
Iceland
Iceland - Active hiking trip through southern Iceland
Iceland - Active hiking trip through southern Iceland
Duration
9 days
Start/End
Keflavík
Tour type
Group
Level
Moderate
Accommodation
Hotel / Guesthouse
Overview
On this small-group hiking trip you explore the volcanic landscapes of the Westman Islands, the glacier tongues of the Vatnajökull and, on two days, the highlands with Landmannalaugar and the Lakagígar crater row. Along the south coast, black beaches, basalt formations and waterfalls await you.
Spectacular nature experiences characterize this active hiking tour in a small group through southern Iceland. The route takes you to the volcanic landscapes of the Westman Islands, the mighty glacier tongues of Vatnajökull, and deep into the Icelandic Highlands for two days. Highlights include the colorful rhyolite mountains and black lava fields of Landmannalaugar, as well as the impressive crater landscape of Lakagigar. Along the south coast, you'll find black sand beaches, striking basalt formations, and impressive waterfalls. Finally, you'll experience the natural wonders of the Golden Circle, including Gullfoss waterfall, the Geysir geothermal area, and the historically significant Thingvellir National Park.
Tour Code
Tour language
GermanItinerary
Day 1
Arrival – South Iceland
Distance traveled: approx. 170 km / Travel time: approx. 2.5-3 hours
Flight to Keflavík. We'll depart together around 6 pm and immerse ourselves directly in the Icelandic landscape. On our way to the south coast, we'll get our first impression of the vastness of the landscape and the glaciated mountains in the south of the island. Late in the evening we reach our accommodation, situated amidst beautiful nature. A simple supper awaits us there.
Arrival – South Iceland
Day 1
Distance traveled: approx. 170 km / Travel time: approx. 2.5-3 hours
Flight to Keflavík. We'll depart together around 6 pm and immerse ourselves directly in the Icelandic landscape. On our way to the south coast, we'll get our first impression of the vastness of the landscape and the glaciated mountains in the south of the island. Late in the evening we reach our accommodation, situated amidst beautiful nature. A simple supper awaits us there.
Day 2
Westman Islands – Hiking on Heimaey
Today we take a 45-minute ferry crossing from Landeyjahöfn to Heimaey, the only permanently inhabited island in the Westman Islands. The young volcanic landscape is a testament to the 1973 eruption of Eldfell. We'll explore the island on a 3-4 hour hike and climb Eldfell. From the summit, we'll enjoy panoramic views of lava fields, cliffs, and the surrounding islands. Weather permitting, there may be time for additional hiking. Until mid-July, there's also a good chance of spotting puffins. In the afternoon, we'll return to the mainland by ferry. Overnight stay as on the previous day. Dinner. Driving distance approx. 45-90 km, ferry crossing approx. 45 min. each way.
Westman Islands – Hiking on Heimaey
Day 2
Today we take a 45-minute ferry crossing from Landeyjahöfn to Heimaey, the only permanently inhabited island in the Westman Islands. The young volcanic landscape is a testament to the 1973 eruption of Eldfell. We'll explore the island on a 3-4 hour hike and climb Eldfell. From the summit, we'll enjoy panoramic views of lava fields, cliffs, and the surrounding islands. Weather permitting, there may be time for additional hiking. Until mid-July, there's also a good chance of spotting puffins. In the afternoon, we'll return to the mainland by ferry. Overnight stay as on the previous day. Dinner. Driving distance approx. 45-90 km, ferry crossing approx. 45 min. each way.
Day 3
South Coast – Vatnajökull
Today, our journey along the south coast takes us through a panorama of waterfalls, black sand beaches, verdant mountain slopes, and vast glacial landscapes. We'll visit Skógafoss waterfall and explore the coastal scenery around Dyrhólaey, with its black volcanic beaches, basalt formations, and dramatic bird cliffs. Short walks and hikes (approximately 2-3 hours) will round out the day. Afterwards, we continue eastward. Ahead of us lie expansive sand flats and the mighty glacial tongues of Vatnajökull, which extend from the ice cap into the lowlands. We'll arrive at our accommodation in the Vatnajökull region in the late afternoon. Distance traveled: approx. 300 km / approx. 4.5 - 5 hours travel time.
