
Iceland
Iceland - Highland Expedition
Iceland - Highland Expedition
Duration
14 days
Start/End
Keflavík
Tour type
Group
Level
Moderate
Accommodation
Hotel / Guesthouse
Overview
In a small group this trip takes you far from the classic routes – along wild highland tracks, through lava deserts and to hot springs. From Kerlingarfjöll via Askja and Sprengisandur to Landmannalaugar, the highlands show their full diversity; Vatnajökull and Jökulsárlón round off the journey.
In a small group, this expedition leads far off the beaten track of classic Icelandic routes – into a pristine world of wild highland tracks, endless lava deserts, hot springs, and remote landscapes. From the colorful Kerlingarfjöll mountains to the impressive Askja gorge, the vast Sprengisandur plains, and the vibrant Landmannalaugar valley, all the way to the mighty Eldgjá volcanic canyon, the Icelandic highlands reveal themselves in all their diversity and drama. Vatnajökull, Skaftafell, the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, Diamond Beach, and the spectacular South Coast are also among the highlights of this extraordinary adventure. A unique Icelandic experience for anyone who wants to discover the island intensely and authentically.
Tour Code
Tour language
GermanItinerary
Day 1
Arrival – Reykjavik
Distance traveled: approx. 50 km / Travel time: approx. 1 hour
Flight to Keflavík. Around 5 pm, group transfer to the hotel in Reykjavík. The rest of the day is at your leisure. For earlier arrivals, transfer will be by Flybus.
Arrival – Reykjavik
Day 1
Distance traveled: approx. 50 km / Travel time: approx. 1 hour
Flight to Keflavík. Around 5 pm, group transfer to the hotel in Reykjavík. The rest of the day is at your leisure. For earlier arrivals, transfer will be by Flybus.
Day 2
Golden Circle – Hveravellir
Distance traveled: approx. 310 km / Travel time: approx. 5 hours
We begin our adventure with a true classic: the Golden Circle. First, we hike through the impressive Almannagjá gorge in Thingvellir National Park. Here, the tectonic plates meet and simultaneously drift apart. At the same time, one of the world's oldest parliaments was founded at this historically significant site in 930 AD. Next, we experience the famous Geysir and its active counterpart, Strokkur, which regularly shoots spectacular jets of water into the air. Not far away, we are awestruck by the mighty Gullfoss waterfall. In the afternoon, we drive into the highlands to Hveravellir, a secluded geothermal area with hot springs. There, we spend two nights in a cozy cabin with dinner included.
Golden Circle – Hveravellir
Day 2
Distance traveled: approx. 310 km / Travel time: approx. 5 hours
We begin our adventure with a true classic: the Golden Circle. First, we hike through the impressive Almannagjá gorge in Thingvellir National Park. Here, the tectonic plates meet and simultaneously drift apart. At the same time, one of the world's oldest parliaments was founded at this historically significant site in 930 AD. Next, we experience the famous Geysir and its active counterpart, Strokkur, which regularly shoots spectacular jets of water into the air. Not far away, we are awestruck by the mighty Gullfoss waterfall. In the afternoon, we drive into the highlands to Hveravellir, a secluded geothermal area with hot springs. There, we spend two nights in a cozy cabin with dinner included.
Day 3
Kerlingarfjöll Mountains
Distance traveled: approx. 100 km / Travel time: approx. 2-2.5 hours
Today's day trip takes us to the colorful mountains of Kerlingarfjöll. Sulfur-yellow hills, steaming springs, and sweeping vistas characterize this fascinating landscape. We hike through the geothermally active Hveradalir valley, where colorful rhyolite slopes, snowfields, and bubbling springs create spectacular contrasts (approx. 4 hours, 300m ascent and descent). In the evening, we return to Hveravellir. Overnight stay and dinner as on the previous day.
