This is what you’ll get with on this adventure: A local certified English-speaking guide from Amarok Adventures 6 days of hiking A professional licensed driver and a private 4×4 vehicle for moving from one location to another Accommodation in 6 people rooms in hostel in the South Coast with breakfast with the chance of going to a mountain hut if the conditions allow it All dinners included while travelling with the group Vehicle fuel Snowshoes, crampons, ice axes, harnesses and all the needed equipment Agency support 24/7 Not included : International flights Transfers from/to the airport Accommodation in Reykjavík Any meals not mentioned in “What’s included” Personal mountain gear Trip insurance Lockers in Reykjavík in case of leaving the luggage that is not going to be used during the trip Everything else not specified in “What’s Included”

Accommodation and meals

Accommodation During the first night of the adventure, you’ll stay in 6-people bunk bed rooms, without distinction of gender and with shared bathroom. If during the trip the access to the Highlands is possible, we will stay in mountain huts with very basic services (no showers). The mountain huts have large rooms shared between all the guests without distinction of gender, kitchen inside the same building, and showers & toilets outside of the main building. 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 sleeping mask. Meals The included meals are conceived as half-board every day that you spend in the Basecamp. The only meals not included are breakfast on Day 1, dinner on Day 6 and lunches. Beverages include juice, milk, coffee or infusions. The diet during the trip will be healthy and balanced, using all kinds of products to offer the traveler complete nutrition. Lunch is not included. It will be picnic style to make the most of the daily trekking route, and will have to be carried by travelers in their backpacks during the hike. Breakfast and dinner will be held in the accommodation itself and will be elaborate meals. In case of special dietary needs, please contact us and we can make arrangements.

How fit do I need to be?

This adventure requires that you spend three to six hours hiking every day for 6 days, often through challenging terrain. You should be able to hike over 2300 ft (700 m) of elevation gain and feel comfortable with winter activities such as glacier hiking or snowshoeing. There are steep climbs and glacier hikes in winter weather conditions, sometimes wearing crampons or snowshoes. You should feel comfortable spending full-days outdoors and on your feet.

What 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: Personal hiking gear Synthetic or wool thermal base layers (top and bottom), underwear and socks Wool or fleece thermal mid layer Waterproof and breathable pants and jacket Wind and waterproof shell jacket with hood (Gore-Tex recommended) Wind and waterproof pants (Gore-Tex recommended) Hiking pants Down jacket or vest Spare clothes for layering and 6 days of hiking and sailing Wool/fleece hat Sunhat A buff or warm scarf At least one pair of gloves and inner gloves – wool or synthetic Waterproof hiking boots (Vibram sole or similar) — good sturdy boots with sufficient ankle support and a robust sole Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity) Thermos Lightweight hiking or trekking boots Hiking poles — optional (but recommended) Headlamp Pocket knife Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.) Towel Sleeping mask Hand and toe warmers Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 40L bag) Sunglasses Flashlight Camera — optional (but recommended) It isn’t necessary to bring any kind of extra technical mountain gear, as you will be provided with the appropriate technical mountain gear for each activity.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and prices: You will be joining a group that usually consists of 6-12 people. Pricing is per person. It takes a minimum of 6 people for this tour to run. If you are an individual traveler, you are more than welcome to join. There are no supplements to individual travelers, as they will share a room. The cost per person doesn’t decrease as the group grows. Hiking in Iceland can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements. Min. age requirements: Everybody over the age of 16 is welcome on this winter hiking adventure. If you have teens younger than 16, contact us prior to the booking.

Deposits and cancellation policy

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 the departure. In the event that the minimum number of people to confirm the trip is not reached, AMAROK ADVENTURES can cancel the departure at most 2 months before the start of the trip. 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

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 meet at the BSI central bus terminal in Reykjavík. From there, you’ll head to the trailhead. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group.

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 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!

Hike in Iceland’s
Winter Wilderness

As you cross miles upon miles of trails and roads, you’ll be awestruck by landscapes that defy the laws of nature. The most stunning and isolated parts of Iceland swirl together as you embark on this winter hiking adventure through its mesmerizing wilderness.

During the summer, Iceland teems with spectacular roaring rivers and mystical valleys, but winter presents a perfectly unique adventure on some of Europe’s most wild terrain—clad in snow and ice. Discover the untamed parts of South Coast and Highlands over six days of pure magic—although good weather can’t be guaranteed, an epic adventure can!

