
Iceland
Iceland - Hiking in the south of the island
Iceland - Hiking in the south of the island
Duration
6 days
Start/End
Keflavik/Reykjavik
Tour type
Group
Level
Moderate
Accommodation
Hotel
Overview
In a small group you hike from Vík via Hof to Kirkjubæjarklaustur to thundering waterfalls, along glacier tongues, through gorges such as Múlagljúfur canyon and over black sand beaches. Cinematic landscapes with volcanoes and icefields – the weather decides the daily plan.
Iceland may seem small on a map, but in reality, amidst its vast, cinematic landscapes, you'll feel almost like you're on another planet. On this six-day active tour, you'll be right in the heart of it all – hiking to thundering waterfalls whose power will take your breath away. You'll traverse breathtaking landscapes with rugged peaks, massive glaciers, endless ice fields, black sand beaches, and wild fjords. Look forward to some of the region's most spectacular hikes: to the Múlagljúfur canyon, the Skaftafell glacier, Mount Laki, or the Brennisteinsalda volcano, where you can relax in a natural hot pool. Your journey begins and ends in the vibrant capital city of Reykjavik – here you'll have the opportunity to experience the lives of the Icelanders who call this unique place home.
Tour Code
Tour language
EnglishItinerary
Day 1
Keflavik - Vik
Adventure Hotel Ireland (or similar)
Travel time: approx. 2.75 hours. Distance: approx. 200 km.
You will arrive independently by 7:30 a.m. at the latest – ideally the day before, so you can start your Iceland adventure relaxed. After your arrival at Keflavík Airport, you will travel with the group to Hotel Cabin in Reykjavík, where a hearty breakfast awaits you. After a short welcome meeting and introductions, you'll head straight to the south coast to Seljalandsfoss, one of the country's most impressive waterfalls. The approximately 60-meter-high waterfall offers a unique experience, as a path leads directly behind the cascading water – a one-of-a-kind view "behind the scenes" of this natural wonder. Next, we'll head to Skógafoss, another impressive waterfall that captivates not only with its height but also with its sheer force. The spray created by the water often produces rainbows when the sun is shining. Here, you'll embark on your first hike through Iceland's breathtaking natural landscape. Depending on the weather and your fitness level, a distance of between 1 and 8 kilometers is possible. As you hike through the verdant, waterfall-dotted scenery, you'll gain a first intense impression of Iceland's immense beauty. The day concludes with a group dinner at the hotel.
Keflavik - Vik
Day 1
Adventure Hotel Ireland (or similar)
Travel time: approx. 2.75 hours. Distance: approx. 200 km.
You will arrive independently by 7:30 a.m. at the latest – ideally the day before, so you can start your Iceland adventure relaxed. After your arrival at Keflavík Airport, you will travel with the group to Hotel Cabin in Reykjavík, where a hearty breakfast awaits you. After a short welcome meeting and introductions, you'll head straight to the south coast to Seljalandsfoss, one of the country's most impressive waterfalls. The approximately 60-meter-high waterfall offers a unique experience, as a path leads directly behind the cascading water – a one-of-a-kind view "behind the scenes" of this natural wonder. Next, we'll head to Skógafoss, another impressive waterfall that captivates not only with its height but also with its sheer force. The spray created by the water often produces rainbows when the sun is shining. Here, you'll embark on your first hike through Iceland's breathtaking natural landscape. Depending on the weather and your fitness level, a distance of between 1 and 8 kilometers is possible. As you hike through the verdant, waterfall-dotted scenery, you'll gain a first intense impression of Iceland's immense beauty. The day concludes with a group dinner at the hotel.
Day 2
Vik - Hof
Adventure Hotel Hof (or similar)
Travel time: approx. 1.5 hours. Distance: approx. 87 km
After breakfast, you'll travel with the group to Skaftafell, a nature reserve in Vatnajökull National Park, known for its spectacular waterfalls, glacial lagoons, and black sand beaches. In the morning, you'll hike to the largest glacier in Europe and experience the impressive ice landscape up close. After the hike, you'll have time for lunch. In the afternoon, you'll continue to the picturesque Svartifoss, also known as the "Black Waterfall," famous for the fascinating basalt columns that frame the falls. Afterward, the hike takes you to one of Skaftafell's most beautiful viewpoints, Sjónarnípa, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding glacial landscape. Later in the afternoon, you'll arrive at your hotel in Hof, in time for dinner, where you can relax and enjoy the end of an eventful day. In the morning, you'll hike one of the scenic trails in Skaftafell National Park, where you can enjoy views of the basalt columns, waterfalls, and the Skaftafellsjökull glacier tongue, which plunges majestically into the valley. The landscape is blackened by ash, and with a bit of luck, you might spot lagoons in the distance. In the afternoon, you'll embark on a glacier hike, following well-maintained paths through this impressive natural area. Skaftafell National Park is known for its good weather and sunny summer days. Often compared to the Alps, this region, shaped by the immense forces of rivers, glaciers, and volcanoes, offers a unique perspective on one of Iceland's most diverse landscapes. At the end of the day, you'll return to your hotel in Hof and enjoy a delicious dinner, ready for your next adventure.
