Small-Group 5-Day Hiking Tour in Vatnajokull with Transfer from Reykjavik
Description
Summary
Description
Explore one of Iceland's most spectacular volcanic regions on a challenging multi-day trek by booking this unforgettable 5-day guided excursion. Those eager to see more of the Vatnajokull National Park on foot will love this immersive small-group expedition.
Your tour starts early at the BSI Bus Terminal in central Reykjavik. Here, you'll meet your guide and the other people joining you on this hiking tour.
This excursion is a small-group tour, so you'll have plenty of time to get to know everybody and can ask your guide any questions as you hike.
Once everyone has arrived, you'll board the bus and set off for the Highlands of Iceland. Your experienced driver will take you over roads and tracks, and you'll see gorgeous sights on the journey, including the Hekla volcano and the Fjallabak nature reserve.
You'll also drive through the Landmannalaugar area, famous for its spectacular hiking trails, natural hot springs, and multi-colored rhyolite mountains.
Your hike will begin at Sveinstindur mountain, next to the picturesque Langisjor lake.
You'll enjoy a few days of trekking through this remote area of the Icelandic Highlands. You'll walk about 4 to 15 miles (6 to 24 kilometers) daily, discovering incredible sights like the Eldgja canyon and Alftavotn lake.
Depending on the group's abilities, you'll usually walk between six and nine hours. It's a challenging trek, and you'll need a good fitness level to participate.
You'll see picturesque waterfalls, dramatic rapids, ancient lava forests, volcanic black-sand deserts, and spectacular mountain ranges as you hike.
It's a fantastic opportunity to discover the variety of Iceland's landscapes, and your guide can tell you more about the geographical features as you go.
Your accommodation each night will be in basic but comfortable mountain huts. The huts provide dormitory accommodation, so you'll need a sleeping bag. You can bring one from home, rent it in Reykjavik, or add it to your booking.
You'll enjoy dinner at the huts with the group every night. You'll have five days to get to know your group, so you're sure to leave with new friends.
A porter will transport your luggage between mountain huts daily to lighten your load. All you need to carry with you for the hikes is a day pack with your provisions for the day ahead.
At the end of the tour, you'll board the bus back to Reykjavik, ready to continue your adventures in Iceland or head home.
Take advantage of this immersive 5-day hiking experience through the Vatnajokull National Park's mountains, lakes, and lava fields. Check availability now by choosing a date.
Included
Activities
Daily itinerary
Day 1 - Sveinstindur Mountain Summit
On the first day of your hiking tour in Vatnajokull National Park, you'll hike to the summit of Sveinstindur mountain.
Your tour starts with an early pick-up at the BSI Central Bus Terminal in Reykjavik. You'll meet the expert English-speaking guide here early, at the time on your voucher.
This excursion is a small-group tour, which means there will be a maximum of 14 guests. There'll be plenty of time to get to know each other over the next five days.
When the group is ready, it's time to climb aboard the bus, and your driver will take you to the trek's starting point in Vatnajokull National Park. You'll drive through the Landmannalaugar area, famous for its many hiking trails and multi-colored mountains, before arriving at your starting point for today's hike, Sveinstindur mountain.
Sveinstindur is a prominent peak with an elevation of 3,572 feet (approximately 1,090 meters) above sea level. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and overlooks the picturesque Langisjor lake, a remote glacial lake, and the adjacent Vatnajokull National Park.
Hiking to the Sveinstindur mountain provides a unique opportunity to experience Iceland's rugged beauty, vast wilderness, dramatic glaciers, and pristine lakes. The journey to the summit offers a challenging but rewarding trek, as you'll be able to enjoy breathtaking vistas at the top.
The first day of hiking isn't too long, covering about four miles (roughly six kilometers). Your route ends at a traditional mountain hut on the opposite side of the mountain from where you started your hike.
The mountain huts in the Highlands are relatively basic, but you'll have a comfortable bed in a dormitory room. Eat dinner with the group at the cabin before enjoying a relaxing evening and settling in for a good night's sleep.
Day 2 - The Skafta River & Skaelingar
On the second day of your adventure in the Icelandic Highlands, you'll follow the Skafta river to the Hvanngil canyon and the Skaelingar hut.
You'll wake up in the mountain hut and enjoy breakfast with the rest of the group. Feeling rested and refueled, your group will start the day's hike.
Today is a longer day of hiking, with a distance of around 11 miles (about 18 kilometers). You'll be walking for between six and eight hours, depending on the fitness levels of the group and the weather conditions.
Your journey will follow the course of the Skafta river, full of impressive rapids and beautiful waterfalls. This glacial river is known for its volatile nature, experiencing sudden and dramatic floods, known as jokulhlaups, when subglacial volcanic eruptions or glacier bursts occur.
You'll walk across volcanic terrain to Hvanngil canyon, seeing obsidian lava, vibrant green moss, and distinct rock formations.
Carved by glacial rivers, this canyon boasts a striking landscape, so bring your camera to capture its gorgeous beauty. Its colorful rhyolite cliffs and jagged rock formations contrast dramatically with the lush green vegetation that thrives along its banks during the short summer season.
