Trip details

Meet your guide at the BSI bus terminal in Reykjavik and head for Thingvellir National Park, where you can walk between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Curiously, this is also where the Althing, the oldest parliament in the world, was established in the year 930 AD.  Then, proceed to the Great Geysir and its smaller brother Strokkur Geyser, which consistently spews boiling hot water up to 130 ft (40 m) in the air every 10 minutes. Heading to the Kerlingarfjöll Mountain Resort in Ásgarður where you’ll spend the night, you’ll stop by Gullfoss falls, considered by many to be the most beautiful waterfall in Iceland.

Hiking distance: 5 miles/ 8 km
Duration: 3 hrs on foot, 4 hrs by car
Elevation change: 660 ft/ 200 m

Follow a loop trail over the mountains, to the boiling hot springs and fascinating multi-colored hills. You’ll encounter a spectacular array of colors, including, yellow, blue, black, green, and red from the iron and the rhyolite that the mountains are composed of. After the hike, get transported to the Hveravellir oasis, where you will spend the night. Make sure to take a dip in the nearby geothermal pool before hitting the hay.

Hiking distance: 7 miles/ 12 km
Duration: 4 hrs on foot, 1 hr by car
Elevation change: 1,900 ft/ 575 m

Get ready for the first day of your multi-day trek along the ancient Kjalvegur route, once used by Vikings, settlers, and farmers. The route winds between the Langjökull and Hofsjökull glaciers, and you’ll walk through unique vegetation, grass, flowers, and brush, but also black lava fields, volcanic craters, mountains, and glaciers. Spend the night in Þjófadalur, a small, cozy hut in a grassy green valley.

Hiking distance: 10 miles/ 15 km
Duration: 5 hrs on foot
Elevation change: 990 ft/300 m

Today, you’ll follow the Kjalhraun lava field while enjoying a spectacular view of the Hrútfell mountain and its gliding glaciers throughout. Watch the Fúlakvísl river roar through a very narrow canyon carved out by lava millennia ago. The scenery around your hut is so incredible you’ll want to explore it for days on end.

Hiking distance: 9 miles/ 14 km
Duration: 5 hrs on foot
Elevation change: 660 ft/ 200 m

On day 5, you’ll hike to one of the oldest mountain huts in Iceland. Built way back in 1930, the hut and its turf roof are protected by Icelandic law because of its age and uniqueness. Follow a trail through vegetated areas interspaced by some deep horse trails and crystal-clear water fountains. The hut is close to the Hvítárvatn glacial lake, which runs from the Langjökull glacier and is the source of both the Hvítá river and Gullfoss falls.

Hiking distance: 10 miles/ 16 km
Duration: 5 hrs on foot
Elevation change: 660 ft/ 200 m

Make your way back to Reykjavik. Once you arrive, enjoy a short walk around town where you’ll experience the landmarks, learn the stories of the statues scattered throughout, and learn about the culture of the contemporary Icelandic people. Then, it’s time to fly back home!

Hiking distance: 8 miles/ 5 km
Duration: 2 hrs on foot, 3 hrs by car
Elevation change: 165 ft/ 50 m