We meet early in the morning at the BSÍ bus terminal in Reykjavík and travel by highland bus across the plains of South Iceland and into the Highlands, beneath some of the country’s most powerful volcanoes. Before noon we arrive in Landmannalaugar, where we spend the afternoon trekking through its vibrant, colorful terrain and soaking in the thermal hot springs. There are plenty of shorter trails to choose from here, whether that means crossing the Laugahraun lava field or summiting Brennisteinsalda or Bláhnúkur. Late in the afternoon, our bus continues deeper into the Highlands to the Sveinstindur mountain hut, where we settle in for dinner and rest.

Meals: Dinner
Hiking distance: 5-10 km (3-6 mi)
Elevation: Varies by trails chosen
Accommodation: Mountain hut

Today we enter Vatnajökull National Park, the largest wilderness area in Western Europe. We follow the Skaftá River through a landscape shaped by major volcanic eruptions, including the one that formed Eldgjá, a 75 km-long fissure and one of the largest of its kind in the world. The day involves several river and canyon crossings as we make our way toward Skælingur and our mountain hut, tucked among the lava fields of Stóragil. It’s our first full day of quiet hiking, with stretches of silence built in to help us settle into the landscape around us.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hiking distance: 18 km (11 mi)
Elevation: +600 m to +700 m (+1,970 to +2,297 ft)
Accommodation: Mountain hut

We continue from Skælingur along the southeastern rim of Eldgjá, taking in views of the Ófærufoss waterfall from one of its best vantage points before descending into the canyon for a second look from below. From there we continue through the gorge, passing the striking rock formations of Kvíslarhólmar and Lambaskarðshólar. It’s another day of quiet walking, immersed in geology shaped by some of Iceland’s biggest volcanic events. We spend the night at the Hólaskjól hut, where dinner is waiting for us.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hiking distance: 18 km (11 mi)
Elevation: +600 m (+1,970 ft)
Accommodation: Mountain hut

Today’s hike is shorter and slower, following the waterfall Huldufoss and the river Syðri Ófæra to Álftavötn lake. We build in plenty of time for sit-spot practice, quiet breaks, and simply being in the landscape rather than moving through it. Álftavötn sits within a canyon that gives our group real space to settle into the trip’s practices and into each other’s company.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hiking distance: 7 km (4.3 mi)
Elevation: +119 m (+390 ft)
Accommodation: Mountain hut

This is our longest day of hiking, crossing the highlands on little-used trails through ever-changing landscapes of rhyolite mountains, hot springs, and green valleys. The terrain is hilly in places but mostly moves through broad valleys, with several river crossings along the way using trekking poles and wading shoes; these crossings have become something of a mindfulness practice in their own right. We stop to recharge at the remote geothermal pool of Strútslaug before arriving at the cozy Strútskali mountain hut, with clear views of the highland peaks Strútur and Mælifell.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hiking distance: 21 km (13 mi)
Elevation: +775 m (+2,543 ft)
Accommodation: Mountain hut

Today unfolds at a gentler pace. We start the morning with some time alone in nature before choosing how to spend the rest of the day, together or on our own. Those who want to explore further have several rewarding options nearby, including summiting Strútur for sweeping highland views. Others may prefer to stay close to the hut to rest, write, or wander nearby with nowhere in particular to be. In the evening we gather for a festive dinner with local foods, marking our final evening together in the Highlands.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hiking distance: Up to 13 km (8 mi), optional
Elevation: +425 m (+1,394 ft), optional
Accommodation: Mountain hut

Our final day takes us across the glacial sand deserts and wetlands shaped by Mýrdalsjökull, crossing part of the vast, desolate Mælifellssandur plain. Toward the end of the hike we have the option to split into two groups: one taking a route over a mountain peak, the other continuing across the plains. We arrive at the Hvanngil hut on the Laugavegur trail, where our bus meets us for the drive back to Reykjavík, arriving in the evening for a gradual return to everyday life after a week in the Highlands.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Hiking distance: 13 km (8 mi)
Elevation: +169 m (+554 ft)