Iceland

Iceland - Hiking between fire and ice

15 days · Group · from €6,180.00
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Duration
15 days
Start/End
Keflavík
Tour type
Group
Accommodation
Hotel / Guesthouse
Price from · per person
€6,180.00
Dates & prices ›
Price from · per person
€6,180.00
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Iceland - Hiking between fire and ice

Duration

15 days

Start/End

Keflavík

Tour type

Group

Level

Moderate

Accommodation

Hotel / Guesthouse

Overview

On this hiking trip you experience Iceland's full diversity – from the Reykjanes peninsula via the Kjölur highland route, Kerlingarfjöll and Mývatn to the East Fjords and the Vatnajökull. Highlights include Kerlingarfjöll, Stórurð, the Vatnajökull and the Westman Islands.

Cross-country, then all the way around – on this hiking trip you'll experience the fascinating diversity of Iceland's landscapes. From the volcanic Reykjanes Peninsula and the Kjölur highland route, across the geothermal areas of Kerlingarfjöll and Mývatn, to the wild East Fjords and the glacial world of Vatnajökull. On varied hikes, you'll discover colorful rhyolite mountains, volcanoes, waterfalls, ice-carved landscapes, and spectacular coastlines. Highlights include Kerlingarfjöll, Storurd, Vatnajökull, and the Westman Islands – a journey full of contrasts for active nature lovers and Iceland enthusiasts.

Hiking

Tour Code

ISKEF026

Tour language

GermanGerman

Itinerary

  • Day 1
    Arrival – Reykjavik

    approx. 5 km

    Flight to Keflavík. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your tour guide and transferred to your accommodation on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Depending on your arrival time, you will have some free time.

    Arrival – Reykjavik

    Day 1

    approx. 5 km

    Flight to Keflavík. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your tour guide and transferred to your accommodation on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Depending on your arrival time, you will have some free time.

  • Day 2
    Reykjanes – Geysir – Gullfoss

    Accommodation in the Gullfoss region

    approx. 175 km

    After breakfast, depending on current volcanic activity, we will explore the geologically young Reykjanes Peninsula. Afterwards, we will travel to the Geysir geothermal area, where the active Strokkur geyser regularly erupts, shooting its fountains high into the air. Then we will witness the mighty Gullfoss waterfall as it plunges thunderously into a deep gorge. Overnight stay in the Gullfoss area.

    Reykjanes – Geysir – Gullfoss

    Day 2

    Accommodation in the Gullfoss region

    approx. 175 km

    After breakfast, depending on current volcanic activity, we will explore the geologically young Reykjanes Peninsula. Afterwards, we will travel to the Geysir geothermal area, where the active Strokkur geyser regularly erupts, shooting its fountains high into the air. Then we will witness the mighty Gullfoss waterfall as it plunges thunderously into a deep gorge. Overnight stay in the Gullfoss area.

  • Day 3
    Kerlingarfjöll – Siglufjördur

    approx. 335 km

    Drive along the Kjölur highland route to the high-altitude geothermal area of Kerlingarfjöll. Hike (approx. 1.5–2 hours, 4 km, ± 200 m elevation gain) through the fascinating mountain landscape. Steam rises and bubbles amidst colorful sinter and sulfur deposits, while snow, vibrant green mosses, and colorful rhyolite rocks create striking contrasts. In the afternoon, continue north to the Tröllaskagi Peninsula and Siglufjördur.

    Kerlingarfjöll – Siglufjördur

    Day 3

    approx. 335 km

    Drive along the Kjölur highland route to the high-altitude geothermal area of Kerlingarfjöll. Hike (approx. 1.5–2 hours, 4 km, ± 200 m elevation gain) through the fascinating mountain landscape. Steam rises and bubbles amidst colorful sinter and sulfur deposits, while snow, vibrant green mosses, and colorful rhyolite rocks create striking contrasts. In the afternoon, continue north to the Tröllaskagi Peninsula and Siglufjördur.