Vik - Hof
Day 2
Adventure Hotel Hof (or similar)
Travel time: approx. 1.5 hours. Distance: approx. 87 km
After breakfast, you'll travel with the group to Skaftafell, a nature reserve in Vatnajökull National Park, known for its spectacular waterfalls, glacial lagoons, and black sand beaches. In the morning, you'll hike to the largest glacier in Europe and experience the impressive ice landscape up close. After the hike, you'll have time for lunch. In the afternoon, you'll continue to the picturesque Svartifoss, also known as the "Black Waterfall," famous for the fascinating basalt columns that frame the falls. Afterward, the hike takes you to one of Skaftafell's most beautiful viewpoints, Sjónarnípa, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding glacial landscape. Later in the afternoon, you'll arrive at your hotel in Hof, in time for dinner, where you can relax and enjoy the end of an eventful day. In the morning, you'll hike one of the scenic trails in Skaftafell National Park, where you can enjoy views of the basalt columns, waterfalls, and the Skaftafellsjökull glacier tongue, which plunges majestically into the valley. The landscape is blackened by ash, and with a bit of luck, you might spot lagoons in the distance. In the afternoon, you'll embark on a glacier hike, following well-maintained paths through this impressive natural area. Skaftafell National Park is known for its good weather and sunny summer days. Often compared to the Alps, this region, shaped by the immense forces of rivers, glaciers, and volcanoes, offers a unique perspective on one of Iceland's most diverse landscapes. At the end of the day, you'll return to your hotel in Hof and enjoy a delicious dinner, ready for your next adventure.
Day 3
Temple - Kirkjubaejarklaustur
Adventure Hotel Ireland (or similar)
Travel time: approx. 1.5 hours. Distance: approx. 90 km.
In the morning, you'll visit Jökulsárlón, a glacial lagoon bordering Vatnajökull National Park in southeast Iceland. Upon arrival, you'll embark on a one-hour hike through the shimmering icebergs scattered across the black sand of Diamond Beach. The contrast between the dazzling white ice and the dark sand is mesmerizing, and the place feels almost surreal. Afterward, you'll continue to Múlagljúfur Canyon, a hidden gem in southern Iceland that seems straight out of a fairytale. You'll hike through this breathtaking gorge, shrouded in moss-covered cliffs and mist, while waterfalls—Hangandifoss and Múlafoss—cave majestically into the depths. The canyon is so deep and mysterious that it's easy to imagine a dragon lurking behind one of the waterfalls that plunge directly from the steep mountainside. After this fascinating hike, you will continue to the hotel in Kirkjubaejarklaustur, where you will spend the night and end the day with a relaxing dinner. The hike in Múlagljúfur Canyon takes you on a 5-kilometer trek through spectacular scenery. You'll be enchanted by the verdant slopes and thundering waterfalls, while the mist from the falls creates a mystical atmosphere. In this wild and untouched environment, you'll feel completely at one with the Icelandic wilderness. Afterward, a glacier hike awaits you at Jökulsárlón, Iceland's deepest glacial lagoon. Here, enormous icebergs drift toward the sea, shimmering in shades of white and blue, while seals bask on the ice floes. Following the hike, you'll head to Diamond Beach, where icebergs from the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier are washed ashore on the black sand, sparkling like diamonds in the sunlight.
Temple - Kirkjubaejarklaustur
Day 3
Adventure Hotel Ireland (or similar)
Travel time: approx. 1.5 hours. Distance: approx. 90 km.
In the morning, you'll visit Jökulsárlón, a glacial lagoon bordering Vatnajökull National Park in southeast Iceland. Upon arrival, you'll embark on a one-hour hike through the shimmering icebergs scattered across the black sand of Diamond Beach. The contrast between the dazzling white ice and the dark sand is mesmerizing, and the place feels almost surreal. Afterward, you'll continue to Múlagljúfur Canyon, a hidden gem in southern Iceland that seems straight out of a fairytale. You'll hike through this breathtaking gorge, shrouded in moss-covered cliffs and mist, while waterfalls—Hangandifoss and Múlafoss—cave majestically into the depths. The canyon is so deep and mysterious that it's easy to imagine a dragon lurking behind one of the waterfalls that plunge directly from the steep mountainside. After this fascinating hike, you will continue to the hotel in Kirkjubaejarklaustur, where you will spend the night and end the day with a relaxing dinner. The hike in Múlagljúfur Canyon takes you on a 5-kilometer trek through spectacular scenery. You'll be enchanted by the verdant slopes and thundering waterfalls, while the mist from the falls creates a mystical atmosphere. In this wild and untouched environment, you'll feel completely at one with the Icelandic wilderness. Afterward, a glacier hike awaits you at Jökulsárlón, Iceland's deepest glacial lagoon. Here, enormous icebergs drift toward the sea, shimmering in shades of white and blue, while seals bask on the ice floes. Following the hike, you'll head to Diamond Beach, where icebergs from the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier are washed ashore on the black sand, sparkling like diamonds in the sunlight.