Kerlingarfjöll Mountains
Day 3
Distance traveled: approx. 100 km / Travel time: approx. 2-2.5 hours
Today's day trip takes us to the colorful mountains of Kerlingarfjöll. Sulfur-yellow hills, steaming springs, and sweeping vistas characterize this fascinating landscape. We hike through the geothermally active Hveradalir valley, where colorful rhyolite slopes, snowfields, and bubbling springs create spectacular contrasts (approx. 4 hours, 300m ascent and descent). In the evening, we return to Hveravellir. Overnight stay and dinner as on the previous day.
Day 4
Kerlingarfjöll – Akureyri
Accommodation in the Akureyri region
Distance traveled: approx. 200 km / Travel time: approx. 3 hours
The route continues north to Akureyri, the charming "capital of the north," with its pretty streets, cafes, and fjord views. An optional whale watching tour is available in the afternoon (subject to availability). Overnight stay in the Akureyri area.
Kerlingarfjöll – Akureyri
Day 4
Accommodation in the Akureyri region
Distance traveled: approx. 200 km / Travel time: approx. 3 hours
The route continues north to Akureyri, the charming "capital of the north," with its pretty streets, cafes, and fjord views. An optional whale watching tour is available in the afternoon (subject to availability). Overnight stay in the Akureyri area.
Day 5
Lake Mývatn
Distance traveled: approx. 270 km / Travel time: approx. 4 hours
Today we explore the region around Lake Mývatn, known for its volcanic phenomena. Pseudocraters, lava formations, and steaming fields characterize the landscape. We hike around the Hverfjall crater, enjoying panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding lava fields (approx. 2-3 hours, 200 m ascent and descent). A side trip to the impressive Dettifoss, Europe's second most powerful waterfall, completes the day. Overnight stay as on the previous day.
Lake Mývatn
Day 5
Distance traveled: approx. 270 km / Travel time: approx. 4 hours
Today we explore the region around Lake Mývatn, known for its volcanic phenomena. Pseudocraters, lava formations, and steaming fields characterize the landscape. We hike around the Hverfjall crater, enjoying panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding lava fields (approx. 2-3 hours, 200 m ascent and descent). A side trip to the impressive Dettifoss, Europe's second most powerful waterfall, completes the day. Overnight stay as on the previous day.
Day 6
Odadahraun
Distance traveled: approx. 100 km / Travel time: approx. 3 hours
Today's spectacular drive takes us into the black lava desert of Odadahraun, which surrounds the Herdubreid volcano. A short walk leads us to the green oasis of Herdubreidarlindir with its clear springs, before we continue on to Askja. There we will spend two nights in a simple, comfortable highland hut (shared rooms).
Odadahraun
Day 6
Distance traveled: approx. 100 km / Travel time: approx. 3 hours
Today's spectacular drive takes us into the black lava desert of Odadahraun, which surrounds the Herdubreid volcano. A short walk leads us to the green oasis of Herdubreidarlindir with its clear springs, before we continue on to Askja. There we will spend two nights in a simple, comfortable highland hut (shared rooms).
Day 7
Carton
Today's impressive day hike takes us through the vast volcanic landscape of Askja. We'll hike across black lava and ash fields with views of the deep blue Öskjuvatn lake, experiencing the fascinating lunar landscape up close. The hike can be adjusted depending on the weather (approx. 4-5 hours, 300 m ascent & descent).
Carton
Day 7
Today's impressive day hike takes us through the vast volcanic landscape of Askja. We'll hike across black lava and ash fields with views of the deep blue Öskjuvatn lake, experiencing the fascinating lunar landscape up close. The hike can be adjusted depending on the weather (approx. 4-5 hours, 300 m ascent & descent).
Day 8
Godafoss – Kidagil
Accommodation in a guesthouse (shared shower/toilet)
Distance traveled: approx. 250 km / Travel time: approx. 4-5 hours
The journey begins through the Namaskard solfatara field with its steaming vents, leading to Godafoss, the "Waterfall of the Gods." A short walk along the riverbank offers beautiful views of the thundering cascades. Afterwards, the route continues across the vast, desolate Sprengisandur highland track to Kidagil. Overnight stay in a guesthouse (shared shower/toilet facilities).
