Best of Iceland Lodge Based
Inn-Based Hiking Tours
8 Days, 7 nights 25+MI / 40+KM
Trip Highlights
The Best of Iceland Lodge-based Tour is perfect for first time visitors to Iceland looking to have a fantastic hiking experience; explore an amazing diversity of scenery, sites and highlights; and do it in style with a high level of comfort! This tour combines stunning day hikes to must-see Icelandic destinations including glaciers, waterfalls, lava fields, geothermal features, black sand beaches, glacial lagoons with icebergs and wildlife, mountains with phenomenal views and more! We also visit several small Icelandic villages that our guests love. Each evening we enjoy the luxury of hot showers and warm beds in cozy lodges, hotels and inns. This tour is the total Icelandic package.
Another major highlight of this tour is the fascinating knowledge your guide will pass on to you as you hike – information about the geology, ecology, glacial history, volcanic activity, and climatic phenomena of Iceland. We’ll also discuss the human habitation of Iceland, which began in the 9th century when the Norse created permanent settlements on the long-uninhabited island.
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Comprehensive Iceland Itinerary
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Charming Icelandic Villages
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Glaciers & Icebergs
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Geysers & Hot Springs
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Stunning Waterfalls
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Lava Fields & Colorful Landscapes
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Comfortable Accommodations
Book This Trip
View Dates
Trip Details
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Trip Type
Inn-Based Hiking Tours -
Trip Length
8 Days, 7 nights -
Daily Hiking Distance
Up to 10 mi -
Group Size
4-12 Guests
- day by day itinerary
- logistical and travel information
- gear and clothing lists and more
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Is This Trip Right For me?
This trip features a variety of hikes, some strenuous and some easy to moderate. It is ultimately between Level 2 and 3 in difficulty. Days 3 and 7 – with hikes requiring significant elevation gain/loss (up to 3000 feet) – are closer to Level 3, but the overall average skews slightly toward Level 2.
Difficulty Level
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Solitude Level
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Trip Map
Trip Itinerary
Please Note: We always do everything in our power to follow the set itinerary, however occasionally trips are subject to itinerary changes based on a variety of circumstances, including but not limited to: lodging/campground availability, extreme weather, political or bureaucratic obstacles, earthquakes, fires, flooding and more. Normal terms and conditions apply to trips with itinerary changes.
Day 1
Accommodation: Hotel in Reykjavik
On this Iceland hiking tour, we provide you with a public bus shuttle (Flybus) voucher to get from Keflavik International airport near Reykjavik, Iceland to tonight’s hotel. After checking into your hotel room (included), you are free to explore the capital city on your own. Reykjavik’s city center is small, and you can travel everywhere on foot. Orientation is scheduled for 5:00 PM. The orientation meeting is time to ask questions, meet other expedition members, check over gear, and review the itinerary. Icelandic weather can be cold and rainy so be sure to follow the gear list closely! After the orientation meeting, your guide will make suggestions for fantastic dinner spots in Reykjavik, as dinner is on your own this evening.
Please Note: If your flight lands in the morning, your hotel room will not be ready for you to check in. However, you will be able to store your luggage and start your city exploration. If a private airport shuttle is desired, please reach out to our adventure consultant team to quote and arrange this service for you.
Day 2
Driving Duration: 4.5 hours
Hiking Mileage: 4 miles
Elevation Loss: 550 ft.
Trekking Duration: 2 hours
Accommodation: Hotel near Kirkjubaerjarklaustur
This morning, your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel and begin driving to the stunning Icelandic country side along the South Coast. After passing a few villages, we will reach the wonderful Seljalandsfoss Waterfall. We will then head to the Dyrholaey Cliffs and/or the Reynisfjara black sand beach with its stunning basalt columns. We will then drive east to the small town of Vik, one of the most charming settlements on the Southern Shore. Further East, we reach the Kirkjubaejarklaustur village after spending time exploring vast, moss-covered lava fields. After a long day of scenic travels, photographing, exploring and hiking, we will check into our hotel, which will become our base for the next three nights.
