Hiking Iceland's Magical North

Itinerary

• Day01

  Welcome to Iceland

  Your MT Sobek guide will greet you at the airport, where you'll hop on a bus bound for the Viking World museum. Enjoy breakfast here and immerse yourself in the ancient history and lore of this legendary land. Climb aboard the magnificent Icelander, a Viking ship built in 1996 modeled after a 9th-century Viking vessel. Then it's a 90-minute drive to tonight's hotel, where you spend the rest of the day gearing up for the upcoming adventure.

  • Accommodation: Icelandair Hotel Hamar
  • Activity: 1-hour Viking Museum tour
  • Transportation: 1.5 hour private van transfer
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Day02

  Climb Mælifellshnjukur, King of the Mountains

  Rise and shine! Right after breakfast, continue the journey north, bound for the small fishing village of Siglufjorður. En route stop for the first hike, a moderate climb up Mælifellshnjukur (3,733'), the king of the mountains in Skagafjorður. This prominent peak showcases stellar sea and highlands views from the top. Upon arrival in tranquil Siglufjorður, settle into the beautiful waterfront hotel - built right into the old fisherman's marina - home for two nights. Enjoy an exquisite dinner prepared by the hotel restaurant's enthusiastic chefs.

  • Accommodation: Siglo Hotel
  • Activity: 3-4 hours/2.5-3 miles hiking with 2,722' elevation gain/loss
  • Transportation: 4-hour private van transfer
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Day03

  Enjoy a Haunted Hike around Siglufjorður

  Take a long walk into the heart of this mystical region. Part of the route is allegedly haunted! The hike leads up along the old horse trail from Sauðadalur Valley back to Siglufjorður - on the highest mountain road in Iceland. Begin at Hraun Farm, then climb up and over the Siglufjarðarskarð Pass. Take in the views over the fjord and out to sea, descend to the town of Skarðsdalur and enjoy a picnic lunch, then take the private bus back to the hotel. Tonight, stroll into town for dinner.

  • Accommodation: Siglo Hotel
  • Activity: 4-6 hours/6.5-7.5 miles hiking with 2,033' elevation gain/loss
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Day04

  Experience the Natural Wonders of Asbyrgi & Dettifoss

  This morning, take a lovely drive into northeastern Iceland, "the edge of the Arctic." The first stop is Husavik, a quiet harbor town nestled at the foot of Mt. Husavikurfjall, surrounded by small lakes. After lunch here, head to the natural wonder of Asbyrgi, a horseshoe-shaped, steep-sided canyon divided by an 820-foot-wide rock formation known as Eyjan ("the Island"). Spot many of the region's abundant birds on a circuitous route toward Lake Astjorn, and head to thunderous Dettifoss, Iceland's greatest waterfall. Today concludes with a scenic drive to tonight's accommodations.

  • Accommodation: Fosshotel Myvatn
  • Activity: 2-3 hours/4.5 miles hiking with negligible elevation gain/loss
  • Transportation: 5-hour private van transfer
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Day05

  Explore Hverfjall & Soak in Myvatn Nature Baths

  Start the day with a moderate hike to iconic Mt. Hverfjall, one of the largest and best-preserved circular volcanic craters in the world. The pinnacle of the hike is circumnavigating the crater rim. Descend Hverfjall through the lava-twisted towers, chimneys, tubes, and tunnels of otherworldly Dimmuborgir. After lunch, ease your body into the healing Myvatn Nature Baths, Iceland's northern Blue Lagoon. Drive to Akureyri and enjoy the afternoon to stroll around northern Iceland's capital, which sits at the head of Iceland's longest fjord.

  • Accommodation: Icelandair Hotel Akureyri
  • Activity: 2-3 hours/5 miles hiking with 1,380' elevation gain/loss
  • Transportation: 2-hour private van transfer
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Day06

  Summit Akureyri's Guardian Peak

  Today summit Akureyri's guardian peak, Mt Sulur. From Akureyri it resembles a perfect cone, but upon closer inspection - as you hike to its top - it's far from conical or even symmetrical. Completing this demanding hike deserves a reward - and there is no better post-hike treat than the best ice cream in Iceland. The sweet shop Brynju uses milk, not cream, to make its legendary ice creams. This evening enjoy dinner on your own in one of Akureyri's many eateries featuring local and international flavors.

  • Accommodation: Icelandair Hotel Akureyri
  • Activity: 5 hours/3 miles hiking with 3,814' elevation gain/loss
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Day07

  Join the Art & Beer Scene in Akureyri

  Spend the final day in the north meandering the streets of Akureyri. Take in the booming arts scene along the Arts' Alley, a stretch of former industrial buildings that now house the Akureyri Art Museum (the first Icelandic institution outside of Reykjavík to concentrate solely on visual arts), North Iceland Artists' Studios, and loads of small galleries. Then check out the Kaldi craft beer brewery, for a tour and a sampling of their suds, known locally and internationally. Take an afternoon flight back to Reykjavik and share a farewell feast.

  • Accommodation: Fosshotel Reykjavik
  • Activity: 1-2 hours/2.5 miles city walking
  • Transportation: 45-minute flight transfer
  • Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
• Day08

  Depart from Reykjavik

  Enjoy breakfast with the group before bidding farewell and transferring to the airport for your homebound flight.

  • Meals: Breakfast