On the Trail of Ice & Fire in Iceland's Volcanic North
The magnificence of Iceland's volcanic landscape is unparalleled and this trip provides the opportunity to experience it up close on spectacular daily hikes. From cosmopolitan Reykjavik, fly to Akureyri — Iceland's "Capital of the North" — and traverse moonlike lava fields to snow-capped volcanoes. Be awestruck by Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe, and hike pretty canyon trails beside spring-fed rivers. Explore picturesque villages with colorful timber houses and see one of Iceland's largest puffin colonies! Soothe your body at natural geothermal spas, and unwind at stylish hotels and a charming family-run guesthouse by the lake.
The magnificence of Iceland's volcanic landscape is unparalleled and this trip provides the opportunity to experience it up close on spectacular daily hikes. From cosmopolitan Reykjavik, fly to Akureyri — Iceland's "Capital of the North" — and traverse moonlike lava fields to snow-capped volcanoes. Be awestruck by Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe, and hike pretty canyon trails beside spring-fed rivers. Explore picturesque villages with colorful timber houses and see one of Iceland's largest puffin colonies! Soothe your body at natural geothermal spas, and unwind at stylish hotels and a charming family-run guesthouse by the lake.
Experience the delights of Reykjavik and discover Iceland's volcanic north as you hike its rugged highland trails
[Description] => Experience the delights of Reykjavik and discover Iceland's volcanic north as you hike its rugged highland trails
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Be moved by the land's legendary natural wonders, from Mt. Hverfjall's surreal moonscape to thundering Dettifoss waterfall
[Description] => Be moved by the land's legendary natural wonders, from Mt. Hverfjall's surreal moonscape to thundering Dettifoss waterfall
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Soak your cares away in the steamy geothermal Mývatn Nature Baths and the famous Blue Lagoon
Welcome to Iceland! After an early morning arrival at the airport, your MT Sobek trip leader will transfer you to the hotel for breakfast. Relax and explore Iceland's cosmopolitan capital before meeting up with the rest of the group for a welcome dinner.
Accommodation: Fosshotel Reykjavik
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Journey to Akureyri & Hike to Mt. Hverfjall
Day 2
Wake for an early morning flight to Akureyri, Iceland's "Capital of the North," and magical Lake Mývatn. Here you'll explore incredible volcanic formations and natural wonders, including the Skútustaðir craters - formed by the explosive mix of boiling lava and wetland water. After lunch, experience geology at its most fantastical as you hike through lava-formed landscapes from Stóragjá to Mt. Hverfjall and Dimmuborgir.
Accommodation: Fosshotel Myvatn
Activity: 5 hours/8-9 miles hiking
Transportation: 1.5-hour private vehicle transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Marvel at Dettifoss Waterfall & Asbyrgi
Day 3
Take a morning drive to the mighty Dettifoss waterfall, the most powerful waterfall in Europe! Be moved by its thundering roar and beautiful basalt columns. Then hike along the Jokulsargljufur Canyon, adorned with an array of natural wonders from basalt cliffs and pillars to a snaking spring-fed river. Eat lunch before driving to Asbyrgi, a horseshoe-shaped canyon with steep volcanic cliffs and lush greenery. Continue to the picturesque town of Husavík, known for its beautiful wooden church and pretty harbor, before returning to Myvatn.
Accommodation: Fosshotel Myvatn
Activity: 3-5 hours/5-7 miles hiking
Transportation: 3.5-hour private vehicle transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike the Lava Fields of Leirhnjukur
Day 4
Drive to Namaskaro for a hike in a lunar landscape of geothermal wonders, including boiling springs and steaming fumaroles. From Krafla, take a path through the still-steaming lava field of Leirhnjukur (with lava from 1984) to Hlioarfjall and onwards to Reykjahlio. After lunch, melt into the peaceful, soothing geothermal waters of Myvatn Nature Baths set in beautiful natural surroundings.
Accommodation: Fosshotel Myvatn
Activity: 5-6 hours/8 miles hiking
Transportation: 1-hour private vehicle transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike River Trails to Stuolagil Canyon
Day 5
Journey across the volcanic black desert of the Eastern Highlands and stop for lunch at Moorudalur, the highest farm in Iceland. Continue through the pretty Jokuldalur Valley and enjoy a leisurely hike along the glacial Jokla River. Your end point is the impressive Stuolagil Canyon, flanked by wondrous basalt rock columns — naturally chiseled to perfection. After the hike, drive to your charming hotel in Egilsstaoir.
Accommodation: Lake Hotel Egilsstadir
Activity: 2 hours/3.5 miles hiking
Transportation: 2.5-hour private vehicle transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike to Storuro & See Puffins at Borgarfjorour Eystri
Day 6
The day begins with a drive to a trailhead, where a scenic path leads to Stórur "The Giant Boulders." This tranquil oasis of tuff boulders, ponds, and meadows is hidden below the striking Dyrfjoll mountain range and is a magical place to explore. Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst amazing scenery before driving to the tiny village of Borgarfjorur Eystri. Here you'll visit one of the largest puffin colonies in Iceland! Return to Egilsstair for your second night by Lagarflot Lake.
