Iceland

Iceland - Highland Expedition

14 days · Group · from €5,250.00
‹ Adventure Europe
Duration
14 days
Start/End
Keflavík
Tour type
Group
Accommodation
Hotel / Guesthouse
Price from · per person
€5,250.00
Dates & prices ›
Price from · per person
€5,250.00
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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.

Hiking

Tour Code

ISKEF024

Tour language

GermanGerman

Itinerary

  • 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.

Price

€5,250.00

Phone: +43 512 209071

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

January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

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