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Iceland Natural Wonders Hiking

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.

  • Experience the delights of Reykjavik and discover Iceland's volcanic north as you hike its rugged highland trails

  • Be moved by the land's legendary natural wonders, from Mt. Hverfjall's surreal moonscape to thundering Dettifoss waterfall

  • Soak your cares away in the steamy geothermal Mývatn Nature Baths and the famous Blue Lagoon

Contact an Expert

Arrive:

Reykjavik, Iceland

Depart:

Reykjavik, Iceland

Price: from $5,995

Duration:

8 Days

Departures:

See Dates

Group Size:

8-15 Guests

Min Age:

16 yrs

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 here.

Download Detailed Itinerary

Click here to download the Detailed Itinerary.

  • Arrive in Reykjavik

    Day 1

    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

    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.

    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

    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.

    Activity: 3-4 hours/8-9 miles hiking

    Transportation: 1.5-hour private vehicle transfer

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Marvel at Dettifoss Waterfall & Ásbyrgi

    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 Jökulsárgljúfur Canyon, adorned with an array of natural wonders from basalt cliffs and pillars to a snaking spring-fed river. Eat lunch before driving to Ásbyrgi, a horseshoe-shaped canyon with steep volcanic cliffs and lush greenery. Continue to the picturesque town of Húsavík, known for its beautiful wooden church and pretty harbor, before returning to Mývatn.

    Accommodation: Fosshotel Myvatn

    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.

    Activity: 3 hours/5-7 miles hiking

    Transportation: 3.5-hour private vehicle transfer

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Hike the Lava Fields of Leirhnjúkur

    Day 4

    Drive to Námaskarð 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 Leirhnjúkur (with lava from 1984) to Hlíðarfjall and onwards to Reykjahlíð. After lunch, melt into the peaceful, soothing geothermal waters of Mývatn Nature Baths set in beautiful natural surroundings.

    Accommodation: Fosshotel Myvatn

    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.

    Activity: 5-6 hours/8 miles hiking

    Transportation: 1-hour private vehicle transfer

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Hike River Trails to Stuðlagil Canyon

    Day 5

    Journey across the volcanic black desert of the Eastern Highlands and stop for lunch at Möðrudalur, the highest farm in Iceland. Continue through the pretty Jökuldalur Valley and enjoy a leisurely hike along the glacial Jökla River. Your end point is the impressive Stuðlagil Canyon, flanked by wondrous basalt rock columns - naturally chiseled to perfection. After the hike, drive to your charming hotel in Egilsstaðir.

    Accommodation: Lake Hotel Egilsstadir

    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.

    Activity: 3 hours/6 miles hiking

    Transportation: 2.5-hour private vehicle transfer

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Hike to Stórurð & See Puffins at Borgarfjörður Eystri

    Day 6

    The day begins with a drive to a trailhead, where a scenic path leads to Stórurð "The Giant Boulders." This tranquil oasis of tuff boulders, ponds, and meadows is hidden below the striking Dyrfjöll mountain range and is a magical place to explore. Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst amazing scenery before driving to the tiny village of Borgarfjörður Eystri. Here you'll visit one of the largest puffin colonies in Iceland! Return to Egilsstaðir for your second night by Lagarfljót Lake.

    Accommodation: Lake Hotel Egilsstadir

    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.

    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 Seyðisfjörður 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 Egilsstaðir for your transfer flight to Reykjavik. Toast your adventure in Iceland at a farewell dinner tonight.

    Accommodation: Fosshotel Reykjavik

    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.

    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.

    Or join our Iceland Geysers, Glaciers & Waterfalls Post-Trip Extension!

    Meals: Breakfast

show more

Iceland Natural Wonders Hiking

Download Detailed Itinerary

Click here to download the Detailed Itinerary.

What to Expect

 

Why take this trip with us?

Reason #01

This perfectly paced hiking adventure includes the best of Iceland's natural wonders all in just 8 days!

Reason #02

MT Sobek has been operating adventures in Iceland for decades, giving us the know-how to blend highlights with hidden gems, and beat the crowds.

Reason #03

We handpick the best sights, hotels, and restaurants for an action-packed, full-board experience, so all you need to do it go.

Meet your guides

Elisabet Atladottir

Elisabet Atladottir

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 Indrioadottir

Dagny Indrioadottir

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 Finnbogason

Ivar Finnbogason

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.

Activities

Exciting hikes in windswept volcanic landscapes, exploring picturesque Icelandic towns, and rejuvenating mind and body in geothermal spas, including the Blue Lagoon.

Lodging

Modern, stylish country and city hotels packed with amenities. and a friendly family run guesthouse by the lake.

