Iceland Traverse Coast-to-Coast Tour

Iceland Traverse Coast-to-Coast Tour Itinerary

Day 0 Meeting in Reykjavík

Welcome to Iceland! Meet your guide and group for a mandatory meeting in Reykjavík. Your guide will discuss the tour details and then you’ll have a free evening to purchase any necessary gear and prepare any luggage you won’t need on the tour to store in Reykjavík. Accommodation for tonight is not included but can be added for a fee.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: None

Day 1 Fly to Akureyri and Hike to Vesturdalur

Your group will catch a morning flight to the north-central town of Akureyri then be transferred to Ásbygri to begin the epic journey. Starting in Jökulsárgljúfur National Park, the trail begins with a scramble on the edge of a canyon, at the top of which you’ll find unbelievable views of immense cliffs and cascading waterfalls. Continue alongside the roaring Jökulsá River, where the terrain colours change to deep reds and black. Just past the Hljóðaklettar cliffs, your guide will locate your first campsite and set up for the night. Relish in your first night of this epic adventure with a hearty meal and getting acquainted with your group.
Overnight Location: Camping
Distance: 12–14 km, 5–7 hours
Meals: Dinner

Day 2 Hike to Dettifoss Waterfalls

Enjoy breakfast prepared by your guide and set out on today’s route to Europe’s most powerful waterfall. Follow a canyon with giant cliffsides and moss-covered rocks until reaching the rushing Dettifoss. You’ll continue a little further from this mighty waterfall and camp in the rugged wilderness.
Overnight Location: Camping
Distance: 18 km, 7–8 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 Trek to Eilífsvötn

After breakfast, you’ll leave the canyon terrain behind as you enter into the plains and rocky terrain of Eilífsvötn. Camp near a stunning mountain lake tonight and get a good night’s sleep for a big day tomorrow.
Overnight Location: Camping
Distance: 14–16 km, 7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 Explore Lava Fields and Hike to Lake Mývatn

Get an early start today for a hike through fascinating volcanic landscapes of craters and black lava fields. Along the route, you’ll pass mud pools and hot springs, red craters, and intriguing rock formations. You might feel as though you’re walking on the moon today. At the end of the lengthy journey, you’ll arrive at the small village of Reykjahlíð and spend the night in a rustic hut near the vividly turquoise Lake Mývatn.
Overnight Location: Mountain hut
Distance: 20-25 km, 8-9 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 Rest Day

After 4 full days of hiking, you’ve earned a rest day. Explore the spectacular area at your leisure. Rest day activities include bird-watching at the lake, taking thousands of pictures throughout the day, or rejuvenating in the thermal pools nearby. Get a good night’s sleep—your journey picks up again tomorrow.
Overnight Location: Mountain hut
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 Trek to Kraká River

Say goodbye to the beautiful lake and set out on a majestic journey through the immense craters of Hverfjall and lava pillars of Dimmuborgir. Continue the long hike to the Kraká River and build a riverside campsite for the night.
Overnight Location: Camping
Distance: 18–22 km, 8–10 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 Hike to Ódáðahraun

Indulge in a riverside breakfast with your guide and group, then pack up for today’s journey. Follow alongside the river, slowly leaving lush landscapes behind. Keep your eyes peeled for birds and unique flora before you get into drier plains. Find the last green spot for tonight’s campsite—tomorrow, you head into the desert.
Overnight Location: Camping
Distance: 16–18 km, 6–8 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 Trek to Dyngjufell

Today’s route leads into the plains to traverse lava fields and some water sources. You’ll begin to see the mountains’ outline in the distance as you enter the lava and sand desert of Ódáðahraun. Spend the night in a rustic hut in Dyngjufell, relaxing as your guide prepares dinner, and look back on the week of adventure you’ve already completed.
Overnight Location: Mountain hut
Distance: 16–18 km, 6–8 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 Long Hike to Dyngjufjalladalur

Eat a big breakfast to prepare for a lengthy hike across barren landscapes. Icelandic terrain will continue to surprise you as you’ll now be hiking across desolate, moonlike terrain with no other humans or signs of life within sight. Reach a mountain hut in Dyngjufjalladalur by the evening in time for a hearty, well-earned dinner and good night’s sleep.
Overnight Location: Mountain hut
Distance: 20–22 km, 8–10 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 Mountainous Trek to Askja Caldera

As you leave the desert behind, the trek now heads into the Dyngjufjöll Mountains, ascending and descending through wild terrain of craters, hot springs, and alpine lakes. Continue climbing slopes and reach breathtaking viewpoints overlooking lakes and the Askja caldera. In this region, huts and campsites dot the side of the mountain. Spend the night in this absolutely stunning place.
Overnight Location: Mountain hut or camping
Distance: 19–20 km, 8–10 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 Rest Day

You’ve earned another rest day! Spend the day recuperating from the previous trekking days and thoroughly explore the Askja caldera, a crater with a vibrant turquoise lake surrounded by volcanic terrain. Rest up to continue the epic journey tomorrow.
Overnight Location: Mountain hut or camping
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12 Half-Day Hike to Svartá River

