Iceland 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 overland expedition takes in the most beautiful and inspiring areas of Iceland.
Hikes on the south coast lead us through fairytale scenery; past dramatic waterfalls, floating icebergs, and some of Europe’s largest glaciers. A kayak 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.
Gjáin Valley, Hjalparfoss & Háifoss
Upon meeting our guide in Reykjavík after breakfast, we begin our drive to Gjáin Valley, a fairy-tale world where two river channels cascade over waterfalls and lava formations. We will hike, explore craters and lava caves, and see wellsprings.
We will also visit Hjalparfoss, a unique double waterfall, and Háifoss, one of the tallest waterfalls in Iceland where the water cascades a mesmerizing 400 ft.
At day's end we transfer to our countryside hotel in the small town of Hella before entering the vast and untouched interior of Iceland. Dinner will feature traditional Icelandic cuisine based on ingredients from local farmers and fishermen.
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 Hrifunes Guesthouse.
Hrifunes GuesthouseHrifunes, Iceland
Situated on unspoiled farmland of the Skaftartunga region, the Hrifunes Guesthouse is surrounded by glaciers, black sand, and green pastures. Originally built in 1947 as a restaurant and community center, owners Hadda and Haukur restored the building in 2007 to be a cozy, 12-room guesthouse.
Ingólfshöfði, Jökulsárlón and Fjallsárlón Glacial Lagoon
After breakfast, we drive across Skeiðarársandur, 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 Vatnajökull 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 Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. Watching icebergs float down the lagoon and into the ocean is mesmerizing. From here, we continue on to a more remote glacial lagoon for an intimate kayak excursion. 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 Vatnajökull, and float around the lagoon in all shapes and colors.
This afternoon, we visit a nature reserve located at Ingólfshöfði. 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 Ingólfshöfði, we'll instead visit Vatnajökull 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.
Fjaðrágljúfur and Þakgil
This morning we hike along Fjaðrágljúfur Canyon, hollowed out over millions of years by the Fjaðrá 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 Þakgil, 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 Eyjafjallajökull volcano.
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, Sólheimajökull Glacier Walk
This morning we see the impressive Skógafoss 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 Skogá River. We pass many beautiful waterfalls and on a clear day, we can see the coastline and Eyjafjallajökull and Myrdalsjökull glaciers in the distance. This is true Icelandic wilderness on the heath.
Close to Skógafoss 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 Eyjafjallajökull massif. From its eastern face, the Sólheimajökull glacier tongue extends from its parent glacier, Mýrdalsjökull, 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.
This evening we have the option to ride Icelandic horses (at 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 tölt—which makes riding them a wonderfully comfortable experience, even for beginners.
Gullfoss, Geysir, Akur 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
Jun 23-29, 2024
Jul 14-20, 2024
Aug 5-11, 2024
Take over a date for your group! See "Make It Private" on Dates & Prices tab.
From $6,895 Per Person
First two reserved:$595
Additional:$1,095
See single supplement policy below.
Pricing shown is for 2023, and will be protected up to a 5% increase for 2024 departures reserved before 2024 pricing is set.
MAKE IT PRIVATE
9+ Guests: $6,95 per person
6 to 8 Guests: $7,395 per person
Make it Private price is based on Land Cost only, and a guarantee of the specified number of guests in double occupancy. For groups smaller than the numbers shown, or those requiring single occupancy, we reserve the right to adjust the per person price. Additionally, some trips have minimum group sizes. Please call 1-800-941-8010 for details.
Accommodations (hotels, tents, cruise cabins) are based on double occupancy. A single supplement is paid by participants who specifically request single accommodations, subject to availability. 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. Please note, 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 a roommate is not available, you will only be charged a “forced” single supplement in the amount of 50% of the standard single supplement* (unless otherwise noted in the detailed itinerary). Single accommodations are limited so you are encouraged to reserve early!
*This may not apply to certain trips with unique accommodation arrangements. Please see specific trip information for more details.
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 hikes on this trip are 2-4 hours long, on occasionally rough hiking trails with minimal vehicle support. On a couple of days there are elevation gains of about 200-400 feet, and on Day 5 our optional climb to the top of the Skógafoss 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. No prior experience is necessary for the kayak excursion on Day 3.
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 $75 per person for a one-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 traditional 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.
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.
Snorri was born and raised in Reykjavik, where he studied classical singing. He graduated with a diploma as an opera singer from the Vienna Conservatory. Upon completion of his studies, he worked for several years as an opera singer, primarily in Germany and Austria. Snorri returned to Iceland and began working as a guide in 2010. He is certified to guide group tours, hiking adventures, and glacier explorations. He enjoys every opportunity to take guests into the mountains and to remote, off-the-beaten-path areas of Iceland where they can experience the beautiful landscapes together.
Klara was born on the Western Islands off the south coast of Iceland, where she spent much of her childhood. She has traveled to many countries in the world, worked as a ski instructor in the Austrian alps, studied in Germany, and cycled in the Andes in South America. Klara also completed a teaching degree at the University of Iceland and taught high school mathematics for over a decade. For the past 20 years, she has been sharing her love of the outdoors and her country as a certified Icelandic hiking guide. First during school vacations, and now full time. Her favorite tours are in the countryside, where she can spend time in nature enjoying life’s simple pleasures, fresh air, and beautiful scenery. Klara speaks fluent Icelandic, English, German, and Pinzgauerisch (an Austrian dialect).
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.
Iceland 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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