Included: An experienced, local mountain guide with extensive knowledge of the area 7-day backpacking trip in the Eastern Highlands of Iceland (5 full days of trekking, self-sufficient style) Accommodation for 6 nights: 2 nights in lodges and 4 nights in basic mountain huts (shared, dormitory-style) Domestic flights from Reykjavík to Egilsstaðir and from Höfn to Reykjavík Private 4×4 vehicle transfers for the group at the start and end of the trek Dehydrated food for the entire backpacking portion (to be carried by participants) First dinner at Laugarfell Not included: Flights from/to Iceland Accommodation in Reykjavík Any meals in Reykjavík and the last dinner with the group in Höfn Showers in Múlaskáli hut Lockers in Reykjavík for storing any luggage not used during the trek Sleeping bag and personal hiking gear Luggage or food transportation while hiking Anything not mentioned in the ‘Included’ section above Insurance — recommended, available at checkout Guide gratuities — optional

How fit do I need to be?

In order to join this backpacking tour, excellent fitness is required as well as previous backpacking experience . You’ll be hiking self-supported for up to 7 days through rugged, sometimes rough terrain, carrying all of your own gear and food between remote huts. Highland weather can turn quickly and river crossings are likely, so strong legs, endurance, and good decision-making are essential. To truly embrace the adventure of a multi-day backpacking through East Iceland, travelers should be prepared for a physically demanding experience. This expedition involves hiking more than 20 kilometers per day over several consecutive days, with elevation gains exceeding 700 meters (2,300 feet). You’ll need good fitness, stamina, and a strong sense of determination to take on the rugged terrain and long days on the trail. In return, you’ll experience Iceland’s wild landscapes on foot, far beyond the reach of the crowds.

Yes, this is a guided tour. Throughout the entire adventure, you are accompanied by a certified, experienced mountain guide who leads the group and manages logistics on the trail. Your guides handle group navigation, safety, mountain hut arrangements, route decisions , and provide knowledge about the area and conditions. While you’ll still need to carry your own food and gear and be prepared for remote, self-sufficient hiking, all route planning and leadership is handled by your guides from start to finish.

What do I need to bring?

Gear: Backpack (60–75L, with rain cover) Sleeping bag (5°C to 10°C comfort temperature) Trekking poles (highly recommended) Clothing: Waterproof hiking boots Thermal base layers (top and bottom) Insulation layer (down or synthetic jacket) Waterproof rain jacket and pants Warm hat, gloves, and socks (spares) T-shirt, hiking pants/shorts Sandals or camp shoes for huts and river crossings Other: Headlamp with extra batteries Personal toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, etc.) Sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm Although the guide has their first aid kit, bring yours with your personal medication All food for 7 days (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks) – Provided by the tour operator. Water bottle/hydration system (minimum 2L) Dress for rapidly changing weather, layering for warmth and wet conditions. Avoid cotton—quick-dry fabrics like merino wool are best.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and pricing: For this Eastern Highlands tour, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 10:1. It takes a minimum of 7 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 10 participants . Min. age requirements: If you are older than 18 , you’re good to go. If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Getting there and meeting location

The starting point of your backpacking adventure is in Reykjavík . To get there, most people fly into Keflavík International Airport (KEF) . From there, you can take a shuttle service or taxi to reach the meeting location.

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.

Fixed dates are gone — go private, or find a last minute deal.

Eastern Highlands, Iceland

Hut-to-Hut Backpacking in the Eastern Highlands of Iceland: 7-Day Trek

Name: Iceland Hut to Hut Hiking: 7-Day Eastern Highlands
Brand: 57hours
Rating: 5 (5 reviews)

7 days | Challenging | 5.00

From $3,403 ()

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The Eastern Highlands of Iceland aren’t just wild; they’re raw, untamed, and made for those of us who want to step far from the crowd. Over 7 days of hut-to-hut backpacking, we’ll cross volcanic & glacial valleys, lava cliffs, and silent deserts of sediment roamed by herds of wild reindeers, carrying everything we need and moving at our own pace. Each evening, we’ll reach a basic mountain hut where we can take shelter from the wind and weather, eat a warm meal prepared by the guide, warm up in front of the woodstove and share stories with our fellow hikers. Together, we’ll experience the landscapes, the challenges, and those quiet moments that make the Eastern Highlands so special, remote and unique. If you’re dreaming of true solitude, big landscapes, and an adventure we’ll remember for years to come, we’d love to have you along.