Day 3
Driving Duration: 2 hours
Hiking Mileage: 5-10 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1000-2800 feet
Trekking Duration: 6-8 hours
Accommodation: Hotel near Kirkjubaerjarklaustur
After a hearty breakfast, we will head east and soon leave the moss-covered lava fields for landscapes filled with glacial deposits. Today’s hike is dedicated to the Skaftafell area, in Vatnajökull National Park. We will start our hike in a native birch forest toward the breathtaking Skaftafellsjökull Glacier and continue towards either the Svartifoss waterfall or towards a peak overlooking an the extraordinary Kristinartindar glacial valley, depending on conditions. Eventually we will return to our hotel for a relaxing dinner after a memorable day and discuss the next day’s activities.
Day 4
Driving Duration: 3 hours
Hiking Mileage: 4-6 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 900 ft.
Trekking Duration: 3-5 hours
Accommodation: Hotel near Kirkjubaerjarklaustur
Today is a day of options – all of them unforgettable. After breakfast we’ll journey to a world of ice! Along the Southern Shore, we will drive East between snow covered peaks, glaciers, and the coastline to Jokulsarlon, an amazing glacial lagoon. Arctic terns, great skuas, geese and Eider ducks are a few birds we are likely to see today.
Enter the hiking options. After exploring Jokulsarlon area, we can hike out toward Mulagljufur Gorges, or we can hike and explore the Kviarjokull moraine – a ridge of debris dumped from the receding Kviarjokull Glacier. Depending on weather, we’ll enjoy either a longer hike or several shorter ones.
Day 5
Driving Duration: 4 hours
Hiking Mileage: 5-8 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 600-1000 feet
Trekking Duration: 4-6 hours
Accommodation: Hotel near Hrauneyjar
After breakfast, we will pack up our gear and begin our journey west, to the highlands of the Fjallabak area. Today’s highlight will include Eldgja Chasm and its famous Ofaerufoss waterfall. We will then keep driving north on a rugged jeep track, cross a dozen or so creeks, traverse gorges and finally reach Landmannalaugar, a popular hot spring area surrounded by colorful mountains. Our hike today will lead us through stunning and colorful rhyolite mountains, obsidian lava fields and geothermal features. After the hike, we may enjoy a quick soak in the hot creek before departing to our hotel.
Day 6
Driving Duration: 2.5 hours
Hiking Mileage: 4-5 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 200-750 feet
Trekking Duration: 4-5 hours
Accommodation: Hotel near Geysir
After yesterday’s big day we will enjoy a more laid-back morning today. We will start the day with a short hike to the impressive Haifoss waterfall. After the Haifoss we will travel through the Thjorsardalur Valley and enjoy some of its sights and head in the afternoon toward Gullfoss, our first site of the famous Golden Circle. We will then continue on to Geysir, where a boiling water column suddenly bursts every 5-10 minutes, usually around 60 ft. high. It’s a spectacular phenomenon after which all geysers in the world were named. After enjoying the geyser, we will head to our nearby hotel for a relaxing dinner.
Day 7
- Driving Duration: 3 hours
- Hiking Mileage: 3-5 miles
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 1200 feet
- Trekking Duration: 3-4 hours
- Accommodation: Hotel in Reykjavik
This morning, we head toward Thingvellir National Park and the Parliament Plains. This destination is an important historical site and also a mythical spot, geologically speaking. The lakes contain literally crystal clear water, which makes for spectacular reflections of the sky and clouds. We will continue on, either towards Hvalfjordur and hike to the Glymur waterfall or to another hot spring in the Hengill Mountain area, depending on local conditions. After our hike, we’ll shuttle back to Reykjavik, check into our hotel rooms and your guide will make dining suggestions, as dinner is on your own this evening.
