This is what you’ll get on this adventure: A local Amarok Adventures guide 7 days of hiking Transportation throughout the adventure (4×4 Vehicle Land Rover Defender) Licensed driver guide from Amarok Adventures Accommodations during the hike in mountain huts and Icelandic farms All the meals during the hiking days All the cooking equipment MTB half-day experience Entrance to tourist hotspots Vehicle fuel Permits Not included: Flights and flight taxes Transfers to and from the airport Accommodation in Reykjavík Any meals in Reykjavík and dinner on Day 1 Lockers in case of leaving luggage that is not going to be used during the trip Sleeping bag & personal items Dinner in Reykjavík & Hvolsvöllur Showers in the mountain huts Country Visa Travel insurance Everything not specified

How fit do I need to be?

You need to be able to hike for full days, carrying a full daypack. Each day you can expect to spend three to six hours hiking, sometimes with elevation gains of around 1,000 meters (3,280 ft). The volcanic terrain can be challenging and the weather unforgiving. That said, if you are looking for adventure and up to the task of a full-day of trekking, you’ll be rewarded immensely.

What do I need to bring?

Suitcases are not allowed on this tour . You can bring a duffel bag and you’ll do daily hikes with a backpack. Ensure that all items fit securely within your duffel bag without anything protruding, keeping everything dry during the hike. The recommended maximum weight for your backpack is 10kg/22lbs , with an optimal limit around 8kg/17.6lbs. The quantities listed for specific items are indicative and based on guides’ recommendations. Here’s a general list of personal gear you need to bring: Backpack for daily hikes Sleeping bag with comfort temperature of 40ºF to 50ºF / 5ºC to 10ºC (for mountain huts) Waterproof bag for clothes 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 (as there’s no power in the huts) Hiking poles — highly recommended Water bottle and thermos Pocket knife — recommended Here’s a list of clothing you need to bring: Waterproof hiking boots with a sturdy sole Warm clothes First layer: bottom / upper base layer (Merino wool recommended, 1-2 units) Second layer: fleece jacket (1-2) Third layer: down jacket (1) Waterproof jacket & pants (GoreTex recommended, 1) Hiking pants (1-2) Short sleeve t-shirts (3-5) Long sleeve t-shirts (1-2) Underwear and hiking socks Warm beanie Gloves / mittens Hiking buff Sandals or crocs (for river crossing) 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.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and prices: The guest to guide ratio for this hiking tour is usually four to eight guests and two guides. Pricing is per person, and the cost does not decrease as your group grows. It takes a minimum of 4 people for this tour to run. If your hiking party is larger than six people, please contact us prior to booking to make arrangements. Min. age requirements: Anyone over the age of 16 can join this adventure If you plan to hike with anyone under the age of 16, please contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

A 30% deposit to secure your place is due upon booking. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies, and deposits are no longer refundable. 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: 100% of the price of the trip is refundable before the group is guaranteed 50% of the tour price is refundable if canceled 59 days or more before departure, once the trip has been confirmed 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 policies regarding cancellation will be clearly laid out by your guide after booking your adventure.

Getting there and meeting location

The meeting location is BSÍ, Reykjavík’s Central Bus Station. From there, you’ll be transferred to your first accommodation where you’ll begin your 7-day adventure.

COVID-19 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 read the Official COVID-19 updates by the Icelandic Government . 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!

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

Rauðibotn crater is one of the most breathtaking locations in the Central Highlands of Iceland.

Isolated Iceland: Private Hiking and Driving Tour

Shaped by isolation and the powerful forces of nature, Iceland is home to some of the most magnificent landscapes in the world. As you drive and hike across this desolate land full of beauty, mystery, and sights beyond imagination, you will understand the true meaning of adventure.

Embark on a private seven-day tour of Iceland and gain unprecedented access to the most secluded corners of the country. Obsidian valleys, roaring waterfalls, active volcanoes and craters sculpted by thousands of years of geological activity—this is your chance to see them all up close.

Two hikers just enjoying one of the dramatic viewpoints of Iceland.

A car with a FWD engine is just what you need to tread the isolated parts of Iceland.

Forge your path in the wild Highlands

The Icelandic Highlands form the beating heart of the island. This black volcanic desert is punctuated by bubbling mud pools, carpets of radiant moss, and winding rivers that carve into the barren land. Towering above it all are vast glaciers and mountains cloaked in the steam of sulfur vents.

For most visitors, these bewitching landscapes remain forever out of reach. With a local guide by your side, however, you’ll unlock the secrets of Iceland’s rugged wilderness.

BESPOKE ITINERARY
EXPERT LOCAL GUIDES
MAJESTIC LANDSCAPES
SUPER JEEP TOUR
EXPLORE THE UNKNOWN

A man is just a small figure beside this waterfall in Iceland.

