Best of Iceland Backpacking
Reykjavík, Iceland
5.0 (7 reviews)Trip Highlights
- Glaciers & Stunning Views
- Lava Field from 2010
- Cozy Mountain Huts
- World Class Trails
- Colorful Landscapes
- Hot Springs & Thermal Features
- Big Waterfalls & Rivers
- Guides Choice Trip
Description
This amazing Iceland Hut-based Backpacking Trip combines the two most iconic hiking trails in Iceland: the famous Laugavegur Trail and the Fimmvordurhals mountain pass trail. These trails are iconic for good reason – they feature the best of Iceland on an adventurous, stunningly beautiful trek through classic Iceland landscapes!
The Laugavegur-Skogar Backpack begins at the Laugavegur Trailhead in Landmannalaugar, where we head out across colorful mountains, geothermal features, obsidian lava fields, green mossy hills, black sand deserts and the lush birch forests of the Thorsmork Valley. We will be trekking adjacent to 2 major Icelandic icecaps : Myrdalsjokull and the famous Eyjafjallajokull. From the Thorsmork valley, we continue hiking south, up and over the Fimmvordurhals mountain pass, until we reach an amazingly fresh lava field that was created in March, 2010!
As on all Iceland treks, the weather can be relatively harsh (windy, cold and rainy usually mixed with some sunshine and calm conditions as well). The huts are communal and rustic, and provide wonderful refuge from potentially bad weather in the evenings. Join us and prepare yourself for a very authentic Icelandic hiking experience! Give us a call at 1-800-715-HIKE (4453) to learn more or book your spot today!
$225 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
On this trip the single supplement includes single rooms in the hotels we stay at before and after the trek. Once on our trek we will not have the ability to put guests in single rooms. Please be prepared to share rooms, huts, teahouse accommodations..etc. with other guests and hikers once we’re on the trek. Different sexes will never be asked to share a room unless they are traveling together or we are in communal lodging with several people in one room.
DIFFICULTY LEVEL 4
Scale of 1-5. 1 is least difficult; 5 is most difficult
This trip has some long days of hiking (11-14 miles), and two days with significant elevation gain/loss (2,950 ft gain, and a 3,300 ft loss). The hiking is at low elevation (near sea level) compared to many trips, which helps moderate the difficulty.
Hiking Distances:
Up to 14 mi
Backpack Weight:
35-45 lbs
Terrain:
Moderately Rugged
Max Daily Elev. ↑↓:
3000 ft
Heights Exposure:
Medium
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THIS TRIP
- Hiking uphill or downhill with a 35-45 lb backpack for 8-10 hours
- Maintaining balance and footing on variable, uneven terrain
- River and creek crossings
- Potentially hiking in cold, windy, rainy conditions
SOLITUDE LEVEL 2
1 least solitude, 5 most solitude
We rate this Iceland hike a solitude 2. You can expect to have as much as an hour of solitude at a time while hiking.
Minimum of 2 Guests
We require a minimum of 2 guests to confirm this trip. If a trip date is not confirmed yet, you can register and will be notified when the trip is officially confirmed. We recommend not making final travel arrangements until your trip meets the minimum number of guests and is confirmed.
In most cases, if a trip does not reach the minimum number of guests, you may choose to transfer to another trip date or another trip, be refunded your payments in full, or you may have the choice to pay a supplemental fee to run the trip with fewer guests. We make the final determination for these trips 65-60 days before the departure date.
Private Trips
Travel in perfect company by booking a private trip exclusively for your group!
Our sliding scale for private trips is based on the final number of guests in your group. Rates are per person and do not include sales tax, national park fees or guide gratuity. The final rate is based on the actual number of guests on the trip and may adjust based on cancellations or additions.
Please Note: you can also enjoy a private trip at our normal scheduled rates by filling any empty tour to capacity. However, if group members drop from the tour those spots will automatically become available on our website for instant booking. By purchasing a private trip at the rates listed below, your trip will remain exclusive to your group regardless of cancellations.
Private Rates FOr This Trip
- 2 people: rate x 2.5
- 3 people: rate x 2
- 4-5 people: rate x 1.5
- 6-10 people: rate x 1.15
- 11-12 people: standard rate
- 13+ people: contact us for availability and pricing
*all rates are per person and single supplements apply
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Itinerary
Day 1
On this Iceland hiking tour, we provide you with a public bus shuttle (flybus) voucher to get from Keflavik International airport near Reykjavik, Iceland to tonight’s hotel. After checking into your hotel room (included), you are free to explore the capital city on your own. Reykjavik’s city center is small and you can travel everywhere on foot. Your guides will designate a time to conduct the pre-trip orientation meeting. The orientation meeting is time to ask questions, meet other expedition members, check over gear, and review the itinerary. Icelandic weather can be cold and rainy so be sure to follow the gear list closely! After the orientation meeting, your guide will make suggestions for fantastic dinner spots in Reykjavik, as dinner is on your own this evening.