South Coast – Vatnajökull
Day 3
Today, our journey along the south coast takes us through a panorama of waterfalls, black sand beaches, verdant mountain slopes, and vast glacial landscapes. We'll visit Skógafoss waterfall and explore the coastal scenery around Dyrhólaey, with its black volcanic beaches, basalt formations, and dramatic bird cliffs. Short walks and hikes (approximately 2-3 hours) will round out the day. Afterwards, we continue eastward. Ahead of us lie expansive sand flats and the mighty glacial tongues of Vatnajökull, which extend from the ice cap into the lowlands. We'll arrive at our accommodation in the Vatnajökull region in the late afternoon. Distance traveled: approx. 300 km / approx. 4.5 - 5 hours travel time.
Day 4
Vatnajökull National Park
Distance traveled: approx. 80 km / approx. 1.5 hours.
Today we decide for ourselves how active the day should be. Glacier hike In the morning, there is an opportunity for a guided glacier hike. No prior experience is necessary. The approximately three-hour tour includes about 1.5 hours on the glacier. All necessary equipment is provided; a certified English-speaking glacier guide accompanies the tour. Price per person approx. €125 Individual hike Alternatively, we can explore the glacial landscape on our own. A signposted hiking trail leads to a glacier tongue and a glacial lake of Vatnajökull (2-4 hours). Jökulsárlón & Diamond Beach In the early afternoon, we drive to Jökulsárlón. Shimmering blue icebergs drift through the famous glacial lagoon, while at nearby Diamond Beach, chunks of ice lie on the black sand. Optional: Kayak tour An approximately one-hour kayak tour on the glacier lagoon. Price per person not including approx. €115 Overnight stay as on the previous day; individual activities approx. 2–6 hours;
Vatnajökull National Park
Day 4
Distance traveled: approx. 80 km / approx. 1.5 hours.
Today we decide for ourselves how active the day should be. Glacier hike In the morning, there is an opportunity for a guided glacier hike. No prior experience is necessary. The approximately three-hour tour includes about 1.5 hours on the glacier. All necessary equipment is provided; a certified English-speaking glacier guide accompanies the tour. Price per person approx. €125 Individual hike Alternatively, we can explore the glacial landscape on our own. A signposted hiking trail leads to a glacier tongue and a glacial lake of Vatnajökull (2-4 hours). Jökulsárlón & Diamond Beach In the early afternoon, we drive to Jökulsárlón. Shimmering blue icebergs drift through the famous glacial lagoon, while at nearby Diamond Beach, chunks of ice lie on the black sand. Optional: Kayak tour An approximately one-hour kayak tour on the glacier lagoon. Price per person not including approx. €115 Overnight stay as on the previous day; individual activities approx. 2–6 hours;
Day 5
Svartifoss – Sjonarnipa – Kirkjubaejarklaustur
Distance traveled: approx. 180 km / approx. 2.5–3 hours travel time
Vatnajökull is the largest glacier in Iceland and in Europe outside the polar regions. In Skaftafell National Park, we'll experience its immense scale today on a varied circular hike (approx. 7.1 km / 2.5–3 hours / approx. 310 m elevation gain). First, we'll hike to Svartifoss, framed by striking dark basalt columns. Then we'll continue to Sjonarnípa. From this viewpoint, we'll enjoy panoramic views of Skaftafellsjökull and the surrounding mountains and glaciers. We'll return to our starting point via a different route. Afterwards, we'll drive to Kirkjubæjarklaustur and spend the night in the area.
