Skogarfoss Waterfall, Iceland

Skogarfoss flows down from Iceland’s southernmost glacier, Myrdalsjokull. Our hikes reveal geologic wonders from bubbling hot springs to geysers as we explore from Thingveller National Park to Skaftafell National Park and discover Iceland’s ancient culture.

Photo by John Lawrence / Fototeca 9x12

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Iceland Expedition route-map

Trip Details at-a-Glance

Cost From: $5095   see pricing
Length: 9 days
Arrive: Reykjavik, Iceland
Depart: Reykjavik, Iceland
Lodging: 8 nights hotels
Meals: All meals included
Activity: Hiking / Trekking, Cultural Adventures
Trip Level: 8 hiking days on moderate to strenuous trails, some steep sections, 3-8 hours a day, van support
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Highlights

  • Hike in an unearthly landscape of fjords, iceberg-filled lagoons, and geysers
  • Skaftafell and Thingvellir, with their glaciers, waterfalls, and chasms
  • Soak in Reykjavik’s famous Blue Lagoon
  • Hear the legends of Viking saga country, enjoy the “midnight sun” of the north


This was an amazing trip. I feel like I am still walking the fjords! The beauty of Iceland will never leave me. Thank you!Linda A.—Minneapolis, MN

Choosing the Right Trip

We work hard to help you choose the right trip for you, paying attention to your individual interests, abilities, and needs. If you have questions about the level of comfort or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please contact us.
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References

We are proud to have an exceptionally high rate of repeat travelers. For more information, we would be happy to put you in touch with a client who has traveled with us.

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Departure Notes

Once you have signed up on the trip, we send a complete packing list, relevant health information, and required travel documents.

Resources

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

For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure

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

 

Departures & Leaders

Jun 3-11, 2011  Gunnar Bjorgvinsson
Jul 8-16, 2011  Gunnar Bjorgvinsson
Aug 19-27, 2011  Gunnar Bjorgvinsson

Tour Costs

Prices are for 2011
$5095 (11-15 members)
$5495 (8-10 members)
$5895 (5-7 members)
Single supplement: $685

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Tour Cost Includes:

  • expert leadership of a Wilderness Travel Trip Leader and local guides
  • accommodations
  • welcome and farewell dinners and other meals as noted in the Full Trip Brochure
  • land transportation, airport transfers for passengers, and sightseeing as noted in the Full Trip Brochure

Tour Cost Does Not Include:

International airfare, transfers for independent arrival or departure, any meals not specified in the Full Trip Brochure, airport departure taxes, optional tipping or gratuities to leaders or staff, additional hotel nights that may be necessary due to airline schedule changes or other factors, expenses such as medical immunizations (if any), travel insurance, or passports and visas, and other expenses of a personal nature (alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.).

Trip Payment Schedule

At time of reservation: $500
120 days prior to departure: 20% of tour cost
60 days prior to departure: Balance

Cancellation Fee Schedule

Minimum fee: None
46-90 days prior to departure: 25% of tour cost
45 days or less: 100% of tour cost

Gunnar Bjorgvinsson

Gunnar Bjorgvinsson, a graduate of the University of Iceland, spends his summers guiding sea kayaking trips and hiking trips in his native Iceland and in the winter teaches classes in wilderness skills. He has a vast knowledge of Icelandic culture and history, from its famous mountain trolls to the stories of its Viking seafarers.

Upcoming Trips:

Iceland Expedition, June 3-11, 2011
Iceland Expedition, July 8-16, 2011
Iceland Expedition, August 19-27, 2011

Client Testimonials:


Gunnar is a great guide. He knows the trails very well, has a great personality, a good sense of humor, and is a great storyteller. Elaine Hope Hill, Medford MN
Iceland Expedition
Gunnar is a true gentleman, aware of everyone's concerns. Robert Vakos, Virginia Beach CA
Iceland Expedition

Client Comments

This was an amazing trip. I feel like I am still walking the fjords! The beauty of Iceland will never leave me. Thank you! Linda A., Minneapolis, MN Iceland is one of the most beautiful and natural places we’ve ever been. Rpbert V., Virginia Beach, VA This trip gets my highest rating in terms of leadership and management of details. Iceland is a delightful and surprisingly beautiful pace to visit. Dennis S., Oakland, CA This was our first WT adventure and our first attempt at an active (hiking) vacation. It was a great success on all counts. Lynne F., Hastings, NE
A wonderful trip in a beautiful place! Jeff L., Sioux Falls, SD Well conceived and well run trip. Iceland’s a fantastic place. Gail L., Chicago, IL Superior trip, excellent leadership. Edgar G., Syracuse, NY Loved the trip, loved the challenge of the hikes, the scenery, and getting to know Iceland and its culture. Would love to go back and see more. Margie C., Lake Forest, IL