Day 8
Today is the final day of the Wildland Trekking Best of Iceland Tour. We will ensure you get on the proper airport (Flybus) Shuttle for departure to Keflavik International Airport. Thank you for choosing Wildland Trekking!
Trip Dates
Click on a date to register. You can also click here to request new dates or book through customer service.
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What's Included
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A detailed trip packet that takes the guesswork out of your travel, training, packing, and preparing for the trip
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Trained hiking guide(s) with years of personal wilderness and hiking experience, medical certifications, and a passion for leading people into breathtaking landscapes. See Guide Bios.
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Airport shuttle on a public bus service with a Flybus voucher regardless of arrival/departure flights
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Transportation for the duration of the tour
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Lodging for the duration of the tour
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Use of a day pack and trekking poles
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All meals during the trip, excluding dinners in Reykjavik on Day 1 and Day 7
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Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and communication device
What's Not Included
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Transportation to/from Keflavik, Iceland -
Dinners in Reykjavik on Days 1 and 7
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Bar bills, drink bills, telephone bills, Wi-Fi bills and other personal expenses (shopping/ laundry)
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All expenses due to unavoidable events e.g. flight cancellation, personal illness, strikes, etc. (we recommend trip insurance coverage for these variables)
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Clothes, rain gear, and footwear
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Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items
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Water bottles and a headlamp or flashlight
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Guide gratuities are optional and at the discretion of each customer. A suggested guideline is to reward outstanding service with a tip of 5-10% of the total trip cost. Local currency is preferred, or USD is also appreciated.
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Trip insurance that includes medical coverage and at least $200,000 in evacuation and repatriation coverage (strongly encouraged)
Accommodations
* These exact accommodations are not guaranteed. In some instances alternative accommodations of similar quality and location may be used.
FOSSHÓTEL RAUÐARÁ
0-4 NIGHTS
In central Reykjavík, this premier hotel is easy walking distance to the main shopping district, many great restaurants, and a wonderful city park.
HÓTEL KLAUSTUR
0-3 NIGHTS
Hótel Klaustur is a modern, stylish, and charming hotel found in the South-Eastern part of Iceland. It is situated near the Eldhraun lava fields and has no shortage of nature access for visitors. The hotel is conveniently located within the Kata UNESCO Global Geopark. Offering a restaurant with modern Icelandic cuisine and eco-friendly operation, Hótel Klaustur will be a welcomed stay for all visitors.
HÓTEL GEYSIR
1 NIGHT
This family run hotel is on the doorstep of a geothermal area in the beautiful and historic Haukadalur valley. Made up of seventy-seven rooms and six suites, Hótel Geysir’s aesthetics blend with the surrounding atmosphere. The hotel’s large windows and magnificent views will be a wonderful way to celebrate the beauty of Iceland.
HÓTEL HÁLÖND
1 Night
Hótel Hálönd boast fantastic views over Akureyri and comfortable double and twin rooms. With a modern flair, each room offers a contemporary Icelandic take on comfort and hospitality. In the winters Hlíðarfjall becomes a skiers paradise and in the summer, an oasis for cyclists.
FOSSHÓTEL REYKJAVIK SAGA
0-4 NIGHTS
Hotel Reykjavik Saga is located just a hop-skip-and-a-jump from the photogenic lake Tjörnin, the Reykjavik art museum, cathedral, and many restaurants and shops. This hotel’s design and accommodations takes into account the surrounding buildings in a modern, Icelandic style. Touting deluxe accommodations and a kitchen and bar, Hotel Reykjavik Saga has something for everyone.
Trip Logistics & FAQs
Where Do We Meet?
We will pre-arrange a Flybus transfer for you from Keflavík International Airport (KEF) to Reykjavík. We will meet you at our first night’s hotel in Reykjavík where we’ll conduct an orientation meeting at 5 pm on Day 1. Please be sure to land no later than 3 pm in order to make our orientation meeting.
