Hut-to-Hut Hiking Tour of Iceland’s Ancient Trails

Included:

• • An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  • An experienced and licensed mountain vehicle driver
  • 6 days of guided hiking along Ancient Trails
  • Accommodation in mountain huts for 5 nights (shared dormitories)
  • Transfers:
    • Pick-up & drop-off in Reykjavik
    • Private 4×4 mountain vehicle for the group to get in and out of the highlands & fuel
    • Support vehicle for luggage transfers
  • All meals for the duration of the tour (from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 6)
  • All cooking equipment
  • Showers in mountain huts
  • Admission & parking fees
  • Sleeping bag
  • Agency support 24/7

Not included:

• • Flights to Iceland
  • Airport transfers
  • Transportation to the BSI Bus Terminal in Reykjavik
  • Accommodations in Reykjavík before and after the tour
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Personal hiking gear
  • Any meals in Reykjavik before or after the trip
  • Anything not listed under “Included”
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • Guide gratuities — optional

This Ancient Trails hiking adventure is suitable for all ages as long as you have a decent level of fitness. You’ll be hiking for 6 full days, covering around 7.5-10 miles (12-17 km) per day with moderate altitude change while carrying a daypack. The most elevation you’ll gain within a day is 600 m (1,970 ft).

One of the best things about this Ancient Trails hiking tour is that it’s fully supported—meaning that your luggage will be transported hut-to-hut with a support vehicle, and you’ll just have to carry the day’s essentials. Keep in mind that the weather and trail conditions may affect the difficulty, and you might encounter several minor river crossings along the trail.

Ancient Trails tours run in the summer, from June through September. Temperatures usually range between 5°C and 15°C once in the Highlands—so layering is key! On rare occasions, it can dip as low as -5°C or rise up to 25°C. Iceland’s weather is famously unpredictable, so the most important thing is to be well-prepared with proper clothing and gear.

There’s really no “perfect” time to visit—each month offers its own unique charm, with changing landscapes, trail conditions, and experiences. Here’s what to expect throughout the season:

• • June — Snow patches still linger on the trail, but the landscape comes alive with blooming flowers and vibrant colors. Enjoy nearly 24-hour daylight — perfect for birdwatching.
  • July — The most stable weather of the season. Snow fields mostly gone, warmest and driest month, with minimal wind — ideal for hiking.
  • August — Snow-free trails and the first chances to catch the northern lights as the nights slowly return!
  • September — Crisp, chilly nights with a high chance of seeing the northern lights. The weather becomes less predictable, and the trail feels wilder as autumn approaches.

Boots and clothing

• • Lightweight hiking boots – waterproof with ankle support
  • River crossing shoes – open shoes will not do the job
  • Thermal underwear – long-sleeved wool top and bottom
  • Fleece or wool sweater or jacket
  • Strong and light hiking trousers that dry quickly
  • Jacket – windproof, waterproof, and breathable shell
  • Rain trousers – windproof, waterproof, and breathable shell
  • Fleece or wool gloves and beanie
  • Wool socks
  • Neck buff
  • Swimwear – if you want to bathe in the hot geothermal pools

Gear and luggage

• • Backpack with rain cover for use during the day (20–40 L)
  • Water-resistant duffel bag for the overnight gear (50–100 L)
  • Water bottle or hydration bladder (1–2 L)
  • Personal first aid kit, including blister care
  • Prescription medication and other personal health items
  • Toiletries, including toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, etc.
  • Lightweight, packable towel
  • Headlamp or flashlight
  • Sunglasses and sun protection
  • Power bank to charge devices
  • Earplugs and sleeping mask
  • Hiking poles and gaiters

Please note there is a limit of 1 duffel bag and 1 backpack. All of your overnight gear must fit into your duffel bag, while your daypack will be carried during the hikes.

We kindly ask that you keep your duffel bag as light as possible. The maximum allowed size is 100 L, with a weight limit of 23 kg.

Group sizes and prices:

• • For this group adventure, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 5:1.
  • The maximum group size is set at 10 participants with 2 guides.
  • 2025 dates are confirmed to run!
  • For 2026 departures, it takes a minimum of 6 people for the tour to operate.

Hiking in Iceland can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements:

• • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

To get to the BSI bus terminal in Reykjavik, the starting point of this Ancient Trails tour, you first have to fly into Keflavík International Airport (KEF), serving Reykjavik. From there, you can take a shuttle or a taxi to Reykjavík.

You will be meeting your guide at 10am on Day 1 at the BSI bus terminal in central Reykjavik, which can be easily accessed by foot or public transportation. From that point on, you’ll hop onto the 4×4 mountain vehicle and start your journey!

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!

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

Or watch the video with Dr. Matthew Roberts from the Icelandic Meteorological Office explaining the recent volcanic activities in Iceland.