Svartifoss – Sjonarnipa – Kirkjubaejarklaustur
Day 5
Distance traveled: approx. 180 km / approx. 2.5–3 hours travel time
Vatnajökull is the largest glacier in Iceland and in Europe outside the polar regions. In Skaftafell National Park, we'll experience its immense scale today on a varied circular hike (approx. 7.1 km / 2.5–3 hours / approx. 310 m elevation gain). First, we'll hike to Svartifoss, framed by striking dark basalt columns. Then we'll continue to Sjonarnípa. From this viewpoint, we'll enjoy panoramic views of Skaftafellsjökull and the surrounding mountains and glaciers. We'll return to our starting point via a different route. Afterwards, we'll drive to Kirkjubæjarklaustur and spend the night in the area.
Day 6
Lakagigar
Distance traveled: approx. 110–120 km / approx. 5–6 hours travel time
Today we travel from Kirkjubaejarklaustur to the remote volcanic landscape of Lakagigar. This enormous series of craters was formed during the Laki eruption of 1783/84. Green mosses cover large parts of the black lava fields, giving the landscape a unique atmosphere. We begin by hiking up Laki. On a clear day, the summit offers a fantastic view across the crater chain to Vatnajökull. Afterwards, we continue our hike through the crater and lava landscape around Tjarnarigur. The trail leads through Eldborgarfarvegur, an old lava tube (total hike approx. 8.5 km / 3–3.5 hours / approx. 200 m elevation gain plus minor ascents). In the afternoon, we return to Kirkjubæarklaustur. Overnight stay as on the previous day.
Lakagigar
Day 6
Distance traveled: approx. 110–120 km / approx. 5–6 hours travel time
Today we travel from Kirkjubaejarklaustur to the remote volcanic landscape of Lakagigar. This enormous series of craters was formed during the Laki eruption of 1783/84. Green mosses cover large parts of the black lava fields, giving the landscape a unique atmosphere. We begin by hiking up Laki. On a clear day, the summit offers a fantastic view across the crater chain to Vatnajökull. Afterwards, we continue our hike through the crater and lava landscape around Tjarnarigur. The trail leads through Eldborgarfarvegur, an old lava tube (total hike approx. 8.5 km / 3–3.5 hours / approx. 200 m elevation gain plus minor ascents). In the afternoon, we return to Kirkjubæarklaustur. Overnight stay as on the previous day.
Day 7
Landmannalaugar
Distance traveled: approx. 240 km / 5.5–6 hours travel time
Today we cross the Icelandic Highlands once more. We drive along the F208 through a barren landscape of lava, mountains, and vast volcanic plains to Landmannalaugar. There, an impressive display of colors awaits us: rhyolite rock makes the mountains glow in shades of red, yellow, green, and brown, interspersed with black lava fields and steaming hot springs. We hike through the Laugahraun valley and up to Brennisteinsalda. From the summit, we enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the colorful mountain scenery of Landmannalaugar (approx. 7 km, approx. 3-5 hours / approx. 300 m elevation gain). Back in the valley, if time and conditions permit, there will be an opportunity for a swim in the naturally warm water. In the afternoon we continue north and gradually leave the highlands. In the evening we reach our accommodation in Laugarvatn.
Landmannalaugar
Day 7
Distance traveled: approx. 240 km / 5.5–6 hours travel time
Today we cross the Icelandic Highlands once more. We drive along the F208 through a barren landscape of lava, mountains, and vast volcanic plains to Landmannalaugar. There, an impressive display of colors awaits us: rhyolite rock makes the mountains glow in shades of red, yellow, green, and brown, interspersed with black lava fields and steaming hot springs. We hike through the Laugahraun valley and up to Brennisteinsalda. From the summit, we enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the colorful mountain scenery of Landmannalaugar (approx. 7 km, approx. 3-5 hours / approx. 300 m elevation gain). Back in the valley, if time and conditions permit, there will be an opportunity for a swim in the naturally warm water. In the afternoon we continue north and gradually leave the highlands. In the evening we reach our accommodation in Laugarvatn.
