Ultimate Iceland Adventure

Today the adventure really begins, as we head northeast to Þingvellir National Park, home to Iceland’s first National Assembly. We’ll stretch our legs at our first waterfall called Öxàrarfoss (‘foss’ is Icelandic for waterfall). As strange as it may sound, this is actually a human-made waterfall, as the water was diverted, back in the 9th Century, to provide members and visitors of the Icelandic parliament ‘Althingi’ with water. There is further fascinating folklore about this region that you’ll soon discover!

After enjoying a traditional Icelandic meat soup for lunch we’ll continue towards the highlands, with stops to learn about Iceland’s Laugarvatan cave people, and view the original Geysir Nature Reserve and the Gullfoss waterfall.
Accommodation: Flúðir Hótel, Flúðir
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hiking: We'll explore the Nature Reserve, so do as much or as little as you like.

This morning we’ll journey south down the coast to board a ferry. Our scenic crossing takes us to the bustling fishing port of Haeimaey, the only inhabited island in the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago. This tiny island hosts a recent, rich volcanic history that we’ll learn about at the world-class Eldheimar Exhibition.

After fuelling up the body we’ll experience the lava fields with a volcanic hike to the Eldfell peak. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with views across to the mainland and a further appreciation for the 1973 eruption.
Accommodation: Hótel Vestmannaeyjar, Vestmannaeyjar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Eldfell Peak Hike: 1.2 miles (2 kilometers), 2-3 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 656 feet (200 meters) ascent, 656 feet (200 meters) descent

Optional Hike: 0.9 miles (1.5 kilometers), 0.5-1 hour
Elevation Gain/Loss: 656 feet (200 meters) ascent, 656 feet (200 meters) descent

After returning to the mainland we’ll take a hike to the top of Iceland’s most famous and spectacular waterfalls; first to Seljalandsfoss (where we can also walk behind the falls) and then to Skógafoss. After lunch, we’ll hunt for stone trolls along the wild and beautiful South Coast - these trolls occupy an immense portion of Icelandic folklore, described as big, stupid, and greedy, but sometimes kind and wise.

Our journey continues alongside the soaring sea cliffs and moss-covered lava fields, where we’ll be able to see the infamous E15 ‘Eyjafjallajökull’ Volcano, Vatnajökull ice cap, and its outlet glaciers. Tonight, we’ll relax in a wonderful, locally-run guesthouse.
Accommodation: Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon, Öraefi
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Seljalandsfoss Hike: 0.3 miles (0.5 kilometers), 0.5-1 hour
Elevation Gain/Loss: 65 feet (20 meters) ascent, 65 feet (20 meters) descent

Skógafoss Hike: 3 miles (5 kilometers), 1-2 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 300 feet (90 meters) ascent, 300 feet (90 meters) descent

Pack your binoculars this morning as we’re looking for ‘Lundi’, also known as puffin, Iceland’s iconic and beloved bird. As we hike the high sea cliffs of the Ingólfshöfði headland we’ll also catch glimpses of guillemots and skuas. Please note, in September the puffins will have gone out to sea. However, we'll still enjoy this adventurous hike. After our hike and a bite to eat, we’ll head off to view yet another waterfall, known as Svartifoss, where nearby there are views across Europe’s largest outlet glacier, Skeiðarárjökull, where you can opt to hike on the glacier with specialist guides (extra fee applies). Afterward, we’ll regroup and head back to our accommodation, for another relaxing evening.
Accommodation: Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon, Öraefi
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Ingólfshöfði Headland Hike: 1.9 miles (3 kilometers), 2.5-3 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 656 feet (200 meters) ascent, 656 feet (200 meters) descent

Svartifoss Hike: 3.4 miles (5.5 kilometers), 1-2 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 324 feet (100 meters) ascent, 324 feet (100 meters) descent

Optional Ice hike on Falljökull Glacier (extra fee applies): An alternative option to the afternoon's waterfall hike is to strap on crampons, pick up an ice axe and hike on the Falljökull glacier! Led by specialist glacier guides you’ll explore amazing ice formations checking out the crevasses, seracs, tunnels, and pools of glacial meltwater - no previous experience is required! The constant movement of the glacier means every day is different, so your guides will cut steps in the ice and make sure you make the most of the conditions. The ice hike is popular, so this option must be selected at the time of booking.

After breakfast we'll take a short drive to the hidden canyon Múlagljúfur where we'll hike along this magnificent canyon to visit two beautiful waterfalls Hangandifoss and Múlafoss, offering breathtaking views along the way.