  • Day 4
    Troll Peninsula

    Today we explore the majestic basalt plateaus of the Tröllaskagi Peninsula, the "Troll Peninsula," which are among the highest in Iceland. On our hikes (approx. 2–6 hours, 6–16 km, +/-200–650 m elevation gain/loss), we discover wide U-shaped valleys and terraced plateau mountains along the narrow Siglufjörður fjord. In case of bad weather, a visit to the Herring Museum is a good alternative. Colorful cafés in the harbor invite you to stroll and relax.

    Troll Peninsula

    Day 4

    Today we explore the majestic basalt plateaus of the Tröllaskagi Peninsula, the "Troll Peninsula," which are among the highest in Iceland. On our hikes (approx. 2–6 hours, 6–16 km, +/-200–650 m elevation gain/loss), we discover wide U-shaped valleys and terraced plateau mountains along the narrow Siglufjörður fjord. In case of bad weather, a visit to the Herring Museum is a good alternative. Colorful cafés in the harbor invite you to stroll and relax.

  • Day 5
    Akureyri – Lake Mývatn

    approx. 205 km

    Along the beautiful Eyjafjörður fjord, there is the option of participating in a whale watching tour (from €80 per person, approx. 3 hours). Alternatively, we will visit the historic turf farm of Laufas, which offers fascinating insights into rural life of centuries past. En route, we will pass through Akureyri, the capital of North Iceland, before stopping at the impressive Goðafoss, the "Waterfall of the Gods." Towards evening, we will reach the Mývatn region and explore the pseudocraters of Skutustaðir. Our accommodation is located on the northeast shore of Mývatn.

    Akureyri – Lake Mývatn

    Day 5

    approx. 205 km

    Along the beautiful Eyjafjörður fjord, there is the option of participating in a whale watching tour (from €80 per person, approx. 3 hours). Alternatively, we will visit the historic turf farm of Laufas, which offers fascinating insights into rural life of centuries past. En route, we will pass through Akureyri, the capital of North Iceland, before stopping at the impressive Goðafoss, the "Waterfall of the Gods." Towards evening, we will reach the Mývatn region and explore the pseudocraters of Skutustaðir. Our accommodation is located on the northeast shore of Mývatn.

  • Day 6
    Lake Mývatn

    approx. 40 km

    The fascinating Mývatn region is an absolute highlight for geology enthusiasts. On several short hikes and walks (up to 2 hours, max. 7 km, +/- 200 m elevation gain), we will explore the steaming Hverir fumarole field at Namafjall, the volcanically shaped Krafla area with its lava field and explosion crater, the ring crater Hverfjall, and the bizarre lava formations of Dimmuborgir, the "dark castles." In the evening, there is an opportunity for a relaxing soak in the Earth Lagoon Mývatn (not included).

    Lake Mývatn

    Day 6

    approx. 40 km

    The fascinating Mývatn region is an absolute highlight for geology enthusiasts. On several short hikes and walks (up to 2 hours, max. 7 km, +/- 200 m elevation gain), we will explore the steaming Hverir fumarole field at Namafjall, the volcanically shaped Krafla area with its lava field and explosion crater, the ring crater Hverfjall, and the bizarre lava formations of Dimmuborgir, the "dark castles." In the evening, there is an opportunity for a relaxing soak in the Earth Lagoon Mývatn (not included).

  • Day 7
    Lake Mývatn – Borgarfjördur Eystri

    approx. 285 km

    Today we hike through the impressive canyon landscape of Jökulsárgljúfur National Park, the "Grand Canyon of Iceland," and visit, among other things, Dettifoss, Europe's most powerful waterfall (approx. 1 to 3 hours; 3 to 10 km, +/- 50 to 150 m elevation gain/loss). Afterwards, we drive via Egilsstaðir to the remote Borgarfjörður region.

