Overview
Nature has outdone herself in Iceland, a world of spouting geysers, blue lagoons, moss-covered lava fields, and multicolored valleys stretching to the sea—the geographic diversity and fantasy landscapes must be seen to be believed. On our journey of coastal, mountain, and glacier adventures, we explore UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park and the brooding heaths of ancient “saga” country, where Viking clans created the world’s first parliament. We’ll hike high above breathtaking Skógafoss waterfall, across the spectacular Dyrhólaey headland, and to the otherworldly black-sand beach at Reynisfjara. We’ll also experience the welcoming Icelandic culture, sampling local delights from arctic char to fresh-caught salmon, and enjoying soaks in geothermally heated mineral waters—join us!
This was a marvelous introduction to and overview of a complex country and its people. We were delighted by the diversity of experiences—landscapes, length and difficulty of hikes, variety of foods.
— Patricia M., Asheville, NC
Itinerary at a Glance
Days 1-2
Reykjavík / Höfn / Vatnajökull Glacier
Flowing to the sea through a narrow fjord, Vatnajökull is Europe’s largest glacier and our dramatic backdrop as we hike to the coast among fascinating geologic formations.
Days 3-6
Jökulsárlón / Vatnajökull National Park / Skógar / Reynisfjara
Waterside trails bring us along stunning Jökulsárlón Lagoon, with its powder-blue icebergs calved from the Breidamerkurjökull Glacier, and we boat between the bergs as we cross the lagoon for our picnic lunch. We also hike across Skaftafellsheidi, past the tumbling Svartifoss waterfall, and across the ice of the Skaftafellsjökull Glacier. In tiny Skógar, we sample beer from a microbrewery, hike up above the breathtaking Skógafoss cascade, with its legends of buried treasure, and visit the black-sand beach of Reynisfjara in Vík, considered one of the 10 most beautiful beaches in the world.
Days 7-8
Thingvellir National Park
We follow trails through the Reykjadalur, a valley with steaming hot springs, and marvel at the spectacular terrain of Thingvellir National Park, a World Heritage Site, where we can walk right between tectonic plates. Depart on Day 8.
Iceland Expedition
Highlights
Highlights
Details
8 hiking days on moderate to strenuous trails, some steep sections, 3-8 hours a day, optional glacier walking, van support (for luggage or if you wish to skip a day’s hike).
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