Hike among the colorful rhyolite mountains of the remote east, to the icebergs and waterfalls of Iceland's quintessential southern edge—only with MTS!

An island-nation of stunning contrasts, Iceland has had a magical appeal to visitors since Norsemen and Celts settled here over one thousand years ago. Rich in rocky, lunar landscapes and yet also strewn with swaths of brilliant, emerald green fjords, you’ll experience water in all of its varied incarnations, from the vast glaciers and icebergs to waterfalls and salty ocean to thermal hot springs, heated from the island’s lively volcanic activity. The dramatic ever-changing light, brooding skies, and surreal midnight sun make it a must-see destination for photographers and nature lovers. 

Unlike other travel companies’ itineraries, this hut-to-hut trek traces Iceland’s less traveled northeastern shore via the Víknaslódir trail (“Trail of the Deserted Inlets”) before heading to the island’s more frequented southern tip. Recognized byNational Geographic Adventureas one of the “25 Most Beautiful Treks in the World” the allure of its pink and orange rhyolite mountains is undeniable. Only a fast four hours by plane from the East Coast of the United States, Iceland is closer than continental Europe yet still an entire world away!

Activities

Includes 5 full days moderate to strenuous hiking, 3 days easier touring and short day hikes

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Experience the more remote side of an already less-traveled destination, trekking northeastern Iceland’s Víknaslódir trail, recognized by National Geographic Adventure as one of the “25 Most Beautiful Treks in the World”
• Enjoy a three-day hut-to-hut camping adventure led by your local MTS guides
• Witness nature in the raw: see volcanic mountains, lava fields, glaciers, icebergs, and verdant fjords
• Fly over iconic Icelandic scenery to see Mounts Hekla and Askja and the Vatnajökull ice cap
• Soak in sublime, geothermal hot springs!

Duration: 10 days Start Location: Reykjavík End Location: Reykjavík

BRIEF Itinerary

• Day 1 : Arrival in Iceland

  Arrive in Reykjavík’s Keflavik International Airport (KEF).

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  Day 2 : Reykjavík – Egilsstadir – Lodmundarfjördur

  After breakfast, we'll take a spectacular flight to Egilsstadir in eastern Iceland. Drive to the beautiful coastal village of Seydisfjördur and hike over green mountains and plateaus to Lodmundarfjördur, once one of the most inaccessible fjords of eastern Iceland.

• Day 3 : Lodmundarfjördur – Húsavík

  Hike along the north shore of the fjord down to Húsavík ("House Bay").

• Day 4 : Húsavík – Breidavík

  We'll cross a 2,000-foot pass at the foot of Mount Hvitserkur, then descend toward Breidavik ("Wide Bay"), to a coastal marsh and black sandy beach strewn with bits of Siberian driftwood.

• Day 5 : Breidavík – Bakkagerdi

  We'll continue our hike down to the foot of the Dyrfjöll Mountains to Bakkagerdi, the only village in the entire region.

• Day 6 : Dyrfjöll Mountains – Lake Lagarfljót

  We'll take a hike in the majestic Dyrfjöll Mountains which roll into the Borgarfjördur fjord.

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  Day 7 : Lake Lagarfljót – Djúpivogur – and Beyond

  We'll drive from Lake Lagarfljót a short ways to the Hengifoss Waterfall for short walk, then continue over the Oxi Pass to the southern coast, stopping again at Djúpivogur village for another short hike, and then further southwest.

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  Day 8 : Jökulsárlón Lagoon – Skaftafell National Park (aka Vatnajökull National Park)

  We'll transfer to the Jökulsárlón lagoon, where we'll enjoy an impressive lagoon cruise, then continue on to Skaftafell National Park and walk to Svartifoss, "the black waterfall." Continue to the Eldhraun lava field, covered with thick carpets of silvery moss, followed by a short drive to our accommodation outside of Vik.

• Day 9 : Vik – Museum – Reykjavik

  We'll begin with a stroll along the black sand beaches of Vik, then continue our drive along the scenic Ring Road to Reykjavík, stopping to see the impressive Skógafoss waterfall, and Skógar Museum.

• Day 10 : Blue Lagoon – Departure

  A trip to Iceland wouldn’t be complete without a morning excursion to the famous Blue Lagoon thermal spa before transferring to the airport for departure.

• Center Hotels Plaza

  Reykjavik

  The 180 well-appointed bedrooms are newly renovated and boast a bright modern décor with contemporary oak furnishings. Each room has its own free high speed internet connection, TV, shower, hairdryer, Tea & Coffee making facilities and much more.  Situated in the city center of Reykjavik the Plaza creates the perfect setting for your stay in Iceland.

• Loðmundarfjörður Hut

  Lodmundarfjördur

  At this hut, there are 38 sleeping spaces in side-by-side bunk-style beds.  There is a wood stove for heating, a gas stove for cooking, a flush toilet and token-operated shower, plus the option to camp.  There is no telephone.  The hut provides sleeping pads, but you should bring your own sleeping bag for this night.  It will be transported for you each day. (Sleeping bags can also be rented from our partners in Iceland on request.  Please make this request in advance.)

• Húsavík Mountain Hut

  Húsavík (House Bay)

  At this hut, there are 33 sleeping spaces in side-by-side bunk-style beds.  There is a wood stove for heating, a gas stove for cooking, a flush toilet and token-operated shower, plus the option to camp.  There is no telephone.  The hut provides sleeping pads, but you should bring your own sleeping bag for this night.  It will be transported for you each day. (Sleeping bags can also be rented from our partners in Iceland on request.  Please make this request in advance.)

• Breiðavík Hut

  Breidavík (Wide Bay)

  At this hut, there are 33 sleeping spaces in side-by-side bunk-style beds.  There is a wood stove for heating, a gas stove for cooking, a flush toilet (but no shower), plus the option to camp.  There is no telephone.  The hut provides sleeping pads, but you should bring your own sleeping bag for this night.  It will be transported for you each day. (Sleeping bags can also be rented from our partners in Iceland on request.  Please make this request in advance.)

• Hotel Blábjörg

  Bakkagerði

  Tonight’s accommodations are at a simple, friendly little guesthouse, with 4 guestrooms, each housing a bunk with upper twin and lower single, or double beds.  There are shared bathroom facilities (1 WC and 2 showers).  Beds are equipped with a blanket and pillows, so you do not need your sleeping bag on this night.

• Hótel Hallormsstaður

  Hallormsstaður

  This hotel has 35 double bedrooms all with private bathroom. 

• Hotel Arnanes

  Hornafirði

  Private guestrooms with private bathroom facilities.  Internet access in lobby.

• Hotel Höfðabrekka

  Road 1, East of Vík í Mýrdal

  This hotel offers accommodation with 62 double rooms. All have private bathrooms and TV.

Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.

Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. Our trips feature gifted leaders for whom leading trips is a true vocation. Besides showing you wonders you’d never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of your trip, and take great pleasure in sharing their insights with you. More than just guides, they positively elevate your experience by being teachers, companions, and the best of friends. You’ll be in good hands with them every step of the way.

photo credits: ©MTS Photo File