Included: An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area 4-day Iceland hiking retreat Accommodation for 3 nights in mountain huts All meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 4 Transport from Reykjavík to the trailhead and back Luggage transfer between huts Not included: Flights to and from Iceland Transportation to the meeting point (BSÍ bus terminal Reykjavik) Snacks between meals Sleeping bag Hiking poles Showers in the huts (payable on site) Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section above Insurance — recommended, available to add at checkout Guide gratuities — optional

How fit do I need to be?

This retreat requires a good level of fitness . Expect hiking up to 8 hours and 21 km (13 mi) per day, with up to 775 m (2,540 ft) of elevation. The terrain in the Icelandic Highlands can include volcanic landscapes, rocky trails, and occasional river crossings. Weather conditions can change quickly, so participants should be comfortable spending long days outdoors with a daypack. It’s recommended to prepare for the trip by doing practice day hikes before the tour while carrying a 7–10 kg (15–22 lb) backpack. Luggage transfers between huts are included in this trip. Want to see what else is there in the area? Discover more Iceland hiking tours here !

What do I need to bring?

Clothing and footwear: Layered clothing (base layer, insulating mid-layer, waterproof outer layer) Hat and gloves Buff or neck gaiter Extra dry clothes Moisture-wicking socks Sturdy waterproof hiking boots River crossing shoes (lightweight sneakers or sandals) Gear: Daypack (20–40 L) Extra bag for transported luggage (waterproof preferred) Trekking poles (recommended) Sleeping bag Water bottle or hydration pack Headlamp or torch Snacks Sunglasses and sunscreen Toiletries and towel Camera Notebook for journaling Earplugs (optional) 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 age requirements

Group sizes and pricing For this Iceland hiking retreat , the usual client-to-guide ratio is 9 :1. It takes a minimum of 8 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 1 8 participants . An Iceland hiking retreat 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 younger than 18 may be permitted to join the Iceland hiking retreat on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. If your group has participants under the age of 18 , contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Is a single occupancy room available?

A single occupancy room is not available on this Iceland hiking retreat because you’ll be staying at huts which feature dormitory-style lodging.

Getting there and meeting location

The starting point of your Iceland hiking retreat is Reykjavik . To get there, most people fly into Keflavík International Airport (KEF) . From there, you can take a shuttle service or a taxi to reach the BSÍ bus terminal in Reykjavik. You will meet your guides at 7 am at the BSÍ Bus Terminal in Reykjavík on Day 1.

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.

ICELANDIC HIGHLANDS | ICELAND

Iceland Hiking Retreat: 4-Day Mindful Highlands Trek

4 days

From $3,452 ()

Book a call

Iceland has a way of making everything else fade into the background, and on this hiking retreat, we take full advantage of that. Over four days in the remote Icelandic Highlands, we hike through volcanic valleys, colorful rhyolite mountains, and wide black-sand deserts, far from crowds and everyday noise. At times we walk in silence, letting the landscape set the rhythm of the day. We soak in geothermal springs, share simple meals in mountain huts, and slow down enough to really take in where we are. This Iceland hiking retreat isn’t about conquering miles—it’s about reconnecting with nature, with stillness, and maybe even with yourself.

Elsebeth

Adventure Highlights

Mindfulness in the Highlands: Experience Iceland’s wild interior by walking through remote volcanic landscapes in silence
Remote wilderness: Follow the little-traveled Strútstigur route through rhyolite mountains, geothermal valleys, and vast glacial deserts
Geothermal happy hour: Soak in the natural Strútslaug hot spring and spend cozy evenings in remote mountain huts

Duration

4 days

Season

June through August

Group size

Up to 18 people

The adventure, day by day

Download itineraries

This 4-day Iceland hiking retreat takes us deep into the remote Highlands along the little-traveled Strútstigur route. Each day we hike through striking volcanic landscapes—rhyolite mountains, geothermal valleys, and vast glacial sand plains—while carrying only daypacks as luggage is transferred between huts. The experience combines moderate hiking with mindful practices such as quiet walking, journaling in nature, and shared reflection in a small group. Evenings are spent in mountain huts, enjoying nourishing vegetarian meals prepared by our guides. With transportation arranged from Reykjavík and hut-to-hut logistics handled for us, we can focus fully on the rhythm of the trail and the powerful landscapes surrounding us.

