Our co-founder Perica went to Iceland on one of Alberto and Monica’s trips about two years ago, and he has not stopped talking about it since. We’ve all enjoyed his many slideshows of the remote trails: Perica standing on jet-black sand, next to lava fields, and insanely green mountains. But we can’t just take his word for it—so we decided to witness these electric colors of Iceland ourselves. Over the course of 12 days, our local Icelandic guides will take us on a journey across Iceland’s reclusive gems in the Highlands. As a recharge point after daily explorations, we will return to top-notch accommodations, natural hot springs, and delectable dinners next to otherworldly landscapes.
Literally—flaming-colored relief, lava forests, and even molten, fiery lava can be found
Glistening glaciers, moss-covered hills, pitch-black volcanic ashes, green-hewn rhyolite mountains
The rough wilderness and cozy accommodations go hand in hand
There’s no place like Iceland anywhere else in the world and exploring its hidden trails is probably the most epic hiking journey we’ll ever get to witness. Far from the tourists and crowded trails, we will traverse over 80 miles through lava fields, surreal rhyolite mountains, jet-black sands, and vivid turquoise lakes—just to name a few of the countless gems. Natural hot springs and geothermal pools will be there to relax our muscles, and as the evening falls, we will retreat to our cozy, top-of-the-line accommodations.
We will gather in the Icelandic capital Reykjavík, talk about the days ahead, and enjoy the rest of the afternoon. We’ll have a good rest in our accommodation, as tomorrow is when we start hiking!
We’ll start our hike by going on a 4×4 vehicle to one of the most spectacular places in the Highlands of Iceland. We will explore a geothermal valley and enjoy the views of impressive lava fields and rivers, lakes, and beautiful craters. These two days will be spent discovering all the hidden secrets of the surrounding colorful mountains, hiking the spectacular trails, and feeling the energy that flows through these beautiful valleys.
Ascent: 438 m
Descent: 476 m
Max elevation: 1002 m
Hiking: 7-15 km | 4-9 mi
Driving: 105 km | 121 mi
We will begin our fourth day with a drive to Langisjór lake. Once there, we’ll spend the day hiking through the Fögrufjöll mountains (the “beautiful mountains”) with the Vatnajökull glacier on the horizon. The wilderness floods this place, where only the faint sound of water and the wind are heard.
Ascent: 300 m
Descent: 350 m
Max elevation: 800 m
Hiking: 12 km | 7 mi
Driving: 60 km | 37 mi
Today’s itinerary includes deserts, lava fields, and canyons. We will hike to the magical and mysterious area of Skælingar, a lava field near the Skaftá river. The trail takes us to the outstanding Hvanngil canyon, where the moss & the lava together create a range of colors that will leave us amazed.
Ascent: 416 m
Descent: 564 m
Max elevation: 685 m
Hiking: 16 km | 10 mi
After breakfast, we’ll get ready to trek to Eldgjá (the “Fire Canyon”). Descending inside the canyon, we’ll explore its ancient rocks & the “impassable waterfall” Ófaerufoss before finishing the day off with a short trek to Hólaskjól.
Ascent: 580 m
Descent: 703 m
Max elevation: 934 m
Hiking: 18 km | 11 mi
Today we’re going to hike the unique trails leading to the lakes of Álftavötn, passing through stunning green hills and walking along the Syðri Ófæra river. It’s a really unique place to feel the peaceful Highlands energy, before entering into the deserts that we’ll explore in the next few days of the trip.
Ascent: 182 m
Descent: 58 m
Max elevation: 446 m
Hiking: 10 km | 6 mi
On the longest day of our trip, our group will continue hiking along the river and cross the exciting canyon to head towards Strútur. We’ll be amazed by the black sand marbled with bright green streaks of centennial moss that covers the impressive Icelandic volcanoes, connecting them to the beautiful surrounding flora. As we reach a natural hot spring, we’ll relax in the geothermal sulfurous waters, or if the weather doesn’t allow it, we’ll enjoy the spectacular views.
Ascent: 673 m
Descent: 495 m
Max elevation: 706 m
Hiking: 23 km | 14 mi
After an early breakfast, we’ll leave our cozy accommodation to face the unknown and follow the Laugavegur Trail, to witness the magical lake of Álftavatn. We’ll be hiking 17 km through spectacular landscapes, enjoying the view of the deep and decorative lake.
Ascent: 375 m
Descent: 374 m
Max elevation: 728 m
Hiking: 17 km | 11 mi
We will enjoy the fresh morning air as we continue the hike through the Icelandic wilderness, discovering the wonders of the famous black desert and crossing several rivers by foot. We’ll spend the day surrounded by beautiful pink and white flowers growing in the desert soil, and witness the breathtaking Myrdalsjökull glacier just a few kilometers away. The glacier sitting on top of the explosive volcano Katla is the fourth largest ice cap. It covers nearly 600 square kilometres, and the blue ice streaked with different shades of white will leave us breathless. From the desert plain and escorted by the Hattafell volcano, we’ll descend to the vicinity of the Emstrur canyon.
Ascent: 224 m
Descent: 288 m
Max elevation: 604 m
Hiking: 16 km | 10 mi
On our last day of hiking, we’ll be in the area surrounding the Emestur Canyon, where we’ll cross ancient glacial moraines and volcanic terrain, until reaching an oasis of dwarf birch trees, willow forests, and hanging glaciers. We will explore one of the most popular hiking trails—Thórsmörk, the valley of the God of Thunder. If the weather allows, we’ll conclude our trip with a delicious barbecue made with local products, surrounded by an incredible landscape.
Ascent: 288 m
Descent: 506 m
Max elevation: 481 m
Hiking: 16 km | 10 mi
It’s time to say farewell to the hidden trails of Iceland and your great team. Return to your starting point, Reykjavík. Leave recharged and one memorable adventure richer!
What you get in this adventure:
What’s not included:
In case of special dietary needs, please contact us and we can make arrangements.
This tour is for experienced hikers. You need to be able to hike for full days, carrying a full daypack. Each day you will hike between five and seven hours, between 7-23 km (4-14 miles) per day for a total of 150 km (93 miles) over 12 days. The volcanic terrain can be challenging and the weather unforgiving. That said, if you are looking for adventure and up to the task of multiple days of full-day trekking, you’ll be rewarded immensely.
After booking, your guide will let you know all the necessary equipment to bring. Prior to the start of the route, the guide together with each traveler will review the material to ensure that everything necessary is available. Here’s a general list of the equipment you need to bring:
Drones are completely forbidden.
Group sizes and prices:
For this luxury hike in Iceland, the maximum group size is 12. The cost does not decrease as the group grows.
A 15% deposit to secure your place is due upon booking. The remaining amount is paid 3 months (90 days) prior to departure.
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.
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 another predetermined location. From there, you’ll head to the trailhead. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group.
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 the Official Information about Covid-19 in Iceland.
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!
