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celand is a land of extreme contrasts. Vast, desolate lava fields are interrupted by lush, moss-carpeted valleys. Giant cascading waterfalls give way to vibrantly colored rhyolite mountains. From the otherworldly landscapes of the south coast to the mystical power of the central highlands, our Iceland hiking tour journeys through the most beautiful and inspiring areas of this country.
Hikes on the south coast lead us through fairytale scenery — past dramatic waterfalls, floating icebergs, and some of Europe’s largest glaciers. A boat excursion, cultural connections, and an optional ride on an Icelandic horse round out our adventure. Along the way, we spend a day in the interior highlands of Landmannalaugar hiking along colorful mountains — an experience not to be missed. Testaments to the constantly evolving earth are everywhere — lava fields, hot rivers, craters, and glaciers dominate our views. In the evenings, we return to comfortable accommodations and enjoy relaxing in "hot pots" (Icelandic hot tubs) or taking a nighttime stroll under the midnight sun.
Boundless Journeys specializes in all-inclusive hiking tours around the world. Discover your next adventure travel destination among our Europe tour packages.
Gjain Valley, Hjalparfoss & Haifoss
Upon meeting our guide, after breakfast, in Reykjavik, we begin our drive to Gjain Valley, a fairy-tale world where two river channels cascade over waterfalls and lava formations. We hike, explore craters and lava caves, and see wellsprings.
We also visit Hjalparfoss, a unique double waterfall, and Haifoss, one of the tallest waterfalls in Iceland where the water cascades a mesmerizing 400 ft.
Our final stop for the day is at a traditional farmstead, providing insight into what rural life must have been like in pre-modern Iceland.
This evening we arrive to our remote, countryside hotel, where we enjoy home-style Icelandic cuisine for dinner.
LandhotelHella, Iceland
Situated near some of the country’s most stunning sights the Landhotel is the perfect base for our stay in Iceland’s southern countryside. Enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant and retreat to your cozy room at night. Heated geothermally, this new 4-star hotel is designed to be at one with nature.
Landmannalaugar
Today we venture into the Icelandic highlands of Landmannalaugar for a day of hiking. The highland roads are unpaved, and if conditions permit, we take the fjallabak (literally, "route behind the mountains") to Landmannalaugar, an area of multicolored rhyolite mountains and hot springs.
Along the way we stop at the Sigöldufuss waterfall and a crater lake called Ljótipollur. Despite the name, which translates to "Ugly Puddle" in Icelandic, expect vivid colors amidst lava sand. At Landmannalaugar, we hike through one of the largest geothermal fields in Iceland and an otherworldy landscape of rough lava, obsidian, and moss.
A transfer south leads to our accommodations for the next two nights, at the cozy and welcoming Glacier View Guesthouse.
Glacier View GuesthouseHrifunesvegur, Iceland
Glacier View Guesthouse is a cozy, family-run guesthouse surrounded by stunning nature, and between two glaciers, Myrdalsjokull and Vatnajokull. After a busy day of exploring we return to the guesthouse for a home-cooked meal and a relaxing evening.
Ingolfshofdi, Jokulsarlon and Fjallsarlon Glacial Lagoon
After breakfast, we drive across Skeioararsandur, a vast river delta formed by runoff from nearby glaciers. Catastrophic flooding occurs here regularly, as geothermal activity melts the glaciers, causing a tremendous amount of water to flood the plain. Across the delta is Vatnajokull National Park, home to Europe's largest glacier, whose presence lords over the surrounding landscape.
Our first stop this morning is a visit to the spectacular Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon. Watching icebergs float down the lagoon and into the ocean is captivating. This is the perfect place to experience unspoiled nature and the unique environment of Iceland, where icebergs calve off the largest glacier in Europe, the great Vatnajokull, and float around the lagoon in all shapes and colors. For a closer look, we take a Zodiac boat ride across the lagoon, before walking to nearby Diamond Beach where chunks of ice contrast with the dark sand.