In the early evening, you will arrive in Skaelingar. Skaelingar is a remote and desolate area known for its stark and rugged beauty. With vast lava fields, barren terrain, and a harsh landscape, the area contrasts with the lush, green landscapes you encountered earlier today.
You'll stay in Skaelingar in a rustic mountain hut with outhouse facilities tonight. This cabin is another basic but comfortable hut, letting you enjoy a truly authentic wilderness experience.
Before retiring for the evening, the group will eat dinner together at the cabin. You may also wish to play games and chat with the other guests before you turn in.
Get a good night's sleep ahead of another long hiking day tomorrow.
Day 3 - Eldgja Canyon & Alftavotn Lake
On the third day of your exciting trekking tour through the Vatnajokull National Park, you'll explore the incredible Eldgja canyon.
You'll wake up in the mountain hut and pack up your belongings. A porter will transport your luggage between the cabins daily, so you only need to carry a small day pack during the hikes. Bring snacks, water, a first-aid kit, and additional layers including waterproofs.
Enjoy a group breakfast before setting off on today's trek. Today's trail covers about 13 miles (21 kilometers), which will take seven to nine hours, depending on the group's speed. Fueling up properly is essential, so eat well and rehydrate at breakfast.
As you set off, your group will descend into the Eldgja canyon. Often referred to as the "Fire Canyon," it stretches for approximately 25 miles (roughly 40 kilometers), making it one of the longest volcanic canyons in the world.
Formed by a massive volcanic eruption in the 10th century, Eldgja canyon is a testament to Iceland's volatile geology. The canyon has rugged, dramatic cliffs, lush vegetation, and numerous waterfalls, including the breathtaking Ofaerufoss waterfall.
Hiking through Eldgja canyon allows visitors to explore this unique landscape and witness the power of past volcanic events. Your guide will tell you more about the eruption that created the canyon, and you'll have plenty of opportunities to take photographs.
Continue along the trail, following the river Sydri-Ofaera to the Alftavotn lake. The lake is incredibly picturesque, so enjoy the scenery. The area provides a stunning contrast to the stark, volcanic landscapes of the region. Surrounded by colorful rhyolite mountains and dotted with vibrant vegetation, it offers a serene and photogenic oasis for hikers.
Your accommodation tonight is another traditional mountain hut. It's right on the lakeside at Alftavotn, meaning you'll have the whole evening to enjoy your surroundings. After dinner with the group, you can unwind with a book or get to sleep early.
Day 4 - Alftavotn to Strutur
On the fourth day of your trek through the Vatnajokull National Park, you'll hike from the beautiful Alftavotn lake to Strutur, passing rivers, canyons, meadows, and hot springs.
After a restful sleep at your mountain cabin near the lake, you'll enjoy another hearty breakfast with the group and pack up your things. Bring a swimsuit and towel in your day pack today, as your route today gives you the opportunity to enjoy some hot spring bathing later.
Today's journey covers about 15 miles (24 kilometers), making it the longest hike on this multi-day trek. The elevation gain is almost 1,000 feet (300 meters), so it's a demanding journey, but the views will make it all worth it. You'll be hiking for about eight hours.
Leaving the mountain hut, you'll follow the path of the Sydri-Ofaera River and cross the spectacular Eldgja Canyon again. The landscapes around you will transform from lush green meadows to volcanic black sands and vibrant green moss.
After a gentle river crossing, the group will arrive at the Strutslaug pool. This gorgeous geothermal pool is an ideal spot to rest for a while. Soak in the naturally warm waters and enjoy your magnificent surroundings.
It'll be time to return to the trek when you've dried off. The trail now leads to the welcoming Strutur hut, your retreat for the night. This cabin offers a few more modern comforts and a tranquil location, ensuring a good night's rest.
Amenities include cozy lodging, toilets, and showers. You need to bring coins to operate the showers, so don't forget to pack these in your kit. Wash up before dinner, then eat with your group.
Enjoy chatting and sharing stories with your fellow trekkers in the evening. It's your final night in the Highlands, so make the most of your time together.
After a well-deserved dinner in the hut, surrounded by the tranquillity of nature, you can settle in for your last night sleeping in the Icelandic wilderness.
Day 5 - Back to Reykjavik
On the last day of your trekking tour in the Icelandic Highlands, you'll enjoy some final moments in the wilderness before returning to Reykjavik.
You'll wake up in your comfortable mountain hut accommodation in Strutur. Take a moment to appreciate the tranquility of your surroundings. There's no planned trail today, meaning you can enjoy a more relaxed morning. Take your time and enjoy a final breakfast with the group before packing up your things for the last time.
You can spend the rest of the morning however you like. Maybe you want to relax at the hut and soak in your surroundings, or perhaps you'd prefer to take a short hike through the area near the cabin.
You'll meet the rest of your group for lunch, the final meal of the tour. When you're ready, it's time to board the bus and get comfortable for the journey back to Reykjavik.
You'll drive across Maelifellssandur, a volcanic desert of jet-black sands. At its heart lies the Maelifell volcano, a cone-shaped peak covered in vibrant green moss. The volcano's brightness provides a striking contrast against the surrounding dark sands.
Enjoy the final moments with your group on the bus, discussing your experiences of your epic trek in the Vatnajokull National Park. You'll arrive in Reykjavik in the evening, ready to continue your adventures in Iceland or head home.
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