Albert

AIMG Mountain & Glacier Guide

Adventure Highlights

One of Iceland's wildest regions: The route winds through a highland region defined by volcanic rock, old lava, and long stretches without another soul in sight
A self-sufficient adventure: We carry everything we need from hut to hut, setting our own pace across the highlands
Rest & reset in huts: After a full day on the trail, basic mountain huts offer shelter, a place to dry out, and company from fellow trekkers

Duration

7 days

Season

July through August

Group size

Up to 10 people

The adventure, day by day

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We spend a full week hiking self-supported through Iceland’s remote Eastern Highlands, moving from one mountain hut to another. You’ll carry your own supplies and gear, traveling off-grid across stunning volcanic valleys, black sand deserts, lava fields, and ridges. Nights are spent in simple, shared huts—a warm, dry haven after long days on foot. Daily routines are all about finding your own rhythm, sharing stories with fellow hikers, and unplugging from the modern world. The trip is designed for those seeking a true challenge—packing all essentials and relying on what you bring as we cross some of Iceland’s wildest landscapes.

Day 1: Arrival and trail start

Arrival and trail start — Hiking in Eastern Highlands, Iceland

Arrive in Reykjavík and meet your group at Amarok Adventures Basecamp for a quick briefing—you’ll want to make sure everything’s packed and ready. Afterward, fly together to Egilsstaðir and travel as a team to Laugarfell, where the real highlands vibe kicks in. If the weather cooperates, stretch your legs with an evening hike around Laugarfell’s wild landscapes to shake off the travel day and get a taste of what’s ahead. Tonight, rest up in simple bunk bed rooms with shared toilets—nothing fancy, but it sets the stage for your first night away from the crowds.

Accommodation: Lodge

Day 2: Through volcanic valleys

Through volcanic valleys — Hiking in Eastern Highlands, Iceland

After breakfast, ride out from Laugarfell to the trailhead—there’s a buzz of anticipation in the air as you load up your backpack and leave the last trace of roads behind. By noon, you’re trekking through wide-open highland country, making your way across wild, empty terrain toward the edge of the Vatnajökull glacier. Every step pulls you deeper into Iceland’s wilderness, with nothing but your group and the endless horizon for company. As afternoon stretches out, you reach your first mountain hut, perched near the massive glacial edge. Drop your pack, breathe deeply, and settle in—your real adventure has kicked off.

Distance: 8 miles (13 km)
Elevation gain: 384 ft (117 m)
Elevation loss: 46 ft (14 m)
Accommodation: Mountain hut

Day 3: Crossing lava fields

Crossing lava fields — Hiking in Eastern Highlands, Iceland

You leave Geldingafell behind and strike out over rough, unmarked trails across broken lava fields and river valleys—this is where the true Highlands vibe hits. Waterfalls tumble in the distance and cliffs mark your progress, all while the sense of total remoteness sets in. By late day, you reach a small hut with a wood stove set right in front of an amazing lake—the perfect place to dry out and refuel far from everything.

Distance: 10.5 miles (17 km)
Elevation gain: 889 ft (271 m)
Elevation loss: 1,316 ft (401 m)
Accommodation: Mountain hut

Day 4: Highland solitude

Highland solitude — Hiking in Eastern Highlands, Iceland

We break camp at Egilssel and start the day exploring the dramatic Troll Cliffs—expect big drops, wild views, and a section where you’ll grip ropes and chains as you make your way across. The descent threads through forests tucked among colorful rhyolite mountains, and toward the base of the valley we pass near massive glaciers—close enough to feel the air shift. Every step is demanding, but the solitude and scenery are absolutely worth it. The route is tough and exposed, so take your time and stay sharp. A small, simple hut at Múlaskáli by the river is our reward for the day’s effort.

Distance: 12.5 km (7.8 mi)
Elevation gain: 212 m (696 ft)
Elevation loss: 641 m (2,103 ft)
Accommodation: Mountain hut

Day 5: Rivers and ridges

Rivers and ridges — Hiking in Eastern Highlands, Iceland

You get a full day to explore the wild terrain around Múlaskáli with your group. Your guide will choose the route based on the weather, and it will include exposed ridges, diques, river crossings, and hidden valleys—so you’ll get off the beaten track and into seriously amazing scenery. By evening, circle back to the hut to rest up for tomorrow’s push deeper out of the Eastern Highlands.

