The story of Iceland is written in its landscapes and best told through its hiking trails.
Get ready for a trek through time — past ancient glaciers, epic geysers, legendary Viking footpaths, centennial hiker's huts — and uncover the forces that have shaped the Land of Fire and Ice for millions of years.
You'll walk along the same paths that Viking settlers, farmers, explorers, and armies were once using to transit between the north and the south. This path is shrouded in myth and legend, very remote, and was once even full of trolls, elves, ghosts, and outlaws!
Step onto the trail and hike over lava fields, between glaciers, over rivers, and canyons, and at the end of each day, rest your weary feet in cozy huts.
You'll taste traditional dishes and unwind in natural hot springs like travelers of the old. Experience the legacy and history of Iceland in this single hike.
No heavy packs will be carried and all our luggage will be transported between destinations.
Our guide will be a local Icelander who will provide delicious local meals each day.
Ancient Trails compared to other walks in Iceland
In the central highlands
Away from the crowds
Historical trail, same trail used by Vikings and settlers/farmers in the old days
Small mountain huts
All food, accommodation in huts and guiding is included. Alcohol is not provided
All meals during the trek
From your home country to Iceland return+ any visa costs
Walking boots, back packs, sleeping bag. Anything you will walk with.
Your guide will pick you up at 10 am in Reykjavik and drive to Thingvellir national park where we will take a walk and explore the Mid-Atlantic Rift, and learn about the history of Iceland.
After that we head on to Efstidalur farm and restaurant where we eat dinner in a barn and have a culinary introduction from the farmers. After a good meal, drive to Geysir geothermal area and witness the geysers erupting boiling hot water high up in the air! Finally we head into the wilderness of the highlands and drive to our first hut.
Meals: Lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Hut
Today you'll hike the out-and-back trail to the Hveradalir geothermal area and hike a loop around the valley to soak in all the amazing sights. You'll encounter a spectacular array of colors, including, yellow, blue, black, green, and red from the iron and the rhyolite that the mountains are composed of. After the hike, get transported to the Hveravellir hut, where you will spend the night, and have an amazingly unique dinner in a turf house. Make sure to take a dip in the nearby geothermal pool
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: HutHiking: 7 miles / 12 km
Elevation change: 1,970 ft / 600 m
A spectacular hike awaits today along the ancient Kjalvegur route, once used by Vikings, settlers, and farmers. The route winds between the Langjokull and Hofsjokull glaciers, and you'll walk through unique vegetation, grass, flowers, and brush, but also black lava fields, volcanic craters, mountains, and glaciers. Hike to the top of Raudkollur mountain (Redhead Mountain) and enjoy unrivaled views of the glaciers and rivers snaking their way through the valleys and mountains.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: HutHiking: 7-11 miles / 11-18 km
Elevation change: 490-1,970 ft / 150-600 m
Today, you'll follow the ancient cairns built by the Vikings a thousand years ago, and walk along the Fulakvisl river on the edge of the Kjalhraun lava field while enjoying a spectacular view of the Hrutfell mountain and its gliding glaciers throughout. Watch the Fulakvisl river roar through a very narrow canyon carved out by lava millennia ago. The scenery around the Thverbrekknamuli hut is so incredible you'll want to stay there and explore it for days on end. It's a true highland oasis.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Hut
Hiking: 9 miles / 14 km
Elevation change: 330 ft / 100 m
On day 5, you'll hike to one of the oldest mountain huts in Iceland, Hvitarnes. Built way back in 1930, the hut and its turf roof are protected by Icelandic law because of its age and uniqueness. Follow a trail through vegetated areas interspaced by some deep horse trails and crystal-clear water fountains. The hut is close to the Hvitarvatn glacial lake, which runs from the Langjokull glacier and is the source of both the Hvita river and Gullfoss falls. There is an ice cold river just outside the hut, and those who dare may take a dip!
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Hut
Hiking: 10 miles / 16 km
Elevation change: 880 ft/ 270 m
Drop-off time: 3 pm (15:00)
Time to head back out of the highlands. We eat our breakfast and drive towards the waterfall Gullfoss, where we stop and enjoy magnificent views of this beautiful waterfall. Next up we drive to Farmers Bistro, a small local restaurant and have a good last lunch together. We drive back to Reykjavik along a different road than the one we came with. That marks the official end of the tour. If you'd like to stay longer and keep on exploring the area, just ask your guides for some recommendations!
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