This afternoon, we visit a nature reserve located at Ingolfshofdi. This area is known for its incredible birdlife, especially its puffins. These comical waterbirds are a delight to watch, and a local farmer gives us a ride on his tractor to an isolated headland, where we can hike in their midst. This remote cape, surrounded by black sand beaches, is also the place where Iceland's first settler, Ingolfur Arnarson, spent his first winter in Iceland in 874 A.D.
If your tour takes place later in the summer, when the puffins have left Ingolfshofoi, we'll instead visit Vatnajokull National Park for a hike at the base of Europe's largest glacier. Our walk begins from the park's visitor center and steadily climbs up through birch forest to a plateau. Here, the landscape turns into tundra, and the views are magnificent in all directions.
We then return to our hotel, with time to freshen up, before enjoying a dinner of Icelandic specialities.
Fjadragljufur and Thakgil
This morning we hike along Fjadragljufur Canyon, hollowed out over millions of years by the Fjadra River. We follow the eastern edge, which offers stunning views of the plains and glacial brooks below, before descending through moss-covered rock formations to the floor of the canyon.
In the afternoon we travel to Thakgil, an expansive valley surrounded by dramatic mountains. We will explore the trails in this breathtaking area, before traveling to our boutique accommodations located at the foot of the famous Eyjafjallajokull volcano.
This evening we have the option to ride Icelandic horses (at an additional expense). These friendly horses have been selectively bred for centuries to produce an animal that is even-tempered and strong, with great endurance. They also have a very smooth gait — the tolt — which makes riding them a wonderfully comfortable experience, even for beginners.
Skalakot HotelHvolsvollur, Iceland
The Skalakot Hotel is a brand-new, 14-room boutique hotel on a horse farm in a remote area of southern Iceland. Surrounded by beautiful countryside, Skalakot offers optional horseback rides, spacious yet cozy common areas, and family-style dining.
Skogafoss and Kvernufoss, Solheimajokull Glacier Walk
This morning we see the impressive Skogafoss waterfall, a 200-foot-high cascade that often produces rainbows in its mist. For those in the mood for a more substantial hike, we can ascend a 370-step staircase to the top of the falls, and continue along the Skoga River. We pass many beautiful waterfalls and on a clear day, we can see the coastline and Eyjafjallajokull and Myrdalsjokull glaciers in the distance. This is true Icelandic wilderness on the heath.
Close to Skogafoss is the waterfall Kvernufoss—a secret, lesser-known jewel nearly 100 feet tall. We hike a short distance into the gorge to enjoy this hidden beauty.
After lunch, we continue to Eyjafjallajokull massif. From its eastern face, the Solheimajokull glacier tongue extends from its parent glacier, Myrdalsjokull, Iceland's fourth largest. Here, we meet our Icelandic mountain guide, who equips us with the proper tools (crampons and ice axes) for an adventure on an active glacier. After instruction on the proper use of our equipment, we traverse the glacier onto an ice field, where a wonderland of ice sculptures, ridges, and deep crevasses await our discovery.
En route back to our hotel we stop at Reynisfjara Beach, with its black volcanic sand, smooth pebbles, and unique rock formations, A late day walk on the beach will allow us to take in this beautiful sight at a quieter time, when we can hear the waves crashing on the shore.
Gullfoss, Geysir, Organic Farm and Thingvellir
This morning we explore some of Iceland's most well known sites beginning with Gullfoss, or the "golden falls." This impressive cascade drops over a series of tiers into the Hvitá canyon, and its volume of water makes it one of the largest falls in Iceland. From Gullfoss, we continue a short drive to the "Great Geysir," believed to have been created around the end of the 13th century when a series of strong earthquakes shook the Haukadalur Valley.
We next visit Akur organic farm. Here, we have a chance to meet the farmers, learn about their biodynamic practices and the challenges of growing food in Iceland, and see their three greenhouses. Thanks to geothermal heat, they are even able to grow tropical fruits like bananas and mangoes! Of course, we will sample some of what is in season while we are here.
