What you get on this adventure: An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area Six days of hiking and glacier exploration Three days of sightseeing and easier walks around Iceland Transportation for the duration of the tour Transportation from Reykjavik to Keflavik Airport after the tour Accommodations for the duration of the tour Food for the duration of the tour (lunch on days 7, 8, and 9 not included) Glacier hiking equipment Secret Lagoon and Blue Lagoon entrance fee Note: Some special dietary requirements can be accommodated. The lack of space and facilities in the huts make it difficult for your guide to prepare numerous dishes daily. We can cater to vegetarians and those with food allergies. What’s not included: Transportation to Iceland Transportation from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik Sleeping bag (can be rented in Reykjavik) Personal hiking and camping equipment

How fit do I need to be?

This moderate tour is meant for hikers with great fitness levels. You will be hiking for 7 days, covering up to 14 miles (24 km) a day on varied and sometimes glaciated terrain. Keep in mind, the weather can vary and you’ll also be packing a daypack filled with water and other things you’ll need throughout the day. The trails are not paved, but in some places, paths have formed. Some trails are rocky but are easily accessible to anyone used to hiking in uneven terrain. Participants will need to cross rivers every day on the trail except on the first day. The water level in the rivers changes from time to time due to seasonal conditions. In some cases, you will be able to step from stone to stone to get to the other side. In other cases, you will need to take your shoes and socks off, put on river-crossing shoes and wade the rivers. Neoprene socks and sandals or neoprene shoes (beach shoes) are the best choice. Your guide will provide you with advice for river crossing, as well as help you to cross the river. Trekking poles might come in handy when wading rivers, as well as crossing with a partner.

What do I need to bring?

Clothing and things to carry in your daypack (large enough to carry all the items listed below): Waterproof cover for your daypack Waterproof hiking boots Hiking pants Thermal top or lightweight T-shirt Wool socks that dry quickly Mid layer Buff or face covering Warm hat Gaiters (optional for those hiking in June month) Sunhat Waterproof gloves or mittens Breathable & waterproof jacket and waterproof pants (no plastic ponchos) Sunglasses Water bottle or water bladder Sunscreen River crossing shoes Fresh food and snacks provided by Viking Women every day Extra fleece sweater or down jacket to put on when we stop for breaks Hand sanitizer Hiking poles (optional) Camera (optional) In your luggage: Sleeping bag (doesn’t have to be in your luggage, just attached to it somehow) Travel pillow (optional) Underwear and socks Extra clothes for the trail Extra clothes for the huts Medicine Hygiene and beauty products Towel Headlamp or a flashlight (for those doing the hike in August – September) Powerbank to charge your devices Earplugs and a sleeping mask Bathing suit (for those doing the 3 days on the trail adventure) Cash or a debit/credit card Your main luggage will be transported by transport vehicle, and you will not have access to it until you reach the huts in the afternoon. This also includes your sleeping bag. Everything needed for the day’s trek must be in your daypack. You are allowed to take one piece of luggage on the tour. Your guide advises you not to bring a massive one, as the huts don’t have much room to spread out our stuff. There are luggage lockers at four centrally located places in Reykjavik where you can store your extra luggage. For your own well-being and safety, we strongly suggest following the advice of this equipment list. This includes having good quality rain gear, tops, and bottoms. Cotton clothing is not appropriate for any strenuous outdoor activity – nor are jeans and cotton t-shirts. Modern outdoor clothing is by far more comfortable and will greatly improve your experience.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and prices: For this adventure, the max client-to-guide ratio is 16:1. It takes a minimum of 8 participants for the tour to operate. The cost does not decrease as the group grows. Hiking in Iceland 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 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.

Getting there and meeting location

To get to Iceland, most people fly into Keflavík International Airport, located 45 minutes from the city center. From there, the best and cheapest way is to take one of the public buses like Airport Direct or Flybus. Buses leave 35-40 minutes after the arrival of each flight, 24/7. Your guide will pick you up at your hotel on the morning of the tour.

Safety measures and insurance

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible , we partnered up with Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner ! Redpoint tailors their insurance 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. Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s insurance. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!

On recent volcanic activity in Iceland

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://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QA3-BXYuYrw

Hikers on the legendary Black Sand Beach in Iceland

A view of some meadows and hikers on the Laugavegur trail

Some sheep strolling through Landmannalaugar in Iceland

Beautiful summer super wide-angle aerial view of Reykjavik, Iceland with harbor and skyline mountains and scenery beyond the city, seen from the observation tower of hallgrimskirkja church with blue sky in sunny day.

