What you get in this adventure: A local certified guide from Amarok Adventures A professional & licensed driver from Amarok Adventures & 1 private 4×4 vehicle for the group for getting into the Highlands and returning from Thórsmörk Accommodation in mountain huts in multiple rooms Accommodation in quadruple rooms in hostel in Hvolsvöllur with breakfast Every meal during the hiking days Vehicle fuel All the cooking equipment Agency support 24/7 What’s not included: International flights Transportation to/from the airport Dinner in Reykjavík Showers in the mountain huts Lockers in Reykjavík to leave remaining luggage not needed during the trip Sleeping bag & personal mountain equipment Trip insurance Everything not specified under “what’s included” Accommodation: You will stay in rooms of four without distinction of gender and with shared bathrooms. During the days in the Highlands, you will stay in a mountain hut that has multiple rooms shared between all the guests without distinction of gender. There’s a kitchen inside the same building, and showers & toilets outside of the main building. *Important: the price of the showers is not included in the price. The accommodation in Hvolsvöllur has quadruple rooms with bunk beds and without pillows. The possibility of having double or single rooms in any accommodation is impossible, since they do not have them. Many accommodations in Iceland do not have blinds, so due to the polar day, we recommend using a mask. Meals: The diet of the trip is conceived as a full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner) every day that you are in the Highlands. The only meals not included are the dinner on day 1 & any food after breakfast on day 12. The lunch at noon will be picnic style to take full advantage of the daily trekking route, and will have to be carried by travelers in their backpacks during the route. Breakfast and dinner will be held in the mountain hut itself and will be elaborate meals. Every day, the guides will prepare dinner and the travelers will participate in the cleaning. The guides will be in charge of coordinating the different group tasks among all the travelers. In case of special dietary needs, please contact us and we can make arrangements.

How fit do I need to be?

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.

What equipment do I need to bring?

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: A backpack (35 to 40 L) Waterproof backpack cover Personal hiking gear Sleeping bag for 5-10 °C (you will sleep in mountain huts) Wind and waterproof shell jacket with hood (Gore-Tex recommended) Wind and waterproof pants (Gore-Tex recommended) Warm hiking pants Bottom base layer (thermal pants) Fleece jacket Down jacket or vest Synthetic or wool base layers (top and bottom), underwear and socks Spare clothes for layering and 8 days of hiking Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity) Lightweight hiking or trekking boots Sandals for river crossing Sunhat Warm hat and buff Warm gloves Hiking poles — optional (but recommended) Headlamp Pocket knife Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.) Sunglasses Camera — optional (but recommended) Suitcases or duffel bags are not allowed on this tour as you will be hiking with the backpack. If you want to bring extra clothing and luggage in a suitcase or duffel bag, you will have to leave them in Reykjavík and store them in lockers (not included in the price). Your backpack should not weight more than 10kg. The optimal maximum weight recommended is around 8kg. Drones are completely forbidden.

Can I rent equipment?

All mandatory gear can be rented if you don’t have your own. You can rent all personal hiking gear from Iceland Camping Equipment in Reykjavik. Gear should be picked up prior to the first day of your hiking tour. It is not necessary for the traveler to bring any kind of extra technical material. If you need to rent gear, let us know and we can help make arrangements.

What can I expect from hiking with a guide?

Hiring a local guide means getting a chance to see trails as equally alluring as tourist fave, the Laugavegur Trail, but much less known to the public — you’ll be getting half the hype and twice the experience of Iceland’s beauty. Iceland has notoriously fickle weather and the hidden trails on this adventure are remote, but your guide will know just what to do if the weather takes a turn or something unexpected happens.

What about bad weather?

Iceland is home to infamously unpredictable weather, so you need to be prepared with the right gear. The same white cloud shielding you from sunbeams can easily turn into a stormcloud within minutes. Rest assured, your guide will know the correct course of action if the weather throws a curveball. Plus, you’ll get the chance to warm up in one of the area’s cozy mountain huts.

