Land of Fire and Ice

This morning after breakfast, meet your guide and start your adventure! Head west and visit the Settlement Centre for a profound insight into the ancient Icelandic sagas.

Continue on to Snæfellsnes, a 90 km/56 mi-long peninsula that comprises a world of diversity. Snæfellsnes South includes spectacular mountains, a multitude of bird species nesting on treacherous cliffs, beaches of sand and pebbles popular among horsemen and rock skimmers, remnants and relics scattered here and there of times and ways of life long past, saga sites and hiking trails.

Join the first hike in the Búðahraun lava field and hike to the top of the crater Búðaklettur.

Total hiking time approx. 3-4 hours, distance 6-8 km/3.7-5 mi. Elevation gain +100 m/+328 ft

Overnight Hellnar – Fosshotel Hellnar or similar (B, L, D)

On this tour, you hike to the summit of Snæfellsnesjökull, the crowning jewel of Snæfellsnes Peninsula. It is one of the most picturesque glacier in Iceland, and hides a dormant 700,000 year-old stratovolcano which rises 1,446m/4,744ft above sea level and last erupted in 250AD. Most famous for providing the setting for Jules Verne's classic subterranean epic, "Journey to the Center of the Earth" the area is rich with history and mystique.

Standing on top of the glacial volcano, you have amazing panoramic views that extend from the Reykjanes Peninsula in the south to the West Fjords in the North. The drive to the starting point of the hike takes you through Snæfellsnes National Park. It is a microcosmos of Iceland as a whole with black sand beaches, mossy lava fields, rare wildlife and hidden waterfalls and caves. This tour covers amazing views, geological wonders and a challenging glacier hike.

Total hiking time approx. 6-8 hours, distance 8 km/5 mi. Elevation gain +750 m/+2,460 ft

Overnight Hellnar – Fosshotel Hellnar or similar (B, L, D)

Today, you will explore Borgarfjordur. Several farms and townships are in the fjord, the largest rural area being the town Borgarnes, a commerce and service centre for a large part of the southwest. Hvita River runs through the fjord and the mountains of the district are dramatic and varied, lending further beauty to the area. Natural attractions further include the Hraunfossar waterfalls, streaming out of Hallmundarhraun lava over a distance of about 900 m/2,953 ft into Hvita River. In the same lava field is Surtshellir, the most famous and longest lava cave in Iceland.

Afterwards, enjoy a visit to Krauma, a natural geothermal resort at Deildartunguhver, Europe's most powerful hot spring at a temperature of 100⁰C/212⁰F. Krauma offers five relaxing natural geothermal baths, a cold tub to get your blood circulation going, two calming saunas and a relaxation room where you can rest by the fireplace while listening to soothing music. Krauma is open all year round and can accommodate 140 guests at a time.

Overnight Reykholt – Fosshotel Reykholt or similar (B,L,D)

Continuing south, the day starts with a visit to Hraunfossar, a series of waterfalls formed by rivulets streaming over a distance of about 900 m/2,953 ft out of the Hallmundarhraun, a lava field which flowed from an eruption of one of the volcanoes lying under the glacier Langjökull. The waterfalls pour into the Hvítá River from ledges of less porous rock in the lava.

A few metres from Hraunfossar, there is another waterfall called Barnafoss. Its name, ‘the waterfall of the children’, comes from an accident which is said to have taken place here in former times. There was a natural bridge over the waterfall and two children from a nearby farm fell to their deaths crossing the river on the bridge. Afterwards, the grief-struck mother had the bridge destroyed.

Connecting the west to the south is the highland track Kaldidalur. The track is a short one but climbs relatively high and on a good day it is possibly to see all the way to Snæfellsjökull at the tip of the Snæfellsnes peninsula. Closer is the Langjökull ice cap, Iceland second biggest one just north and east of the track. As the track descends south you have views over the Þingvellir plains and the big lake Þingvallavatn.

Next it is time to explore the famous Golden Circle — Þingvellir National Park, Geysir Hotspring and the waterfall Gullfoss.

Total hiking distance 7-8 km/4-5 mi.

Overnight Gullfoss – Hotel Gullfoss or similar (B,L,D)

After breakfast hike Kerlingarfjöll, a 1,477 m/4,845 ft tall mountain range situated in the Highlands of Iceland. They are part of a large volcano system of 100 km2 and one of Iceland's precious inland resorts. Here are good facilities and a restaurant serving traditional Icelandic dishes.

The scenery in the geothermal area of Hveradalir (hot spring valley) has been described by many of the foreign guests as the most memorable part of their visit to Iceland. It involves mini glaciers, high energy steam springs and arctic vegetation which together create one of the most unique combination of colours you can expect to see. The spectrum comprises almost any colour ranging from white snow to stones of shining black Obsidian. In this area you go for a hike in the Hveradalir region and if conditions are good you climb to the top of the highest summit, Snækollur.

Total hiking time approx. 5-7 hours, distance 8 km/5 mi. Elevation gain +800 m/+2,625 ft

Overnight Gullfoss – Hotel Gullfoss or similar (B,L,D)

Þórsmörk Glacier Valley is a natural oasis that lies just behind the now famous Eyjafjallajökull volcano. The recent eruptions have altered the appearance of the landscape but at the same time created a unique opportunity to witness how the elements of ice and fire constantly shape and reshape the surface of our planet. Only accessible by 4x4 vehicles, a tour into Þórsmörk is truly an experience of nature. It is a valley, full of geological wonders and unique vistas that Icelandic nature lovers have enjoyed for centuries. This is a tour into a unique area recently touched by the powers of Mother Nature. In this wonderland you go for a hike, chosen by your guide and suitable for the group.

Total hiking time approx. 4-6 hours, distance 6 km/3.7 mi. Elevation gain +500 m/+1,640 ft

Overnight Hekla – Fosshotel Hekla or similar (B,L,D)

Today it is time for the last hike. Reykjadalur (Steam Valley) is a beautiful and popular hiking area near the town of Hveragerði. You will find colourful areas full of geothermal activity along this easy hiking trail leading to a hot spring where you can dip in and enjoy the nature and peacefulness.

Once back in Reykjavik have a farewell dinner at a local restaurant before saying goodbye to Iceland.

Total hiking time approx. 3-4 hours, distance 6 km/3.7 mi. Elevation gain +300 m/+985 ft

Overnight Reykjavik – Hotel Alda or similar (B,L,D)

Today your trek will end in Reykjavik, where you can continue your adventure at your own arrangement. (B)