The landscapes are so epic they make Yellowstone look like child’s play, with paths strewn across challenging volcanic terrain, over rivers and past glaciers. Hike all day among vibrant mountains, vast lava fields and moss painted valleys. Authentic mountain huts allow you to rest after long hikes spent trekking under the midnight sun. Some nights you’ll even rest under sleeping volcanoes! To top it off, weather conditions can have you experiencing all four seasons in just a few short hours, making this the ultimate adventure test and one you’ll be reminiscing about for years to come.
Meet your guides in the Icelandic capital Reykjavík once you’re briefed by your guides, and your personal materials have been reviewed, enjoy the rest of the afternoon. Your first night will be spent in a hostel in Hvolsvöllur, about 90 minutes away from Reykjavik. (Dinner not included.)
Set out to Landmannalaugar in a 4×4 vehicle to one of the most spectacular places in the Highlands of Iceland. Explore a geothermal valley and enjoy the views of impressive lava fields and rivers, lakes, and beautiful craters. For two days, trek and discover all the hidden secrets of the surrounding colorful mountains, hike the spectacular trails and feel the energy that flows through these beautiful valleys. You will spend both nights in a mountain hut.
Ascent: 438 m (1,440 ft)
Descent: 476 m (1,560 ft)
Max elevation: 1,002 m (3,290 ft)
Hiking: 7-15 km (4-9 mi)
Driving: 105 km (121 mi)
On your fourth day, drive to the Langisjór lake. Once you’re there, spend the day hiking through the Fögrufjöll mountains (the “beautiful mountains”) with the Vatnajökull glacier on the horizon. Enjoy the wilderness that floods in this place, where only the faint sound of water and the wind are heard. Spend the night in a mountain hut.
Ascent: 300 m (985 ft)
Descent: 350 m (1,150 ft)
Max elevation: 800 m (2,625 ft)
Hiking: 12 km (7 mi)
Driving: 60 km (37 mi)
Today, explore the deserts, lava fields and canyons. Hike to the magical and mysterious area of Skælingar, a lava field near the Skaftá river. Follow the trail and it will take you to the outstanding Hvanngil canyon, where the moss & the lava together create a range of colors that will leave you amazed. After admiring the beautiful coastal views, spend the night in a mountain hut.
Ascent: 416 m (1,365 ft)
Descent: 564 m (1,850 ft)
Max elevation: 685 m (2,250 ft)
Hiking: 16 km (10 mi)
After breakfast, get ready to trek to Eldgjá (the “Fire Canyon”). Descend inside the canyon and explore its ancient rocks & the “impassable waterfall” Ófaerufoss before finishing the day off with a short trek to the hut of Hólaskjól, where you’ll spend the night.
Ascent: 580 m (1,900 ft)
Descent: 703 m (2,300 ft)
Max elevation: 934 m (3,065 ft)
Hiking: 18 km (11 mi)
Get ready to hike the unique trails leading to the lakes of Álftavötn. You’ll hike through stunning green hills and along the Syðri Ófæra river. The peaceful energy will leave you speechless. It’s a really unique place to feel the Highlands energy, before entering into the deserts that you’ll explore in the next few days of the trip. Spend the night at the mountain hut.
Ascent: 182 m (600 ft)
Descent: 58 m (190 ft)
Max elevation: 446 m (1,465 ft)
Hiking: 10 km (6 mi)
On the longest day of your trip, your group will continue hiking along the river and cross the exciting canyon to head towards Strútur. You will be amazed by the black sand marbled with bright green streaks of centennial moss that covers the impressive Icelandinc volcanoes, connecting them to the beautiful surrounding flora. As you reach a natural hot spring, relax in the geothermal sulphurous waters, or if the weather doesn’t allow it, enjoy the spectacular views. Hike towards the mountain hut where you will spend the night.
Ascent: 673 m (2,210 ft)
Descent: 495 m (1,625 ft)
Max elevation: 706 m (2,315 ft)
Hiking: 23 km (14 mi)
After an early breakfast, your group will leave the last mountain hut to face the unknown and follow the Laugavegur Trail and witness the magical lake of Álftavatn. After 17 kilometers of hiking through spectacular landscapes and enjoying the view of the deep and decorative lake, spend the night at the last mountain hut on this trip.
Ascent: 375 m (1,230 ft)
Descent: 375 m (1,230 ft)
Max elevation: 728 m (2,390 ft)
Hiking: 17 km (11 mi)
Enjoy the fresh morning air as you continue your hike through the beautiful wilderness of Iceland. Discover the wonders of the famous black desert and cross several rivers by foot. Spend the day surrounded by beautiful pink and white flowers growing in the desert soil, and witness the breathtaking Myrdalsjökull glacier just a few kilometers away. The glacier sitting on top of the explosive volcano Katla is the fourth largest ice cap. It covers nearly 600 square kilometres, and the blue ice streaked with different shades of white will leave you breathless. From the desert plain and escorted by the Hattafell volcano, descend to the vicinity of the Emstrur canyon where the refuge is located and spend the night.
Ascent: 224 m (735 ft)
Descent: 288 m (945 ft)
Max elevation: 604 m (1,980 ft)
Hiking: 16 km (10 mi)
Your last day of hiking will be spent in the area surrounding the Emestur canyon, where you’ll cross ancient glacial moraines and volcanic terrain, until you reach an oasis of dwarf birch trees, willow forests and hanging glaciers. Explore one of the most popular hiking trails—Thórsmörk, the valley of the God of Thunder. If the weather allows, conclude your trip with a delicious barbecue made with local products, surrounded by an incredible landscape. Spend your last night at the mountain hut.
Ascent: 288 m (945 ft)
Descent: 506 m (1,660 ft)
Max elevation: 481 m (1,580 ft)
Hiking: 16 km (10 mi)
Today you say farewell to the hidden trails of Iceland. You’ll return to your starting point, Reykjavík. Leave recharged and one memorable adventure richer!
Included:
Not included:
This adventure is tailored for experienced hikers with great fitness, who are comfortable with demanding treks on uneven terrain while carrying their own gear (approximately 9kg / 19lbs).
Check out the itinerary to learn about day-by-day distances and elevation changes, but in general, daily hikes span about 20 km (13 mi), requiring 5-8 hours of trekking each day, with no marked trails, river crossings, and stays in basic mountain huts. This will total in over 150 km (93 miles) over 12 days. The volcanic landscape can be challenging, and the weather can be unforgiving. If you’re seeking a challenging hiking adventure and are ready for multiple full-day treks, the rewards are immense.
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).
Ensure that all items fit securely within your backpack without anything protruding, keeping everything dry during the hike. The recommended maximum weight for your backpack is 10kg/22lbs, with an optimal weight of 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:
Here’s a list of clothing you need to bring:
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.
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.
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.
Group sizes and prices:
Min. age requirements:
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.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!
Redpoint tailors their 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.
Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!
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.