Accommodation: Lake Hotel Egilsstadir
Activity: 5-6 hours/9 miles hiking
Transportation: 2-hour private vehicle transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Waterfall Hike to Hengifoss
Day 7
Rise for a picturesque hike to Hengifoss waterfall, which cascades majestically from the plateau into a magnificent gorge with copper-colored striations. On the way, stop for a photo at Litlanesfoss waterfall with its beautiful basalt columns. After the hike, drive to the pretty town of Seyisfjorur nestled at the bottom of a narrow fjord and surrounded by steep mountains. Marvel at the town's colorful timber houses and old church before returning to Egilsstair for your transfer flight to Reykjavik. Toast your adventure in Iceland at a farewell dinner tonight.
Accommodation: Fosshotel Reykjavik
Activity: 1 hour/3 miles hiking
Transportation: 1-hour flight transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Soak in the Blue Lagoon & Depart from Reykjavik
Day 8
After breakfast, end your adventure in style at the famous Blue Lagoon geothermal spa. Located in a lava field, the lagoon holds six million liters of geothermal seawater, which is renewed every 40 hours. Soak in the steamy mineral waters, or get a natural massage under the powerful waterfalls, before heading to Reykjavik-Keflavik Airport for homeward-bound flights.
Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.
Elisabet A.
After having many indoor jobs, the idea of working outside and exploring nature and different parts of Iceland motivated Elísabet to become a guide. She loves spending time outdoors, seeing great views, hiking, climbing, running, camping, and almost everything that involves being in a beautiful landscape. She also has an arty side and enjoys drawing, painting, and photographing. Hike with Elísabet on MT Sobek's popular Iceland adventures.
Dagny I.
Dagny enjoys taking time to explore the wonders of Iceland, whether guiding, traveling, or working as a warden in a remote mountain hut. She is a folklorist with a degree in gender studies and loves sharing her home country with travelers on all different kinds of trips-from hut-to-hut hikes and cross-country skiing adventures to bird-watching tours. In her spare time Dagný likes to travel to faraway countries to hike, climb in the mountains, and soak up different cultures.
Ivar F.
Ivar is a legend! He is one of Iceland's best and most active mountaineers and ice climbers, racking up many first ascents. Ivar also guides ski-touring trips in winter, and climbing and hiking trips in summer-occasionally stepping outside of Iceland to guide around Mont Blanc, Mt. Elbrus, and Mt. Vinson. In addition to being an experienced guide, Ivar manages and develops the mountaineering and climbing courses to train new guides. Meet Ivar on MT Sobek's popular adventures in Iceland.
Welcome to Iceland! After an early morning arrival at the airport, your MT Sobek trip leader will transfer you to the hotel for breakfast. Relax and explore Iceland\'s cosmopolitan capital before meeting up with the rest of the group for a welcome dinner.
Wake for an early morning flight to Akureyri, Iceland\'s "Capital of the North," and magical Lake Mývatn. Here you\'ll explore incredible volcanic formations and natural wonders, including the Skútustaðir craters - formed by the explosive mix of boiling lava and wetland water. After lunch, experience geology at its most fantastical as you hike through lava-formed landscapes from Stóragjá to Mt. Hverfjall and Dimmuborgir.
Take a morning drive to the mighty Dettifoss waterfall, the most powerful waterfall in Europe! Be moved by its thundering roar and beautiful basalt columns. Then hike along the Jokulsargljufur Canyon, adorned with an array of natural wonders from basalt cliffs and pillars to a snaking spring-fed river. Eat lunch before driving to Asbyrgi, a horseshoe-shaped canyon with steep volcanic cliffs and lush greenery. Continue to the picturesque town of Husavík, known for its beautiful wooden church and pretty harbor, before returning to Myvatn.
Drive to Namaskaro for a hike in a lunar landscape of geothermal wonders, including boiling springs and steaming fumaroles. From Krafla, take a path through the still-steaming lava field of Leirhnjukur (with lava from 1984) to Hlioarfjall and onwards to Reykjahlio. After lunch, melt into the peaceful, soothing geothermal waters of Myvatn Nature Baths set in beautiful natural surroundings.
Journey across the volcanic black desert of the Eastern Highlands and stop for lunch at Moorudalur, the highest farm in Iceland. Continue through the pretty Jokuldalur Valley and enjoy a leisurely hike along the glacial Jokla River. Your end point is the impressive Stuolagil Canyon, flanked by wondrous basalt rock columns — naturally chiseled to perfection. After the hike, drive to your charming hotel in Egilsstaoir.