The girl with the hat in the hot spring Iceland

Hikers exploring Skogafoss waterfall in Iceland

Rainbow street and the blue lagoon in Iceland

Iceland

Women’s Great Hiking Voyage in Iceland

5.00 ()

Season

June through September

Duration

9 days

Difficulty

Guides

Saga Líf, Viking Women Tours

Questions, additional dates, private groups

Book a call

From $3,900 () / 10 days

Intro
Itinerary
Brochure
Guides
Reviews
Things to know

Iceland feels like it was crafted by hikers for hikers. The island hosts nearly 500 hiking trails sprawling across three national parks and countless well-preserved nature reserves. Its legendary hikes such as the Golden Circle and the Laugavegur Trail take travelers across ice-riddled obsidian beaches, breathtaking volcanic valleys, and endless glacial expanses. The trails are well-routed and well-maintained, the huts are comfortable, and when your feet start hurting from all the hiking, just dip them in one of the countless warm geothermal pools. Join a group of women hiking enthusiasts and form new friendships as you hike through world-class landscapes straight out of a fantasy movie! Find out more about hiking Laugavegur—one of the best hiking trails in Iceland that you will discover on this trip—from your guide and founder of Viking Women, Saga Líf.

Adventure highlights

Conquer several classic Icelandic trails in a single hiking tour
Unwind in Iceland’s cozy and soothing hot springs
From massive glaciers to obsidian beaches, the landscapes are out of this world

Itinerary

Join a group of daring women on a 9-day hiking expedition of a lifetime! This Icelandic adventure will take you through some of Iceland’s most renowned trails, such as the Golden Circle, Thorsmork, and the Diamond Beach with a professional local guide leading the way. Explore otherworldly waterfalls, glaciers, famous trails, and hot springs, and spend your evenings sharing a meal with new friends and re-energizing in stunning locations!

Arrival day! Take one of the airport buses to the city center and get settled in your lovely room at hotel Room With A View. In the evening at 18:00 you will meet the rest of the group and your fearless guide for a welcome meeting and later on, a dinner in the city.
Your guide will pick you up at your hotel in the morning. Get ready for a full day of exploring the world-famous Golden Circle. For lunch, you will visit the Friðheimar tomato farm where you will get a friendly introduction of their greenhouse and their life on the farm. Later in the afternoon, you’ll will have plenty of time to unwind at the Secret Lagoon. Spend the night at a Hotel in Hella.
Rise and shine, the highlands are calling! Today we take the 8.30 am Highland Bus from Hella to the highlands. We arrive at the colorful Landmannalaugar, the “People’s Pools”, around 11:00. Take the opportunity to bathe in the region’s famous natural hot spring and/or visit the Mountain Mall for some beers and a friendly game of KUBB.

Distance: 5 km (3 mi)
Walking time: 2 – 3 hrs
After a hearty breakfast, pack your bags, put your backpack on and get ready for the longest hike of the trip! Today, you’ll hike to the Alftavatan lake in the middle of Laugavegur. It’s a 14-mile (24 km) journey, so make sure you’re well-prepared.

Distance: 24 km (14 mi)
Walking time: 7 – 8 hrs
Ascent: 470 m (1600 ft)
Descent: 490 m (1610 ft)
Hike the 9-mile (15 km) trail from Alftavatn to Emstrur. It’s a much easier hike than yesterday’s as it is fairly flat most of the time, with plenty of green meadows, black deserts, and scenic river crossings. Spend the night in the Emstrur hut with an optional evening hike to the breathtaking Markarfljótsgljúfur canyon.

Distance: 15 km (10 mi)
Walking time: 5 – 6 hrs
Descent: 40 m (130 ft)
Rise to the blue skies and bright sunshine and get ready to hike the last part of the trail, 10 miles (16 km) from Emstrur to Thorsmork. Cross Emstrur river and follow the massive Myrdalsjökull glacier, with stunning views of the surrounding area. If you’re lucky, you might see a sheep or two! Spend the night in Thorsmork.

Distance: 16 km (11 mi)
Walking time: 6 – 7 hrs
Descent: 300 m (985 ft)
Explore the magical Thorsmork valley by foot before saying your goodbyes to the highlands. You will change buses at Hella town and head to Hotel Skógar. After dinner, visit the Skógarfoss waterfall with an option to do an evening hike called the One thousand waterfalls trail.

Distance: 5 km (3 mi)
Walking time: 2 – 3 hrs
Ascent: 150 m (490 ft)
Strap on your crampons, it’s time to hike the Solheimajökull glacier—one of the most impressive and accessible glaciers in Iceland! You’ll spend 2 hours on ice, taking in the energy of this massive glacier. In the afternoon, you’ll visit the legendary Black Sand Beach and Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon before arriving to your hotel near the glacier lagoon for a good night’s rest.