Climate

Iceland's weather motto is "Expect Everything!" Rain is possible at any time, but have your sunglasses and shorts ready too.

FAQ

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?

The food in Iceland is exceptional. Expect delicious fish, local lamb and a great variety of cheeses and salads.

How strenuous is the hiking?

We rate this trip a level-4, 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 if we would like to extend our stay in Iceland?

We highly recommend our post-trip extension 'Iceland Geysers, Glaciers & Waterfalls.' Enjoy a combination of history and nature on this journey to some of the iconic sites in the South Coast of Iceland, adding just 3 days to your trip!

detifoss - Iceland Natural Wonders Hiking
aurora - Iceland Natural Wonders Hiking
akureyri - Iceland Natural Wonders Hiking
town - Iceland Natural Wonders Hiking
hverfjall - Iceland Natural Wonders Hiking
namaskaro - Iceland Natural Wonders Hiking
krafla - Iceland Natural Wonders Hiking
leihrnjukur - Iceland Natural Wonders Hiking
lhverir - Iceland Natural Wonders Hiking
jokla - Iceland Natural Wonders Hiking
husavik - Iceland Natural Wonders Hiking
volcanic - Iceland Natural Wonders Hiking
flowers - Iceland Natural Wonders Hiking
puffin - Iceland Natural Wonders Hiking
lagoon - Iceland Natural Wonders Hiking

Testimonials

"MT Sobek took care of everything for our extended family vacation. Not a hiccup in the planning, the itinerary, the lodging or the guide. Everything in life should be so easy."

Kathy J.
MT Sobek Guest

"Traveling with MT Sobek is like gaining a new set of close friends that have shared an incredible experience together."

Mark N.
MT Sobek Guest

Trustpilot
  • 2022
  • 2023
  • Go Private
  • Go Custom

2022

The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.

Scheduled Dates

  • Jul 16 - 23, 2022
    $6,245 price per person dbl occ
    +$500 internal airfare+$1,200 single supplement
    WaitlistConfirmed
    Contact us
  • Aug 13 - 20, 2022
    $5,995 price per person dbl occ
    +$500 internal airfare+$1,200 single supplement
    WaitlistConfirmed
    Contact Us

Price Includes

  • Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
  • All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
  • All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
  • Snacks and water between meals
  • Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
  • Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
  • Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
  • Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
  • All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
  • Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
  • Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted in the Trip Planner)
  • Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
  • Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
  • Baggage transfers and porterage

Price Does Not Include

  • International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
  • Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
  • Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
  • Travel Protection Program
  • Personal expenses

Contact An Expert

800-974-0300

Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.

2023

The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.

Scheduled Dates

  • Jun 24 - Jul 01, 2023
    $6,595 price per person dbl occ
    +$500 internal airfare+$1,200 single supplement
    Available
    Book This Date
  • Jul 22 - 29, 2023
    $6,595 price per person dbl occ
    +$500 internal airfare+$1,200 single supplement
    Available
    Book This Date
  • Aug 19 - 26, 2023
    $6,595 price per person dbl occ
    +$500 internal airfare+$1,200 single supplement
    Available
    Book This Date

Price Includes

  • Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
  • All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
  • All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
  • Snacks and water between meals
  • Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
  • Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
  • Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
  • Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
  • All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
  • Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
  • Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted in the Trip Planner)
  • Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
  • Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
  • Baggage transfers and porterage

Price Does Not Include

  • International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
  • Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
  • Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
  • Travel Protection Program
  • Personal expenses

Contact An Expert

800-974-0300

Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.

Go Private

Go Private

Gather your favorite travel companions to share an MT Sobek adventure on an easy-to-book Private departure.

Choose from the selection of dates below for your group or if your preferred date is not available, we'll create a departure just for you.

Call or email us to get the ball rolling.

*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.

Private Trip Pricing:

2022 Pricing

6 to 7 guests from $6,895 per person double occupancy

8 to 9 guests from $6,195 per person double occupancy

2023 Pricing

8 to 9 guests from $6,695 per person double occupancy

Additional Costs:

Internal Airfare: $500

Private pricing excludes potential additional costs such as internal airfare, single supplement, or any park fees that may be required for the trip.

*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.

Make Your Own Dates in These Months

Price Includes

  • Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
  • All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
  • All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
  • Snacks and water between meals
  • Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
  • Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
  • Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
  • Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
  • All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
  • Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
  • Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted in the Trip Planner)
  • Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
  • Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
  • Baggage transfers and porterage

Price Does Not Include

  • International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
  • Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
  • Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
  • Travel Protection Program
  • Personal expenses

Contact An Expert

800-974-0300

Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.

Go Custom

Create Your Very Own Adventure

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.

Start Planning

Inspiration to Explore

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