Anyone who’s ever visited Iceland is aware of just how dramatic and alien the landscapes there can be. Wherever you turn, you’ll find a strangely-colored meadow, a jagged glacier, a rumbling volcano, or a monumental waterfall. The extreme and varied environments make hiking with a guide in Iceland a striking and memorable experience, and some of Iceland’s wildest and most diverse nature can be found on the Volcanic Trails. In the wilderness of Vatnajökull National Park, variety is the name of the game. You will hike to the peak of Sveinstindur mountain, walk along the great Skaftá river to the Eldgjá volcanic fissure, and cross the mystical black sands of the Mælifellssandur desert. See and traverse bright green mossy lava formations, massive waterfalls, deep valleys, and much more. Venture off the beaten track and feel the greatness and solitude of Iceland’s nature!

  • See the best of Iceland’s volcanic landscapes

  • Venture off the beaten path—and away from the crowds

  • Experience a lifetime of geological and biodiversity in a single week

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Hiking Iceland’s Volcanic Trails
Jul 13|Jul 28|Aug 02|+1 more
Women-Only Hiking Iceland’s Volcanic Trails
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Meet your guides

Icelandic Mountain Guides
5.00
Icelandic Mountain Guides
Icelandic Mountain Guides
Hiking Guides
Icelandic Mountain Guides offer the perfect variety of experiences to satisfy anyone’s desire for adventure. Whether you want to relax in the unparalleled beauty of Iceland's nature or take a more challenging adventure, they’ve got you covered. The possibilities are endless and the memories will last a lifetime.
Emma Laigle
5.00
Emma Laigle
Emma came to Iceland in 2008 and after seeing just how special the country is, she decided to settle there 3 years later. Having worked as a museum guide in the south of Iceland for several years, she decided to extend her knowledge and get certified as a hiking guide. Apart from that, Emma is also a Wilderness First Responder and she speaks several languages.
Elísabet Atladóttir
5.00
Elísabet Atladóttir
Elísabet Atladóttir
Born and raised in Reykjavík, Elísabet was motivated to become a guide by the idea of exploring the outdoors. Hiking, climbing, running, camping—whatever it is, Elísabet simply loves spending time in nature. She is a Wilderness First Responder, she’s been through the polar training course, and she’s certified in Glacier Skills Level 3 as well as rescue team training.
Ívar Finnbogason
5.00
Ívar Finnbogason
Having been with IMG for over 20 years now, Ívar is one of the more experienced guides there and he’s been on most of their ski and mountain biking tours, hiking, climbing and ice climbing trips, and expeditions in Greenland, Asia, and Antarctica. Ívar is a certified AIMG glacier & mountain guide, a Wilderness First Responder, and he’s got the CAA level I avalanche training.
5.00 (2 reviews)
Packednreadytogoagain about Icelandic Mountain Guides

We selected the Wilderness of Strúter Trail rather than the more popular Landmannalaugar trek since we wanted to be far from the maddening crowd. It exceeded our expectations! Milla was an incredible guide and really helped us make the most of our 5 days…She also was an incredible resource on Iceland in general.

MEBesq about Icelandic Mountain Guides

We saw beautiful scenery in mostly good weather. Our guide, Inga was the best. Knowledgeable patient and a great cook. It was myself, my husband, and my adult son and we have a fantastic time. it is a great way to see the geography of Iceland.

Things to know

  • 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-19 travel advice 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:

      • An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
      • 7 days of hiking Iceland’s volcanic trails
      • Accommodation in huts during the trip
      • Transportation from Reykjavík to the trailhead and back
      • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner for the duration of the trip (vegan options available for an additional fee)
      • Transfer of luggage between huts

    What’s not included:

      • Transportation to Reykjavík
      • Sleeping bag (can be rented from your guide)
      • Hiking poles (can be rented from your guide)
      • Hotel or guesthouse accommodation in Reykjavík one night before and one night after the tour (can be arranged by your guide)
      • Usage of the showers in the huts (can be arranged for an additional fee)
  • This tour is 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. Intermediate hikes will see a little more change in elevation and hikes will start to increase in length, hiking anywhere between four to eight miles, while the more advanced hikes are full-day treks with steep descents and challenging switchbacks. Keep in mind that you’ll 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:

      • Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 25-40L bag)
      • Sleeping bag (can be rented from your guide)
      • Hiking poles — optional
      • Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
      • Sturdy hiking boots
      • Spare clothes for layering
      • Thermal underwear
      • Fleece or wool sweater
      • Waterproof trousers
      • Woolen essentials
      • Hiking socks
      • Waterproof rain jacket
      • Sunhat
      • Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
      • Towels (lightweight microfibre)
      • Swimsuit — optional (but recommended)
      • First aid kit
      • Headlamp or flashlight
      • Sunglasses
      • Camera — optional (but recommended)

    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:

      • For this adventure, the max number of participants is 14 people.
      • It takes a minimum of 6 people for a tour to operate.
      • If you are an individual traveler, you can join the group. The guide will be adding travelers until the minimum group size to confirm the trip can be guaranteed. There are no supplements to individual travelers, as they will share a room.
      • The cost does not decrease as the group grows.

    Hiking in Iceland’s Volcanic Trails 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 as young as 16 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.

  • Registration for an adventure with your guide requires a 50% 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:

    • 15% of the tour price is non-refundable
    • 50% of tour price is refunded if cancelled 30-59 days prior to departure
    • 25% of tour price is refunded if cancelled 16-29 days prior to departure
    • 0% of tour price is refunded if cancelled 15 days prior to departure.

    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 the starting point of this tour in Reykjavík, most people fly into Keflavík International Airport. 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 a predetermined location. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group.

Have more questions? Read our FAQ, or Talk with us
From $2,500
/ 7 days
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