Iceland Walking & Hiking New!
- 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 1-3 Otherworldly Jökulsárlón, a bright blue lagoon with black sand and huge icebergs, by foot and boat 
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 Explore Cape Dyrhólaey, a bird sanctuary for puffins and Arctic terns on Iceland's southernmost tip.
Day 4 Thórsmörk, an alpine oasis of lime-hued hillsides, icy peaks and wildflowers By "super jeep" we tackle rugged terrain and forge rivers near the Hekla volcano Hike over glaciers, steaming lava beds, bizarre rock formations and canyons to Thórsmörk with views of pristine verdant vales and brilliant lakes.
Days 5-6 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 Traverse a cave en route to Iceland's tallest waterfall for breathtaking vistas of mountains, valleys and Hvalfjörður fjord.
Guests Reviews About This Trip
We're delighted to bring you Earth's most stunning natural wonders in a single trip! Highlights include a walk in Skaftafell National Park, shaped over thousands of years by volcanic eruptions, scraping ice fields, glacial runoff and running rivers. You'll also ride in a rugged "superjeep" near simmering Hekla volcano. And witness 643-foot Glymur Waterfall, one of Europe's tallest falls. From ice walks to lava field treks, adventures abound in this wild and remote Nordic wonderland.- Regional Manager
Premiere & Casual Inns*
Fosshótel Skaftafell
Freysnesi (2 nights) A basic yet comfortable lodge in a spectacular location - there's a glacier out the back door!
* Casual Inn
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 (1 night) Each elegant, uniquely designed villa at this small family-owned retreat provides breathtaking views of the stunning Whale Fjord.
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.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Road Bike Average | Mountain Bike Average* | Walk & Hike Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 10-15 miles | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 16-20 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 21-25 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 26-30 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 31+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
*Mountain bikes are used in locations where the best riding is on a combination of dirt and paved roads. View trip locations
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 2.5 miles
- 300 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 2 to 4 2 Route Options Available
- 6.2, 10.6 miles
- 1150 - 1200 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Level 1 2 Route Options Available
- 1.9, 3.7 miles
- 330 - 500 feet elevation gain
- Glacier Ice Walk 3 hours
Day 4
- Levels 1 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 3.7, 7.5, 10.6 miles
- 300 - 1200 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- 4, 7.5 miles
- 600 - 1390 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1 3 Route Options Available
- 1.2, 2.5, 3.4 miles
- 150 - 1700 feet elevation gain
Terrain Description
Rocky, exposed, moderately steep and challenging alpine trails, and double-track roads.More Recommended Trips
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For 33 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.