Group sizes and pricing

You will be joining a group that usually consists of 7-13 people. Pricing is per person. The group gets confirmed at the moment that at least the minimum people (7 people) pays the 30% deposit of the final price. At that time, the group will be informed that the trip has been confirmed, and therefore that they can start booking their flights to Iceland. If you are an individual traveler, you can join the group. The guide will be adding travelers until the minimum group size to confirm the trip can be guaranteed. There are no supplements to individual travelers, as they will share a room. Min. age requirement: Everybody over the age of 16 is welcome on this hiking adventure.

Deposit and cancellation policy

Secure your spot for next year with a 10% deposit! Since the Hidden Trails hiking tour gets sold out very quickly, we secured a number of early-bird dates for next year. Pick your preferred dates without the risk of your bucket list adventure selling out! Only 10% of the total amount should be paid as a deposit upon booking. This deposit is non-refundable, but can be transferred to another 57hours adventure any time in case the dates don’t suit you. Another 20% of the total amount is due by the end of the year. The final balance is due 3 months (90 days) prior to departure. For regular dates, a 30% non-refundable deposit to secure your place is due upon booking. The remaining 70% of the amount is paid the latest 3 months (90 days) prior to departure. In case you need to cancel the trip, the following cancellation costs would be incurred: 50% of the tour price is refundable if canceled 59 days or more before departure 25% of the tour price is refundable if canceled 30-59 days before departure 0% of the tour price is refundable if canceled 0-29 days before departure All of the tours are confirmed to run. All policies regarding cancellation will be clearly laid out by your guide after booking your adventure.

Do I need trip insurance?

We highly recommended that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance. With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the mountain, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more. As we’ve recently seen, travel plans can be abruptly halted, so it’s a good idea to purchase travel insurance that covers cancelled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans. For peace of mind, we suggest you consider both options of insurance. If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!

Getting there and meeting location

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.

Why should I book with 57Hours?

With us, it’s all play and no work for you! 57hours is an open platform that connects you with trained and certified outdoor adventure professionals all over the world. Using our tech-savvy, we make it super easy to find and book adventures worth tackling, with guides worth booking, all gathered from the first-hand experiences of the locals who adventure in these amazing locations.

Covid measures in Iceland

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!

The Hidden Trails of Iceland

When you embark on these remote trails you’ll experience the most beautiful and expansive landscapes Iceland has to offer. Far from the tourists and crowded trails, you’ll travel over 80 miles of kaleidoscopic terrain to some of the best hidden treasures that dare to be found.

Forged of molten stone and weathered by thick ice, hidden trails take you on a journey through other-worldly landscapes of jet black sand glistening with shards of obsidian, past green-hewn rhyolite mountains and turquoise lakes, and on to lava fields with inviting hot springs—all while sleeping in mountain huts.

Woman hiking in the lush, mossy wilderness of Southern Iceland

Group of hikers standing under Grænihryggur, Iceland's surreal mountain ridge of emerald glass

Hikers looking down on Lake Langisjór in Vatnajökull National Park

Why Hidden Trails?

Hidden Trails is an adventure that combines the famous Laugavegur Trail along with some of the most reclusive gems of Iceland. We will discover geothermal areas, secret valleys, endless lakes and lava fields that challenge our imagination.

The tour is about seclusion. For most of the trek, we will be on our own in forgotten places and away from the common-and-crowded hiking routes. That is, until we join the last stages of the Laugavegur Trail for a thunderous climax: Thórsmörk, a valley of mythic proportions fit for the gods.

NO CROWDS
NO ERODED TRAILS
A TRUE ADVENTURE
HIDDEN GEMS
BASIC EQUIPMENT

The guide showing the majesty of the Valley of Landmannalaugar.

The landscape evolves daily

There’s so much different scenery you’ll see while adventuring, it’ll stay with you your whole life. You can go in minutes from red to black to green tones.

Flaming-colored relief, lava forests, and other red tones can be found while adventuring Iceland.

Black tones dominate Iceland’s volcanic fields, black sand beaches and deserts.

Iceland is full of mountains and valleys with green tones.

Blue tones dominate the glacial lakes of Iceland.

Iceland and snow go hand-in-hand, so expect a lot of white tones on your journey.

Red tones

Flaming-colored relief, lava forests, and even molten, fiery lava can be found while adventuring.