If you would prefer a private transfer from the airport, please ask our Adventure Consultants and they can arrange this for you for an additional fee.
Our Iceland communications team will be in contact approximately 45 days before your trip to coordinate your rendezvous and answer any last-minute questions you have.
Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed guidance about flights, shuttles, recommended lodging and more.
Travel to Iceland
BOOKING FLIGHTS
The closest airport to fly into for this trip is the Keflavík International Airport (KEF) just outside of Reykjavík, Iceland. Flights to and from Iceland are the guest’s responsibility.
Arrival: Your flights should arrive before 3 pm on Day 1 in order to make our 5 pm orientation meeting.
Departure: You are welcome to leave any time of day on Day 8. Breakfast is included.
Airport transportation is included in the tour using a Flybus voucher that we will arrange for you. Private shuttle is also available for an additional fee.
Pre and Post-trip On Request Lodging
We secure limited amounts of pre and post trip lodging in Reykjavík, Iceland as an optional add-on for guests of this trip. This lodging is on request, and is available on a first come, first serve basis. If interested, please reach out directly to our team to check availability.
Safety Precautions
Your safety is our top priority. Our hiking tours are led by professional hiking guides, all of whom are wilderness-certified first responders or EMT’s, each with years of guiding and wilderness experience. Guides adhere to standardized risk management protocols in case of any potential or actual incident, and all tours carry an emergency communication device and comprehensive first-aid kit. Additionally we have a “24/7” system through which guides or guests can reach Wildland support personnel at any time.
In the interest of your safety, it’s important to refer to the Center for Disease Control website for up-to-date recommendations on immunizations before your trip.
Age Restrictions
Age restrictions on this trip are as follows:
- 12 and older to join scheduled tours (mixed groups)
- 7 and older to join private tours, with final approval and specific logistical requirements determined on a case-by-case basis
Trip Insurance Recommendations
For your protection, we strongly recommend the purchase of field evacuation, repatriation, and medical trip insurance. International travel is expensive, and the modest cost of trip insurance is a sound investment in an uncertain world.
If you wish to purchase trip insurance, we recommend IMG/iTravelinsured. They are one of the world’s leading providers of travel insurance.
For information on recommended IMG/iTravelinsured policies please click here.
For even greater information, or if you simply prefer communicating with a real, live person, feel free to contact our exclusive agent Michael Bennett. Michael will help you identify the best product for your needs, and there is no cost associated with his assistance. You may contact him at:
Email: [email protected]
US by Phone: 877-305-9083
Direct/International by Phone: 702-448-3664
If you already have insurance or wish to purchase from anyone other than IMG/iTravelinsured, we recommend careful consultation with the provider to ensure appropriate coverage. This is because many providers have a number of policy exclusions.
Reviews
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Lisa F.
1 year agoTerrific Iceland Adventure
I highly recommend this trip. Our guides Michael and Emma were engaging and have a vast knowledge of Iceland, from the geology to the folklore. The scenery is spectacular and varied, including icebergs, glaciers, all shapes and forms of dramatic waterfalls, and more. I also enjoyed the delicious meals from traditional Icelandic buffet breakfasts, to the lunches prepared by Michael and Emma, and dinner at our hotels. Thank you for a wonderful time!
Hope H
2 years agoExcellent
Michael and Ursula, the guides, were very responsi ve to any questions beforehand, and attentive to our needs on the trip. The schedule allowed for flexibility to make adjustments if necessary for the weather on any given day. Hotels and meals were excellent. Iceland is an amazing country and our guides introduced us to the foods and culture of Iceland, as well as the landscape. I will definitely travel with Wildland again in the future!
Mary Z
2 years agoSensational Experience
Wildlandtrekking has a top notch team in Iceland. They go far beyond what is expected. Their enthusiasm, knowledge and skills made for a sensational experience.
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