Spend the morning enjoying a leisurely breakfast and chilling out until the afternoon. Depart after lunch to the north and head into black sand deserts with striking green moss strips, eventually descending to the Svartá River. You’ll set up camp amid black sand dunes near the river.
Overnight Location: Camping
Distance: 10–12 km, 5–6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13 Cross the Black Deserts

Fill up on breakfast, then continue through the black desert landscape for today’s route. The views will astound you with the Askja caldera to the right and the immense Vatnajökull glacier to the left. Continue through this otherworldly scenery until you reach a glacial stream. Your guide will indicate where to set up camp next to this water source—the only one for many kilometres ahead.
Overnight Location: Camping
Distance: 16–18 km, 6–8 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14 Traverse to Kistufell Mountain

As you continue through the desert, the terrain will slowly turn increasingly hilly and rough. Crossing over a small lava field, you’ll come across one of the deeper craters in Iceland. As you draw nearer to the mountains, you’ll find solace in a hut in Kistufell Mountain for the night.
Overnight Location: Mountain hut
Distance: 18–20 km, 7–9 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15 Hike to Gæsavötn

You’ll begin to see a trend emerging over the last few days: deserted, desolate, barren landscapes. Hiking across this flat land won’t reveal a single plant as the terrain is uninhabitable. Cross the rare glacial stream and continue past ancient craters until reaching Gæsavötn, where a few more colours appear and remind you that black is not the only one. Sleep in a warm mountain hut tonight.
Overnight Location: Mountain hut
Distance: 14–16 km, 5–7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 16 Trek to Vonarskarð Pass

Congratulations! You’re halfway through this epic adventure. Hiking after breakfast brings you to a juncture where your guide will have to decide on which route you take. You will cross one of two glaciers, depending on conditions. After the glacial crossing, trek towards the immense Vonarskarð Pass, created by glacial and subglacial eruptions. The landscape changes as you trek further into Vatnajökull National Park. Set up camp on the other side of the pass, and enjoy the area in the evening, including its many geothermal hot springs.
Overnight Location: Camping
Distance: 24–28 km, 8–10 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 17 Long Hike to Nýidalur

Fuel up for the longest day of the trek today. Traverse an area nestled between the Tungnafellsjökull and Köldukvíslarjökull glaciers and admire the geothermal activity throughout the trail. You’re walking on a hotspot here, packed with hot springs and sulphuric steam vents. Enter into more colourful landscapes as you descend into the Jökuldalur valley, at the end of which lies the huts in Nýidalur. Chow down on a hearty dinner and spend tonight in a cozy hut after a huge hiking day. You’ve earned a good night’s sleep.
Overnight Location: Mountain hut
Distance: 28–32 km, 9–11 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 18 Rest Day

Take it easy today—shower, recuperate, stretch, or take a short wander nearby. Spend another night in the Nýidalur hut.
Overnight Location: Mountain hut
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 19 Trek to South Vonarskarð

Relax in the morning—you don’t depart until after lunch. Heading southeast, you’ll traverse a route next to a glacier and follow along a stream leading to the southern part of the vast Vonarskarð region. You’ll camp in the foothills next to a small stream.
Overnight Location: Camping
Distance: 18–22 km, 8–10 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 20 Hike to Köldukvíslarjökull Glacier

Today’s hike leads you through breathtaking scenery between glaciers, with caldera views on either side. Climb through hills, eventually descending to Kvíavatn lake and the Kaldakvísl River. Continue to the foot of the Köldukvíslarjökull Glacier and set up camp in an extraordinary spot in the moraines.
Overnight Location: Camping
Distance: 12–14 km, 5–6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 21 Head to Hraungil

Waking up early today is necessary to cross a river whose conditions could change later in the day. Traversing the glacier early in the morning will engage your senses and prepare you for what awaits on the other side. The River Sveðja is mighty, and crossing can be challenging. Your guide will judge the conditions and decide which route to take, stopping to camp for the night in a small, sheltered crater near Hraungil.
Overnight Location: Camping
Distance: 10–15 km, 5–7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 22 Trek to Jökulheimar

With a challenging day ahead, it’s best to fuel up on your breakfast mindfully. With three weeks of trekking behind you, you have one week to go as you continue to traverse Iceland. Today, you’ll cross over a river created by a recent lava flow, then turn west and climb along the ridge of Jökulgrindur mountain. Reaching Jökulheimar, you’ll get a very comfortable night’s sleep in the most modern of all the accommodation on the itinerary. Get a good rest and prepare to ford another mighty river in the morning.
Overnight Location: Mountain hut
Distance: 10–15 km, 5–7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 23 River Crossing and Hike to Langisjór