Black tones

Enchanting pitch-black ground, volcanic ashes, black sand beaches and deserts.

Beige tones

Landmannalaugar is a geothermal valley with picturesque beige and orange shades of the ground.

Green tones

From moss-green mountains to valleys and light-green plants, these shades of green are breathtaking.

Blue tones

There will not be a lack of blue on your adventure, as there are numerous gorgeous lakes around.

White tones

Finally, there are also a few colder areas where the whitest virgin snow covers the ground.

The raw experience

Besides the dramatic, picturesque landscapes at every turn, what makes this an adventure of a lifetime is the experience you can’t get anywhere else in the world. You can undergo four seasons in a day, sleep in shepherd huts, eat authentic local meals, and bathe in natural thermal pools.

Experience the raw and primal traditions, connect yourself with nature, and energize your body, mind, and soul in the vast and breathtaking scenery only found in Iceland.

The general itinerary for hiking the hidden trails of Iceland requires 4 to 8 hours of walking a day, crossing between 6 to 10 miles from one hut to the next, for 10 days in a row.

The hiking trails in Iceland will take you through different seasons and diverse landscapes.

The mountain huts on Iceland's hiking trails are rustic oases of comfort and respite.

Connect for life

Sleeping with your travel-buddies in huts in the middle of Icelandic vastness creates unbreakable connections. You will be able to meet people from other sides of the world while sharing the same unforgettable experiences.

This spectacular journey hosts anywhere from 7 to 13 travelers looking for an adventure.

Community of hikers posing under a rainbow

First time in Iceland?

International airport

If you’re flying to Iceland, you will arrive at Keflavik International Airport and be transferred to Reykjavik. It’s just a 45-minute drive.

Reykjavík

The capital and the largest city of Iceland, believed to be the location of the first permanent settlement  in Iceland.

LANDMANNALAUGAR

A vast area of stunning and unique beauty in the heart of Iceland’s southern Highlands. It serves as a starting point for your adventure.

Thórsmörk

A mountain ridge in Iceland, named after the Norse god Thor. It serves as the final location for your adventure, before heading back.

The Island of Ice and Fire Awaits

Hiker cresting a hill above the vast landscape of Southern Iceland

LEARN MORE IN OUR WEBINAR

THE HIDDEN TRAILS

LAUGAVEGUR TRAIL

Trail Highlights

LANDMANNALAUGAR

This geothermal valley is surrounded by colorful mountains, where lava fields fall over valleys surrounded by rivers, lakes, and beautiful craters.

Langisjór & the Fögrufjöll mountains

Langisjór lake serves as the starting point for the hike through the Fögrufjöll mountains, with the Vatnajökull glacier on the horizon.

Langisjor Lake is the starting point for the hike through the Fogrufjoll mountains.

SkælingaR

This magical and mysterious area is a millenary lava field where moss and lava converge, creating unique formations.

Skaelingar is a magical and mysterious area that is renowned for its unique rock formations.

Hólaskjól

A descent inside the canyon leads to ancient rocks and the “impassable waterfall” Ófaerufoss which leads to the hut of Hólaskjól.

Ofaerufoss is a waterfall located in the Vatnajokull National Park.

Álftavötn

Hike the unique trails traversing through stunning green hills and along the Syðri Ófæra river before reaching the lakes of Álftavötn. The peaceful energy will leave you speechless.

The green hills around the Syori-Ofaera river.

Strútur

The black sand with bright green stretches of centennial moss covers the volcanoes in this area known for natural hot springs.

Strutur is an area that is well-known for its hot springs.

Álftavatn

The unknown path through the mountains leads to the magical Álftavatn lake surrounded by breathtaking landscapes.

The mountains towering above the Alftavatn lake.

Emstrur

The path to the Emstrur canyon requires a hike through the famous black desert and wading through several rivers surrounded by white and pink flowers.

Thórsmörk

Crossing ancient glacial moraines and volcanic terrain leads to an oasis of dwarf birch trees and hanging glaciers — the valley of God of Thunder, Thórsmörk.

Thorsmork Valley is a welcome change of pace, with dwarf birch trees and hanging glaciers awaiting your arrival.