After the hike we'll enjoy lunch then make our way to Jökulsárlón Lagoon, a photographer’s dream, and a spot where you may see seals playing amongst the icebergs. After hiking the entire length of Iceland’s shortest river (blink and you’ll miss it), we’ll end up on the beach surrounded by stranded icebergs.

We continue to the small town of Höfn for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Berjaya Iceland Hotels, Höfn
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Múlagljúfur Canyon Hike: 3.6 miles (5.7 kilometers), 3 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,204 feet (367 meters) ascent 

Iceland's shortest river Hike: 2-3 hours

If you're short on time, this is where the 7-day 'Classic Iceland Adventure' finishes.

This morning we’ll journey northeast to the small town of Egilsstaðir. We’ll continue onto the deep fjord, the harbor of the coastal village of Seydisfjordur, to begin the multi-day hike on the Víknaslóðir hiking trail.

Set out over green mountains and plateaus, we’ll hike down to the uninhabited Lodmundarfjordur, which was, for many years, one of the most isolated and inaccessible communities in Iceland.

Tonight we’ll be in one of Iceland’s charming backcountry cabins, our first along the trail, and we’ll be warmed by the log fire that keeps this cabin cozy!
Accommodation: Loðmundafjörður hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hiking: 9.5 miles (15.2 kilometers), 5-7 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,970 feet (600 meters) ascent, 1,970 feet (600 meters) descent

Our day will start with a walk to the old chapel at the foot of the beautiful fjord, then we’ll continue along the north seashore of Lodmundarfjordur. Loðmundarfjorður fjord is an impressive valley, that, at the turn of the 20th century, was home to 100 people thanks to rich farmlands and accessible fishing grounds.

The hike leads through the massive Loðmundarskriður, formed thousands of years ago when the adjacent mountain literally burst forth. Situated in the southernmost creek of the Víknaslóðir hiking trail, at the foot of the Skælingur Peak. For those still with energy, there’s another optional walk after dinner, down to the beach to visit a quaint church that was in service until the seventies.
Accommodation: Húsavík Cabin, Inlet Húsavík
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hiking: 9.3 miles (15 kilometers), 5-6 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,970 feet (600 meters) ascent, 1,970 feet (600 meters) descent

We continue south this morning, over another low mountain range towards Inlet Húsavík. If weather permits today, we’ll take a side hike up Mount Hvítserkur, a peak that certainly stands out in this region, with its light-colored grey/yellow. This is a challenging, optional hike, though offers the best way to soak in the views of the Eastern Fjord!

This afternoon we end up in another deserted inlet known as Breiðavík, where we can enjoy the calm lapping of the Atlantic waves on this stunning and colorful beach. The only building in the area is our cozy home for the evening, a backcountry cabin in a stunning green valley, surrounded by rhyolite hills. You’ll be blown away by the emptiness of this place, and if you're here later in the season, the starry night sky - you won't find light pollution out here!
Accommodation: Breiðavík Cabin, Inlet Breiðavík
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hiking: 8 miles (13 kilometers), 5-7 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,804 feet (550 meters) ascent, 1,804 feet (550 meters) descent

On this last day, we‘ll hike out of Breidavik inlet, toward the picturesque little village of Borgarfjörður Eystri. After a decent hike, we'll continue via vehicle and take time to explore the puffin colony at Hafnarhólmi once we arrive. Nearly 10,000 pairs of puffins nest every summer here and this is probably the easiest and safest place to watch puffins in Iceland.

We’ll take the short drive back to Egilsstaðir (the village we passed through a few days ago). Believe it or not, there’s actually an airport here, so after some refreshments, we’ll take a short 1-hour flight back to Reykjavík. We’ll be staying back in the Hotel Reykjavik Centrum, which as the name suggests, is centrally located, meaning you’ll have a final chance to easily explore this vibrant and small city.

We’ll share our last night’s meal together at a local restaurant - a perfect opportunity to relive the adventures shared together with new-found friends.
Accommodation: Hotel Reykjavik Centrum, Reykjavik
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hiking: 6 miles (10 kilometers), 3-4 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,246 feet (380 meters) ascent, 1,246 feet (380 meters) descent

This morning breakfast will be provided at the hotel, and if you’re flying home today you're free to make your own way to the Keflavík International Airport.
Accommodation: Not applicable
Meals: Breakfast