Distance: 6,5 km (4,5 mi)
Walking time: 3 hrs
Ascent: 150 m (490 ft)
Your last day on the road! In the morning, drive to Glacier Lagoon and the Diamond Beach. On your way back to Reykjavik, stop by the Eldhraun Lava Field, created in one of the greatest eruptions in recorded history. Finally. visit the unique Seljalandsfoss waterfall and the hidden waterfall Gljúfrabúi. After a goodbye dinner, spend your final Icelandic night in Reykjavik.

Distance: 6,5 km (4,5 mi)
Walking time: 3 hrs
Ascent: 150 m (490 ft)
The grand finale! Relax your tired travel muscles in the baby blue waters of the Blue Lagoon before you head to the airport and say your final goodbyes. If you didn’t have enough of the majestic landscapes, explore more hiking tours in Iceland!

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Meet your guides

5.00

Saga Líf

A self-described nature addict, Saga has always been drawn to the beauty of Iceland’s natural world. She became a guide to help other women unleash their inner Valkyries and make meaningful connections through awe-inspiring adventures. Her company Viking Women focuses on all-female trips that combine wellness with Iceland’s otherworldly landscapes.

5.00

Viking Women Tours

Viking Women Tours is an exclusive women’s travel group based in Iceland and operated by experienced local female adventurers. They are very passionate about the outdoors, traveling, and being able to introduce and explore their home to travelers worldwide. Their guides have traveled extensively through Iceland and are always honored to assist you in customizing the perfect experience in the land of fire and ice!

5.00 (10 reviews)

Patricia Tisdale

Mae was incredible. She is professional, caring, with a deep love for Iceland. I felt very safe in her hands on our entire trip. She has a great personality and sense of humor. She wanted each of us to have a great hike and we did.

L S Moeck

This was an amazing trip. Saw lots, did lots, ate well, made new friends. Overall an awesome experience. Thank you Saga and Mey!

Milena Neveklovska

Amazing trip, amazing guide. May was the best guide ever

Rochelle Sneddon

Saga was a wonderful leader. Friendly and attentive.

Bee A. (source: Guide’s Website)

My time in Iceland was truly life-changing and I have to give a special thanks to Saga for leading such a memorable experience! From her passion for her country, the culture, and adventure in nature, every moment was truly inspiring. Now when I think of “happy places”, my favorite memories are our hike up Reykjadalur Valley to the hot river and our walk on Sólheimajökull Glacier that ended with a meditation underneath the sun and a rainbow! I will absolutely be back to explore even further with Viking Women.

Cris & Janine (source: Guide’s Website)

Saga was our tour guide in December 2019 – we don’t normally go on tours, but not wanting to drive in Iceland in winter and not knowing the language or culture we thought it best to try a tour. Definitely the best decision ever!!! Saga was brilliant!!! She’s friendly, young, full of energy without being over the top, competent, knowledgeable, accommodating (we had someone with a broken foot on our tour and the lengths Saga went to, so that she could participate, were so far above & beyond the call of duty it was phenomenal). Saga also had a wonderful way of incorporating a relevant story of Icelandic Culture into whatever adventure we were embarking on – we could’ve listened to so many more hours of her stories (and Love the accent!). Absolutely fantastic – Highly recommended!!

Nadia H. (source: Guide’s Website)

Iceland is a spectacular country! Spending 10 days with an amazing group of women and seeing it through our guide Saga’s eyes was magical. Saga is so welcoming, knowledgeable, supportive and made every activity a fun adventure. All of our accommodations, transportation, food, and activities were flawless. From hiking the Laugavegur Trail to walking on glaciers, experiencing the power of Iceland’s countless waterfalls, exploring on horseback, sea kayaking around the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and soaking in the many relaxing hot springs, I had the trip of a lifetime!

Madelon (source: Guide’s Website)

Saga guided us through beautiful Iceland. I was impressed by Iceland, but also impressed by Saga!
Very engaging lady with many talents: from active walk guide, and cool driver, to relaxing meditation mentor, with beautiful storytelling about the history and culture of Iceland. Takk fyrir, Saga!

Kathleen Collins

Thelma was the very best guide!! Knowledgeable friendly and so supportive. She made our adventure more glorious!! Outstanding!!

Tanya Halse

I was disappointed that there was a last minute switch and Saga Lif was not our guide but Thelma did a fine job guiding us on an incredible journey. The trip was an adventure of a lifetime and Thelma did a great job executing it, with patience and poise. I\’m sure it\’s a difficult job to accommodate 16 women with 16 different personalities. Well done, Thelma.

Things to know

What you get on this adventure:
- - An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - Six days of hiking and glacier exploration
  - Three days of sightseeing and easier walks around Iceland
  - Transportation for the duration of the tour
  - Transportation from Reykjavik to Keflavik Airport after the tour
  - Accommodations for the duration of the tour
  - Food for the duration of the tour (lunch on days 7, 8, and 9 not included)
  - Glacier hiking equipment
  - Secret Lagoon and Blue Lagoon entrance fee
Note: Some special dietary requirements can be accommodated. The lack of space and facilities in the huts make it difficult for your guide to prepare numerous dishes daily. We can cater to vegetarians and those with food allergies.

