• Welcome to Iceland!

  Let’s start our Icelandic adventure! Catch one of the airport buses, like Flybus or Airport Direct, to get to the city center. These buses run regularly and take about 45 minutes. You can book your tickets online to skip the lines at the airport.

  Once you arrive, head to your hotel and get comfortable. If you’re early, feel free to drop off your luggage and explore Reykjavik on a leisurely walk. The city is easy to navigate on foot, and you can visit iconic spots like Hallgrímskirkja or the Harpa Concert Hall.

  Later, at 18:00, we’ll gather for a welcoming meeting with the rest of the group and our guide. Afterward, we’ll enjoy dinner together in the city and start getting excited for our adventures ahead!

• Golden Circle Adventure: Geysers, Tomatoes & Secret Lagoon Soaks

  Let’s dive into Iceland’s iconic Golden Circle! Our guide will pick you up in the morning, and we’ll start with the big three: Þingvellir National Park (where tectonic plates meet), the Geysir geothermal area (watch the ground erupt), and Gullfoss waterfall (prepare for jaw-dropping views).

  For lunch, we’ll swing by Friðheimar tomato farm, a quirky greenhouse where tomatoes thrive in Iceland’s chilly climate. Later, we’ll unwind at the Secret Lagoon, Iceland’s oldest geothermal pool. Soak in heated water fed by natural hot springs, surrounded by steam and a mini geyser that spouts every few minutes. Fun fact: The lagoon’s water refreshes completely every 24 hours – no chemicals needed (but please ensure to mind bathing regulations before entering the lagoon).

  After a day of adventure, we’ll cozy up at a hotel in Hella, a charming town near the Golden Circle. Rest up because tomorrow’s another epic day!

• Rise & Shine: Landmannalaugar Adventure

  We’ll kick off the day with a scenic ride on the Highland Bus from Hella to the breathtaking highlands! We’ll depart at 8:30 AM and arrive at Landmannalaugar, known as the “People’s Pools,” around 11:30. This vibrant spot is famous for its colorful rhyolite mountains, steaming hot springs, and picturesque lava fields—perfect for nature lovers and hikers alike!

  Once we’re settled into our hut, we’ll grab some refreshments and head out on an easy hike to explore the area. Landmannalaugar is a starting point for many iconic trails, including the Laugavegur trek, but today we’ll enjoy a leisurely stroll amidst the stunning landscapes.

  After dinner, we’ll unwind in the natural hot spring, where you can soak in the warm waters surrounded by nature’s beauty. If you’re up for some fun, we can also visit the Mountain Mall for a cold beer and a friendly game of KUBB. It’s a great way to relax and bond with fellow travelers! 

  Distance: 5 km (3 mi)
  Walking time: 2 – 3 hrs

• Laugavegur Trail Day 1 – Landmannalaugar to Álftavatn

  Let’s kick off our Laugavegur adventure! After a hearty breakfast and some morning stretches, we’ll load our gear into a luggage transporter (no heavy packs for us!) and hit the trail. Today’s hike is about 12 km, starting with a steady uphill climb through Landmannalaugar’s vibrant rhyolite hills. These colorful “Rainbow Mountains” will slowly fade as we head into the stark, volcanic terrain of Hrafntinnusker (aka the Black Obsidian Skerry).

  We’ll take a break at the Hrafntinnusker hut, where you can refill water bottles and use the outdoor toilet. Then, we’ll descend into Jökultungur, a valley packed with steaming hot springs and bubbling mud pools. Keep an eye out for the Álftavatn lake (Swan Lake) and jaw-dropping views of Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull glaciers in the distance.

  By afternoon, we’ll arrive at Álftavatn hut, nestled by a peaceful lake surrounded by mountains. Settle in, enjoy the scenery, and swap stories with fellow hikers. Pro tip: The lake’s icy waters are perfect for a quick post-hike foot soak!

  Tonight’s stay: Cozy dorm-style bunk beds at Álftavatn hut. Don’t forget your earplugs – shared rooms mean new friends (and probably some snoring)!

  Ready for Day 2? Tomorrow’s hike brings black sand deserts and epic river crossings.

  Distance: 24 km (15 mi)
  Walking time: 8 – 9 hrs
  Ascent/Descent: +470 m (1540 ft); -490 m (1610 ft)

• Laugavegur Trail Day 2: Álftavatn to Emstrur – River Crossings & Black Sand Deserts

  Just like the other days, we start with breakfast and prep our sandwiches for lunch. We’ll load our gear into the luggage transporter and hit the trail, ready to tackle another day in Iceland’s stunning highlands.

  Today, we’ll face two exciting glacial river crossings. The first one is just 30 minutes from the hut, so remember to pack your river crossing shoes in your daypack!

  As we hike, we’ll pass by the Hvanngil hut, where you can take a quick break to use the restroom facilities. After the second river crossing, we’ll enter the surreal Mælifellssandur black sand desert. This landscape is dotted with vibrant green mountains and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding glaciers.

  We’ll arrive at Emstrur hut in the afternoon, where we’ll settle in for the night. If you’re up for more adventure, consider the optional hike to Markarfljót canyon in the evening. It’s an unforgettable experience with stunning vistas that will leave you in awe! 

  Distance: 16 km (10 mi)
  Walking time: 6 – 7 hrs
  Descent: 40 m (130 ft)

  The round-trip hike to Markarfljót canyon is approximately 3 km and may take between 1 to 2 hours to complete. Start and finish at Emstrur hut.

