Experience a 5-day hiking tour through Iceland's stunning volcanic landscapes. Led by expert guides, trek through Vatnajökull National Park, ascending Sveinstindur mountain for breathtaking views. Explore moss-covered lava formations, waterfalls, canyons, and the Eldgjá volcanic fissure before traversing the Mælifellssandur desert. Enjoy cozy mountain hut accommodations. Ideal for adventurers seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience!
Highlights
Explore the captivating Mt Sveinstindur with awe-inspiring views of Vatnajökull glacier
Experience the awe-inspiring Canyon of Fire—Eldgjá, reveling in its mesmerizing beauty
Traverse beside the enchanting Syðri Ófæra river, encountering the alluring Strútslaug natural pool
Trace the course of the Skaftá River, passing exhilarating rapids and picturesque waterfalls
Activities that provide a reasonable level of physical challenge and elevate the heart rate. Focused on more active pursuits including multisport tours. Travelers may be active 5-7 hours total each day. Recommended for travelers with active lifestyles.
Day 1: Reykjavik | Sveinstindur (The Explorer’s Peak)
1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
At 07:30 am, the group gathers at the BSI Central Bus Terminal, where your designated guide welcomes you warmly. Your journey starts with a scenic drive along highland tracks, passing landmarks like the majestic volcano Hekla and Fjallabak Nature Reserve. Proceed through the Landmannalaugar area, known for its vibrant multicolored mountains, towards the captivating Mt Sveinstindur, nestled beside the picturesque lake Langisjór—one of Iceland's most stunning natural wonders.
Upon reaching the peak, discover the breathtaking views extending over the mountainous terrain to the magnificent Vatnajökull glacier. After this exhilarating climb, descend to a traditional hut on the opposite side, providing an authentic back-to-nature experience.
Distance: 6 km (4 mi)
Ascent/Descent: 605 m (1985 ft) /520 m (1706 ft)
Day 2: Sveinstindur | Skaftá | Skælingar
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Tracing alongside the Skaftá River, the trail leads past exhilarating rapids and scenic waterfalls, guiding you to the captivating Hvanngil Canyon. The volcanic terrain boasts striking contrasts of obsidian lava, lush green moss, and unique rock formations.
As evening approaches arrive at the enchanting Skælingar area—an ancient lava forest near the Skaftá riverbed. Here, a rustic hut and outhouse facilities offer an opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the raw beauty of nature and embrace an authentic wilderness experience.
Distance: 18 km (10 - 11 mi)
Walking time: 6 - 8 hrs
Accent/Descent: 350 m (1152 ft) / 525 m (1722 ft)
Day 3: Skælingar | Eldgjá | Álftavötn
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
After your morning preparations, embark on your hiking adventure to explore the awe-inspiring Eldgjá Canyon, the Canyon of Fire. Descend gently into the canyon to immerse yourself in its mesmerizing beauty. Next, trek towards the picturesque Álftavötn lakes, passing through lush green hills alongside the meandering river Syðri Ófæra.
Upon reaching Álftavötn, settle into a quaint traditional hut for the night. The tranquil ambiance of this magical locale provides an ideal sanctuary to rejuvenate your spirits after a day of exploration.
Distance: 21 km (13 mi)
Walking time: 7- 9 hrs
Ascent/Descent: 350 m (1150 ft)
Day 4: Álftavötn | Strútur
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Today, your journey follows the picturesque Syðri Ófæra River, revisiting the breathtaking Eldgjá Canyon of Fire. The landscape transitions from lush green meadows to dark sands adorned with vibrant streaks of moss. Along the way, discover the tranquil Strútslaug natural pool after crossing the gentle river at Hólmsá.
After a relaxing soak, conclude today's expedition with a leisurely walk to the welcoming Strútur hut, your accommodation for the night. This cozy retreat offers modern amenities, including comfortable lodging, convenient WC facilities, and refreshing showers for a genuinely comfortable and rejuvenating stay.
Distance: 24 km (15 mi)
Walking time: 8 hrs.
Ascent/Descent: 300 m (984 ft)
Day 5: Strútur | Reykjavik
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
In the morning, enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings with a well-deserved rest or an invigorating hike near your hut. After your final lunch, a private 4x4 vehicle will transport you across the striking Mælifellssandur, a vast expanse of black volcanic sand, as you return to Reykjavik. The estimated arrival time in Reykjavík is around 19:00 / 7:00 pm.
Dates & Prices
Per person starting at
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$2,191
Notes
Select a Date
Rates based on small group departures of 5-14 hikers.
Private Departures are available starting at $4270 for a group of 4.
Rates are based on the current exchange rate with the Iceland Krona and may fluctuate.
Initial deposit is 25%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check, or credit card. Final payments by credit card may be subject to surcharge and maximum $20,000 charge
The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
Gale Cantor
TrustScore 4.8 | 175 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 175 reviews on
7 hours ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
2 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
3 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.