5-Day Vatnajökull Wilderness Trek

Step off the beaten path and into one of Iceland’s most extraordinary adventures. This multi–day backpacking journey takes you through landscapes so raw and untouched.

Your trek begins in the Núpsstaðaskógur forest, climbing into the remote highlands alongside the dramatic Núpsá river, where sheer cliffs and thundering waterfalls set the stage for the adventure ahead. From there, you’ll cross the green Sléttur plains and crest the Eggjar Hills, rewarded with breathtaking views of vast glaciers stretching to the horizon.

The ultimate challenge awaits: the crossing of Skeiðarárjökull glacier. Conquer its icy expanse and you’ll enter the legendary Norðurdalur valley—a place so unique and otherworldly it’s often described as one of the most remarkable spots in Iceland.

The journey continues through the colorful rhyolite mountains of Skaftafellsfjöll, before descending into the wide Morsárdalur glacier valley. Finally, after traversing its immense flood plain, you’ll arrive in Skaftafell, the crown jewel of Vatnajökull National Park.

This is not just a trek—it’s a rare expedition into Iceland’s wild heart. Expect nights camping under the Arctic sky, carrying your own gear, food, and equipment, just as true explorers do. Demanding, remote, and unforgettable, this trail promises the adventure of a lifetime for those ready to embrace the wilderness.

Walking per day: 3-9 hours

Total Hiking Distance: c.a.55 km

Accommodation: Wild camping

Diffiuclty: Demanding

Experienced and qualified guide for 5 day
Private transport from Reykjavik to starting point of your trek and back
Camping and cooking equipement
Hiking food during the trek
Glacier gear, crampons, harness. Safety equipment.

This trek is a multi-day trip where all equipment and food is carried on the back. Participants will need to be prepared to carry both their personal gear as well as a share of the team´s food and communal gear (tents, stoves, pots).

It is a level 4 trek which demands some effort and certain endurance, confident on steep slopes and screes, good health and some hiking experience. We will be hiking in remote areas far away from inhabitation and infrastructure.

During the trek we will be camping in the wild without any facilities. The tents are 3-season light weighed 2-person tents shared by two people. Sleeping bags and mattresses are not included.

The food is purchased in Reykjavik, with the emphasis on easily prepared lightweight meals like soups, pasta, and freeze-dried food. Your trip leader will prepare the group’s evening meals in the dining tent and will be grateful for any assistance from group members. Breakfasts consist of porridge, muesli, crispbread plus tea and coffee. At breakfast, snack items and lunch pack materials will be made available so that group members can make their own packed lunches. All meals whilst on the trek are included in the trip price. The food and equipment will be divided between the participants.

There are no shops nor possibilities to buy refreshments, snacks, or drinks anywhere during the trek.

Participants may need to cross rivers and will cross a glacier tongue. The water level in the rivers changes from time to time due to seasonal conditions. In some cases, we will be able to step from stone to stone to get to the other side. In other cases, we will need to take our shoes and socks off, put on river crossing shoes and wade the rivers. Your guide will give you advice on the river crossings as well as help with the glacier crossing. Trekking poles are necessary.

Note: The glacier landscapes are an ever changing environment so river crossings and glaciers change from year to year. Passengers must be aware that the program of the tour can and will be modified by the guide whenever necessary for the quality of the trip and security of our staff and passengers. There is no path or marked trail to follow so the number of km per day and elevation is subject to change.

A 100% charge applies if canceled within 15 days of the start time.
A 75% charge applies if canceled within 29 days of the start time.
A 50% charge applies if canceled within 59 days of the start time.
A 15% charge applies if canceled within 365 days of the start time.

Day 1 – Reykjavik – Núpstaðaskógur valley
Your adventure begins at 08:00, when you meet your guide and fellow trekkers at your hotel. After introductions, we leave the city behind in our private vehicle and we drive along the South Coast. The scenic journey to the trailhead at Núpsstaðaskógur takes about 4.5 hours, giving you a first glimpse of the dramatic landscapes that await.