Day 1: From Reykjavík to Álftavatnkrökur

We meet early in the morning at 7 am at the BSÍ Reykjavík Bus Terminal, where our highland bus picks us up for the journey into the Icelandic Highlands. We drive across the plains of South Iceland, stopping in the picturesque village of Vík í Mýrdal before continuing through the lava fields of Laki toward the remote interior. After reaching Hólaskjól, our luggage is transferred to the huts while we continue with daypacks toward the mysterious lakes of Álftavötn. Here, we settle in, prepare dinner together, and spend our first night surrounded by the quiet wilderness.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Mountain hut
Hiking: 7 km (4.3 mi)
Elevation gain: 119 m (390 ft)

Day 2: From Álftavatnkrökur to Strútskali

Today is a full day of hiking through the remote highlands. We follow little-used trails through landscapes that constantly shift—from colorful rhyolite mountains and steaming hot springs to green valleys. Along the way, we stop at the geothermal pool Strútslaug to rest and recharge. The terrain is hilly but mostly follows wide valleys, with one short river crossing where we use poles and wading shoes. By evening, we reach the Strútskali hut, where a warm and nourishing meal awaits.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Mountain hut
Hiking: 21 km (13 mi)
Elevation gain: 775 m (2,540 ft)

Day 3: Exploring around Strútskali

Today we stay based at the hut and explore the surrounding landscapes. Depending on the weather and group energy, we may hike the nearby mountain Strútur, return to the geothermal pool Strútslaug, or venture toward the glacier and the rhyolite volcano Torfajökull. This flexible day allows us to move at a relaxed pace while immersing ourselves in the striking volcanic scenery of the Icelandic Highlands.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Mountain hut
Hiking: 13 km (8 mi)
Elevation gain: 425 m (1,394 ft)

Day 4: From Strútur to Hvanngil and return to Reykjavík

On our final day, we hike across the glacial sand deserts and wetlands near the Mýrdalsjökull glacier. Crossing sections of the vast Mælifellssandur desert, we experience the stark and open landscapes that define Iceland’s interior. Toward the end of the hike, we can split into two groups: one taking a route over a nearby mountain peak while the other continues across the plains. We finish our hike at Hvanngil on the Laugavegur trail, where our bus meets us for the journey back to Reykjavík, arriving in the evening.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Hiking: 16 km (10 mi)
Elevation gain: 169 m (554 ft)

Photo gallery

Lodging & food

Mountain huts

During the retreat, we stay in remote mountain huts in the Icelandic Highlands. These huts offer simple but comfortable shelter in one of Europe’s most rugged landscapes.

Guests sleep in shared dormitory-style rooms and must bring their own sleeping bag. Facilities are basic but functional, designed to support hikers traveling through the Highlands. Showers are available at some huts for an additional fee paid on site.

Evenings in the huts are an important part of the experience—sharing meals, reflecting on the day’s hike, and enjoying the quiet atmosphere of the Icelandic wilderness.

Food

Meals on this Iceland hiking retreat focus on healthy, nourishing vegetarian and vegan cuisine, prepared using local products whenever possible.

Your guide Fabien, a certified dietitian and coach, designs the meal plan to support long days of physical activity while maintaining energy and mental clarity. The meals emphasize balanced nutrition and fresh ingredients, helping participants recover after each day on the trail.

On special occasions, locally sourced lamb or fish may be served for a celebratory meal, though vegetarian and vegan options are always available.

Adventure, packed to go

Iceland Hiking Retreat: 4-Day Mindful Highlands Trek

Adventure Brochure

Adventure brochure

Download to share and explore full itineraries, key info, FAQs, and guide details.

Download now

Meet your guides

Seasoned pros, local legends, and passionate adventurers—your trip is in the best hands.