Day 4
Kirkjubaejarklaustur
Adventure Hotel Geirland
We begin the day with a short, one-hour hike through the Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon, which is up to 100 meters deep and about two kilometers long. The Fjaðrá River babbles gently beside you as you venture deeper into the canyon, surrounded by steep, winding rock walls. The walls are covered in moss and grass, and the further you go, the more impressive the view becomes of the river meandering leisurely towards the sea. After this idyllic hike, we continue to the base of Laki, a volcano famous for its devastating eruption of 1783. From here, an approximately one-hour hike leads up to the Tjarnargígur crater, which today reflects the destructive force of the 1783 eruption. Although the volcano is now dormant, the craters serve as a reminder of the immense natural power that once shook the world. Afterwards, you will visit some of Iceland's most famous sights, including Systrafoss, Systrastapi and Kirkjugólf, before returning to your accommodation in Kirkjubaejarklaustur, where you can end the day with a group dinner.
Kirkjubaejarklaustur
Day 4
Adventure Hotel Geirland
We begin the day with a short, one-hour hike through the Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon, which is up to 100 meters deep and about two kilometers long. The Fjaðrá River babbles gently beside you as you venture deeper into the canyon, surrounded by steep, winding rock walls. The walls are covered in moss and grass, and the further you go, the more impressive the view becomes of the river meandering leisurely towards the sea. After this idyllic hike, we continue to the base of Laki, a volcano famous for its devastating eruption of 1783. From here, an approximately one-hour hike leads up to the Tjarnargígur crater, which today reflects the destructive force of the 1783 eruption. Although the volcano is now dormant, the craters serve as a reminder of the immense natural power that once shook the world. Afterwards, you will visit some of Iceland's most famous sights, including Systrafoss, Systrastapi and Kirkjugólf, before returning to your accommodation in Kirkjubaejarklaustur, where you can end the day with a group dinner.
Day 5
Kirkjubaejarklaustur - Reykjavik
Hotel Cabin
Travel time: approx. 3.5 hours. Distance: approx. 275 km
Next, we travel to Vatnajökull National Park, where you'll explore the impressive Eldgjá canyon in the western part of the park. You'll spend almost two hours enjoying the surroundings and hiking to the Ófærufoss waterfall, which blends picturesquely into the wild landscape. Afterward, a two-and-a-half-hour hike takes you to the Brennisteinsalda volcano, known for its colorful, sulfurous rocks and fascinating geothermal activity. The view from the top is spectacular and offers a unique insight into the geological forces of the region. After the hike, you'll have the opportunity to relax in one of the natural hot pools and enjoy the soothing warmth of the geothermal springs. Finally, we travel to Reykjavik, where we'll spend the night and bring this eventful day to a close.
Kirkjubaejarklaustur - Reykjavik
Day 5
Hotel Cabin
Travel time: approx. 3.5 hours. Distance: approx. 275 km
Next, we travel to Vatnajökull National Park, where you'll explore the impressive Eldgjá canyon in the western part of the park. You'll spend almost two hours enjoying the surroundings and hiking to the Ófærufoss waterfall, which blends picturesquely into the wild landscape. Afterward, a two-and-a-half-hour hike takes you to the Brennisteinsalda volcano, known for its colorful, sulfurous rocks and fascinating geothermal activity. The view from the top is spectacular and offers a unique insight into the geological forces of the region. After the hike, you'll have the opportunity to relax in one of the natural hot pools and enjoy the soothing warmth of the geothermal springs. Finally, we travel to Reykjavik, where we'll spend the night and bring this eventful day to a close.
Day 6
Reykjavik
Our tour ends after breakfast. You can leave at any time or extend your stay to discover more of Iceland's fantastic nature.
Reykjavik
Day 6
Our tour ends after breakfast. You can leave at any time or extend your stay to discover more of Iceland's fantastic nature.
Services
What's included
3x mid-range hotel
2x standard hotel
6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 2 dinners
All transports as described
English-speaking tour guide
Glacier excursion with ice climbing
What's not included
Individual travel to and from the destination (we are happy to put together a suitable offer)
Travel insurance (we are happy to put together an individual offer)
personal equipment
Visa and vaccinations, if required
Tip
Meals and drinks not mentioned (budget approximately €160–210 for this)
Character of the trip
Fitness
Moderate
Altitude
Low
Culture / nature
Pure nature
This six-day active tour to Iceland is ideal for nature lovers with a good level of fitness and a love of hiking. Daily tours through waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes, and canyons require sure-footedness, a sense of adventure, and flexibility, as the weather can change unexpectedly. Participants should be team players, as the experience is shared in a small group. This trip is for anyone who wants to actively discover Iceland's wild landscape and experience unforgettable moments in nature.
Dates and prices
Group dates
A single room can be booked for an extra charge (649 euros).
Notes on the trip
Directions
Please ensure you arrive no later than 7:30 a.m. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the Hotel Cabin, where you can have breakfast. At 10:30 a.m., the group will depart from the meeting point at the hotel. You can leave your luggage there during this time.
Notice in accordance with EU Directive 2015/2302:
This trip is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