Day 8
Golden Circle – Vogar/ Reykjanes
Distance traveled: approx. 180 km / 2.5–3 hours travel time
To conclude our journey, we'll discover some of Iceland's most famous natural wonders. Our first highlight is Gullfoss, where massive amounts of water plunge in several stages into a deep canyon, impressively demonstrating the power of Iceland's glacial rivers. Afterwards, we'll explore the Geysir geothermal area. While the Great Geysir gave the natural phenomenon its name, its neighbor Strokkur is now the most active geothermal area. At regular intervals, its hot water jet erupts into the air. Next, we travel to Thingvellir National Park, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are drifting apart. At this historically significant site, the Althing, one of the oldest parliaments in the world, was founded as early as 930 AD. We will explore the landscape of rock fissures, lava fields, and Thingvallavatn on various walks and short hikes. Afterwards, we will travel to our final accommodation in Vogar on the Reykjanes Peninsula.
Golden Circle – Vogar/ Reykjanes
Day 8
Distance traveled: approx. 180 km / 2.5–3 hours travel time
To conclude our journey, we'll discover some of Iceland's most famous natural wonders. Our first highlight is Gullfoss, where massive amounts of water plunge in several stages into a deep canyon, impressively demonstrating the power of Iceland's glacial rivers. Afterwards, we'll explore the Geysir geothermal area. While the Great Geysir gave the natural phenomenon its name, its neighbor Strokkur is now the most active geothermal area. At regular intervals, its hot water jet erupts into the air. Next, we travel to Thingvellir National Park, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are drifting apart. At this historically significant site, the Althing, one of the oldest parliaments in the world, was founded as early as 930 AD. We will explore the landscape of rock fissures, lava fields, and Thingvallavatn on various walks and short hikes. Afterwards, we will travel to our final accommodation in Vogar on the Reykjanes Peninsula.
Day 9
departure
Distance traveled: approx. 13 km / 15 min travel time
Today we say goodbye to Iceland. After breakfast, we drive to the nearby Keflavik International Airport. Individual extensions available upon request.
departure
Day 9
Distance traveled: approx. 13 km / 15 min travel time
Today we say goodbye to Iceland. After breakfast, we drive to the nearby Keflavik International Airport. Individual extensions available upon request.
Services
What's included
Non-stop flight with Icelandair from various German airports to Keflavik
8 nights in partly simple, typical guesthouses (Dates 10.7. & 31.7. - 2 nights in a room with shower/toilet, 6 nights in a room with shared shower/toilet; Dates 23.07. & 21.08. - 4 nights in a room with shower/toilet, 4 nights in a room with shared shower/toilet)
8 x breakfast
4 x packed lunches (self-prepared, days 2, 3, 6 & 7)
4 x dinners prepared together (days 1, 2, 5 & 6)
Airport transfers in Iceland
Hiking trip as per program in a highland-suitable off-road bus with German-speaking tour guide (days 1-9)
Ferry crossings Landeyjahöfn - Heimaey and back
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 €670
Small group surcharge €300 per person for 6-7 people
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. You can expect hikes of mostly 2 to 5 hours, for example, to the Eldfell volcano in the Westman Islands. We will sometimes be hiking on rough and uneven terrain, which can be slippery in bad weather.
You will be staying in sometimes simple, typical local guesthouses. Sturdy, ankle-high hiking boots, hiking poles, and 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 therefore indispensable. No prior experience is necessary for the optional glacier hike and kayak tour; equipment will be provided. However, warm clothing and ankle-high hiking boots are required. Due to the changeable weather, the itinerary and program may change at short notice. The excursion to the Westman Islands is dependent on weather and sea conditions. The route will be adjusted on site according to the prevailing conditions. 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. Our trips are generally not suitable for people with reduced mobility; however, we are happy to explore individual options in specific cases. 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. Small group surcharge €300 per person for 6-7 people
