Hike Iceland’s Winter Wilderness: 4-Day Landmannalaugar Adventure

Things to know

• What’s included?

  Included:

  • • Certified local guide & experienced driver
    • 4-day winter hiking adventure in Iceland
    • Accommodation for 4 nights at the Landmannalaugar mountain hut
    • 1 private 4×4 modified vehicle with an experienced driver for accessing & departing from the Highlands (fuel included)
    • Pick-up & drop-off in Reykjavik
    • All meals while in Landmannalaugar, from lunch on Day 1 through lunch on Day 4 (all breakfasts, lunches, and dinners)
    • Snowshoeing equipment

  Not included:

  • • Flights to Iceland
    • Accommodation in Reykjavik
    • Sleeping bag
    • Personal mountain clothing & shoes
    • Breakfast on Day 1 & dinner on Day 4
    • 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?

  To fully enjoy this Iceland winter hiking adventure, participants should have a good level of fitness and be comfortable spending long days outdoors in challenging winter conditions. You’ll be snowshoeing across uneven terrain, sometimes through deep snow, with distances varying depending on weather and snow conditions. Days can be physically demanding, but always rewarding for those with an adventurous mindset.

  A positive attitude, determination, and a sense of humour are key—this is the Icelandic Highlands in winter, where nature calls the shots! Since the weather can change quickly, it’s essential to bring high-quality, warm, and waterproof mountain gear to stay comfortable and dry throughout the journey.

  Want to see what else is there in the area? Discover more Iceland adventures here!

• What do I need to bring?

  Suitcases are not allowed on this tour. Please bring a soft duffel bag (around 50 liters) and a small daypack for daily hikes.

  Minimalism is key. Bring only what you truly need for a few days in the highlands: warm layers, personal essentials, and your sense of adventure. Your guides provide all group equipment and food, so you can focus on traveling light and enjoying the ride.

  Personal gear

  • • Small daypack for daily adventures
    • Waterproof bag for clothes
    • Sleeping bag
    • Rain cover for your backpack
    • Swimsuit and towel
    • Personal toiletries
    • Personal first-aid kit (make sure to take all you need with you)
    • Sunscreen and sunglasses
    • Earplugs — recommended
    • Headlamp + batteries
    • Camera — optional
    • Power bank
    • Hiking poles — highly recommended
    • Water bottle and thermos

  Clothing:

  • • Waterproof hiking boots with a sturdy sole
    • Warm clothes
      • First layer: bottom / upper base layer (Merino wool recommended)
      • Second layer: fleece jacket
      • Third layer: down jacket
    • Waterproof jacket & pants (GoreTex recommended)
    • Hiking pants
    • Short sleeve t-shirts
    • Long sleeve t-shirts
    • Comfy footwear for the hut
    • Underwear and hiking socks
    • Warm beanie
    • Gloves / mittens
    • Hiking buff

  Prior to the start of the route, the guide will do a comprehensive gear check with each traveler to ensure that everything necessary is brought.

  While your guide carries a first-aid kit, each traveler should carry their own necessities based on personal requirements, including any specific pathologies or risks.

  Please note that drones are strictly prohibited.

• What’s the weather like in winter in Iceland?

  The weather conditions in Iceland, particularly in the Highlands region, are known for their unpredictability and rapid changes. It is essential to be prepared for a wide range of weather conditions that can occur within a single day, including strong wind gusts, hail, snowstorms, and significant temperature variations.

  Temperatures can range from 5ºC to –20ºC (41ºF to –4ºF) during the trip. To fully enjoy and embrace this adventure, it is mandatory to have appropriate mountain clothing that can withstand these diverse weather elements. Equipping yourself with good-quality gear will ensure your comfort and safety throughout the journey, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the experience despite the challenging weather conditions.

• Is seeing Northern Lights guaranteed?

  While the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, they can be observed in Iceland during the winter months. However, their visibility is dependent on several factors, including clear skies, solar activity, and luck.

  So, in short, your guides cannot guarantee that you will see the Northern Lights during your trip, but they always keep an eye on the forecast for each night and are ready for helping you to see them on the winter nights! You’re definitely coming at the right time if you’re joining this tour, as that’s the period where you have the highest chances of spotting Northern lights.

• Group sizes and age requirements

  Group sizes and pricing

  • • For this winter hiking tour in Iceland, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 10:1. 
    • It takes a minimum of 6 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 10 participants.

  Winter 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 winter hiking in Iceland 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.

• Getting there and meeting location

  The starting point of this winter hiking tour in Iceland is Reykjavík. To get there, most people fly into Keflavík International Airport (KEF). From there, you can take a bus, shuttle, or taxi to Reykjavík.

  You will meet your guide on Day 1 at your guide’s basecamp, conveniently located in Reykjavik’s harbour.

• 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.

• Deposits and cancellation policy

  A 30% deposit is required at the time of booking, with the remaining amount to be paid 2 months prior to departure. For bookings within two (2) months of the departure, full payment is required.

  Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies.

  • • If canceled within 48 hours of booking: 100% of the total tour price is refundable (including the deposit).
    • If canceled before confirmation of the group: 100% of the total tour price is refundable (including the deposit).
    • If canceled 59 days or more prior to the departure date: 50% of the total tour price is refundable.
    • If canceled 30-58 days prior to the departure date: 25% of the total tour price is refundable.
    • If canceled 0-29 days prior to the departure date: 0% of the total tour price is refundable.

  Please note that booking fees are non-refundable in all cases and will be deducted from the refund amount.

  After booking, client will need to sign the travel agreement. If the client declines to sign the travel agreement, we interpret this as the traveler not accepting the general and specific terms and conditions of the trip. As a result, the Guide will be entitled to cancel the reservation at the client’s own risk and expense.