Iceland: nature, fire and ice

PROGRAM

Day 1 (September 5) · Flight to Iceland - Reykjavik

Arrival at Keflavik airport and transfer to Reykjavik. Visit to the center of the small capital and overnight stay in a Bed and Breakfast.

Travel time: 1 hour

Accommodation: bed and breakfast

Day 2 · Reykjavík - Glymur - Hraunfossar - Hunafjörður we leave: waterfalls and craters.

We left Reykjavik after breakfast and headed north on the famous (and quiet) Route 1. After a pleasant hour's drive, we parked the car and walked to discover Iceland's tallest waterfall: Glymur. We returned to the car and drove northwest to discover a different kind of waterfall: Hraunfossar is made up of a series of smaller cascades stretching for about a kilometer. The water flows under a lava field (Hallmundarhaun) before joining the Hvítá River, creating a very picturesque landscape. In the afternoon, we drove again, and if time allowed, we stopped to hike up to the Grábrók crater (45 minutes) before continuing on to Húnafjörður Bay, located in the northwest of Iceland, where we arrived in the late afternoon. We spent the night in a small hotel by the sea, overlooking the distant fjords of Gjögur.

Hiking time: 2 to 4 hours

Travel time: 280 km / 4 hours

Accommodation: Hotel or guesthouse

Day 3 · Húnafjörður - Akureyi - Husavik: Godafoss waterfall and possibility of a whale watching cruise.

This morning we continue east along National Route 1 towards Akureyri, the capital of Iceland's northern regions. A charming city with an old town and a beautiful botanical garden. Near Húsavík, we'll admire one of Iceland's most famous waterfalls, Goðafoss. We'll settle into Húsavík, a small coastal town located on a fjord, with a museum dedicated to the different cetacean species of Icelandic waters. This afternoon, there's an option to go whale watching: €100/adult (due to high demand, it's best to book with Exploramunt at the time of registration).

Hiking time: 2-4 hours

Travel time: 298 km/4 hours

Accommodation: hostel or hotel

Day 4 · Húsavík – Jökulsárgljúfur – Mývatn: the northern coast and the volcanic area of ​​Myvatn.

We'll explore the Tjörnes Peninsula by car before venturing inland to Jökulsárgljúfur National Park and discover its incredible volcanic formations. Our first stop will be at the Asbyrgi Gorge, carved by the Jökulsá River into a horseshoe shape. This natural phenomenon inspired the Norse myth of Odin's horse, who is said to have dismounted and left his hoofprint in this very spot. Weather permitting, we can also hike along the coast, enjoying magnificent seascapes. At the end of the day, we'll travel to Mývatn, where we'll spend the night.

• Hiking time: 3 to 4 hours

• Travel time: 300 km/4 hours or less depending on the hours we spend hiking.

• Accommodation: hostel or hotel

Day 5 · Myvatn - Krafla Volcano - Namaskaro - Myvatn: Fumeroles, volcanoes and lakes.

The Myvatn region is known for its intense volcanic activity and the numerous duck species found on its lake. Nearby, we set off on foot to explore the almost perfect circle formed by the Hverfjall explosive crater ring, an inactive volcano that offers excellent views of the region. We also hiked through the vast lava fields of Namaskaro, discovering its fumaroles. In the afternoon, we explored the Krafla crater and its beautifully colored lake before returning to our accommodation in Myvatn. Those who wish can enjoy a soak in the Myvatn thermal lakes at the end of the day: 3500 ISK/adult (due to high demand, it is best to book through Exploramunt at the time of registration).

o Hiking time: 3 to 7 hours

or Travel time: 200 km/3 hours

or Accommodation: Hostel

Day 6 · Myvatn – Dettifoss Egilsstaðir - Bakkageroi: the most powerful waterfall in Europe and hiking towards Storuro.

We left Mytvan in our cars and headed towards Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe. 45 meters high and 100 meters wide, it plunges 400 cubic meters of water per second during the summer… Impressive. We walked a little further and discovered Selfoss, another splendid waterfall formed by multiple cascades. Afterward, the road crosses the Möðrudalsöræfi "desert" and passes through the small town of Egilsstaðir, located in the northeast region of Iceland. In the afternoon, we hiked to Stórurð, a magnificent little lake with exceptional colors from which large rocks emerge. We were at the foot of the Dyrfjöll mountains, surrounded by fjords and crystal-clear streams. At the end of the afternoon we visited a nesting area of ​​seabirds (puffins) and spent the night in the small coastal village of Bakkagerði, lost at the end of road 89 and surrounded by rhyolitic mountains.

o Hiking time: 3 to 4 hours

or Travel time: 380 km/4.5 to 5 hours

or Accommodation: hostel or bed and breakfast

Day 7 · Bakkagerði - Djupivogur - Höfn: hiking to the secret bay of Brunavik.

A beautiful hike from Bakkagero to the neighboring and wild Brunavik Bay. The path zigzags through heathland and leads to an uninhabited beach. In the afternoon, we rejoin the coastal road, which offers exceptional views of Iceland's Eastfjords. Before our eyes unfold basalt mountains, long valleys, black sand beaches, and rocky coastlines, as well as charming fishing villages. We continue to Djúpivogur and spend the night near the small town of Höfn.