Our day concludes with a visit to Thingvellir, a national park of great historic significance to the Icelandic people. The park is home to Iceland's first parliament, established in 930 A.D. Each summer, representatives from communities around the country would meet here to establish laws and resolve disputes. The journey could take weeks over the rugged terrain. We traverse the parliament plains, and also explore a natural phenomenon that makes Thingvellir an important geological site — here we are standing on the rift between the Eurasian and North American plates — which are constantly, over the millennia, drifting apart.
Evening brings a celebratory dinner in the capital city of Reykjavík, as we reminisce about our adventures in this Nordic island nation.
Alda HotelReykjavik, Iceland
Situated in the heart of downtown Reykjavik, the 4-star Alda Hotel is perfectly positioned for your stay. Guestrooms feature Nordic design and modern amenities offering the perfect blend of both comfort and style. Enjoy complimentary smartphones for local calls and internet use, a sauna and hot tub, and on-site restaurant and bar.
Blue Lagoon and Departure
Awake at your leisure this morning, or perhaps rise earlier to do some last minute shopping in downtown Reykjavik. We'll head to the Blue Lagoon mid-morning, where the warm waters beckon us for a soak. A fitting tribute to our stay in the land of fire and ice.
Keflavik International Airport is only 15 minutes away from the Blue Lagoon, and we will drive you there in time for your late-afternoon flight.
Please note that this is a typical itinerary, and actual activities may vary due to weather conditions, local events, and to allow serendipity to play a hand in your experience. Accommodations are as outlined in the itinerary, although we reserve the right to change these or the order visited should the need arise.
7 Days
Jul 12-18, 2025
Aug 2-8, 2025
Take over a date for your group! See "Make It Private" on Dates & Prices tab.
From $7,695 Per Person
First two reserved:$1,295
Additional:$1,795
See single supplement policy below.
MAKE IT PRIVATE
Call for pricing: 1-800-941-8010 or email info@boundlessjourneys.com
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: Accommodations are based on double occupancy. A single supplement is paid by participants who specifically request single accommodations, subject to availability.
Single Supplement for Scheduled Group Departures. If you reserve at least 120 days prior to departure, you may be eligible for a reduced or free single supplement. This is generally limited to the first one or two solo travelers to reserve, and the reduction is outlined in the pricing for each trip. Free or reduced single supplements are not combinable with other offers or promotions.
If you are traveling alone and wish to share accommodations, we will try to match you with a roommate of the same gender. If you reserve at least 120 days ahead and request a roommate but one is not available, you will receive a $500 reduction from the standard single supplement (unless otherwise noted in the detailed itinerary for your specific trip).
Single Supplement for Custom Tours. Custom Tour prices are generally based on two or more participants; therefore, single supplements for “solo” Custom Tours will vary and are available upon request.
Boundless Journeys trips are designed for energetic and flexible individuals who like to be active and have a spirit of adventure and a positive attitude. Hiking the Land of Fire & Ice is rated 2 easy to moderate, on a scale of 1-5 (with 5 being the most strenuous). The walks and hikes on this trip are 1-3 hours long, on occasionally rough hiking trails with minimal vehicle support. On Day 5 our optional climb to the top of the Skogafoss Waterfall is about a 300 foot ascension on a metal staircase, followed by an easier 400 foot ascent for the remainder of the hike. Because of the nature of the trails, we sometimes hike out and back on the same path.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Downtown Reykjavik or Keflavik International Airport, Iceland.
Most Convenient Airport:Keflavik International Airport, Keflavik, Iceland (KEF)
Meeting Time and Place: Your guide(s) will meet you on the first day of your trip at 8 a.m. in the lobby of the Alda Hotel, Reykjavik.
