Iceland Walking Explorer

14 days - from $3590

Discover rugged wilderness, walking across mountains, glaciers and fjords in the ultimate exploration of Iceland
On this full-circuit itinerary we base ourselves in four of the best walking areas in Iceland, each a demonstration of its unique landscape. We start in Skaftafell National Park, where glacial tongues from the huge Vatnajokull Icecap reach almost to the sea. Then there are the mountains of the eastern fjords and stunning Lake Myvatn area, where we find pseudo craters, lavafields and plentiful hotsprings. Finally, we move to Kerlingarfjoll Volcano in the central highlands and within sight of the massive Hofsjokull Icecap. As this is a camping trip, the itinerary remains flexible, allowing us to work with Iceland's variable and dramatic weather.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Start Reykjavik. 2 Drive to Thorsmork Valley via Seljalandsfoss Waterfall. 3 Hike up to the new craters and lavafields created by the Eyafjallajokull eruption. 4 Drive to Skaftafell National Park via Skogafoss Waterfall and the Dyrholaey promontory. 5 Hike to summit of Kristinartindar (1125m) offering fantastic views of the icecap and Iceland's highest peak. 6 Travel to Bakkagerdi village, stopping en route at the Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon (full of icebergs), and Hofn. 7 Hike to beautiful Storurd in the Dyrfjoll mountains. 8 Drive to Lake Myvatn via Dettifoss (most powerful waterfall in Europe), the Hverfjall 'explosive crater' and dramatic Dimmuborgir lavafield. 9 Full day walk in volcanic Mt Krafla area. 10 Drive to Kerlingarfjoll in the central highlands, with time to explore hot springs. 11 Full day walk in the colourful mountains of Kerlingarfjoll. 12 Visit Gullfoss Waterfall, geothermal waterspouts at Geysir, and historic Thingvellir; continue to Reykjavik. 13 Free day in Reykjavik, with options for horse-riding, whale watching or sea-kayaking. 14 End Reykjavik.

Mode of travel: 5 days and 3 half-days walking. Altitude maximum 1125m, average 200m.
Group size: Normally 8 to 16, plus leader.
Accommodation: 10 nights camping, 3 nights guesthouse.
Food: 13 breakfasts, 11 lunches and 10 dinners included.
Optional Single Supplement: from $402.50
Trip Reference: TSF
Reverse Itinerary: trips that run in reverse are specified with an 'R' in the dates and prices table below.
Trip Reference: TSF