The Land of Fire and Ice is calling and we’re answering with a resounding YES! Say goodbye to civilization and say hello to an epic adventure. We’re headed to some of the wildest spots of Iceland in what used to be Skaftafell National Park. It is now part of the massive Vatnajokull National Park, home to Europe’s largest glacier and a multitude of outlet glaciers—one of which we’ll traverse! We’ll also uncover the rainbow of colors in the Skaftafell mountains and wander through an ancient birch forest, one of Iceland’s oldest. And when it’s time to rest it’s going to be at camping spots so incredibly beautiful, you’ll have to pinch yourself. Take this as a sign to pack your bags and go hiking in one of the most surreal places on Earth. Ready to turn your adventure dreams into reality?
Nothing beats the feeling of navigating a magnificent icy expanse—one of the highlights of this tour
Pitching your tent above a glacier or beneath a summit is just what you needed!
Learn what it’s like to be fully immersed in otherworldly Icelandic wilderness, far from civilization
Join your guide on an unforgettable 4-day Icelandic glacier hiking and backpacking tour, starting from Skaftafell. You’ll traverse Europe's largest outlet glacier, Skeiðarárjökull, and hike through the captivating Skaftafell mountain range. On the last day, you will also hike in an ancient birch forest. With all meals, camping gear, and technical equipment included, this immersive adventure promises breathtaking vistas and thrilling experiences at every turn. Say yes to adventure and explore the raw beauty of Iceland's surreal landscapes!
Ourjourney commences from your guide’s base in Skaftafell, a picturesque 4.5-hour drive from Reykjavik. After a captivating 30-minute ride along the highway, the real adventure begins as you veer off-road for another 30 minutes, arriving at the starting point of your 4-day trek. The excitement mounts as we embark on a trail alongside a captivating meandering river, guiding you towards a cliff that beckons to be climbed. Fear not, for this scramble is pretty easy with the aid of helmets, harnesses, and ropes, ensuring your safety as we ascend to the summit. The reward? Panoramic vistas that will leave you breathless. Continuing our journey through the awe-inspiring Nupstaðaskogar valley, we’ll ascend to the mesmerizing plateau above Skeiðarárjökull, where we will put up a camp for the night. From this vantage point, marvel at the awe-inspiring spectacle of millions of tonnes of glacial ice sprawled before you, a testament to the raw power and beauty of nature.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
After breakfast and breaking down our camp, prepare to cross the mighty Skeiðarárjökull, one of Iceland’s largest outlet glaciers. As we navigate through its vast expanse, we will encounter impressive crevasses and witness the mesmerizing sight of water pouring into moulins—deep holes that cut through this sleeping giant. Though the hike may be challenging, the reward is incomparable. And to make things better, after the hike, we will reach what is arguably Iceland’s finest camping spot. This extraordinary location provides an unforgettable setting for a dinner and a night immersed in nature’s grandeur.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
After another hearty breakfast, it’s time to start hiking! Just when you think it couldn’t get any better, Day 3 takes us on an ascent through the captivating Skaftafell range. Surrounded by a stunning rainbow of colors created by the mountains’ rhyolite rocks, we will traverse knife-edge ridges with calving glaciers far below. The pinnacle of this day’s journey is the summit of the highest mountain in the area, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. We will have the opportunity to camp a few hundred meters below the summit, nestled in a cozy little area next to a charming waterfall, enhancing the sense of tranquility and natural beauty. Enjoy the dinner and savor every moment of the evening, as it is the last of this adventure.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
After the regular morning activities, we will embark on a descent into one of Iceland’s oldest birch forests, immersing yourselves in the enchanting atmosphere of this ancient woodland. As we make our way down, the pace becomes more relaxed, allowing you to fully appreciate the serene surroundings. Finally, reach the outskirts of Skaftafell, bidding farewell to this incredible journey and leaving with memories to last a lifetime.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
What you get on this adventure:
What’s not included:
To participate in this backpacking and glacier hiking adventure in Iceland, a reasonable level of fitness and solid hiking experience are required. You should be capable of carrying a backpack weighing between 20-30 lbs (10 to 15 kg) and hiking for approximately 6 to 8 hours per day, often in rugged and sometimes in exposed terrain. While speed is not crucial (it’s not a rush!), maintaining a steady pace with regular breaks is essential. It’s recommended to prepare by going on hikes of similar duration in hilly terrain, while carrying a weighted backpack to build endurance. Additionally, engaging in general exercise will contribute to your overall fitness level.
While prior experience with glacier hiking and scrambling and the use of glacier travel and scrambling/climbing gear is not necessary, having an adventurous spirit and a willingness to learn are key. You’ll have the guidance and support of an experienced guide throughout the journey, who will teach you new skills and ensure your safety and enjoyment. So, while a good level of mountain fitness is essential, enthusiasm and a readiness to embrace new challenges are equally important aspects of participation.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
Bring comfortable clothes appropriate for the season. We suggest checking the weather forecast and being prepared for different conditions—weather is pretty volatile in Iceland even in the summer and especially at higher elevations. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
The food provided during the backpacking and glacier hiking adventure in Iceland is carefully selected to ensure both sustenance and enjoyment throughout the journey.
For breakfast, Real Turmat or similar field meals are provided, typically consisting of muesli or porridge. However, if you have dietary preferences or restrictions, your guide can accommodate alternative options upon request.
Lunch starts immediately following breakfast and continues until dinner! Each day, a savory and a sweet trail mix are provided, containing nuts, dried berries, dried mango, jerky, Polish-style snack sausages, gummies, and chili rice crackers. Additionally, there are tortilla wraps with various fillings such as cheddar, hummus, and pesto, which you can prepare the evening before.
Dinner consists of quality dried meals, usually Real Turmat freeze-dried field meals (700 kcal) or similar options. To begin, a cup of soup is served for rehydration and comfort, along with crackers and cheese. Dessert options vary but are always enjoyed after dinner.
Special dietary requirements such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free preferences can be accommodated. Simply inform your guide in advance by leaving a note during booking, and they will ensure suitable meal options are provided for you.
Group sizes and prices:
Trekking and a glacier hike in Iceland’s Highlands can be arranged for private 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 Reykjavik, the starting point of the tour, most people fly into Keflavik International Airport. From there, we suggest taking a 40-minute bus ride to the city. There is a line connecting the airport and the city after each arrival. Participants are recommended to arrive in the city one day before the tour, especially if flying from afar.
You will meet your guide at the visitor carpark in Skaftafell in the morning of Day 1. To get here, you can either rent a car or take a connecting bus from Reykjavik.
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 trails, 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 the Highlands, 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!
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
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
Secure your place by paying the full tour upon booking. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies.