Welcome to your private fantasy land

Immerse yourself in colorful landscapes

Few people ever get a chance to witness the beauty of the rugged, often impenetrable Highlands. While traveling across this mysterious land shaped by the elements, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into another dimension.

Valley of Tears boasts dozens of waterfalls pouring out the walls of a small canyon in Iceland.

This awesome Iceland hiking tour will take you to the dramatic site of Maelifell volcano.

On this hiking adventure in Iceland, you will discover the mysterious Langisjor Lake.

Many hikers in Iceland decide to soak in a geothermal pool surrounded by mountains and sheep peacefully grazing next to our clothes.

The Valley of Tears boasts dozens of waterfalls pouring out the walls of a remote canyon.

The 800-meter volcano of Mælifell is renowned for its vivid green coloration.

Lake Langisjór in the heart of the Highlands is one of the largest natural lakes in the country.

How about a peaceful soak in a geothermal lake surrounded by colorful mountains and grazing sheep?

A surreal experience awaits

Just one hill out of many on this drive and hike tour of Iceland.

This drive and hike adventure will take you all over the majestic isolated landscape of Iceland.

Expect the unexpected in the Land of Ice and Fire

SAFELY NAVIGATE THE UNCHARTED TERRAIN

Reaching some of the most stunning locations in Iceland comes with a challenge, but with experienced guides and drivers, there is no reason to hold back.

Due to its rugged terrain, the Highlands are usually off-limits to traffic. However, armed with a super jeep and an adventurous spirit, you’ll explore the wilderness with ease.

Scenic roads and trails will take you to petrified lava fields, waterfalls, secret canyons, and the wildest parts of Iceland waiting to be discovered!

The lava fields of the Fagradalsfjall Volcano in Iceland are simply mesmerizing to look at.

Embark on an epic Iceland adventure with Nissan Patrol, powered by FWD engine.

LANDSCAPES THAT INSPIRED JULES VERNE

Forget about the big tourist attractions and set off for Iceland’s untamed wilderness, where nature reigns supreme. Along the way you’ll visit the longest lake in Iceland, the colorful slopes of Blue Peak Mountain, the vast Mýrdalsjökull Glacier, and sprawling landscapes that inspired the legend of Ragnarök.

Driving on the road to Maelifell volcano.

A hiker walking on a green valley in Iceland.

An adventure you’ll never forget

Your last contact with civilization will be in Reykjavik, where you’ll get to explore the historic culture of the Arctic mixed with the city’s urban charm. The week ahead is filled with tricky terrain that will push your limits, outlandish photo-ops and unforgettable scenery molded by ice and fire.

As you move through the Highlands, you’ll stay at mountain huts and refuges where you’ll experience long sunsets as you recharge before the new day. For meals you’ll enjoy delicious homemade dishes in an intimate setting.

Follow Iceland’s F-roads until you reach the South Coast, filled with flowery meadows and wonderful wildlife like fulmars and puffins. After a week of adventure, you’ll reach your final stop, Hvolsvöllur, where you’ll spend the night in complete comfort.

UNIQUE HIKING SITES
OUTLANDISH PHOTO-OPS
ENDEMIC SPECIES
OFF-ROAD TRAVEL
MOUNTAIN HUTS

Langisjor area is home to the longest lake in Iceland.

The 800-meter volcano called Maelifell is renowned for its vivid green coloration, and is one of the most beautiful natural sites in Iceland.

A hiking group having a hearty dinner in a lovely restaurant in Iceland.

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.

Hvolsvöllur

Your journey ends in Hvolsvöllur, a small town where you’ll spend your last night before heading back to Keflavik.

Your guides

Albert Ojembarrena is an AIMG Mountain & Glacier Guide and the owner of Amarok Adventures. Alberto has guided adventure treks in Iceland, Greenland, South America, and Nepal and worked as a documentary and travel photographer for international magazines. He has lived in Iceland since 2015, traveling the country discovering hidden gems and loads of adventure off the beaten path — always with his camera in tow.

Mónica Fuentes is a Mountain guide certified by UIMLA. She is 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.

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

Iceland is an amazing place but very vast and it’s best to let the locals show you the really magical and secret spots. Amarok is the way to go and their skilled guides, Alberto and Monica, made our experience memorable and comfortable. You’ll get a sweat going and you’ll be rewarded with draw-dropping views and surprises along the way. I’d wholeheartedly say not to miss the chance!

It was hard choosing a company out of so many, but AMAROK rocked it! Monica and Alberto are just these kind of people you want to hang out with, plus they have those super cool Defenders (which are amazing for photography)
Every place they will show you is gonna blow your mind, no matter the weather.
It’s definately money well spent!
Thank you so much guys, loved every minute of the trip 🙂

We spend a the day with the team at AMAROK exploring the vatnajokull glacier. From the moment we meet at the pick up location things went smoothly. Alberto and Monica are professional and passionate and the whole time I felt like I was travelling with friends (who knew a lot about Iceland).