Iceland Walking Explorer - Trekking Holiday

Discover rugged wilderness, walking across mountains, glaciers and fjords in the ultimate exploration of Iceland

Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon in southern Iceland

On this full-circuit itinerary we base ourselves in four of the best walking areas in Iceland, each a demonstration of its unique landscape.

We start in Skaftafell National Park, where glacial tongues from the huge Vatnajokull Icecap reach almost to the sea. Then there are the mountains of the eastern fjords and stunning Lake Myvatn area, where we find pseudo craters, lavafields and plentiful hotsprings.

Finally, we move to Kerlingarfjoll Volcano in the central highlands and within sight of the massive Hofsjokull Icecap.

As this is a camping trip, the itinerary remains flexible, allowing us to work with Iceland's variable and dramatic weather.

What makes this trip responsible?

We use a locally based operator and have established a long-term partnership, assisting with local staff training in all aspects of their jobs, thereby investing in the people to help improve their knowledge and future prospects.The itinerary is designed so that the group can stay at fixed campsites. Many of the areas visited are delicate and would deteriorate quickly if wild camps were struck. The fixed campsites have all the required facilities to ensure all waste is disposed of correctly.

Itinerary

[detailed itinerary...]

Countries visited: Iceland

Day 1

Fly to Keflavik, transfer to Reykjavik.

Day 2

Drive to Thorsmork Valley via Seljalandsfoss Waterfall.

Day 3

Hike up to the new craters and lavafields created by the Eyafjallajokull eruption.

Day 4

Drive to Skaftafell National Park via Skogafoss Waterfall and the Dyrholaey promontory.

Day 5

Hike to summit of Kristinartindar (1125m) offering fantastic views of the icecap and Iceland's highest peak.

Day 6

Travel to Bakkagerdi village, stopping en route at the Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon (full of icebergs), and Hofn.

Day 7

Hike to beautiful Storurd in the Dyrfjoll mountains.

Day 8

Drive to Lake Myvatn via Dettifoss (most powerful waterfall in Europe), the Hverfjall 'explosive crater' and dramatic Dimmuborgir lavafield.

Day 9

Full day walk in volcanic Mt Krafla area.

Day 10

Drive to Kerlingarfjoll in the central highlands, with time to explore hot springs.

Day 11

Full day walk in the colourful mountains of Kerlingarfjoll.

Day 12

Visit Gullfoss Waterfall, geothermal waterspouts at Geysir, and historic Thingvellir; continue to Reykjavik.

Day 13

Free day in Reykjavik, with options for horse-riding, whale watching or sea-kayaking.

Day 14

Fly to London.

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Images from ICELAND WALKING EXPLORER

Note: Click on a thumbnail to enlarge.

The site of recent geothermal activity in North Iceland

Trekking in Thorsmork Valley, steaming lava from Eyafjallajokull

A vent near Myvatn