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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.
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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.)
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Ascent: 438 m
Descent: 476 m
Max elevation: 1002 m
Hiking: 7-15 km | 4-9 mi
Driving: 105 km | 121 miSet 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.
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Ascent: 300 m
Descent: 350 m
Max elevation: 800 m
Hiking: 12 km | 7 mi
Driving: 60 km | 37 miOn 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.
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Ascent: 416 m
Descent: 564 m
Max elevation: 685 m
Hiking: 16 km | 10 miToday, 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.
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Ascent: 580 m
Descent: 703 m
Max elevation: 934 m
Hiking: 18 km | 11 miAfter 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.
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Ascent: 182 m
Descent: 58 m
Max elevation: 446 m
Hiking: 10 km | 6 miGet 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.
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Ascent: 673 m
Descent: 495 m
Max elevation: 706 m
Hiking: 23 km | 14 miOn 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.
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Ascent: 375 m
Descent: 374 m
Max elevation: 728 m
Hiking: 17 km | 11 miAfter 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.
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Ascent: 224 m
Descent: 288 m
Max elevation: 604 m
Hiking: 16 km | 10 miEnjoy 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.
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Ascent: 288 m
Descent: 506 m
Max elevation: 481 m
Hiking: 16 km | 10 miYour 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.
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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.
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Included:
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- A local, certified, experienced guide
- A professional & licensed driver & 1 private 4×4 vehicle for the group for getting into the Highlands and returning from Thórsmörk
- Accommodation for 10 nights in mountain huts and 1 night in quadruple room in a hostel in Hvolsvöllur
- Every meal during the hiking days
- Vehicle fuel
- All the cooking equipment
- Agency support 24/7
Not included:
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- International flights
- Airport transfers
- 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
- Guide gratuities — optional
- Insurance — available to add at checkout
- Everything not specified under “what’s included”
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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.
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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. 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.
Please note that drones are strictly prohibited.
Personal gear:
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- Backpack (35-40 L)
- Sleeping bag with comfort temperature of 40ºF to 50ºF / 5ºC to 10ºC (for mountain huts)
- Waterproof bag for clothes (recommended)
- Rain cover for your backpack
- Swimsuit and towel (recommended)
- Personal toiletries
- Personal first-aid kit (while your guide carries a first-aid kit, each traveler should carry their own necessities)
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Earplugs (recommended)
- Headlamp + batteries
- Camera (recommended)
- Power bank (as there’s no power in the huts)
- Lunchbox / tupperware (you’ll need to carry your lunch & snacks each day so this is recommended)
- Hiking poles — highly recommended
- Water bottle and thermos
Clothing & footwear:
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- 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 or fiber 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)
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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.
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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.
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Group sizes and prices:
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- You will be joining a group that usually consists of 7-13 people.
- Pricing is per person.
- The group gets confirmed at the moment when at least 7 people sign up. At that time, the group will be informed that the trip has been confirmed—so you can start making your travel plans! This is a fan favorite, so in general, all dates get sold out.
- If you are an individual traveler, you can join the group. There are no supplements to individual travelers, as they will share a room.
Min. age requirements:
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- Everybody over the age of 17 is welcome on this hiking adventure.
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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.
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We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.
Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors 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.
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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.
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