Please Note: If your flight lands in the morning, your hotel room will not be ready for you to check in. However, you will be able to store your luggage and start your city exploration. If a private airport shuttle is desired, please reach out to our adventure consultant team to quote prices/extra fees for this service and set that up for you.
Day 2
- Driving Duration: 4 hours
- Hiking Mileage: 2-6 miles
- Elevation Gain: 900 feet
- Trekking Duration: 4-5 hours
This morning your guide will pick you up at the hotel and transport you to the local bus station. From the bus station, you will have a 4-hour ride through the beautiful Icelandic country side. You will have amazing views of the famous Hekla volcano and journey into the Fjallabak Nature Reserve. We will arrive at the stunning and busy Landmannalaugar around mid-day, where lunch will be served and we will check into our rustic mountain hut. After check in, we will begin our first half-day hike. We will be immersed among colorful peaks and valleys, geothermal features and lava fields. Once we return from the hike, we will have time to soak in the geothermal hot creek which runs close to our hut. After we soak, we will enjoy the delicious dinner prepared by your guides. Typical Icelandic food consists of tender mountain lamb, delicious fish and lots of potatoes. Make sure you let us know if you have any dietary restrictions. After dinner, your guides will brief you on the plan for the next day and then the remainder of the evening is free for your enjoyment. Feel free to have another soak in the hot creek or take a stroll around the encampment. In June and July, it does not get dark in Iceland, so make sure to bring a ‘buff’ or scarf to aide in your sleeping.
Day 3
- Hiking Mileage: 7-9 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1600 feet
- Trekking Duration: 7-8 hours
This morning after a delicious breakfast we will begin our trek. We will encounter multi-colored mountains, obsidian lava fields and geothermal features. The scenery today is unique to Iceland and usually surprises people by how “unearthly” it looks. Depending on our weather, we may have views of Mt. Hekla and several icecaps.
Our hike will eventually lead us to the obsidian dome where the Hrafntinnusker Mountain Hut is located. Don’t worry if you can’t pronounce it, we’ll teach you! The Hrafntinnusker hut is extremely rustic but chances are you will be thankful to have a roof over your head.
Day 4
- Hiking Mileage: 7-10 miles
- Elevation Loss: 1600 feet
- Trekking Duration: 7-8 hours
This morning we will have a nutritious breakfast, pack our gear and begin our day’s trek. We start the day hiking across the Hrafntinnusker plateau with wide open views of geothermal formations, hot springs and mud pools. Depending on the month, we may be hiking in snow. Reaching the edge of this plateau, the view opens up to green plains and moss-covered hills. There are two classic mountain huts we can choose from for tonight’s stay, both offering a welcome rest, big dinner (prepared by your guides), and good night’s sleep.
Day 5
- Hiking Mileage: 8-14 miles
- Elevation Gain: 900 feet
- Trekking Duration: 7-9 hours
After a delicious breakfast, we will begin our trek out of the mountains and across a black sand desert. Soon enough the glaciers and moss of the lush mountains we’ve been in will disappear and we will be hiking across an amazing desert of black sand. This afternoon we have the option – if weather and conditions permit – to get closer to Myrdalsjökull ice cap and enjoy a viewpoint on Entujökull outlet glacier; all while walking among amazing geological features. After we’ve arrived at our hut if energy and time allows, we can enjoy an evening walk to the sheer edges of Makarfljotsgljufur; a very impressive canyon boasting spectacular views of the neighboring ice caps. We will be staying in the Botnar huts in the valley of Emstrur.
Day 6
- Hiking Mileage: 10-11 miles
- Elevation Loss: 1000 feet
- Trekking Duration: 8 hours
This morning after breakfast, we leave the Emstrur Valley after a steep descent and a bridge crossing. We will witness amazing basaltic columns, green mossy gorges and views of the large glaciers. Eventually, we descend into a Birch forest with lush vegetation all around. We finally come to our mountain hut accommodation for the night at Langidalur in Thorsmork, where the view is absolutely stunning.
