Activity Level 2
Hikes on our Level 2 adventures are considered easy to moderate in difficulty.
Read more about the Active Range
Price (Includes taxes and fees)
from NZD 11999/per adult
Activity Level 1
Suitable for most fitness levels, our Level 1 adventures are the perfect introduction to adventure travel.
You'll typically experience two half day activities per day, done at an easygoing pace.
Activity Level 2
Hikes on our Level 2 adventures are considered easy to moderate in difficulty.
Those who enjoy half-day hikes with enough elevation gain to elevate their heart rate will enjoy these adventures.
Activity Level 3
Those who take on our Level 3 tours are looking for more challenging hikes that will raise their heart rate.
While not our most strenuous trips, you'll definitely feel accomplished after a day on the trails. A solid base of fitness is advised.
Activity Level 4
Be prepared for some serious physical activity on our Level 4 trips. The fitter you are, the more you'll enjoy it, as most hikes will be challenging.
Hikes may include rock scrambling, river crossings, and off trail adventures.
Activity Level 5
On our Level 5 trips get ready to conquer back-to-back days of long hikes or summitting peaks at altitude.
We require a high level of fitness as adventurers will be met with plenty of challenges and sometimes extreme conditions.
As you wind your way through Iceland's Golden Circle and venture further afield to remote glacier lagoons and volcanic landscapes, you'll be amazed by the many landscapes you'll explore on our 7-day Classic Iceland Adventure. Starting in Reykjavik, you'll meet your fellow adventurers and expert local guides, before exploring the many natural wonders of Southern Iceland. Many will recognize Gullfoss Waterfall and Skógafoss Waterfall, known for their raw power and magnificent ever-present rainbows. As you hike high on the sea cliffs of Ingólfshöfði headland, keep your eye out for puffins, Iceland's iconic bird. You'll get to explore Heinabergsjökull Lagoon, with its ancient ice gently floating along as icebergs. Throughout your week-long journey, you'll re-energize in hand-picked accommodations, enjoy hearty Icelandic food, and learn about Icelandic traditions, many of which are still present today. If a hiking adventure in Iceland has been waiting on your bucket list, you've come to the right place.
Our Trip Itinerary contains all the exciting details you can expect to do on our trips. Get a clear picture of the adventures on this trip.
DOWNLOAD ITINERARY PDFDay 1
Your trip begins in Reykjavík, the world’s northernmost capital and Iceland’s cultural hub. If you’ve flown in this morning, you’ll be free to make your own way from Keflavík International Airport to the city. Bear in mind you won’t be able to check in to your hotel until 2 pm, so we recommend unwinding after your flight at the famous Blue Lagoon hot pools that are on the way to Reykjavík - remember to keep your swimwear handy!
After dropping your bags at the hotel you’ll have some free time to take in the vibrant streets - grab some last-minute gear at the many outdoor clothing stores or explore the harbor. At 5.00pm, we’ll all meet at the hotel bar for a trip briefing and a welcome drink, where you’ll get to know your fellow travelers and guides before having a delicious meal in a local restaurant.
You might find your first evening a little strange, to be strolling around in daylight!
Accommodation: Hotel Reykjavík Centrum, Reykjavík
Meals: Dinner
Day 2
Today the adventure really begins, as we head northeast to Þingvellir National Park, home to Iceland’s first National Assembly. We’ll stretch our legs at our first waterfall called Öxàrarfoss (‘foss’ is Icelandic for waterfall). As strange as it may sound, this is actually a human-made waterfall, as the water was diverted, back in the 9th Century, to provide members and visitors of the Icelandic parliament ‘Althingi’ with water. There is further fascinating folklore about this region that you’ll soon discover!
After enjoying a traditional Icelandic meat soup for lunch we’ll continue towards the highlands, with stops to learn about Iceland’s Laugarvatan cave people, and view the original Geysir Nature Reserve and the Gullfoss waterfall.
Accommodation: Flúðir Hótel, Flúðir
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: We'll explore the Nature Reserve, so do as much or as little as you like.
Day 3
This morning we’ll journey south down the coast to board a ferry. Our scenic crossing takes us to the bustling fishing port of Haeimaey, the only inhabited island in the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago. This tiny island hosts a recent, rich volcanic history that we’ll learn about at the world-class Eldheimar Exhibition.
After fueling up the body we’ll experience the lava fields with a volcanic hike to the Eldfell peak. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with views across to the mainland and a further appreciation for the 1973 eruption.