• Hiking time: 3 to 5 hours

• Travel time: 220 km / 3 hours

• Accommodation: hostel or guesthouse

Day 8 · Höfn - Vatnajökull - Skaftafell:

Continuing west along the main road, we encounter the enormous Vatnajökull glacier with its glacial tongues descending to Jökulsárlón lagoon at sea level. This magnificent lagoon is filled with icebergs from the Breiðamerjökull glacier. A short walk along the lagoon to the black sand beach allows us to enjoy this breathtaking scenery (the ocean is less than 200 meters away!). A short transfer to Ingólfshöfði head (for those who wish) offers the opportunity to observe the thousands of seabirds, especially puffins, that inhabit the cliffs. Overnight near Skaftafell. Optional: Excursion to Ingólfshöfði head: 6900 ISK/adult.

or Travel time: 150 km/2 h

o Walking time: 2 h

or Accommodation: mountain refuge

Day 9. Skaftafell · Vatnajökull National Park - Skaftafell - Vik: hiking between glaciers

A day trip departing from Skaftafell in Vatnajökull National Park. Explore Svartifoss waterfall and Skaftafellsheiði. The rocky promontory of Skaftafellsheiði is one of the few non-glacial areas in the park, accessible even to those without mountaineering experience. Sheltered by two of the many glaciers that form Vatnajökull—Öræfajökull to the east and Skeiðarárjökull to the west—it enjoys a surprisingly mild microclimate for these latitudes. A stark contrast to the surrounding areas is palpable. Nature displays its grandeur here, with glacial tongues descending to the plains. Torrents cascade down the forested slopes, which are covered in wildflowers in summer. At sunset, drive to Vík. Vík is known for its black sand beach, its magnificent church, and the Dyrhólaey peninsula and its cliffs that are home to puffins (the area is protected and closed in May and June, as the birds come to nest). Optional for this day: Glacier hike with crampons: 8900 ISK/adult (must be booked the day before).

or Walking time: 3 hours

o Positive elevation change: +300 m

or Travel time: 2 hours

or Accommodation: Hostel or B&B

Day 10 · Vik - Skógafoss - Hvolsvöllur - Geysir - Gullfoss - Reykjavik: in the golden circle of Iceland.

Today we explore the most iconic sites of Iceland's so-called Golden Circle. We marvel at Skógafoss waterfall, where the Skóga River plunges 62 meters down a cliff, forming a 25-meter-wide cascade. This waterfall is one of the most famous and visited in the country.

We also make a stop at Geysir, from which the word geyser is derived; it is a geyser. Nearby, the enormous Gullfoss waterfall (Golden Falls) will be the final, but equally sublime, waterfall of the trip. We arrive in Reykjavik at the end of the day. Overnight stay in a bed and breakfast.

Walking time: 2 hours

Travel time: 6 hours

Accommodation: hotel or bed and breakfast

Day 11 · Reykjavik - End of trip

Transfer to the airport. Return flight. If the flight is late, we will do some sightseeing near the city.

Important information

Accommodation

In small hotels, hostels or bed and breakfasts. In a shared double room.

Meals

Breakfast included. Picnics and lunches not included. Dinners not included (there are restaurants near the accommodations)

Personal equipment

Travel bag. Hiking boots. Backpack with a capacity of 20 to 35 liters. Clothing suitable for hiking (including warm clothing and a waterproof jacket like Gore-Tex). You will receive a complete packing list tailored to this trip upon registration.

Transport

In a van driven by the guide.

Difficulty level 2/5

2 to 4.5 hours of walking per day.

Group size

Maximum 8 people.

Insurance

Insurance is not included in the price but is mandatory for the trip. Exploramunt does not offer insurance, but you will find everything you need on the website (we can also advise you). It is recommended to have insurance that covers accidents and mountain rescues, as well as helicopter transport. Some federation insurance policies cover this, and you should also have (it can be the same or different policy) travel and cancellation insurance. Some credit cards, such as Visa Gold, include travel insurance if you pay for the trip with them. In our case, you can pay for the trip by card through a secure bank link (you can request this payment method when registering).

Luggage

To fit everything in the van, we can take one medium-sized suitcase (about 60L maximum) per person.

Guide

David Casajuana, mountain guide with experience in Iceland

Prices and conditions

Price: from €3,275

Single room supplement: 1.055€

Included in the price: Accommodation with breakfast from day 1 to day 11. Welcome dinner on day 1. Transfers in a van driven by the guide. Guided tour of Iceland by a mountain guide. VAT. Tourist taxes.

Not included in the price: Flights. Lunches. Dinners (except on day 1). Entrance fees to museums or other sites, extra activities (as indicated in the program). Drinks. Insurance. Tips.

Note on international flights: IcelandAir, SAS, Transavia…contact us and we will help you find the best flight.

Payment terms: 40% of the trip price is due upon registration. The remaining 60% must be paid no later than 4 weeks before departure. If you register before the trip is confirmed, you will only need to pay €100 upon registration, and the remaining balance up to €40 will be due upon confirmation of the trip. We recommend purchasing cancellation insurance at the time of registration.