The day begins with a drive to a trailhead, where a scenic path leads to Stórur \"The Giant Boulders.\" This tranquil oasis of tuff boulders, ponds, and meadows is hidden below the striking Dyrfjoll mountain range and is a magical place to explore. Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst amazing scenery before driving to the tiny village of Borgarfjorur Eystri. Here you\'ll visit one of the largest puffin colonies in Iceland! Return to Egilsstair for your second night by Lagarflot Lake.
Rise for a picturesque hike to Hengifoss waterfall, which cascades majestically from the plateau into a magnificent gorge with copper-colored striations. On the way, stop for a photo at Litlanesfoss waterfall with its beautiful basalt columns. After the hike, drive to the pretty town of Seyisfjorur nestled at the bottom of a narrow fjord and surrounded by steep mountains. Marvel at the town\'s colorful timber houses and old church before returning to Egilsstair for your transfer flight to Reykjavik. Toast your adventure in Iceland at a farewell dinner tonight.
After breakfast, end your adventure in style at the famous Blue Lagoon geothermal spa. Located in a lava field, the lagoon holds six million liters of geothermal seawater, which is renewed every 40 hours. Soak in the steamy mineral waters, or get a natural massage under the powerful waterfalls, before heading to Reykjavik-Keflavik Airport for homeward-bound flights.
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[ActivityHighlight] => Moderate hikes from 3-6 hours per day, up to 9 miles, on gently rolling terrain with some uneven hardened lava and steeper sections. Great opportunities to unwind at geothermal spas along the way.
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Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 3. Moderate hikes from 3-6 hours per day, up to 9 miles, on gently rolling terrain with some uneven hardened lava and steeper sections. Great opportunities to unwind at geothermal spas along the way. Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 2
5 hours/8-9 miles hiking
Day 3
3-5 hours/5-7 miles hiking
Day 4
5-6 hours/8 miles hiking
Day 5
2 hours/3.5 miles hiking
Day 6
5-6 hours/9 miles hiking
Day 7
1 hour/3 miles hiking
Accommodations
Modern, stylish country and city hotels packed with amenities. and a friendly family run guesthouse by the lake.
Designed by award-winning architects and clad with larch wood, the low-rise Fosshótel Mývatn sits in complete harmony with its surrounding nature. The hotel's 92 rooms are simple and stylish, and come well-appointed with modern amenities including free wifi and en-suite bathrooms. Savor hearty Nordic cuisine at Fosshótel Mývatn's contemporary restaurant, which boasts beautiful views over lake Mývatn.
Lake Hotel Egilsstadir is a charming family run hotel on the banks of scenic Lagarfljót Lake, known for its legendary lake monster! The hotel's 50 comfortable rooms are equipped with en-suite bathrooms and modern amenities. Take a break in the sauna or hot tub, and try authentic Icelandic cuisine at the hotel's Eldhúsið Restaurant.
This stylish, centrally located hotel - Iceland's largest - provides great city and waterfront views, and offers a luxury spa, fitness center, and free wifi. There's also an on-site beer garden and Haust, a top-rated restaurant offering fresh, innovative cuisine. Comfortable rooms are equipped with modern amenities, including a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom with shower.
Weather
Iceland's weather motto is "Expect Everything!" Rain is possible at any time, but have your sunglasses and shorts ready too.
Jun
Jul
Aug
Egilsstaoir
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
Egilsstaoir
55
41
59
45
58
44
Reykjavik
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
Reykjavik
54
44
57
48
56
47
Know Before You Book
Accommodations Due to limited inventory at the accommodations where we stay throughout this trip, it is not possible for every guest to have the same standard of guestroom every night. We do our best to ensure that every guest has an equally comfortable experience by rotating room standards from night to night amongst our guests.
FAQs
Who will meet me on arrival?
Your trip leader will meet you outside of the customs and immigration area at the Reykjavik Keflavík International airport (KEF) between 6:30am and 7am on Day 1 of the trip.
Will I see the northern lights?
No. This tour takes place in summer, when there is nearly 24-hours of daylight, making the northern lights impossible to see. Departures in late August and early September might have a rare sighting during short spells of darkness.
What type of food will we eat on this trip?
Expect delicious fish, local lamb and a variety of soups and salads.
How strenuous is the hiking?
We rate this trip a level-3, but unlike our trips in the high mountains, we will be hiking at lower elevations with fewer ascents and descents. The challenge is walking on varied, uneven terrain, over wet grass uneven surfaces, up to 9 miles.
What is special about Northern Iceland?
The north of Iceland is known for geological wonders, including extraordinary lava formations, as well as being an oasis for migrating birds. The north is also the home of the impressive Dettifoss, Europe's most powerful waterfall.
What is the minimum age for this trip?
The standard minimum age for this trip is 18, but check out our private trip options for families and groups with younger guests.