Day 7
- Hiking Mileage: 7-9 miles
- Elevation Gain: 2,950 feet
- Trekking Duration: 8 hours
This morning after breakfast we will depart for the day. We begin today’s trek by crossing the Thorsmork Valley. Then we begin to ascend the Fimmvordurhals Pass, which lies between 2 ice caps. As we go up ridges and traverse plateaus, the views get increasingly more dramatic. The two neighboring glaciers, Myrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull, have carved a maze of gorges and valleys in the landscape. We will soon reach the edge of the 2010 volcanic eruption, where lava flowed down into the gorges. We will keep ascending to the two recently created volcanic craters, Magni and Modi. After pondering the magnitude of the volcanic forces around us, we will continue trekking until we reach our small, rustic mountain hut for the night. We will cap off this amazing day with a hearty dinner and much deserved night of sleep.
Day 8
- Hiking Mileage: 7-8 miles
- Elevation Loss: 3300 feet
- Trekking Duration: 8 hours
Assuming good weather, we will wake up to a spectacular view of the ocean. After breakfast, we will pack up and begin descending from barren mineral plateaus to greener, vibrant hillsides. Overlooking the south coast of Iceland we still feel the presence of the magnificent glaciers behind us. Eventually, we will reach Skoga creek and follow it until we reach the village of Skogar. There are many waterfalls along the way making the last day of our trek extremely beautiful and rewarding. Once in Skogar, we can relax in the café and wait for the bus to transport us back to Reykjavik. In Reykjavik, we will check into our hotel rooms (included), and your guide will make suggestions for where to dine this evening, as dinner is on your own.
Day 9
Today is the final day of the Wildland Trekking, Laugavegur to Skogar trek. We will ensure you get on the proper airport (Flybus) Shuttle for departure to Keflavik International Airport. Thanks for choosing Wildland Trekking!
Please Note: If a private airport shuttle is desired, please reach out to our adventure consultant team to quote prices/extra fees for this service and set that up for you.
Please Note: We always do everything in our power to follow the set itinerary, however occasionally trips are subject to itinerary changes based on a variety of circumstances, including but not limited to: lodging/campground availability, extreme weather, political or bureaucratic obstacles, earthquakes, fires, flooding and more. Normal terms and conditions apply to trips with itinerary changes.
TRIP DATES & BOOKING
AVAILABLE TO BOOK
This trip is available and bookable online! Click on the date to register now or contact us online to book through our award-winning customer service team!
GOING FAST
This trip has 1 or 2 spots remaining and is bookable online! Click on the date to book now or contact us online to book through customer service.
REQUEST A RESERVATION
This trip is exclusively booked through customer service due to logistics with lodging, permits, staffing, availability, or something else. Please contact us online or call us at 800-715-HIKE (4453) to request a reservation.
Don't see your dates? Call us! We may be able to add new trip dates.
800-715-HIKE (4453)Trip Details
What's Included
- A detailed trip packet that takes the guesswork out of your travel, training, packing, and preparing for the trip
- Trained hiking guide(s) with years of personal wilderness and hiking experience, medical certifications, and a passion for leading people into breathtaking landscapes. See Guide Bios.
- Airport shuttle on a public bus service with a Flybus voucher regardless of arrival/departure flights
- Transportation for the duration of the tour starting on Day 1 and ending on the day you depart
- Lodging before and after the trekking portion of the trip and mountain hut reservations and accommodations on the trek
- Top-of-the-line multi-day backpack and trekking poles
- High quality, synthetic sleeping bag (professionally laundered after every use) – or bring your own.
- All meals from breakfast on Day 2 through lunch on the last day of the trekking portion of the trip
- Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and communication device (InReach Explorer or satellite phone)
What's Not Included
- Flights to/from Iceland
- Dinners in Reykjavik
- Private airport shuttle(s), available for an additional fee
- Trip insurance that includes medical coverage and at least $200,000 in evacuation and repatriation coverage (strongly encouraged)
- Bar bills, drink bills, extra snacks, telephone bills, wifi bills and other personal expenses (shopping/laundry)
- All expenses due to unavoidable events e.g. flight cancellation, personal illness, strikes, etc. (we recommend trip insurance coverage for these variables)
- Clothes, rain gear, and footwear (see recommendations)
- Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items
- Water bottles and a headlamp or flashlight
- Guide gratuities are optional and at the discretion of each customer. A suggested guideline is to reward outstanding service with a tip of 5-10% of the total trip cost. Please tip your lead guide and they will distribute responsibly to the crew. Local currency is preferred, or USD is also appreciated.
Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed guidance about what to pack.
Meals: What to Expect
This Iceland hiking tour features a combination of in-town meals and meals prepared by your guide. Most meals are prepared on the trail by your guides.
For optimal taste and energy, we supplement all our meals with spices, herbs, oils, cheeses, butter, sugar, and fruits and vegetables. In addition, we provide you with with an assortment of trail mix, snacks, and dried fruits to eat at your own discretion.
We can often accommodate vegan, vegetarian, kosher and non-gluten diets and make adjustments for food allergies. These and other special dietary requests may require an additional fee, and in some countries may be more difficult to accommodate than others. Please inquire with us for more information about the specific trip you’re interested in.
Gear We Provide
We provide all group gear which includes the following:
- Backpacks
- Trekking poles
- Synthetic-fill sleeping bags (or bring your own)
- Company-issued first-aid kit
- Emergency communication device(s)
Guest Packing List
When you register for this tour you’ll receive access to a printable, downloadable trip information packet with a detailed packing list specific to this trip (click here to see it now.) All trips require a sturdy pair of hiking shoes or hiking boots, rain gear, a recommended clothing system, a headlamp or flashlight, a hydration system (water bottles and/or bladder) and other items specific to each trip.
Trip Logistics
How Do I Register?
Reserve your spot today! In the Trip Dates & Booking section of this page, the green and red dates are bookable online by simply clicking on the date, and blue dates must be booked through our customer service team for a variety of possible reasons. To email our customer service team, you can click here to get the ball rolling. Our adventure consultants will confirm availability, and if you’re ready to register we’ll email you a link to a registration profile. You’ll have 72 hours to complete your profile (and that of any dependents) and pay the deposit.
Feel free to call us for more info – we’re here 7 days a week!
Where Do We Meet?
Wildland Trekking will provide a Flybus (airport shuttle) voucher for you to exchange for a free ticket to the hotel when you arrive at the Keflavik International Airport near Reykjavik, Iceland. After checking in the hotel rooms, you are free to explore the capital city on your own. Reykjavik’s city center is small and very walking friendly. Our Iceland communications team will contact you approximately 45 days before your trip begins to answer any questions you have and coordinate a time to conduct the pre-trip orientation meeting.
Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed guidance about flights, shuttles, recommended lodging and more.
Travel to Iceland
BOOKING FLIGHTS
For our Iceland treks you will need to fly into Keflavik International Airport on Day 1, no later than 3 P.M. Your guide will rendezvous with you at our hotel (we provide a shuttle voucher for transport from the airport to the hotel). An orientation meeting and accommodations are included on Day 1. Your return flight should be scheduled anytime for the final day of the tour or later.
Flights to and from Keflavik International Airport are the guest’s responsibility. Multiple airlines operate flights into Keflavik from many U.S. and European international airports. Some of the primary U.S. departure cities include Denver, Portland, Boston, Washington DC, San Francisco, New York and Minneapolis. The duration of nonstop flights is 6-9 hours.
Your flight on the final day of the trip can depart at any time.
Pre and Post-trip On Request Lodging
We secure limited amounts of pre and post trip lodging in Reykjavík, Iceland as an optional add-on for guests of this trip. This lodging is on request, and is available on a first come, first serve basis. If interested, please reach out directly to our team to check availability.
Safety Precautions
Your safety is our top priority. Our hiking tours are led by professional hiking guides, all of whom are wilderness-certified first responders or EMT’s, each with years of guiding and wilderness experience. Guides adhere to standardized risk management protocols in case of any potential or actual incident, and all tours carry an emergency communication device and comprehensive first-aid kit. Additionally we have a “24/7” system through which guides or guests can reach Wildland support personnel at any time.
In the interest of your safety, it’s important to refer to the Center for Disease Control website for up-to-date recommendations on immunizations before your trip.
Essential Eligibility Criteria
Essential Eligibility Criteria (“EEC”) have been specifically identified to help you understand the skills and abilities necessary to participate on each Wildland trip, and they apply uniformly to all potential trip participants, irrespective of the presence or absence of any disability.
Once you identify a trip in which you may be interested, please carefully review the EEC and itinerary details. If after reviewing the EEC that apply to your desired trip, you determine you need an accommodation in order to meet the EEC, please contact us prior to registering to discuss your requested accommodation.