Godafoss – Kidagil
Day 8
Accommodation in a guesthouse (shared shower/toilet)
Distance traveled: approx. 250 km / Travel time: approx. 4-5 hours
The journey begins through the Namaskard solfatara field with its steaming vents, leading to Godafoss, the "Waterfall of the Gods." A short walk along the riverbank offers beautiful views of the thundering cascades. Afterwards, the route continues across the vast, desolate Sprengisandur highland track to Kidagil. Overnight stay in a guesthouse (shared shower/toilet facilities).
Day 9
Sprengisandur
Distance traveled: approx. 200 km / Travel time: approx. 5-6 hours
Today we experience the legendary Sprengisandur highland route. Rivers, lava fields, and sandy plains alternate as the landscape becomes increasingly rugged and impressive. Finally, we reach Landmannahellir, where we spend two nights in a basic highland hut (dormitory-style accommodation).
Sprengisandur
Day 9
Distance traveled: approx. 200 km / Travel time: approx. 5-6 hours
Today we experience the legendary Sprengisandur highland route. Rivers, lava fields, and sandy plains alternate as the landscape becomes increasingly rugged and impressive. Finally, we reach Landmannahellir, where we spend two nights in a basic highland hut (dormitory-style accommodation).
Day 10
Landmannalaugar
Distance traveled: approx. 40 km / Travel time: approx. 1.5 hours
A true highlight awaits us: the colorful rhyolite mountains of Landmannalaugar. On a circular hike, we'll climb Brennisteinsalda and hike through lava fields and valleys (approx. 4-5 hours, 300 m ascent and descent). There's an optional climb to the summit of Blahnukur. Afterward, we'll end the day with a refreshing dip in the warm river. Overnight stay as on the previous day.
Landmannalaugar
Day 10
Distance traveled: approx. 40 km / Travel time: approx. 1.5 hours
A true highlight awaits us: the colorful rhyolite mountains of Landmannalaugar. On a circular hike, we'll climb Brennisteinsalda and hike through lava fields and valleys (approx. 4-5 hours, 300 m ascent and descent). There's an optional climb to the summit of Blahnukur. Afterward, we'll end the day with a refreshing dip in the warm river. Overnight stay as on the previous day.
Day 11
From the highlands to the south
Distance traveled: approx. 150 km / Travel time: approx. 3.5 hours
Today we leave the Icelandic highlands. River crossings, lava fields, and the impressive Eldgjá canyon characterize our route today. We hike for about 1-2 hours through this breathtaking landscape before reaching Kirkubaejarklaustur. Here we will spend two nights (shared shower/toilet facilities).
From the highlands to the south
Day 11
Distance traveled: approx. 150 km / Travel time: approx. 3.5 hours
Today we leave the Icelandic highlands. River crossings, lava fields, and the impressive Eldgjá canyon characterize our route today. We hike for about 1-2 hours through this breathtaking landscape before reaching Kirkubaejarklaustur. Here we will spend two nights (shared shower/toilet facilities).
Day 12
Vatnajökull – Jökulsárlón
Distance traveled: approx. 280 km / Travel time: approx. 4 hours
The mighty Vatnajökull is the largest glacier in Europe outside the polar regions, and beneath its vast ice cap lie some of Iceland's most active volcanoes. We'll explore the Skaftafell area within Vatnajökull National Park and hike to Svartifoss (approx. 1.5 hours, 100 meters elevation gain), taking in the breathtaking glacial landscape. Afterwards, we'll continue to the famous Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon with its shimmering blue icebergs. Finally, we'll visit Diamond Beach, directly opposite the glacier lagoon, where chunks of ice from the lagoon are constantly washed ashore on the black sand – a fascinating spectacle reminiscent of glittering diamonds.
