Iceland Walking & Hiking
- Explore a mystical, raw, wild landscape by land, water and air
- Incredible geological wonders, from glaciers and geysers to volcanoes and sea stacks
- Meet puffins, kittiwakes and other residents
- Crisp coastal air and fresh seafood
- Soak in geothermal pools amid astounding scenery
Natural Wonders of the Southern Coast
Think of the Earth's natural wonders. Glaciers, waterfalls, volcanoes, fjords, geysers. Now imagine them all in one tiny place. This is Iceland. And it's staggeringly beautiful. Just south of the Arctic Circle, yet warmed by the Gulf Stream, Mother Nature's most astounding creations share the limelight - or midnight sunlight. It's a mysterious island nation of brilliant colors, striking contrasts, crisp air and incredible energy. Of course Viking sagas of mythic proportions emerged here! Your own epic will, too. With treks across ice, sand, water and lava - and to hot springs. A vacation doesn't get any more wonder-full.
Days
1-2 Otherworldly Jökulsárlón, a bright blue lagoon with black sand and huge icebergs, by private zodiak 
Jet to Höfn Walk on a glacier past frosty ridges and crevasses Stunning Skaftafell National Park enchants you with fireweed-strewn meadows, verdant moss, massive ice fields and Svartifoss, a cascade pouring from hexagonal lava columns.
Day
3 Thórsmörk, an alpine oasis of lime-hued hillsides, icy peaks and wildflowers By "super jeep," we tackle rugged terrain and forge rivers near Hekla volcano Hike over glaciers, steaming lava beds, bizarre rock formations and canyons to Thórsmörk with views of pristine lush vales and brilliant lakes.
Days
4-6 Behold lava fields, steaming mud pools and thermal rivers in a hanging valley - up for a dip? Walk in Thingvellir National Park, a Unesco World Heritage site and home of the globe's oldest parliament Forty percent of all Icelandic flora can be found in this park - though nothing is taller than a dwarf birch! 
Walk between sea stacks, cliffs, lava outcrops and the ocean as you explore the stunning Snaefellsnes Peninsula by foot Traverse a cave en route to Iceland's tallest waterfall for breathtaking vistas of mountains, valleys and Hvalfjörður fjord.
Guests Reviews About This Trip
Iceland was a terrific experience and one of the top trips I've taken with Backroads. So much diversity in the landscape and the activities! Great destination for a Backroads trip!- Cincinnati, OH
From the Zodiac boat ride, to the glacier walk to the long hike across volcanic countryside on day four each of the local guides were excellent, speaking better than good English, knowledgeable and informative and each with his own unique sense of humor.- Brooklyn, NY
Iceland is definitely up there as a top trip out of past 15 Backroads trips taken. Up there with China and South Africa. Great diversity of sites and experiences. Impressive hikes! It is a great addition to Backroads trip portfolio. Very much enjoyed the diversity of sights, activites and hiking on this trip. Met all my expectations for "fire and ice"!!- Cincinnati, OH
Premiere & Casual Inns*
Fosshótel Skaftafell
Freysnesi (1 night) A very basic lodge chosen for its proximity to Skaftafell National Park.
Hótel Rangá
Hella (2 nights) A countryside resort with top-notch service and geothermal pools looking onto a serene river and the simmering Hekla volcano.
Glymur Resort
Hvalfjörður (2 nights) Each elegant, uniquely designed villa at this small family-owned retreat provides breathtaking views of the stunning Whale Fjord.
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Classic:
This Trip Is Rated Level 2-4
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of
interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one
day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat
from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each
day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Daily Route Options | ||||||||||
| Day | EASYGOING | ACTIVE | AVID | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5 | ||||||
| miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | |
| 1 | Zodiac boat ride (1 hour) | |||||||||
| Guided ice walk (1.5 hours) | ||||||||||
| 2 | 4.0 | 1200 | 6.2 | 1300 | ||||||
| 3 | 5.0* | 600 | 7.5 | 1200 | ||||||
| Super Jeep expedition (3 hours) | ||||||||||
| 4 | 2.0 | 300 | 5.0* | 700 | 7.0* | 1700 | ||||
| 5 | 5.6 | 600 | 8.7 | 800 | ||||||
| 6 | 2.0 | 200 | 3.1 | 500 | ||||||
The terrain on this trip includes rocky, exposed, moderately steep and challenging alpine trails and double-track roads.
* Includes a shuttle
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For 34 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the Iceland tour experts. See our award-winning Europe At Large walking tours and hiking tours, Europe At Large biking tours and Europe At Large multisport tours.