    Lake Mývatn – Borgarfjördur Eystri

    Day 7

    approx. 285 km

    Today we hike through the impressive canyon landscape of Jökulsárgljúfur National Park, the "Grand Canyon of Iceland," and visit, among other things, Dettifoss, Europe's most powerful waterfall (approx. 1 to 3 hours; 3 to 10 km, +/- 50 to 150 m elevation gain/loss). Afterwards, we drive via Egilsstaðir to the remote Borgarfjörður region.

  • Day 8
    Storurd – Dyrfjöll

    One of Iceland's most beautiful day hikes leads us into the wide valley basin of Storurd, the "great pile of rocks," at the foot of the majestic Dyrfjöll massif (approx. 5.5 hours, approx. 15 km, +/- 650 m elevation gain/loss). In the evening, a side trip to the harbor of Borgarfjördur Eystri, where puffins can be observed.

    Storurd – Dyrfjöll

    Day 8

    One of Iceland's most beautiful day hikes leads us into the wide valley basin of Storurd, the "great pile of rocks," at the foot of the majestic Dyrfjöll massif (approx. 5.5 hours, approx. 15 km, +/- 650 m elevation gain/loss). In the evening, a side trip to the harbor of Borgarfjördur Eystri, where puffins can be observed.

  • Day 9
    Viknaslodir

    Today's tour takes us to the enchanting Viknaslodir area, one of Iceland's largest rhyolite regions. Following old hiking trails, we traverse the colorful landscape, cross mountain passes, and reach the once-inhabited, now deserted bay of Brunavik. approx. 6 hours, approx. 17 km, +/- 700 m

    Viknaslodir

    Day 9

    Today's tour takes us to the enchanting Viknaslodir area, one of Iceland's largest rhyolite regions. Following old hiking trails, we traverse the colorful landscape, cross mountain passes, and reach the once-inhabited, now deserted bay of Brunavik. approx. 6 hours, approx. 17 km, +/- 700 m

  • Day 10
    Along the East Fjords

    approx. 280 km

    We traverse the tranquil world of the East Fjords. The road winds from fjord to fjord, crosses mountain passes, and leads past wide bays and imposing cliffs. We make flexible stops in small fishing villages along the way before reaching our accommodation near the mighty Vatnajökull glacier.

    Along the East Fjords

    Day 10

    approx. 280 km

    We traverse the tranquil world of the East Fjords. The road winds from fjord to fjord, crosses mountain passes, and leads past wide bays and imposing cliffs. We make flexible stops in small fishing villages along the way before reaching our accommodation near the mighty Vatnajökull glacier.

  • Day 11
    Vatnajökull

    On an extensive hike to the edge of the Vatnajökull glacier, we experience the fascinating, ever-changing landscape (approx. 2 to 4 hours, approx. 6 to 12 km, +/- 50 to 230 m elevation gain/loss). Those who would like to discover the glacial world from a different perspective can optionally participate in a glacier hike or a kayak tour on one of the glacial lakes (from €140 per person, approx. 3 hours).

    Vatnajökull

    Day 11

    On an extensive hike to the edge of the Vatnajökull glacier, we experience the fascinating, ever-changing landscape (approx. 2 to 4 hours, approx. 6 to 12 km, +/- 50 to 230 m elevation gain/loss). Those who would like to discover the glacial world from a different perspective can optionally participate in a glacier hike or a kayak tour on one of the glacial lakes (from €140 per person, approx. 3 hours).

  • Day 12
    Skaftafell – Skeidararsandur – Eyjafjallajökull

    approx. 315 km

    In the morning, a hike in the Skaftafell area of Vatnajökull (approx. 3 hours, approx. 8 km, +/- 250 m elevation gain/loss). Afterwards, a drive across the Skeidararsandur glacial outwash plain and through the Eldhraun lava field to southern Iceland. Weather permitting, we will visit Cape Dyrhólaey and the Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls. Our accommodation is located at the foot of Eyjafjallajökull.