The EEC exist for your own safety and the safety and enjoyment of all participants. If you are unable to meet the EEC for the trip, with or without an accommodation, you are not eligible for that trip. If you register and arrive for a trip for which you do not meet the EEC, you will be disqualified from participation on the trip and will be dismissed or evacuated from the trip without a refund.
Guides
Our approach to international travel is to combine the best of two worlds: the dialed-in details, professionalism and consistency Wildland trips are known for; and the cultural immersion and intimate regional knowledge that only locals can provide. To excel with this approach, we vet and hire the best local guides, welcome them into the Wildland family and train them to meet our standard of excellence with every aspect of a trip. But along with managing logistics and safety, your guides will teach you about the area’s history and culture, and provide a level of familiarity and intimate detail only locals can.
Check out our Meet Our Team page for staff bios.
Guide Working Parameters
Guides are required to take 8 hours off each 24-hour period to sleep, recuperate, take personal/down time…etc. In addition, as part of the 8 hours off they must sleep/rest or be in their tents/rooms uninterrupted for a minimum of 5 hours each night. We ask guests to respect these requirements and to not interrupt guides’ off time and sleep time unless there is a true emergency.
Age Restrictions
Age restrictions on this trip are as follows:
- 12 and older to join scheduled tours (mixed groups)
- 5 and older to join private tours, with final approval and specific logistical requirements (such as porter or stock assist) determined on a case by case basis
Trip Insurance
For your protection, we strongly recommend the purchase of field evacuation, repatriation, and medical trip insurance. International travel is expensive, and the modest cost of trip insurance is a sound investment in an uncertain world.
If you wish to purchase trip insurance, we recommend IMG/iTravelinsured. They are one of the world’s leading providers of travel insurance.
For information on recommended IMG/iTravelinsured policies please click here.
For even greater information, or if you simply prefer communicating with a real, live person, feel free to contact our exclusive agent Michael Bennett. Michael will help you identify the best product for your needs, and there is no cost associated with his assistance. You may contact him at:
Email: [email protected]
US by Phone: 877-305-9083
Direct/International by Phone: 702-448-3664
If you already have insurance or wish to purchase from anyone other than IMG/iTravelinsured, we recommend careful consultation with the provider to ensure appropriate coverage. This is because many providers have a number of policy exclusions.
Weather in Iceland
The weather in Iceland is generally cool, and the country has what is considered a temperate climate. The relatively warm North Atlantic Current makes Iceland’s temperatures more temperate than many places of similar latitude. It can be quite cool, rainy and windy in the summer, so being prepared with the proper rain gear and warmth layers is critical.
The average temperatures and precipitation in Iceland are:
| Average Iceland Temperatures (Fahrenheit) | ||||||
| Month | Hi | Low | Wet Days | |||
| June | 54° F | 45° F | 15 days | |||
| July | 60° F | 50° F | 15 days | |||
| August | 57° F | 48° F | 16 days | |||
| September | 52° F | 43° F | 18 days | |||
Accommodations
FOSSHOTEL RAUÐARÁ
2 NIGHTS
In central Reykjavík, this premier hotel is easy walking distance to the main shopping district, many great restaurants, and a wonderful city park.
ICELAND MOUNTAIN HUTS
6 NIGHTS
Iceland’s mountain huts offer cozy, dry, warm shelters with rustic, communal accommodations and dorm style sleeping. Amenities range from hut to hut and at most include hot water, showers or electricity.
* These exact accommodations are not guaranteed. In some instances alternative accommodations of similar quality and location may be used.
Trip Reviews
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Giles T
Excellent
The overall trip was excellent with the small group and most especially the guide Antoine. He went over and above the fact that we went off trail following his excellent guidance really made the trip something special. He did an exemplary job and cannot be praised higher
Ann W.
Best Guide Ever!
This trip was more than I ever could have expected. Our guide was fantastic on all fronts. We had an extraordinary situation because our baggage did not arrive with us and he met us in town, brought clothes we could borrow and helped us navigate rentals, etc. He has such a positive spirit, is beyond knowledgeable about anything and everything related to plants, animals and terrain, and cooked us meals daily that literally brought others to our table. A guide sets the tone and he was supportive, encouraging, and communicative. I felt so lucky to have him as our guide. I've done tours with other companies and this experience was FAR above and beyond anything I've previously lived.
Lisa H
Trip of a Lifetime with Exceptional Guide
My Iceland trek with Wildland Trekking was the trip of a lifetime; our guide far exceeded my expectations, and his knowledge of the area was unsurpassed, as was his cooking!
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