Distance: 13–20 km (8–12.5 mi)
Elevation gain: 805 m (2,641 ft)
Elevation loss: 805 m (2,641 ft)
Accommodation: Mountain hut

Day 6: Final mountain pass

Final mountain pass — Hiking in Eastern Highlands, Iceland

We leave Múlaskáli behind and head out toward Iceland’s largest suspension bridge, taking on deep canyons, steep slopes, and jaw-dropping rhyolite mountain scenery—this section is especially exposed, so every move counts. Stay sharp on the ledges and soak up the sense of raw wilderness as we work our way across this final, wild stretch. At the bridge, celebrate the finish line and hop in the vehicle for a well-earned ride back to Höfn. That night, relax in a twin room and share one last dinner with the group—hard-earned stories and big grins all around.

Distance: 13 km (8 mi)
Elevation gain: 515 m (1,690 ft)
Elevation loss: 590 m (1,935 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel

Day 7: Return to Reykjavík

Return to Reykjavík — Hiking in Eastern Highlands, Iceland

After breakfast in Höfn, head to the airport for your short domestic flight back to Reykjavík. You’ve earned this final easy stretch—feet up, looking back on wild days in the highlands. Services end upon arrival at Reykjavík’s domestic airport, and from here, you’re free to continue exploring Iceland or make your way home. The last night in Reykjavík is not included—consider planning your next moves accordingly. That’s a wrap—an adventure through Iceland’s real wilderness, start to finish.

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Lodging, food, & transfers

Mountain huts & lodges

We’ll spend the first night at Laugarfell, a small lodge at the entrance to the Eastern Highlands. From there, we head deeper into the raw Icelandic highlands, and after each long day of hiking, we’ll stay in simple mountain huts. They’re basic but cozy, with bunk beds and communal spaces to cook or relax. There are no showers or Wi-Fi, but you get a different kind of luxury: comfortable beds, wood stoves, and stunning landscapes right outside the door. Each hut stands alone in a vast landscape, sheltered from the wind, and it’s the perfect place to wind down, enjoy the silence of the mountains, and connect with fellow adventurers.

We’ll spend the final night at a hotel in Höfn, on Iceland’s South Coast, where guests within the group share twin rooms.

Meals during the trip

All meals are included throughout the backpacking portion of the trip. During the multi-day trek, your guide will prepare hearty breakfasts and dinners at the mountain huts, providing warm and satisfying meals at the beginning and end of each day. Lunches will be enjoyed along the trail during the day’s hike, typically consisting of easy-to-carry picnic-style foods.

To support the expedition, participants are responsible for carrying their share of the group’s food supplies in their backpacks. Your guide will organize and distribute the food before departure, ensuring the load is shared fairly among the group. Carrying a portion of the provisions is a standard part of the backpacking experience and helps make the adventure self-sufficient.

Superjeep & domestic flights

Superjeep transportation — Hiking in Eastern Highlands, Iceland

At the beginning and end of the trip, we will travel to and from the Highlands in specially equipped superjeeps. This provides a unique opportunity to experience one of the most remote and spectacular regions of East Iceland from the comfort of these capable vehicles.

This trip also includes all necessary domestic flights within Iceland, with a flight from Reykjavík to Egilsstaðir at the beginning of the adventure and a return flight from Höfn to Reykjavík at the end of the trip. These flights allow you to maximize your time exploring Iceland’s remote landscapes while avoiding long overland transfers.

Each passenger is entitled to one included baggage item in accordance with the airline’s baggage allowance. Additional or oversized luggage may be subject to extra charges, which are the responsibility of the traveler. Detailed flight schedules and baggage information will be provided prior to departure.

Adventure, packed to go

Hut-to-Hut Backpacking in the Eastern Highlands of Iceland: 7-Day Trek

Adventure Brochure

Adventure brochure

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Meet your guides

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

5.00

Albert

AIMG Mountain & Glacier Guide

Albert has guided adventure treks across Iceland, Greenland, South America, and Nepal, and has also worked as a documentary and travel photographer for international magazines. Based in Iceland since 2015, he has spent years exploring the country, uncovering hidden gems, and venturing far off the beaten path. He is also a certified “Senior Polar Guide,” a prestigious designation awarded 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.

What others say about this adventure

5.00 (5 reviews)

Janet A.

Albert was a specular guide. He has a full knowledge of Iceland and all the stories he shared were interesting and sometimes funny.

Juanita B.

Awesome Hike , knowledgeable, friendly,great cook and fun to be with

Paul C.

Our guide was very knowledgeable about the area we hiked and overall history of the surroundings. He had great geological information for us along the entire adventure.