    Skaftafell – Skeidararsandur – Eyjafjallajökull

    Day 12

    approx. 315 km

    In the morning, a hike in the Skaftafell area of Vatnajökull (approx. 3 hours, approx. 8 km, +/- 250 m elevation gain/loss). Afterwards, a drive across the Skeidararsandur glacial outwash plain and through the Eldhraun lava field to southern Iceland. Weather permitting, we will visit Cape Dyrhólaey and the Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls. Our accommodation is located at the foot of Eyjafjallajökull.

  • Day 13
    Westman Islands

    approx. 75 km

    Weather permitting, we'll take the ferry to the Vestmannaeyjar islands. On Heimaey, we'll hike to the Eldfell volcano, which rises to around 200 meters and formed in 1973, and enjoy sweeping views across the lava fields, the Atlantic Ocean, and the glaciers of the south coast (approx. 2-5 hours, 7-15 km, +/- 180 to 360 meters elevation gain/loss). In case of bad weather, the program will be adjusted accordingly.

    Westman Islands

    Day 13

    approx. 75 km

    Weather permitting, we'll take the ferry to the Vestmannaeyjar islands. On Heimaey, we'll hike to the Eldfell volcano, which rises to around 200 meters and formed in 1973, and enjoy sweeping views across the lava fields, the Atlantic Ocean, and the glaciers of the south coast (approx. 2-5 hours, 7-15 km, +/- 180 to 360 meters elevation gain/loss). In case of bad weather, the program will be adjusted accordingly.

  • Day 14
    South Coast – Reykjavik – Reykjanes

    Accommodation on the Reykjanes Peninsula

    approx. 235 km

    Visit to the historically and geologically significant Thingvellir National Park, before spending the afternoon in Reykjavik. Time for independent exploration. Overnight stay on the Reykjanes Peninsula.

    South Coast – Reykjavik – Reykjanes

    Day 14

    Accommodation on the Reykjanes Peninsula

    approx. 235 km

    Visit to the historically and geologically significant Thingvellir National Park, before spending the afternoon in Reykjavik. Time for independent exploration. Overnight stay on the Reykjanes Peninsula.

  • Day 15
    departure

    approx. 5 km

    Transfer to Keflavik and return flight.

    departure

    Day 15

    approx. 5 km

    Transfer to Keflavik and return flight.

Price

€6,180.00

25/07/2027 – 08/08/2027

Phone: +43 512 209071

Services

What's included

  • Non-stop flight with Icelandair from various German airports to Keflavik

  • 9 nights in partly simple, typical guesthouses and hotels in rooms with shared shower/toilet and 5 nights in rooms with private shower/toilet

  • 14 x breakfast

  • 5 x dinners (days 2, 7-10)

  • Hiking tour as per program in a highland-suitable all-wheel drive minibus with German-speaking driver and tour guide (days 1-15)

  • 1 piece of hand luggage & 1 piece of checked baggage per person

  • Hiking with a daypack

  • Small group tour with min. 6 / max. 8 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 €1,510

  • 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 need to be in good physical condition and have sure footing. You can expect easy, moderate, and sometimes more challenging hikes lasting 2 to 6 hours, covering 6 to 17 kilometers, and with elevation gains of up to 700 meters.

You will be staying in sometimes simple, typical guesthouses and hotels. Sturdy, ankle-high hiking boots and windproof and waterproof clothing are essential.

Dates and prices

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

Group dates

25/07/2027 – 08/08/2027 · €6,180.00 per person

    Notes on the trip

    Notes

    The itinerary and program may change due to weather conditions. Hikes will be adapted to the weather and the needs of the group. The planned hikes include easy, moderate, and occasionally more challenging routes of 2–6 hours, 6–17 km in length, and up to 700 meters of elevation gain. Good physical condition, sure-footedness, and sturdy, ankle-high hiking boots are required. Team spirit and flexibility contribute to a successful trip. On longer hikes, time can also be spent individually around the accommodation after consultation with the tour guide. The excursion to the Westman Islands is dependent on weather and sea conditions. In case of unfavorable conditions, an alternative program will be offered.

    Travel option

    The trip is also possible as a 12-day hiking trip with a slightly modified itinerary (ISKEF023).