Iceland Expedition

Iceland is the land of fire and ice, a wondrous landscape of spouting geysers, blue lagoons, and multicolored valleys stretching to the sea. We head out for hikes in the glacier kingdom of Skaftafell National Park, with its deep canyons and towering cascades, and in fantastic Thingvellir National Park, where a dramatic rift reveals how the continental plates are slowly pulling Iceland apart. We also hike in the brooding heaths of ancient “saga” country where the rich history of Viking clan warfare played out in the Middle Ages. 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 savor the surreal scenery of a magical country unlike any other on earth.

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-3
Reykjavik / Hofn / Vatnajokull / Jokulsarlon

The icecap of Vatnajokull, Europe’s largest glacier, provides a superb backdrop for the harbor town of Hofn. From Hofn we hike amid multicolored hills to Ketillaugarfjall, with magnificent glacier views en route. We also hike along Jokulsarlon Lagoon, a spectacular body of water filled with huge powder-blue bergs. The soft northern light lasting late into the night adds a mystic glow to this ethereal landscape.

Day 4
Skaftafell National Park

In Skaftafell, we are surrounded by one of the most dramatic settings in Iceland, with its incredible geological heritage in full view. We hike among upland heaths and richly colored rhyolite valleys leading to the sea, then across rocky terrain high atop Skaftafellsheidi Heath, skirting above the massive Skaftafellsjokull Glacier.

Day 5
Vik / Skogar

Hiking along the cliff edges of Holtsdalur, a deep canyon set between glacier and sea, we reach the tiny seaside village of Vik, with its hilltop church. After a picnic lunch, we continue to Skogar and our charming hotel near the amazing Skogarfoss Waterfall.

Day 6
Skogarfoss

This not-to-be-missed hike starts directly from our hotel and leads to the 200-foot-high Skogarfoss waterfall, then up to its source, Iceland’s southernmost glacier, Myrdalsjokull.

Days 7-9
Thingvellir National Park / Blue Lagoon

We hike across the fantastic rift valley of Thingvellir National Park, a World Heritage Site and the meeting point between the North American and European continental plates. Our final hike takes us to Whale Fjord for grand coastal panoramas, with an overnight in Reykjavik, Iceland’s vibrant capital. We enjoy a soak in the famous natural springs of the Blue Lagoon before we depart on Day 9.

For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure

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