Vatnajökull – Jökulsárlón
Day 12
Distance traveled: approx. 280 km / Travel time: approx. 4 hours
The mighty Vatnajökull is the largest glacier in Europe outside the polar regions, and beneath its vast ice cap lie some of Iceland's most active volcanoes. We'll explore the Skaftafell area within Vatnajökull National Park and hike to Svartifoss (approx. 1.5 hours, 100 meters elevation gain), taking in the breathtaking glacial landscape. Afterwards, we'll continue to the famous Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon with its shimmering blue icebergs. Finally, we'll visit Diamond Beach, directly opposite the glacier lagoon, where chunks of ice from the lagoon are constantly washed ashore on the black sand – a fascinating spectacle reminiscent of glittering diamonds.
Day 13
South Coast – Reykjavik
Accommodation in Reykjavik
Distance traveled: approx. 260 km / Travel time: approx. 3.5 hours
Along the south coast, we experience Iceland's diversity once again, with roaring waterfalls, white glacial caps, basalt columns, black sand beaches, and striking rock formations by the sea. With a bit of luck, we might spot puffins on the cliffs. In the afternoon, we arrive in Reykjavík and have time to end the day in the vibrant capital. Overnight stay in Reykjavík.
South Coast – Reykjavik
Day 13
Accommodation in Reykjavik
Distance traveled: approx. 260 km / Travel time: approx. 3.5 hours
Along the south coast, we experience Iceland's diversity once again, with roaring waterfalls, white glacial caps, basalt columns, black sand beaches, and striking rock formations by the sea. With a bit of luck, we might spot puffins on the cliffs. In the afternoon, we arrive in Reykjavík and have time to end the day in the vibrant capital. Overnight stay in Reykjavík.
Day 14
departure
Distance traveled: approx. 50 km / Travel time: 45 min
Transfer to Keflavik and return flight. For later departures, there is the option of a convenient Flybus ride to the airport.
departure
Day 14
Distance traveled: approx. 50 km / Travel time: 45 min
Transfer to Keflavik and return flight. For later departures, there is the option of a convenient Flybus ride to the airport.
Services
What's included
Non-stop flight with Icelandair from various German airports to Keflavik
7 nights in partly simple, typical guesthouses/hotels (4 nights in a room with shower/toilet, 3 nights in a room with shared shower/toilet)
6 nights in cabins (dormitory-style accommodation)
13 x breakfast
9 x packed lunches (self-prepared, days 2, 3, 7-13)
9 x dinners prepared together (days 2, 3, 6-12)
Airport transfers in Iceland
Hiking trip as per program in a highland-suitable off-road bus with German-speaking tour guide (days 1-14)
1 piece of hand luggage & 1 piece of checked baggage per person
Hiking with a daypack
Small group tour with min. 8 / max. 12 participants
What's not included
Travel insurance (we are happy to put together an individual offer)
personal equipment
Visa and vaccinations, if required
Tip
Single room supplement €690
Meals not included in the services
For very early return flights, breakfast may be omitted, depending on the breakfast times of the respective accommodation.
Excursions not listed in the services
Fees for the use of public sanitary facilities
Personal expenses
Feeder flights, other departure airports or Rail&Fly (we are happy to put together a suitable offer)
Character of the trip
Fitness
Moderate
Altitude
Low
Culture / nature
Pure nature
For this trip, you should be in good physical condition and have sure footing. Expect hikes of approximately 1 to 5 hours, often in the highlands on rough and uneven terrain that can be slippery in bad weather.
Sturdy, ankle-high hiking boots, hiking poles, and warm, windproof and waterproof clothing should be packed.
Dates and prices
Group dates
Notes on the trip
Notes
All stated hiking times are pure walking times, excluding breaks. A moderate level of fitness and some hiking experience are required. Surefootedness is essential, as we will be walking on rough and uneven terrain that can be slippery or muddy in bad weather. Sturdy, ankle-high hiking boots are indispensable. Due to the changeable weather, the itinerary and program may change at short notice. Due to the climatic conditions, differences in altitude can be more strenuous than in Central Europe. Activities on foot take place every day, even on days when no hikes are scheduled. If the minimum number of participants (8 people) is not reached, the trip may be cancelled up to 28 days before the start of the trip. Single room only for 7 nights
