Hike the enchanting volcanic trails all over Iceland on this 5-day adventure tour
The 5-day Volcanic Trail Trekking Tour is an Icelandic adventure that brings you into a world of ancient lava formation, mossy peaks, black-sand terrain, and through the depths of grand canyons.
Follow your experienced guide through Vatnajökull National Park and connect to the famous Laugavegur Trail. Rugged landscapes abound in this area of Iceland, full of craters, canyons, and mystical scenery that will amaze you.
Your group and guide will undoubtedly bond as you trek through the vast, untouched, unbelievable nature in Iceland. The Volcanic Trails Trekking Tour is an unforgettable adventure!
Highlights of the Volcanic Trails Trekking Tour
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Volcanic Trails Trekking Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Reykjavík to Sveinstindur
Welcome to Iceland! Head to the Reykjavík bus station to meet your guide and group and hop on the bus towards the trailhead. When you start the trek, be prepared to be astounded by the epic landscapes of high peaks and icy lakes. Today, you’ll climb Mt. Sveinstindur (the Explorer’s Peak), leading to views overlooking volcanic lands dotted with lakes and mossy peaks, an a beautiful viewpoint of the Vatnajökull glacier. Afterwards, you will descend to your rustic mountain hut on the other side. Enjoy an Icelandic dinner prepared by your guide and get a good night’s sleep immersed in this enchanting land.
Overnight Location: Mountain hut
Distance: 6 km, 605 m of ascent, 520 m of descent
Meals: Lunch, dinner
Day 2 Hike to Skælingar
After breakfast in the hut, set out to explore some authentically volcanic terrain. Start by following the Skaftá River, rushing with rapids and waterfalls, leading to an incredible canyon. The land comprises black lava patches, vibrant moss, and varying geological formations. Finish the day in the Skælingar area, known for its lava forest of “trees” formed from ancient lava deposits. You’ll reach a remote hut near the Skaftá River and settle in for the night.
Overnight Location: Mountain hut
Distance: 18 km, 6–8 hours, 350 m of ascent/descent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 Trek to Álftavötn via Eldgjá (Canyon of Fire)
Once you’ve finished breakfast, pack up for a truly adventurous day. Walk along volcanic trails of hardened lava covered in moss, then descend into Eldgjá, the Canyon of Fire—an impressive geological formation of high cliffs, vivid green moss, and cascading waterfalls. Your path then leads us towards the picturesque lakes of Álftavötn, traversing through lush green hills while following the meandering river Syðri Ófæra.
Overnight Location: Mountain hut
Distance: 21 km, 7–9 hours, 350 m of ascent/descent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 Trek to Strútur
Fuel up on breakfast for a big day. Follow your guide into the magical terrain and notice the changing landscapes from meadows to black-sand deserts with vivid moss streaks. In the afternoon, rejuvenate your muscles in the inviting Strútslaug natural hot spring. Forge on after the warm dip to the mountain hut in Strútur, with vast views of the green hills surrounding you.
Overnight Location: Mountain hut
Distance: 24 km, 8 hours, 300 m of ascent/descent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 Return to Reykjavík
In the morning, you'll embrace the peacefulness of our surroundings, either indulging in a well-deserved rest or a captivating hike in the vicinity of your hut. Following our last lunch, a private 4x4 vehicle awaits to transport the group across the striking Mælifellssandur—a vast expanse of black volcanic sand, adding a dramatic touch to the landscape—as we make our way back to civilization and Reykjavik.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: 5-7km, 300m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Volcanic Trails Trekking Tour Price and Dates
This guided tour in Iceland is always run as a group tour on select dates, therefore the price per person is fixed.
Prices below are per person:
Accommodation on the Volcanic Trails Trekking Tour
This tour is based in traditional mountain huts. The huts are basic but do provide running water, flushable toilets, or outhouses, and fully equipped kitchens. You can choose to bring your own sleeping bag or rent one from the tour company. The huts are divided into dormitories with single and twin beds.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Single rooms are not available on this tour as mountain huts only have shared dormitories.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Camping in Iceland
Stay warm and dry in expedition-style two-person tents. Set up camp in the most spectacular and remote sites.
What’s included in the Volcanic Trails Trekking Tour?
Meals
All 4 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 4 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Accommodation for 4 nights is included in the tour.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation for your luggage is included during the tour. Bus tickets are included at the beginning of the trek from Reykjavík, and private transport is included to return to Reykjavík at the end.
Also Included
- English-speaking mountain guide
Not included
- Sleeping bag (rental available)
- Shower in mountain hut (payable on site)
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Flights
- Anything not mentioned as “included”
Optional Extras
- Sleeping bag rental
- Hiking poles rental
Frequently Asked Questions about Volcanic Trails Trekking Tour
Icelandic Mountain Guides are a boutique adventure tour company that has been sharing the best of Iceland’s beautiful wilderness since 1994. Their passion for nature and adventure drives them to provide quality, fun and educational experiences for their guests. They are also committed to the environment, carbon neutralizing all of their day tours.
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