant green moss, and an array of distinct rock formations.
As the day draws to a close, you’ll find yourself at the enchanting Skaelingar area—a lava forest nestled near the Skafta riverbed. Here is where a rustic hut and outhouse facilities await, and where you will embrace the raw beauty of nature.
Hiking: 18 km / 11 miles (6-8 hours)
Elevation: +350 m / +1,152 ft | -525 m / -1,722 ft
Accommodation: Mountain hut
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Today you’re exploring the awe-inspiring Canyon of Fire: Eldgja. By gently descending into the canyon, you will have enough time to revel in the mesmerizing beauty of this extraordinary location and its electric colors. The path leads you towards the picturesque lakes of Alftavatn, traversing through lush green hills while following the meandering river Sydri-Ofaera.
As you reach Alftavatn, you will come to a quaint, traditional hut that will serve as your abode for the night. The tranquility surrounding the hut is nothing short of astonishing, providing a calming sanctuary to rest and re-energize.
Hiking: 21 km / 13 miles (7-9 hours)
Elevation: 350 m / 1,152 ft
Accommodation: Mountain hut
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Start hiking beside the Sydri-Ofaera river, traversing the awe-inspiring Eldgja Canyon of Fire once again. The scenery transforms from vibrant green meadows to dark sands adorned with vibrant streaks of bright green moss. You will come to the alluring Strutslaug natural pool, where you can take a dip.
After you’ve relaxed in the pool and allowed the warmth to rejuvenate your spirits, conclude today’s hiking with a leisurely walk to the Strutur hut. This hut boasts modern amenities, including comfortable lodging, convenient toilet facilities, and refreshing showers.
Hiking: 23 km / 15 miles
Elevation: 300 m / 984 ft
Accommodation: Mountain hut
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Use the morning to either get in the final hike close to the hut or simply rest at the hut. After lunch, hop into 4×4 vehicles that will transport you across the striking Maelifellssandur—a vast expanse of black volcanic sand—as you make your way back to civilization and Reykjavik.
Say goodbye to your team and your guide. If you’d like to keep on exploring, just ask your guides for some recommendations!
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
What you get on this adventure:
Vegan and vegetarian diets can be accommodated. If you require a special diet, let us know upon booking.
What’s not included:
This 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. You will be walking for 6-8 hours per day, 5 days in a row. Day-by-day distance breakdown is detailed in the itinerary, but overall you’ll traverse a total amount of 70 km (44 miles) in 5 days. Keep in mind that you’ll be packing a daypack filled with water and other things you’ll need throughout the day.
Clients takes full responsibility for meeting the physical fitness level requirement of the trip. Clients that are physically unfit or not equipped for their tour can be dismissed from the tour at their own expense.
Clothing
Other gear
Optional gear
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 prices:
Hiking in Iceland’s Volcanic Trails can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements:
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, 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 7:30 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.
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 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
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 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!
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.
Cancellations
Booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:
Basic
Flexible
Super Flexible
All rates are based on current purchasing prices in Iceland. Your guides reserve the right to change prices without notice due to inflation, changes in oil prices, government taxes, or any other cost increases that are outside the guide’s control. Your guides will absorb an amount equivalent to 5% of the 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%. Eventual changes in rates will not be made with less than 4 weeks’ notice before departures or on bookings already made and confirmed.
Your 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.