5.00

Elsebeth

Elsebeth grew up in Greenland with the mountains as her playground. After an academic career in teaching and learning theory, she shifted her focus to sharing her passion for nature with others. Through her work, she explores how nature fosters deeper learning and inner connectedness and currently guides in the Highlands of South Iceland and in Sweden.

5.00

Fabien

Fabien is a dietitian, health coach, and life coach who specializes in helping people improve both their physical and mental wellbeing. During the hike, he supports participants in turning the physical challenges of the journey into meaningful insights they can apply in their everyday lives. Fabien also designs vibrant vegan and vegetarian meals that fuel long hiking days, supporting endurance, recovery, and mental clarity throughout the adventure.

Things to know

Included:
- - An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - 4-day Iceland hiking retreat
  - Accommodation for 3 nights in mountain huts
  - All meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 4
  - Transport from Reykjavík to the trailhead and back
  - Luggage transfer between huts
Not included:
- - Flights to and from Iceland
  - Transportation to the meeting point (BSÍ bus terminal Reykjavik)
  - Snacks between meals
  - Sleeping bag
  - Hiking poles
  - Showers in the huts (payable on site)
  - Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section above
  - Insurance — recommended, available to add at checkout
  - Guide gratuities — optional
This retreat requires a good level of fitness. Expect hiking up to 8 hours and 21 km (13 mi) per day, with up to 775 m (2,540 ft) of elevation.

The terrain in the Icelandic Highlands can include volcanic landscapes, rocky trails, and occasional river crossings. Weather conditions can change quickly, so participants should be comfortable spending long days outdoors with a daypack.

It’s recommended to prepare for the trip by doing practice day hikes before the tour while carrying a 7–10 kg (15–22 lb) backpack. Luggage transfers between huts are included in this trip.

Want to see what else is there in the area? Discover more Iceland hiking tours here!
Clothing and footwear:
- - Layered clothing (base layer, insulating mid-layer, waterproof outer layer)
  - Hat and gloves
  - Buff or neck gaiter
  - Extra dry clothes
  - Moisture-wicking socks
  - Sturdy waterproof hiking boots
  - River crossing shoes (lightweight sneakers or sandals)
Gear:
- - Daypack (20–40 L)
  - Extra bag for transported luggage (waterproof preferred)
  - Trekking poles (recommended)
  - Sleeping bag
  - Water bottle or hydration pack
  - Headlamp or torch
  - Snacks
  - Sunglasses and sunscreen
  - Toiletries and towel
  - Camera
  - Notebook for journaling
  - Earplugs (optional)
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.

Got everything you need? Grab your gear through Active Junky and earn cash back on top outdoor brands — plus a $10 bonus on your first $25+ purchase. Shop now at Active Junky!
Group sizes and pricing
- - For this Iceland hiking retreat, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 9:1.
  - It takes a minimum of 8 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 18 participants.
An Iceland hiking retreat 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 younger than 18 may be permitted to join the Iceland hiking retreat on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
A single occupancy room is not available on this Iceland hiking retreat because you’ll be staying at huts which feature dormitory-style lodging.
The starting point of your Iceland hiking retreat is Reykjavik. To get there, most people fly into Keflavík International Airport (KEF). From there, you can take a shuttle service or a taxi to reach the BSÍ bus terminal in Reykjavik.

You will meet your guides at 7 am at the BSÍ Bus Terminal in Reykjavík on Day 1.
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.
Deposits

Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.

Cancellations

Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options—Basic, Flexible, or Super Flexible. Depending on which one you choose, a different cancellation policy will apply to your booking.

Basic
- - If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If cancelled 60 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled within 59 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
Flexible
- - If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If cancelled 60 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled 30-59 days before departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled within 29 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
Super Flexible
- - If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If cancelled 30 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled within 29 days of departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.

Have more questions?

Our team is here to answer your questions and plan with you.

Book a call

Book This Adventure for a Private Group

Book a fully private 57hours adventure for your group. We customize dates, group sizes, terrain, guides and accommodations — so your adventure fits your people and your goals.

Talk to an Adventure Planner