What’s not included:
- - Transportation to Iceland
  - Transportation from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik
  - Sleeping bag (can be rented in Reykjavik)
  - Personal hiking and camping equipment
This moderate tour is meant for hikers with great fitness levels. You will be hiking for 7 days, covering up to 14 miles (24 km) a day on varied and sometimes glaciated terrain. Keep in mind, the weather can vary and you’ll also be packing a daypack filled with water and other things you’ll need throughout the day.

The trails are not paved, but in some places, paths have formed. Some trails are rocky but are easily accessible to anyone used to hiking in uneven terrain. Participants will need to cross rivers every day on the trail except on the first day. The water level in the rivers changes from time to time due to seasonal conditions. In some cases, you will be able to step from stone to stone to get to the other side. In other cases, you will need to take your shoes and socks off, put on river-crossing shoes and wade the rivers. Neoprene socks and sandals or neoprene shoes (beach shoes) are the best choice. Your guide will provide you with advice for river crossing, as well as help you to cross the river. Trekking poles might come in handy when wading rivers, as well as crossing with a partner.
Clothing and things to carry in your daypack (large enough to carry all the items listed below):
- - Waterproof cover for your daypack
  - Waterproof hiking boots
  - Hiking pants
  - Thermal top or lightweight T-shirt
  - Wool socks that dry quickly
  - Mid layer
  - Buff or face covering
  - Warm hat
  - Gaiters (optional for those hiking in June month)
  - Sunhat
  - Waterproof gloves or mittens
  - Breathable & waterproof jacket and waterproof pants (no plastic ponchos)
  - Sunglasses
  - Water bottle or water bladder
  - Sunscreen
  - River crossing shoes
  - Fresh food and snacks provided by Viking Women every day
  - Extra fleece sweater or down jacket to put on when we stop for breaks
  - Hand sanitizer
  - Hiking poles (optional)
  - Camera (optional)
In your luggage:
- - Sleeping bag (doesn’t have to be in your luggage, just attached to it somehow)
  - Travel pillow (optional)
  - Underwear and socks
  - Extra clothes for the trail
  - Extra clothes for the huts
  - Medicine
  - Hygiene and beauty products
  - Towel
  - Headlamp or a flashlight (for those doing the hike in August – September)
  - Powerbank to charge your devices
  - Earplugs and a sleeping mask
  - Bathing suit (for those doing the 3 days on the trail adventure)
  - Cash or a debit/credit card
Your main luggage will be transported by transport vehicle, and you will not have access to it until you reach the huts in the afternoon. This also includes your sleeping bag. Everything needed for the day’s trek must be in your daypack.

You are allowed to take one piece of luggage on the tour. Your guide advises you not to bring a massive one, as the huts don’t have much room to spread out our stuff. There are luggage lockers at four centrally located places in Reykjavik where you can store your extra luggage.

For your own well-being and safety, we strongly suggest following the advice of this equipment list. This includes having good quality rain gear, tops, and bottoms. Cotton clothing is not appropriate for any strenuous outdoor activity – nor are jeans and cotton t-shirts. Modern outdoor clothing is by far more comfortable and will greatly improve your experience.
Group sizes and prices:
- - For this adventure, the max client-to-guide ratio is 16:1.
  - It takes a minimum of 8 participants for the tour to operate. The cost does not decrease as the group grows.
Hiking in Iceland 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 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.
To get to Iceland, most people fly into Keflavík International Airport, located 45 minutes from the city center. From there, the best and cheapest way is to take one of the public buses like Airport Direct or Flybus. Buses leave 35-40 minutes after the arrival of each flight, 24/7.
Your guide will pick you up at your hotel on the morning of the tour.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, we partnered up with Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!

Redpoint tailors their insurance 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.

Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s insurance. If you need any help or require more information, 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://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QA3-BXYuYrw
Deposits

You can secure one of the 2024 dates with a 30% deposit upon booking. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.

Cancellations

Booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:

Basic
- In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
  
  For cancellations 60 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a 70% refund of the trip price.
  
  For cancellations 0-59 days before the trip, there is no refund.
Flexible
- In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
  
  For cancellations 60 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
  
  For cancellations 30-59 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
  
  For cancellations 0-29 days before the trip, there is no refund.
Super Flexible
- In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
  
  For cancellations 30 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
  
  For cancellations 0-29 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
In the event that the minimum number of people to confirm the trip is not reached, your guide can cancel the departure at most 2 months before the start of the trip. In that case, 90% of the total amount is refundable. Please note the dates for this year and next year are expected to reach the minimum number of people soon, and the likelihood of trip not happening is very low.