This epic eight-day expedition will show you why Iceland’s also known as “the Land of Ice and Fire.” You’ll journey with a private guide across the South Coast and into the Icelandic Highlands on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. From imposing glaciers, crater lakes, and stretches of black sand beaches to the surreal ice caves of Vatnajökull, you will hike and snowshoe through one of the most remote and breathtaking locations in the world!
You will meet your guide and the rest of your group at BSÍ, Reykjavík’s Central Bus Station. Your guides will transport you to your accommodation in the south coast of Iceland for tonight, which is 1-1.5 hours away from Reykjavík. Here is where you’ll get to know each other over dinner and have a detailed briefing.
Accommodation: Hotel
These two days will be spent in the Highlands of Iceland aboard a powerful superjeep, exploring the Kerlingarfjöll mountain range in wintertime. The journey near Gullfoss, where an experienced driver will meet you and lead you through the Icelandic winter wilderness. As you’re moving away from the crowded Golden Circle, you’ll be surrounded by snowy mountains and vast glaciers. Expect rugged terrain and driving on snow-carpeted roads that can only be navigated by specialized vehicles and drivers. Spend these two days exploring the mountains with snowshoes, warm up at your cozy accommodation, and unwind in the natural hot springs, heated by the geothermal activity of the area.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in the Highlands
Continue your journey back to the South Coast with a superjeep. Along the way, you’ll make several stops to explore some of Iceland’s hidden gems, including secluded waterfalls and off-the-beaten-path spots. Your guide will share fascinating stories about the area’s history and culture as you explore Iceland’s hidden (and crowdless) gems and diverse landscapes.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
Get ready for a day of exploring Iceland’s rugged and wild South Coast. Begin your journey in Hvolsvöllur, heading eastward along the coast towards the townlet of Kirkjubæjarklaustur. Once you leave the small town behind, the landscape morphs into something completely different: rugged mountains, mighty glaciers, and black sand beaches. You’ll visit some of Iceland’s most famous landmarks, including some spectacular waterfalls. As you move towards the east, you’ll pass by black sand beaches of Reynisfjara, with towering cliffs, sneaker waves, sea stacks emerging from the sea, and columnar basalt making lifelong impressions. Take a stroll down the beach and witness these otherworldly formations. Finally, arrive at Kirkjubæjarklaustur, where you’ll spend the night and rest for the upcoming day.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
Set out early in the morning towards the southeast coast and the Vatnajökull National Park. Today’s ice caves are unlike anything else in the world. Make your way towards the glacier edge, where you’ll put on your crampons and helmets, beginning your way into the glacier’s icy depths. You’ll be surrounded by towering ice walls and sparkling blue formations, reminiscent of frozen cathedrals, with natural arches and pillars that have been sculpted out. An expert guide is here to lead you through the caves, pointing out interesting features and providing fascinating facts into the geology and history of the glacier. After a full day out, head back to Kirkjubæjarklaustur for the night.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
Make your way towards Hvolsvöllur and take in some of Iceland’s most incredible off-the-beaten-path spots along the way. There’s no better way to explore it than with a superjeep, which allows you to venture off the main road and into the heart of the Icelandic wilderness. Discover deep canyons with steep walls, cascades plunging into a series of crystal-clear pools, rock formations emerging from the surrounding plains, and many other hidden treasures.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
Having soaked up the Icelandic outstanding landscapes, which will be forever engraved in our memory, let your guides drive you back to Reykjavík, where your adventure ends. The journey back will take you through some of Iceland’s most unique landscapes for one last look. As you return to the capital, say goodbye to your amazing group and guide. Continue exploring this marvel of an island or catch your flight home!
Meals: Breakfast
Included:
Not included:
Please be aware that this Iceland winter wilderness trip requires certain abilities to fully enjoy the experience. To ensure you’re ready to participate, please consider the following criteria:
The journey may present various challenges, both physically and mentally, and having a strong sense of determination is crucial to overcome obstacles and push through difficult moments. It is essential to maintain a positive mindset, stay motivated, and embrace the spirit of adventure—your expert, experienced guides are here to make this adventure go smoothly!
Suitcases are not allowed on this tour. Please bring a duffel back and a backpack for daily hikes.
Ensure that all items fit securely within your duffel bag without anything protruding, keeping everything dry during the hike. The quantities listed for specific items are indicative and based on guides’ recommendations. Given Iceland’s harsh winter weather conditions, it is strongly advised to bring high-quality warm & waterproof mountain gear.
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.
While the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, they can be observed in Iceland during the winter months. However, their visibility is dependent on several factors, including clear skies, solar activity, and luck.
So, in short, your guides cannot guarantee that you will see the Northern Lights during your trip, but they always keep an eye on the forecast for each night and are ready for helping you to see them on the winter nights! You’re definitely coming at the right time if you’re joining this tour, as that’s the period where you have the highest chances of spotting Northern lights.
Group sizes and prices:
Hiking in Iceland can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements:
If you have minors younger than 17, contact us prior to the booking.
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.
You will meet your guide on Day 1 at BSÍ, Reykjavik’s Central Bus Station. You’ll hop into a private vehicle and drive to your first accommodation on the south coast of Iceland.
Trip insurance with helicopter rescue coverage is mandatory. 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:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QA3-BXYuYrw