At the trailhead, we divide the tents, food, and communal gear among the group—true expedition style. The trek begins at the base of the valley, following the river into a rugged canyon. The first hiking day is intentionally short, allowing us to find our rhythm and enjoy the surroundings.

By late afternoon, we set up camp on the canyon floor, surrounded by towering cliffs and the sound of rushing water—a magical place to spend the first night in the wilderness.

Distance: 4 – 5 km (3 mi)
Elevation: Ascent 40 m
Walking time: 2-3 hrs.
Day 2: Tvílitahylur waterfalls – Sléttur plains – Eggjar Hills
After a short climb, we reach the breathtaking Tvílitihylur waterfalls, tumbling into turquoise pools below. From here, the trail follows the sculpted canyons of the Núpsá river, where sheer rock walls rise dramatically around us. A second ascent takes us deeper into the canyon, with cliffs soaring up to 200 meters high—a true natural cathedral.

Climbing out of the canyon, the landscape suddenly opens into the wide Sléttur plains. Crossing this mossy valley, we ascend the Eggjar Hills, where the reward is one of the trek’s most spectacular panoramas: the vast Vatnajökull icecap and its immense glacier tongue, Skeiðarárjökull, flowing down towards the plains and covering nearly 1,600 km².

We set up camp near the edge of the glacier, surrounded by awe-inspiring views and the silence of Iceland’s wilderness.

Distance: 10 – 12 km (6 – 7,5 mi)
Elevation: Ascent 400 m
Walking time: 6 – 7 hrs.
Day 3: Skeiðarárjökull Glacier
Today is devoted to one of the great challenges—and rewards—of the journey: the crossing of Skeiðarárjökull glacier. For nearly 10 km, we traverse this frozen expanse, surrounded by ice ridges and the vastness of Vatnajökull. The glacier crossing takes the entire day, demanding steady focus and teamwork as we make our way across.

Reaching solid ground again, we enter the secluded Norðurdalur valley, a hidden gem in the Skaftafell area of Vatnajökull National Park. Here, we set up camp in a truly spectacular setting: glacial lakes dotted with floating icebergs shimmer in the evening light, while colorful rhyolite mountains rise in the background. This remote campsite is one of the most unforgettable highlights of the trek.

Distance: 11-14 km (7 – 8,5 mi)

Elevation: Ascent 150-200 m
Walking time: 7 – 8 hrs.
Day 4: Norðurdalur Valley – Bæjarstaðarskógur
We begin the day with a climb onto a narrow mountain ridge, rewarded by sweeping views in every direction. To one side lies the colorful rhyolite valley of Kjós, glowing in shades of yellow and gold, and to the other towers Hvannadalshnúkur—Iceland’s highest peak—standing proudly above the horizon.

From here, the trail descends into the wide Morsárdalur valley, where the landscape softens and transforms. Step by step, the scenery grows greener and richer, until we find ourselves in the enchanting Arctic birch forest of Bæjarstaðarskógur. This lush oasis of trees feels worlds apart from the icy wilderness we crossed only days before.

We set up camp on the valley plain, surrounded by tranquility and the gentle sounds of nature. If the group makes good time, there is the possibility to continue all the way to Skaftafell, where we can enjoy the comfort of a regular campsite—complete with showers to wash off the adventure of the past days.

Distance: 12 – 18 km (7,5 – 11 mi)
Elevation: Ascent 350 m and descent 1.000 m
Walking time: 7 – 8 hrs.
Day 5: Morsárdalur – Skaftafell National Park – Reykjavik
On our final morning, we take time to explore the beauty of Morsárdalur valley, with its sweeping vistas, birch groves, and glacial backdrop. From here, we continue across the valley floor into Skaftafell National Park, where our vehicle awaits.

After days in the wilderness, we begin our journey back to Reykjavík along the same scenic route we traveled on Day 1. Along the way, there’s an opportunity to stop at two of Iceland’s iconic highlights: the majestic Skógafoss waterfall and the dramatic Reynisfjara black sand beach.

We arrive back in Reykjavík in the evening, bringing an unforgettable wilderness adventure to a close.

Distance: 8 km (5mi)
Walking time: 2 – 4 hrs.