Land of Glaciers, Viking Sagas, and the Midnight Sun

Iceland Expedition

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"This was our first WT adventure and our first attempt at an active (hiking) vacation. It was a great success on all counts." Lynne Friedewald, Hastings NE

Iceland is the land of fire and ice, a wondrous landscape of hot springs, blue lagoons, and multicolored valleys stretching to the sea. We head out for hikes in Skaftafell National Park, a green paradise as well as a glacier kingdom, and fantastic Thingvellir National Park, with its deep geological rift where the continental plates are slowly pulling Iceland apart. We also hike the lush wilderness of Thorsmork and the brooding heaths of ancient “saga” country where the rich history of Viking clan warfare played out. Along the way, we enjoy long hours of sunlight in the northern sky, hear the legends of a pantheon of Norse gods and kings, and relax in comfortable lodges and steaming hot springs at day’s end.

Below is an Itinerary-in-Brief. To view a complete Detailed Itinerary, Download Full Itinerary or Email our Area Specialist

Itinerary-in-Brief

Days 1-3
Reykjavik / Hofn / Vatnajokull / Jokulsarlon

The icecap of Vatnajokull, Europe’s largest glacier, descends in glacial tongues to the lowlands, providing a superb backdrop for the coastal town of Hofn. We hike through the broad Kalfafellsdalur Valley, flanked on all sides by glaciers, scramble up to Birnudalstindur for tremendous views down the coast, then hike around Jokulsarlon Lagoon, a spectacular body of water filled with huge powderblue bergs calved from the Breidamerkurjokull Glacier. We also hike up to the base of the Oraefajokull Glacier, one of many descending from the massive Vatnajokull icecap.

Days 4-5
Skaftafell National Park / Vik / Skogar

In the glacial wilds of Skaftafell National Park, Iceland’s incredible geological heritage is in full view. We hike among glacier-carved peaks, upland heaths, black sand beaches, and multi-colored rhyolite valleys stretching to the sea. We cross rocky terrain high atop Skaftafellsheidi Heath, passing the beautiful Svartifoss waterfall. An optional hike up the scree slopes of the Krisinartindar Peaks offers incredible views of Skaftafellsjokull Glacier and south to the sea. We also explore the tiny seaside village of Vik, with its hilltop church overlooking the southernmost point in Iceland.

Day 6
Fimmvorduhals / Thorsmork

We walk right from our hotel to start our hike across Fimmvorduhals Pass, one of the most prized hiking routes in all Iceland. This hike, through a lovely valley between two massive glaciers, surrounds us in an extraordinary landscape of fragrant wild thyme, waterfalls, and glacial moraine. We descend through Thorsmork’s glacially carved valleys of dwarf willow and birch forests brightened by wildlflowers.

Days 7-9
Hengill / Thingvellir National Park / Blue Lagoon

From the village of Hveragerdi, known for its geothermally heated greenhouses, we hike across the volcanic ridge of Hengill amid craters, hot springs, and bubbling mud pools. This dramatic landscape was featured in Njal’s Saga, Iceland’s greatest tale of 13th century Viking clan warfare. Our descent brings us into Thingvellir National Park, a World Heritage Site where we explore the fascinating fissures and lakes of the dramatic volcanic landscape. Here we also visit the historic Althing, site of the world’s oldest parliament. We hike at Whale Fjord for spectacular coastal panoramas, then overnight in Reykjavik, Iceland’s vibrant capital. After a soak in the famous natural springs of the Blue Lagoon, we depart on Day 9.

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Tour Costs $5295 (13-15 members) $5595 (11-12 members) $5895 (9-10 members) Single supplement: $995 *Prices are for 2008 dates only **Airfare is not included in Tour Cost unless indicated

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*Note: Dates have changed since the catalog printing

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