Iceland Expedition

Iceland is a realm of fire and ice, a wondrous land of spouting geysers, blue lagoons, and multicolored valleys stretching to the sea. Our spectacular hiking journey is designed to bring you close to the full range of Iceland’s extraordinary landscapes, including the glacier kingdom of Skaftafell National Park, with its deep canyons and towering cascades, and fantastic Thingvellir National Park, where a dramatic rift reveals how the continental plates are slowly pulling Iceland apart. We also explore the high valleys and brooding heaths of ancient “saga” country where the rich history of Viking clan warfare played out in the Middle Ages. Along the way, we hear the legends of a pantheon of Norse gods and kings and savor the surreal scenery of a magical country unlike any other on earth.

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-2
Reykjavik / Hofn / Vatnajokull

The icecap of Vatnajokull, Europe’s largest glacier, provides a superb backdrop for the harbor town of Hofn. From here our hikes bring us across dramatic terrain between mountain and shore, and amid multicolored hills to Ketillaugarfjall, with magnificent glacier views en route. The soft northern light lasting late into the night adds a mystic glow to this ethereal landscape.

Days 3-4
Jokulsarlon / Skaftafell National Park

We hike along Jokulsarlon Lagoon, a stunning body of water filled with huge powder-blue icebergs, then head to Skaftafell, one of the most striking settings in Iceland. We hike among upland heaths and richly colored rhyolite valleys leading to the sea, then across rocky terrain high atop Skaftafellsheidi Heath, passing the beautiful Svartifoss waterfall and skirting above the massive Skaftafellsjokull Glacier.

Days 5-6
Vik / Skogar

Following a trail along the cliff edges of Holtsdalur, a deep canyon set between glacier and sea, we reach the tiny seaside village of Vik. We then explore the magnificent Dyrholaey headland rising 400 feet above the sea before continuing on to Skogar. One of our hikes starts directly from our hotel and leads to the 200-foot-high Skogarfoss waterfall, then up to its source, the Myrdalsjokull Glacier. Our descent brings us past a series of breathtaking waterfalls.

Days 7-9
Thingvellir National Park / Blue Lagoon

After a visit to the Great Geysir, which occasionally spouts water up to 150 feet in the air, we hike in the Reykjadalur Valley, with its green hills, warm streams, and natural hot springs. We then explore Thingvellir National Park, a World Heritage Site and the meeting point between the North American and European continental plates. Our hike here is a spectacular grand finale of sweeping coastal panoramas and the Glymur waterfall plunging more than 600 feet into a hidden chasm of moss-covered cliffs. After an overnight in Reykjavik, Iceland’s vibrant capital, we enjoy a soak in the famous natural springs of the Blue Lagoon before departing on Day 9.

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What the Trip is Like

This trip is rated Level 3+. It features daily mountain hikes and hotel accommodations throughout. The hikes can be considered strenuous because they are on undefined, steep trails or through some rugged terrain. The terrain can be very wet. There are many short but steep parts on our hikes, and much up and down. Sturdy, well-broken-in hiking boots are essential. Gaiters are not required but will protect your pant legs from getting wet when we hike through boggy areas. Hiking poles are highly recommended.

Temperatures should be in the mid 50s, perfect for hiking. The weather can provide spectacular clear days but can also be very wet and changeable, and we want you to be well prepared for all that you may encounter. Icelandic weather is always unpredictable, so you must come prepared for at least some rain and bring appropriate rain gear. It is unlikely that it will be hot. Please note that in Europe, the dinner hour is considerably later than what it is in the U.S. We do our best to secure early reservations for our groups, but most often the evening meal will be at 7:30 PM.

Explanation of Trip Levels