Accommodation: Hótel Vestmannaeyjar, Vestmannaeyjar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Eldfell Peak Hike: 1.2 miles (2 kilometers), 2-3 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 656 feet (200 meters) ascent, 656 feet (200 meters) descent
Optional Hike: 0.9 miles (1.5 kilometers), 0.5-1 hour
Elevation Gain/Loss: 656 feet (200 meters) ascent, 656 feet (200 meters) descent
Day 4
After returning to the mainland we’ll take a hike to the top of Iceland’s most famous and spectacular waterfalls. First to Seljalandsfoss (where we can also walk behind the falls) and then to Skógafoss.
After lunch we’ll hunt for stone trolls along the wild and beautiful South Coast - these trolls occupy an immense portion of Icelandic folklore, described as big, stupid, and greedy, but sometimes kind and wise! Our journey continues alongside the soaring sea cliffs and moss-covered lava fields, where we’ll be able to see the infamous E15 ‘Eyjafjallajökull’ Volcano, Vatnajökull ice cap, and its outlet glaciers.
Tonight, we’ll relax in the wonderfully appointed Fosshótel, with impressive views down towards the coast.
Accommodation: Fosshótel Glacier Lagoon, Öraefi
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Seljalandsfoss Hike: 0.3 miles (0.5 kilometers), 0.5-1 hour
Elevation Gain/Loss: 65 feet (20 meters) ascent, 65 feet (20 meters) descent
Skógafoss Hike: 3 miles (5 kilometers), 1-2 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 300 feet (90 meters) ascent, 300 feet (90 meters) descent
Day 5
Pack your binoculars this morning as we’re looking for 'Lundi', also known as puffin, Iceland’s iconic and beloved bird. As we hike the high sea cliffs of the Ingólfshöfði headland we’ll also catch glimpses of guillemots and skuas. Please note, in September the puffins will have headed back out to sea. However, we will still enjoy the stunning hike.
After our hike and a bite to eat, we’ll head off to view yet another waterfall, known as Svartifoss, where nearby there are views across Europe’s largest outlet glacier, Skeiðarárjökull. You can decide to hike on the glacier with specialist guides for extra fees. Afterward, we’ll regroup and head back to the Fosshótel, for another relaxing evening.
Accommodation: Fosshótel Glacier Lagoon, Öraefi
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Ingólfshöfði Headland Hike: 1.9 miles (3 kilometers), 2.5-3 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 656 feet (200 meters) ascent, 656 feet (200 meters) descent
Svartifoss Hike: 3.4 miles (5.5 kilometers), 1-2 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 324 feet (100 meters) ascent, 324 feet (100 meters) descent
Optional Ice hike on Falljökull Glacier (extra fee applies): An alternative option to the afternoon's waterfall hike is to strap on crampons, pick up an ice axe and hike on the Falljökull glacier! Led by specialist glacier guides you’ll explore amazing ice formations checking out the crevasses, seracs, tunnels, and pools of glacial meltwater - no previous experience is required! The constant movement of the glacier means every day is different, so your guides will cut steps in the ice and make sure you make the most of the conditions. The ice hike is popular, so this option must be selected at the time of booking.
Day 6
Jökulsárlón Lagoon is a photographer’s dream and a spot where you may see seals playing amongst the icebergs. After hiking the entire length of Iceland’s shortest river (blink and you’ll miss it), we’ll end up on the beach surrounded by stranded icebergs.
A short drive brings us to the hidden canyon Múlagljúfur where we'll hike along this magnificent canyon to waterfalls called Hangandifoss and Múlafoss, offering breathtaking views along the way.
We'll enjoy a picnic lunch before starting our scenic drive back to Reykjavik along the South Coast, stopping to visit beautiful sites along the way. Arriving in Reykjavik in the afternoon where we'll enjoy one last farewell dinner together.
Accommodation: Hotel Reykjavik Centrum, Reykjavik
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Múlagljúfur Canyon Hike: 3.6 miles (5.7 kilometers), 3 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,204 feet (367 meters) ascent
Iceland's shortest river Hike: 2-3 hours
Day 7
This morning is yours to enjoy. Wander the city, indulge in a sleep-in, or pack in some last-minute souvenir shopping. If you’re staying on in Iceland be sure to ask us for advice about where to explore next!
Accommodation: Not applicable
Meals: Breakfast
This trip is operated by our sister brand Active Adventures
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