Iceland Hike and Explore

Experience Europe’s wilderness island! Hike the rugged coastline, explore the inside of a lava tube, and take in the country’s fascinating history where democracy was born in 930 AD. Iceland is home to geysers and hot springs found in few other places around the world. You will also experience the many waterfalls, volcanic formations and glaciers the island has to offer. Enjoy the beauty of Iceland’s dramatic, black sand beaches while riding purebred Icelandic horses. Travel to the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago and see puffins, sea caves, and the interesting village of Heimaey Town, part of which is preserved under volcanic material. Enjoy great food and comfortable lodging in bed & breakfasts, guest houses, and hotels.

Sample Itinerary

DAY 1: Your trip begins in Reykjavik in the evening. Meet your group at the hotel before getting to know one another over dinner. Take time to share your expectations for the upcoming days.

DAY 2: After breakfast set out to explore the Icelandic capital of Reykjavik. Climb to the top of Hallgrimskirkja church for amazing views of this beautiful city. In the afternoon, you will head north on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula where you stay in a beautiful, seaside bed & breakfast. If time allows, take a hike in the area before a cozy dinner.

DAY 3: After enjoying a plethora of local breads and spreads, you will hike along the spectacular coastline between Hellnar and Arnarstapi. Enjoy a cappuccino at a cliffside cafe at the end of the trail.

DAY 4: Head to the Golden Circle and see immense, ancient volcanic fields on your way to the largest lava tube in Iceland. Take a guided tour into the lava tube to experience the amazing colors and rock formations. On the way back, stop and see beautiful set of waterfalls formed by rivulets streaming over 900 meters along a lava field.

DAY 5: Experience the raging expanse of Gullfoss waterfall and visit the first geyser ever documented at Geysir. Take in Thingvellir National Park, the boundary of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Thingvellir is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the vikings established the Althing, the world’s first democratic parliament, in 930 AD. End the day relaxing in the hot pools at Hveragerdi.

DAY 6: Head to Vik on the southern coast and see some of Iceland’s most beautiful vistas. Take in the immense falls of Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss under the shadow of Eyjafjallajokull, a volcano that last erupted in 2010. Walk along the sweeping black sand beach before settling in for the evening.

DAY 7: From Vik, head north on an incredible road to hike to the Myrdalsjokull glacier. This otherworldly landscape will surely take your breath away. Return to your hotel in the evening for happy hour with your fellow hikers.

DAY 8: Saddle up your Icelandic pony to go horseback riding along the black sand beach. Take the afternoon to explore the town of Vik before relaxing and enjoying a traditional Icelandic dinner.

DAY 9: Continue up the coast to visit Skaftafell National Park for views of incredible mountain valleys and the Vatnajokull glacier. Continue on to the turquoise blue Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon to experience Iceland’s deepest lake.

DAY 10: Take a ferry to the scenic island of Vestmannaeyjar where we will take a boat tour through amazing sea caves and spot playful puffins swooping from steep cliffs high above our heads. Vestmannaeyjar is loaded with history. Pirates from the Barbary Coast raided the island in 1627 and sold hundreds of local residents into slavery. A cannonball fired during that conflict is still embedded in the rocky entrance to the harbor.

DAY 11: Bid farewell to your fellow travelers after breakfast before taking in your final views of Iceland. Make one last museum stop or relax at the Blue Lagoon hot pools on your way to the airport.

What To Expect

TERRAIN/ROUTE: Iceland is a stunning landscape of volcanic fields, beaches, and mountainous areas. The group will travel in a large van.

HIKING: We hike on established trails. Hikes range from 1 to 6 miles a day and an average of 2-4 hours of physical activity per day. Some hikes are steep. You will carry your day pack with only what you will need for each day hike.

WEATHER: Weather in Iceland changes frequently. Temperatures range from 45F - 60F degrees and you will frequently experience cool temperatures. Be prepared for all types of weather. Rain is likely so a good raincoat is important.

YOUR GROUP: The group size will be 6-10 participants and 1-2 Wilderness Inquiry guides. Each group could consist of people of various ages, backgrounds, and abilities, including people with disabilities. Staff will assist you in whatever areas you need; however, most people pitch in where they can.

ACCOMMODATIONS: We will sleep in a variety of guesthouses, bed and breakfasts, and hotels at night. Typically there are 2-3 people per room, matched by gender or requests to room together.

SINGLE TRAVELERS: If you are traveling alone, you will feel at home with a welcoming group. If you would like to have your own room throughout the trip, you may purchase a single supplement for an additional fee. Please email or call us if you would like this option.

MEALS: We will have breakfasts provided at our accommodations, pack picnic lunches and have dinners at local restaurants in the evenings. There will be snacks provided throughout each day. We'll enjoy happy hours together, but the purchase of alcoholic beverages is not included in the trip fees. Alcohol is expensive in Iceland.

EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING: You will need to provide your personal gear as outlined in the packing list.

The island of Iceland is a trove of beautiful geological features. Due to the thin crust underneath the island, Iceland features stunning geothermal features found in few places around the world. Evidence of the 30 active volcanoes within its borders abounds, in spectacular fashion. Iceland is home to stunning glaciers, waterfalls, imposing volcanoes, black sand beaches, mountains, geysers, and hot springs. It is a geologic wonder not to be missed.

Iceland is steeped in rich cultural history, as well. The Vikings established the world's first democratic parliament in Iceland in 930 AD. The ruins of the site sit in Thingvellir National Park, which was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004 to recognize the global importance of that event. Later, Iceland was subject to rule by other countries, including Denmark, until the country gained its independence in 1944 following occupation by the UK during WWII. The Republic of Iceland was established on June 17, 1944.

Formed 20 million years ago by a series of underwater volcanic eruptions, Iceland is situated between two tectonic plates - the North American and the Eurasian. In 2010 the volcano Eyjafjallajokull began erupting, emitting a huge ash plume that halted European air traffic for a week. Due to this eruption, international attention shifted to Iceland and tourism boomed, resulting in much needed economic stability for the nation. It has become the fastest growing travel destination in Europe.

Wildlife in Iceland is few and far between. Aside from sheep, birds and horses, you’ll be hard pressed to garner any animal sightings. The only indigenous land mammal is the elusive Arctic fox found in the Westfjords. Birds are prolific on coastal cliffs often forming massive colonies near the sea. Gannets, kittiewakes, razorbills and puffins are among the most impressive. Iceland also has a thriving marine life including humpback whales, dolphins, porpoises and seals.

Single Room Supplement

You can elect to guarantee a single room for the duration of the trip for $750 during the registration process.

Standard Meeting Places and Times

Start: Reykjavik Downtown Apartments at 4:00 PM (local time)
End: Reykjavik Downtown Apartments at 10:00 AM (local time)

Transportation

This trip begins at the Downtown Reykjavik Apartments at 4:00 PM. The trip ends in the same location at 10:00 AM. The time to get from Keflavik International Airport to the Downtown Reykjavik Apartments is about 45 minutes.