Iceland Glaciers and Northern Lights
Inn-Based Hiking Tours
7 Days, 6 Nights 25+MI / 40+KM
Trip Highlights
This 7-Day winter tour of Iceland is perfect for first time winter visitors 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 provides a unique opportunity to experience the frozen beauty of Icelandic glaciers, ice caves, iceberg-filled glacial lagoons and geothermal areas through stunning day hikes away from the crowds. We’ll take you to some of the most outstanding winter landscapes the country has to offer, and experience along the way vast moss-covered lava fields, powerful waterfalls, turbulent glacial rivers, black-sand beaches, hot springs, mountains with phenomenal views and more!
We also visit several small Icelandic villages that our guests love! Each evening we will spend some time hoping to catch one of Earth’s most amazing natural shows, the Northern Lights. Every night of this trip we’ll enjoy the luxury of hot showers and warm beds in cozy lodges and hotels. This tour is the ultimate Icelandic winter wonderland package.
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Dramatic Winter Landscapes
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Glacier Hiking
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Breathtaking Waterfalls
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Geothermal Areas/Hot Springs
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Cozy & Modern Accommodations
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Stunning Northern Lights
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Black Sand Beaches
Book This Trip
View Dates
Trip Details
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Trip Type
Inn-Based Hiking Tours -
Trip Length
7 Days, 6 Nights -
Daily Hiking Distance
Up to 8 mi -
Group Size
4-12 Guests
Is This Trip Right For me?
Much of this tour’s hiking is on snowy and icy terrain, for which we provide microspike crampons, technical crampons and snowshoes.
Difficulty Level
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Solitude Level
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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: extreme weather conditions, lodging/campground availability, political or bureaucratic obstacles, earthquakes, fires, flooding and more. Normal terms and conditions apply to trips with itinerary changes.
Concerning Ice Caves: ice caves are temporary structures that melt and reform differently every year. We select the best ice cave in terms of safety, accessibility and solitude but can’t guarantee to be the only visitors in the cave. Weather and safety reason can affect our ability to visit ice caves.
Concerning our Iceland tour of the Northern Lights: chances to see Iceland’s Northern Lights rely on elements beyond human control, such as solar activity and cloud cover. Based on the forecast and conditions, our guides will select the best locations for the aurora hunt and nocturnal photography.
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, you are free to explore the capital city on your own. Reykjavik’s city center is small, and you can travel everywhere on foot. Your orientation meeting is scheduled for 5 pm. The orientation meeting is time to ask questions, meet other group members, check over gear, and review the itinerary. Icelandic weather can be extreme in the winter months, so be sure to follow the gear list closely! After the orientation meeting, your guide will make suggestions for dining in town, 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: 5+ hours
Hiking Mileage: 2-3 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: minimal
Trekking Duration: 2 hours
This morning, we will pick you up early at your hotel and begin driving to the stunning Icelandic countryside along the South Coast. After passing a few towns, we will reach the wonderful Seljalandsfoss Waterfall. We will then head to the Dyrholaey Promontory and/or the Reynisfjara black sand beach and iconic columnar basalts. Further East, we reach the town of Kirkjubaejarklaustur after spending time exploring vast, moss-covered lava fields. Soon, the landscape changes dramatically, as Vatnajokull ice cap becomes closer and its numerous outlet glaciers, lagoons, and outwash plains dominate the views. After a long day of driving, 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: 4-8 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 330 feet
Trekking Duration: 4-5 hours
After a filling breakfast, we will head into the amazing world of Iceland in the winter. Today is a highly unique experience exploring multiple ice themed natural environments. We will be surrounded by snow covered peaks and amazing glacial lagoons, full of icebergs. Our hike is on an outlet glacier and allows us to experience its amazing ice surfaces, stunning colors, beautiful gullies, deep crevasses, and impressive moulins. The purpose of our hike is to explore some of the ice caves and ephemeral glacial formations sculpted by meltwater. After our hike we’ll head back to our warm hotel and enjoy a nice dinner. This evening we can head back out in the hope to witness the spectacular dance of the aurora borealis!
Day 4
Driving Duration: 2-3 hours
Hiking Mileage: 6 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 600 feet
Trekking Duration: 3-4 hours
Today we’ll head toward the small town of Höfn, which is surrounded by majestic mountains, sand banks and outlet glaciers. Today’s hike will take us towards one of these highly crevassed glaciers, up to one of our favorite viewpoints on the glacier and its lagoon. After we explore yet another amazing frozen environment, it’s now time to relax with a soak in a hot tub under the open winter sky. Back at our hotel we will again take our chances for seeing some colorful northern lights after another meal of Icelandic cuisine.
Day 5
Driving Duration: 2-3 hours
Hiking Mileage: 6+ miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 300 feet
Trekking Duration: 4-5 hours
After breakfast at our hotel, we’ll check out and head back for a quick glance at another majestic glacier framed by sheer cliffs and a ridge of glacial deposits, remnant of its past glory. Further West, we will explore the surroundings of yet another fascinating glacier and the area of Skaftafell, surrounded by some of the highest peaks in Iceland. There, Svartifoss waterfall majestically drops from a cliff edge made of columnar basaltic rocks. Later on, we will stop at Fjadrargjufur canyon, an amazing ravine created during the end of the last ice age, full of ridges and strange rock formations. After a short walk, we’ll continue to our hotel in the small, charming town of Vík.