Show all reviews

Janet A.

Albert was a specular guide. He has a full knowledge of Iceland and all the stories he shared were interesting and sometimes funny.

Juanita B.

Awesome Hike , knowledgeable, friendly,great cook and fun to be with

Paul C.

Our guide was very knowledgeable about the area we hiked and overall history of the surroundings. He had great geological information for us along the entire adventure.

Jane O.

Johann is a great trip leader. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND him for your next trip. Very professional.

David E.

Albert and Remy were incredible guides whose knowledge of Iceland’s history, terrain, and remote Highlands was unmatched. Albert’s leadership, patience, and attention to safety helped guide us through steep climbs, rocky descents, challenging river crossings, and some of the most remote landscapes in Iceland while always making sure our group was prepared and confident. As a flatlander from Alabama, they pushed me beyond my comfort zone, but every challenging climb was rewarded with a view that made me understand exactly why they chose that route.

Things to know

Included:
- - An experienced, local mountain guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - 7-day backpacking trip in the Eastern Highlands of Iceland (5 full days of trekking, self-sufficient style)
  - Accommodation for 6 nights: 2 nights in lodges and 4 nights in basic mountain huts (shared, dormitory-style)
  - Domestic flights from Reykjavík to Egilsstaðir and from Höfn to Reykjavík
  - Private 4×4 vehicle transfers for the group at the start and end of the trek
  - Dehydrated food for the entire backpacking portion (to be carried by participants)
  - First dinner at Laugarfell
Not included:
- - Flights from/to Iceland
  - Accommodation in Reykjavík
  - Any meals in Reykjavík and the last dinner with the group in Höfn
  - Showers in Múlaskáli hut
  - Lockers in Reykjavík for storing any luggage not used during the trek
  - Sleeping bag and personal hiking gear
  - Luggage or food transportation while hiking
  - Anything not mentioned in the ‘Included’ section above
  - Insurance — recommended, available at checkout
  - Guide gratuities — optional
In order to join this backpacking tour, excellent fitness is required as well as previous backpacking experience. You’ll be hiking self-supported for up to 7 days through rugged, sometimes rough terrain, carrying all of your own gear and food between remote huts. Highland weather can turn quickly and river crossings are likely, so strong legs, endurance, and good decision-making are essential.

To truly embrace the adventure of a multi-day backpacking through East Iceland, travelers should be prepared for a physically demanding experience. This expedition involves hiking more than 20 kilometers per day over several consecutive days, with elevation gains exceeding 700 meters (2,300 feet). You’ll need good fitness, stamina, and a strong sense of determination to take on the rugged terrain and long days on the trail. In return, you’ll experience Iceland’s wild landscapes on foot, far beyond the reach of the crowds.
Yes, this is a guided tour. Throughout the entire adventure, you are accompanied by a certified, experienced mountain guide who leads the group and manages logistics on the trail. Your guides handle group navigation, safety, mountain hut arrangements, route decisions, and provide knowledge about the area and conditions.

While you’ll still need to carry your own food and gear and be prepared for remote, self-sufficient hiking, all route planning and leadership is handled by your guides from start to finish.
Gear:
- - Backpack (60–75L, with rain cover)
  - Sleeping bag (5°C to 10°C comfort temperature)
  - Trekking poles (highly recommended)
Clothing:
- - Waterproof hiking boots
  - Thermal base layers (top and bottom)
  - Insulation layer (down or synthetic jacket)
  - Waterproof rain jacket and pants
  - Warm hat, gloves, and socks (spares)
  - T-shirt, hiking pants/shorts
  - Sandals or camp shoes for huts and river crossings
Other:
- - Headlamp with extra batteries
  - Personal toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, etc.)
  - Sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm
  - Although the guide has their first aid kit, bring yours with your personal medication
  - All food for 7 days (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks) – Provided by the tour operator.
  - Water bottle/hydration system (minimum 2L)
Dress for rapidly changing weather, layering for warmth and wet conditions. Avoid cotton—quick-dry fabrics like merino wool are best.

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Group sizes and pricing:
- - For this Eastern Highlands tour, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 10:1.
  - It takes a minimum of 7 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 10 participants.
Min. age requirements:
- - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  - If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The starting point of your backpacking adventure is in Reykjavík. To get there, most people fly into Keflavík International Airport (KEF). From there, you can take a shuttle service or taxi to reach the meeting location.
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.
- If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
- If canceled 90 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
- If canceled within 89 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
- Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48 hours grace period.

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