• Final Day on the Laugavegur Trail: Emstrur to Þórsmörk – Unicorn Mountain & Birch Forests

  Today’s the big Laugavegur finale! We’ll leave Emstrur and hike through the Almenningar gorge, with Mount Einhyrningur (Unicorn Mountain) guiding the way.

  As we trek, we’ll soak in views of Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers while the landscape slowly shifts. Sparse trees start popping up, hinting at the birch forests ahead. By the time we reach Þórsmörk, we’ll be surrounded by emerald-green woods and rugged peaks. A true Viking paradise!

  Tonight, we’ll stay in a mountain hut nestled beneath glaciers, celebrating our Laugavegur Trail victory with laughs and maybe a toast. You did it!

  Distance: 17 km (10.5 mi)
  Walking time: 6 – 7 hrs
  Descent: 300 m (985 ft)

• Last Day in the Highlands: Þórsmörk to Skógar

  Today’s our final day in the highlands, and we’re going to make the most of it! We’ll spend the morning exploring the enchanting Þórsmörk valley on foot. Take in the stunning views, breathe in the fresh air, and soak up the magic of this unique landscape.

  After our hike, we’ll head to Hella town to catch a bus to Hotel Skógar. Once we arrive, we’ll enjoy a delicious dinner and then visit the breathtaking Skógafoss waterfall. If you’re up for more adventure, there’s an optional evening hike on the “One Thousand Waterfalls” trail. This scenic path follows the Skógá River, offering views of numerous waterfalls and dramatic canyons—perfect for a memorable finale to our highland adventure! 

  Distance: 5 km (3 mi)
  Walking time: 2 – 3 hrs
  Ascent: 150 m (490 ft)

• Glacier Adventure & Black Sand Beaches

  Let’s get ready for another unforgettable day! We’ll start by strapping on our crampons and hiking the Sólheimajökull glacier, one of Iceland’s most accessible and impressive glaciers. For two hours, we’ll explore the icy terrain, taking in the breathtaking views and learning about the glacier’s unique features from our expert guide. No technical skills are needed; our guides will provide all the necessary gear and safety briefings.

  After our glacier adventure, we’ll head to the legendary Black Sand Beach, Reynisfjara. We’ll also visit Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon, a stunning natural wonder carved by the Fjaðrá River. This canyon is known for its serpentine path and picturesque views, making it a photographer’s paradise.

  Finally, we’ll arrive at our hotel near the Glacier Lagoon, where we’ll rest and recharge for the next day’s adventures. 

  Distance: 6,5 km (4,5 mi)
  Walking time: 3 hrs
  Ascent: 150 m (490 ft)

• Last Day on the Road: Glacier Lagoon to Reykjavik

  Let’s make the most of our final day on the road! We’ll start by driving to the breathtaking Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and the enchanting Diamond Beach. Take a stroll along the black sand, where icebergs from Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier sparkle like diamonds against the dark volcanic sand.

  On our way back to Reykjavik, we’ll stop at the Eldhraun Lava Field, a vast and historic landscape created by the massive Laki eruption in the late 18th century. This area is not only geologically fascinating but also played a significant role in shaping Iceland’s history and even influenced global events.

  Next, we’ll visit two of Iceland’s most popular waterfalls: Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi. At Seljalandsfoss, you can walk behind the waterfall for a unique perspective, while Gljúfrabúi is a hidden gem nestled in a cave.

  To wrap up our adventure, we’ll enjoy a farewell dinner in Reykjavik, sharing stories and memories of our incredible journey. It’s a special night to celebrate our time together and the unforgettable experiences we’ve had!

• Grand Finale: Blue Lagoon Relaxation

  Let’s wrap up our Icelandic adventure in style! We’ll spend the morning relaxing in the iconic Blue Lagoon, soaking our well-traveled muscles in its milky-blue, mineral-rich waters. Nestled in the rugged lava fields of the Reykjanes Peninsula, this geothermal oasis is the perfect place to unwind and rejuvenate!

  After our Blue Lagoon visit, we’ll head to the airport for those with afternoon flights. If you’re not ready to leave Iceland just yet, feel free to ride back to Reykjavik with your guide and enjoy more time exploring the city. It’s a great opportunity to visit any last-minute spots or simply soak up the city’s vibrant atmosphere!

Clothing wear and things to carry in your daypack (large enough to carry all the items listed below):

Waterproof cover for your daypack
Waterproof hiking boots
Hiking pants
Thermal top or lightweight T-shirt
Wool socks that dry quickly
Mid layer
Buff or face covering
Warm hat
Gaiters (optional for those hiking in June month)
Sunhat
Waterproof gloves or mittens
Breathable & waterproof jacket and waterproof pants (no plastic ponchos)
Sunglasses
Water bottle or water bladder
Sunscreen
River crossing shoes
Fresh food and snacks provided by Viking Women
Extra fleece sweater or down jacket to put on when we stop for breaks
Hand sanitizer
Hiking poles (reccomended)
Camera (optional)

In your luggage (Duffel bag is preferred):

Sleeping bag (doesn’t have to be in your luggage, just attached to it somehow)
Travel pillow (optional)
Underwear and socks
Extra clothes for the trail
Extra clothes for the huts
Medicine
Hygiene and beauty products
Towel
Headlamp or a flashlight (for those doing the hike in August – September)
Powerbank to charge your devices
Earplugs and a sleeping mask
Bathing suit
Cash or a debit/credit card