A hiking group enjoying their winter adventure in Iceland.

Seek respite from Iceland's winter wilderness in one of well-equipped huts.

Boundless terrain under the northern lights

Iceland is a land of glistening glaciers and volcanoes, lying on the constantly active geologic border between North American and Euroasian tectonic plates. With the Arctic Circle pouring frigid air from the north and the driving warm Gulf Stream from the south, Iceland coalesces in a land of diverse and vivid landscapes.

Covering almost 40,000 square miles, Iceland is endowed with over 130 volcanoes on the one hand and over 265 glaciers on the other, dubbed the Land of Ice and Fire. In one of Europe’s largest untamed tracts, venture off the beaten path into the other-worldly wilderness that will delight even the most experienced adventurer.

64°96′ N AND 19°02′ W
UNIQUE HIKING SITES
40,000 SQUARE MILES
OVER 256 GLACIERS
130 VOLCANOES

Traversing Iceland’s winter wilderness is that much easier with a super jeep.

The location of Iceland on the full map of Central and North Europe.

Venture into the white unknown

NATURE IN ITS MOST UNTOUCHED FORM

Access otherwise inaccessible places and snowshoe and climb to the furthest reaches of this volcanic island—the remote corners of Iceland are like portals to another world. Far removed from the crowds and urban areas, not many people get a chance to witness the beauty of these places, especially not when they’re covered in snow.

Energize your mind and soul as you venture to otherwise inaccessible places. Snowshoe to the peaks of dormant volcanoes, climb untouched frozen waterfalls, spend hours hiking the snow covered lava fields, and revel in the ever-changing landscapes.

The majestic sight of Iceland's highlands in winter.

Your basecamp for exploring the South Coast

Leave your heavy backpacks at home. On this trip all you need is a daypack, your mountain boots and a little admiration for the cold. Once you return, warm your toes and share stories around the campfire then observe the starry skies dancing with spectral lights!

From your Midgard Base Camp & Restaurant in Hvolsvöllur, downtime may be so cozy you won’t want to venture out. Enjoy long sunsets and sunrises, relax in steaming hot springs and spend cozy nights in a modern hostel. For meals you’ll enjoy freshly prepared and delicious Icelandic dishes in an intimate setting with 6 to 12 other hiking enthusiasts. With inviting facilities and common areas ideal for bonding with your group, you’ll feel like you’re on a big family trip!

EXPERIENCED GUIDES
MODERN FACILITIES
HISTORICAL GLACIERS
SNOWY LAVA FIELDS
HOT SPRINGS

A person stading next to a jeep on a beach in Iceland during golden hour

A cute arctic fox seeking refuge in Iceland’s winter wilderness.

A surreal experience awaits

Iceland’s valleys take on a whole new coat of paint in winter.

WATCH THE WHOLE STORY IN OUR WEBINAR

Expect the unexpected in the Land of Ice and Fire

Witness the dance of the Valkyries

Explore glacier-formed canyons during the day, and bask in the glow of the northern lights at night. For Vikings, the lights represented the Valkyries who guided the souls of fallen warriors to Odin’s Valhalla. As their dance lights up the sky, enjoy the complete silence around you—the only thing you will hear is the breeze blowing through the frozen birch trees.

Winter season is your best chance to observe the Northern Lights in Iceland.

A dark night sky with green northern lights

SAFELY NAVIGATE THE UNTAMED WILDERNESS

Due to Iceland’s shifting currents, your guide will unfold the map each morning and craft a new journey each day. You’ll evade the tricky weather conditions in 4×4 durable trucks with massive tires modified to handle the Icelandic conditions.

These vehicles will provide safety and unparalleled flexibility. Amazing roads and trails to frozen waterfalls, volcanoes, secret canyons, and the wildest parts of Iceland are waiting for you!

Hikers treading on Iceland’s trails in winter.

Find exciting new challenges

Not everyone dares to venture into Icelandic wilderness, but with experienced guides and drivers, there is no reason to hold back.

If the conditions allow it, don’t limit yourself to hiking—there’s a myriad of options!

Ice climb, navigate spectacular ice caves, or visit the famous Highlands and Thorsmork valley. You could even spend a night in a mountain hut!

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 will guide you through the best hiking on the Faroe Islands.

Mónica Fuentes is a certified mountain guide who knows some of the best spots on the Faroe Islands.

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 🙂

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!