After breakfast, you face the demanding task of crossing the Tungnaá River. It’s a bit technical, but rest assured that your knowledgeable guide will help you get across safely. Once you’ve reached the other side, hike alongside another vast glacier and notice a taller mountain range drawing nearer. Descending from the mountains, you’ll come to the shores of Langisjór, a milky-blue lake at the foot of majestic mountains. Finding a small oasis near the lake, you’ll camp for the night under the unpolluted skies and brilliant stars.
Overnight Location: Camping
Distance: 16–18 km, 6–8 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 24 Trek to Skaftá River

After breakfast, continue west along the mountain ridge and come upon a route filled with craters and small lakes. The views are eye-catching, with each lake reflecting its surroundings in unique ways. Near the end of today’s trail, you’ll encounter the Skaftá River to set up a riverside campsite for the night. Fall asleep to the sounds of the spring water flowing next to you.
Overnight Location: Camping
Distance: 22–24 km, 7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 25 Explore Eldgjá Canyon

The ethereal scenery endures as you depart from the riverside camp after breakfast. Climbing towering peaks, enjoy views of volcanic craters and rushing rivers below in deep canyons. The cliffs begin to tower over you as you draw closer to a phenomenal volcanic fissure, Eldgjá Canyon. The route leads into its depths and out the other side to a mountain hut in Hólaskjól.
Overnight Location: Mountain hut
Distance: 17–20 km, 6–8 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 26 Half-Day Rest and Walk to Álftavötn

Indulge in a relaxing morning before beginning today’s journey. After lunch, depart to walk alongside a river that drains from a nearby glacier. Cross over the river over a natural bridge to the lakes of Álftavötn. Come to a rustic mountain hut, drop your bags, and settle in for the night.
Overnight Location: Mountain hut
Distance: 7–10 km, 3–4 hours, 150 m of ascent/descent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 27 Strútslaug Hot Springs and Hike to Strútur

Enjoy breakfast with the crew, then head out to cross Eldgjá Canyon again, admiring the might and majesty of this deep cut in the earth. After crossing a chilly river, you’ll get a chance to warm up in the natural hot springs of Strútslaug on the other side. Continue a little further to Strútur to find your hut accommodation. Relish in the comforts of this rustic hut, and maybe even treat yourself to a shower.
Overnight Location: Mountain hut
Distance: 24 km, 7–8 hours, 300 m of ascent/descent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 28 Trek to Hvanngil

After breakfast, head onto some of Iceland’s most remarkable volcanic trails. Start the day walking across a black sand plain, then be prepared to cross a few rivers. Upon entering the Hvanngil valley, you’ll start to see green meadows stretching to the horizon with some rocky points coming out of the earth. Follow your guide to the hut and relax as dinner is prepared.
Overnight Location: Mountain hut
Distance: 14–18 km, 5–6 hours, 150 m of ascent/descent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 29 Enter the Emstrur Region

You’re nearing the end of the coast-to-coast adventure, with only a few days left. Today’s trail begins to lead you on the famous Laugavegur Trail in southwest Iceland. Traverse black sand deserts and see vivid mossy volcanoes juxtaposed with this eerie landscape. Entering into the agricultural Emstrur area, the terrain turns grassy where shepherds used to roam in the summers. Stop to visit the 200m deep Markarfljót canyon before reaching the Botnar mountain hut for the night. Set your packs down and chill while you wait for a hearty dinner.
Overnight Location: Mountain hut
Distance: 14 km, 5–6 hours, 40 m of ascent/descent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 30 Hike to Þórsmörk (Woods of Thor)

A trail winding through valleys and undulating hills leads you away from Emstrur and closer to the dense forests of Þórsmörk. Relish in this refreshing change in landscape, filled with birches and fragrant flora that were missing during those days trekking through the Icelandic desert. Reach a cozy hut in this fairytale land and get a good night’s sleep. Your final full day of trekking is tomorrow—can you believe it?
Overnight Location: Mountain hut
Distance: 17 km, 6–7 hours, 300 m of ascent/descent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 31 Fimmvörðuháls Pass and Skógafoss Waterfall

Go out with a bang, they say! Your final day presents a challenge with the most change in elevation you’ve encountered during the last month. Climb to the well-trafficked Fimmvörðuháls Pass, walking along mountain ridges with world-class views of the volcanic plateaus and lava fields below. Crossing over red craters and spots with young lava, you’ll get to an area comprised of hidden canyons, gullies, and high cliffs with cascading waterfalls. Today’s highlight is a visit to the mighty Skógafoss waterfall, where the spray will hit your cheeks from far away. Tonight you’ll enjoy hostel accommodation in Skógar, where the group will partake in a farewell dinner. You have much to celebrate, so appreciate your final night with your coast-to-coast crew.
Overnight Location: Hostel in Skógar
Distance: 24 km, 9–11 hours, 900 m of ascent, 1000 m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 32 Coastal Celebration and Farewell

From Skógar after breakfast, the group will hike down (maybe run!) to the beach to commemorate your coast-to-coast accomplishment. Head back to Skógar to receive a transfer to the Reykjavík terminal, where you’ll bid farewell to your tight-knit group and either head home or onto another adventure.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: 14 km, 3–4 hours
Meals: Breakfast