Day 6
Driving Duration: 3 hours
Hiking Mileage: 4-6 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 900-1100 feet
Trekking Duration: 4-6 hours
Today, we continue our drive towards Reykjavik, but our adventure is not over. After a few short walks at some of the most popular sites of the South Coast, we’ll pass the small town of Hveragerdi, and explore during a hike a geothermal valley with numerous hot springs, boiling mud pools, solfataras and hissing steam-vents. We’ll have the opportunity to make one final stop by an Icelandic micro-brewery/brewpub for a well-deserved craft beer tasting. Once we’re back in Reykjavik, we’ll check in to our comfortable lodging for the night and your guide will make dining suggestions, as dinner is on your own this evening. Enjoy the cozy atmosphere of northernmost capital in the world!
Day 7
Today is the final day of the Wildland Trekking 7-Day Iceland Winter Tour. We will ensure you get on the proper airport (Flybus) Shuttle for departure to Keflavik International Airport. Thanks for choosing Wildland Trekking!
Please Note: If a private airport shuttle is desired, please reach out to our adventure consultant team to quote and arrange this service for you.
Trip Dates
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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All meals throughout the trip, excluding dinners in Reykjavik (Days 1 and 6)
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Use of a day pack and trekking poles
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Microspike crampons and snowshoes (when trail conditions require these items)
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Glacier hiking equipment including technical crampons, ice axe, harness and helmet
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Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and communication device
What's Not Included
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Flights to/from Iceland -
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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Dinners in Reykjavik (Days 1 and 6)
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Bar bills, drink bills, telephone bills, Wi-Fi bills and other personal expenses (shopping/laundry)
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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.
Accommodations
* These exact accommodations are not guaranteed. In some instances alternative accommodations of similar quality and location may be used.
Hotel Reykjavík Centrum
0-2 nights
This idyllic hotel is located on one of Reykjavík’s oldest streets in a newly renovated building, the oldest part of which was built in 1764. stands in the bustling city center within walking distance of some of Iceland’s the best museums, restaurants and bars.
Hotel Exeter
0-2 nights
The Exeter Hotel in Reykjavík offers an exciting and unforgettable lodging experience. Near the famous Old Harbor, and in the heart of the city, it puts us right in the action for the start of our winter adventure in Iceland.
Hali Country Hotel
0-3 Nights
This hotel offers comfortable year round accommodation in a perfect location for our winter tour. It is near Glacier Lagoon and in the realm of Vatnajökull Glacier. With modern, spacious rooms and private bathrooms, it offers us an authentic lodging experience that puts us right in the action.
Hotel Vik
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Hotel Katla
0-1 NightS
Hotel Katla, located on the south coast of Iceland, is surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and awe-inspiring topography. This hotel features modern amenities housed in an authentic Icelandic presentation that is sure to be memorable. Boasting delicious food, a hot tub, and sauna, guests will have a pleasant post-trek atmosphere.
Hotel Skaftafell
0-3 NightS
The management of this hotel goes back many generations to those that first preserved this area as a national park. A stunning, snow-covered range extends behind the hotel. With modern amenities in a stunning setting, this will be a stay to remember.
FOSSHOTEL GLACIER LAGOON
0-3 NightS
Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon boasts a premium location between Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Skatafell National Park. Rolling hills and mountains pick up just behind the hotel, giving it a perfect location for nature lovers. This four star hotel features 125 contemporary rooms, a spa, gym, and restaurant.
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 at 5 pm.
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 7.
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.
Guides
Our approach to international travel is to combine the best of two worlds: the dialed-in details, professionalism and consistency Wildland trips are known for; and the cultural immersion and intimate regional knowledge that only locals can provide. To excel with this approach, we vet and hire the best local guides, welcome them into the Wildland family and train them to meet our standard of excellence with every aspect of a trip. But along with managing logistics and safety, your guides will teach you about the area’s history and culture, and provide a level of familiarity and intimate detail only locals can.
Check out our Meet Our Team page for staff bios.
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
Reviews
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Alison D
8 months agoExcellent Range of Activities
Fantastic trip with fantastic guides. Amazing landscapes and an excellent range of activities that are very manageable for a person with basic fitness and a positive attitude. Highly recommended.
Amanda L
8 months agoEverywhere you look it was like a winter wonderland.
Wonderful trip! Our group was fun and easygoing but also mindful of the physical demands of the cold and of hiking on ice and sometimes knee-to-(occasionally) waist deep snow. Our guides Mike & Antoine were terrific -- knowledgeable, personable, organized -- and funny too! We knew going in that northern lights can't be guaranteed but we absolutely lucked out with an extraordinary display on New Year's Day no less. But even aside from the northern lights, Iceland is magical in wintertime. The glacial lagoons and ice caves were magnificent and everywhere you look it was like a winter wonderland.
Denise S
8 months agoOnce-in-a-lifetime experience
Antoine and Michael were amazing guides for our journey. They adapted seamlessly to weather and ensured we enjoyed the many wonders of Iceland in winter. Their cheerfulness, energy, and expertise enriched our trip in so many ways. While I can't credit them entirely for the epic Northen Lights, they monitored the skies closely and found a perfect location for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
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