LANDMANNALAUGAR

This geothermal valley is surrounded by colorful mountains, where lava fields fall over valleys surrounded by rivers, lakes, and beautiful craters.

Langisjór & the Fögrufjöll mountains

Langisjór lake serves as the starting point for the hike through the Fögrufjöll mountains, with the Vatnajökull glacier on the horizon.

SkælingaR

This magical and mysterious area is a millenary lava field where moss and lava converge, creating unique formations.

Hólaskjól

A descent inside the canyon leads to ancient rocks and the “impassable waterfall” Ófaerufoss which leads to the hut of Hólaskjól.

Álftavötn

Hike the unique trails traversing through stunning green hills and along the Syðri Ófæra river before reaching the lakes of Álftavötn. The peaceful energy will leave you speechless.

Strútur

The black sand with bright green stretches of centennial moss covers the volcanoes in this area known for natural hot springs.

Álftavatn

The unknown path through the mountains leads to the magical Álftavatn lake surrounded by breathtaking landscapes.

Emstrur

The path to the Emstrur canyon requires a hike through the famous black desert and wading through several rivers surrounded by white and pink flowers.

Thórsmörk

Crossing ancient glacial moraines and volcanic terrain leads to an oasis of dwarf birch trees and hanging glaciers — the valley of God of Thunder, Thórsmörk.

Your guides

Mónica is a mountain guide certified by UIMLA. She is experienced in mountaineering, sport climbing, and skiing. 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.

Alberto has guided adventure treks in Iceland, Greenland, South America, and Nepal. He has also worked as a documentary and travel photographer for international magazines. He has lived in Iceland since 2015, traveling the country, discovering hidden gems and adventuring off beaten paths.

Mónica Fuentes is a Mountain guide certified by UIMLA

Alberto Ojembarrena is an AIMG Mountain & Glacier Guide and the owner of Amarok Adventures

Alberto and Monica are exceptional guides! Looking forward to another adventure with you! This is possibly the best treck that I have ever done! Thank you Alberto and Monica for sharing us the amazing secrets of Iceland.

Amarok Adventures is the best wilderness guiding outfit we have ever gone with – Alberto and Monica are absolutely amazing guides: friendly, calm, inspiring, knowledgeable, amazing cooks and loads of fun. Really experienced hidden Iceland and hiked in places we could never have discovered without a guide. Iceland is spectacular and hiking is the best way to see it.

We did a private tour with my dad and Albert. One of the best experience in my life.

Albert knows Iceland better than anyone. He was able to organize a 5 days trips in the Highlands that exceeded all my expectations. Amarok is owned by Albert and Monica, and they are the nicest people to be around. They love for Iceland is transpiring in all the choices they make. Organization was perfect, Albert\’s food was delicious – can\’t recommend Amarok more for a trip in Iceland. We ended up way outside of the crowded areas where most people are going, in remote places where you won\’t find anyone else other than nature around you. Thank you so much Albert – it was a pleasure spending this trip with you.

Outstanding hiking in remote and incredibly scenic parts of the highlands of Iceland. Highly recommend Alberto and Monica and their trips. You will see the most beautiful parts of hidden Iceland, several days you will not see any other people and only incredible natural beauty.

I would go anywhere with Alberto! Loved the off beat trek, good food and awesome settings.

Alberto was incredibly fun & knowledgeable, Monica as well. They made the whole trip unforgettable. “Just finished “ Hidden Trails” in Iceland with Amarok Adventures. A beautiful and epic trip through the less touristy parts of the icelandic highlands. Utterly amazing and mind blowing.
Thank You Amarok,
Marc & Maria”

Our guide Alberto provided us a safe, fun and excellent experience in the Highlands. He has a set of skills perfectly suited for the task: knowledge, strength, confidence, experience, responsibility, quick thinking and grace under pressure. And a great sense of humor! And a good cook too! We had a great time throughout the entire trip. Memories for a lifetime.

The Highlands of Iceland is unique, vast and beautiful. Massive glaciers, black deserts, too many spectacular waterfalls to count. Iridescent mosses, surprising flowers against a background of mountains, cones and craters. Amazing!