Departure Time and Place: Your guide(s) will provide drop-offs at your choice of downtown Reykjavik locations by noon or the Keflavik International Airport by 2:00 p.m. on the last day of the trip.
July and August are among the driest months in Iceland, although weather is still quite variable. You are unlikely to have sunshine every day, but it is also unlikely for it to be cloudy for long. July and August bring near round-the-clock daylight. The following are average temperatures in southern Iceland during the summer months.
You may obtain more detailed weather information by visiting www.weatherbase.com.
Iceland
High: 55 Low: 47
High: 54 Low: 46
Summer in Iceland is short, and the best weather is generally from June through September. Early summer brings vibrant green landscapes, 24-hour daylight, and the greatest concentrations of migratory birds. Mid-summer brings wildflowers, and late summer the low-growing plants covering the hillsides begin to change colors in a display that rivals New England foliage. While it is often bright and sunny, cool, wet weather is possible any time of year.
Horseback riding is a favorite pastime of many Icelanders, and the Icelandic horse is an ideal breed for novice and experienced riders alike. The terrain is varied, and there are horses suitable for all levels. Your riding guide will ask you about your previous experience before choosing your horse. Helmets are provided and boots with a low, square heel are required (your hiking boots should suffice). Please discuss this with your guide on Day 1 if you'd like to take part in this activity, as it will be offered once throughout your journey. The cost is approximately $120 per person for a 1.5-hour ride and can be paid directly to the supplier. Please note, prices are subject to change due to currency fluctuation.
A half-day glacier walk is included, weather permitting. All necessary equipment is provided, including crampons and ice axes. Boots are available for rental, although your hiking boots should suffice. The Icelandic mountain guides we will hike with are experienced mountaineers with a great deal of knowledge about glaciers and safety procedures. After being fitted with gear and a safety briefing, we head onto the ice itself for a unique perspective on the importance and beauty of glaciers. If the weather makes this adventure unsafe, a scenic hike will be offered instead.
Although Iceland is a relatively small country, the distances from one place to another are sometimes long, due to actual miles covered or, in some cases, the conditions of the road. We have tried to strike a balance between the importance of experiencing certain unique places - such as Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and the interior highlands of Landmannalaugar - and the importance of taking time out of the vehicle to hike, explore, and immerse ourselves in the country's diverse landscapes. On a few days, there may be total driving times of up to five hours; but rest assured that they are well broken up with opportunities to stop and explore, and that both the drives and the destinations are well worth the effort. On a couple of our longer days, we may not arrive to our hotel until close to dinner time.
Menus in Iceland generally feature a choice of meat (often lamb) and fresh fish (many varieties of both fresh and saltwater fish are available, the most common being salmon and trout). Some menus are more extensive. Icelandic cuisine has come a long way, and many chefs train in mainland Europe before bringing their skills home to create innovative dishes using native ingredients. It is common even for small hotels to offer meals buffet-style, as this allows travelers to try traditional local dishes alongside more familiar fare. Vegetarians can be accommodated with advance notice, though choices tend to be more limited.
With a Boundless Journeys guide, your experience is that of friend and local adventurer. We believe strongly in working with local guides, experts in the areas to which we travel, and they hold the keys to unlocking the hidden delights of your chosen destination. Although you will never know they are at work—the mark of a truly great leader—our guides make magical things happen and add a dimension to your trip that you could not experience on your own. Over the years we have forged bonds with some of the best guides in the world, and we typically work with a small team of guides in each region. You will be informed of the guide for your trip one month prior to your departure.
celand is a land of extreme contrasts. Vast, desolate lava fields are interrupted by lush, moss-carpeted valleys. Giant cascading waterfalls give way to vibrantly colored rhyolite mountains. From the otherworldly landscapes of the south coast to the mystical power of...
Easy to moderate walking and hiking, 2-5 hours per day; 1/2-day glacier walk; kayak excursion; optional horseback riding (at additional cost)
This trip can be your own adventure by taking over one of our scheduled dates, or we can request a fresh one.
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