Iceland Glaciers and Northern Lights
Reykjavík, Iceland
4.9 (15 reviews)Trip Highlights
- Dramatic Winter Landscapes
- Technical Glacier Hiking
- Breathtaking Waterfalls
- Geothermal Areas/Hot Springs
- Cozy & Modern Accommodations
- Stunning Northern Lights
- Black Sand Beaches
- Glacial Lagoons
- Charming Iceland Villages
Description
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.
$5410 Per Person
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT from $525
DIFFICULTY LEVEL 2
Scale of 1-5. 1 is least difficult; 5 is most difficult
Much of this tour’s hiking is on snowy and icy terrain, for which we provide microspike crampons, technical crampons and snowshoes.
Hiking Distances:
Up to 8 mi
Backpack Weight:
10-15 pounds
Terrain:
Significantly Rugged
Max Daily Elev. ↑↓:
1100 ft
Heights Exposure:
Light
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THIS TRIP
- Hiking uphill or downhill with a 10-15 pound backpack for 4-5 hours
- Maintaining balance and footing on icy, snowy terrain
- Hiking with microspike crampons, crampons and/or snowshoes
SOLITUDE LEVEL 3
1 least solitude, 5 most solitude
We rate this Iceland hike a solitude 3. You can expect to have a couple hours of solitude at a time on some days of the tour.
Minimum of 4 Guests
We require a minimum of 4 guests to confirm this trip. If a trip date is not confirmed yet, you can register and will be notified when the trip is officially confirmed. We recommend not making final travel arrangements until your trip meets the minimum number of guests and is confirmed.
In most cases, if a trip does not reach the minimum number of guests, you may choose to transfer to another trip date or another trip, be refunded your payments in full, or you may have the choice to pay a supplemental fee to run the trip with fewer guests. We make the final determination for these trips 65-60 days before the departure date.
Private Trips
Travel in perfect company by booking a private trip exclusively for your group or family!
In many areas we can run trips with group sizes larger than our normal capacity of 12 guests. There’s no minimum number of guests on a private tour, and in many cases, we have flexibility around minimum age as well.
For all international trips outside the United States, we quote private trip requests on a case by case basis. Please complete the form below to inquiry about a private tour.
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Itinerary
Day 1
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. Your orientation meeting is scheduled for 5:00 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: 6+ 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: 2-3 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/brew-pub 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.
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.
TRIP DATES & BOOKING
AVAILABLE TO BOOK
This trip is available and bookable online! Click on the date to register now or contact us online to book through our award-winning customer service team!
GOING FAST
This trip has 1 or 2 spots remaining and is bookable online! Click on the date to book now or contact us online to book through customer service.
REQUEST A RESERVATION
This trip is exclusively booked through customer service due to logistics with lodging, permits, staffing, availability, or something else. Please contact us online or call us at 800-715-HIKE (4453) to request a reservation.
Don't see your dates? Call us! We may be able to add new trip dates.
800-715-HIKE (4453)Trip Details
What's Included
- A detailed trip packet that takes the guesswork out of your travel, training, packing, and preparing for the trip
- 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.
- Airport shuttle on a public bus service with a Flybus voucher regardless of Arrival/Departure flights
- Transportation for the duration of the tour starting on Day 1 and ending on the day you depart
- Lodging for the duration of the tour (double accommodations or single supplement)
- Use of a day pack and trekking poles
- Microspike crampons and snowshoes (when trail conditions require these items)
- Glacier hiking equipment including technical crampons, ice axe, harness and helmet
- All meals throughout the trip, excluding dinners in Reykjavik (days 1 and 6)
- Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and communication device
What's Not Included
- Flights to/from Iceland
- Private airport shuttle(s), available for an additional fee
- Trip insurance that includes medical coverage and at least $200,000 in evacuation and repatriation coverage (strongly encouraged)
- Dinners in Reykjavik (days 1 and 6)
- Bar bills, drink bills, extra snacks, telephone bills, Wi-Fi bills and other personal expenses (shopping/laundry)
- All expenses due to unavoidable events e.g. flight cancellation, personal illness, strikes, etc. (we recommend trip insurance coverage for these variables)
- Clothes, rain gear, and footwear (see recommendations)
- Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items
- Water bottles and a headlamp or flashlight
- 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. Please tip your lead guide and they will distribute responsibly to the crew. Local currency is preferred, or USD is also appreciated.
Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed guidance about what to pack.
Meals: What to Expect
This Iceland hiking tour features a combination of in-town meals and meals prepared by your guide. For the most part we’ll be enjoying in-town meals for dinner and some breakfasts and carefully-selected restaurants and lodges. Lunches will mostly consist of a sandwich buffet for you to enjoy a wide spread of Iceandic delicacies.
In addition, we provide you with with an assortment of trail mix, snacks, and dried fruits to eat at your own discretion.
We can often accommodate vegan, vegetarian, kosher and non-gluten diets and make adjustments for food allergies. These and other special dietary requests may require an additional fee, and in some countries may be more difficult to accommodate than others. Please inquire with us for more information about the specific trip you’re interested in.
Gear We Provide
We provide all group gear which includes the following:
- Backpacks
- Trekking poles
- Company-issued first-aid kit
- Emergency communication device
Guest Packing List
When you register for this tour you’ll receive access to a printable, downloadable trip information packet with a detailed packing list specific to this trip (click here to see it now.) All trips require a sturdy pair of hiking shoes or hiking boots, rain gear, a recommended clothing system, a headlamp or flashlight, a hydration system (water bottles and/or bladder) and other items specific to each trip.
Trip Logistics
How Do I Register?
Reserve your spot today! In the Trip Dates & Booking section of this page, the green and red dates are bookable online by simply clicking on the date, and blue dates must be booked through our customer service team for a variety of possible reasons. To email our customer service team, you can click here to get the ball rolling. Our adventure consultants will confirm availability, and if you’re ready to register we’ll email you a link to a registration profile. You’ll have 72 hours to complete your profile (and that of any dependents) and pay the deposit.
Feel free to call us for more info – we’re here 7 days a week!
Where Do We Meet?
Wildland Trekking will provide a Flybus (airport shuttle) voucher for you to exchange for a free ticket to the hotel when you arrive at the Keflavik International Airport near Reykjavik, Iceland. After checking in the hotel rooms, you are free to explore the capital city on your own. Reykjavik’s city center is small and very walking friendly. Our Iceland communications team will contact you approximately 45 days before your trip begins to answer any questions you have and coordinate a time to conduct the pre-trip orientation meeting.
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
For our Iceland treks you will need to fly into Keflavik International Airport on Day 1, no later than 3:00 PM. Your guide will rendezvous with you at our hotel (we provide a shuttle voucher for transport from the airport to the hotel). An orientation meeting and accommodations are included on Day 1. Your return flight can be scheduled anytime for the final day of the tour or later.
Flights to and from Keflavik International Airport are the guest’s responsibility. Multiple airlines operate flights into Keflavik from many U.S. and European international airports. Some of the primary U.S. departure cities include Denver, Portland, Boston, Washington DC, San Francisco, New York and Minneapolis. The duration of nonstop flights is 6-9 hours.
Your flight on the final day of the trip can depart at any time.
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.
Essential Eligibility Criteria
Essential Eligibility Criteria (“EEC”) have been specifically identified to help you understand the skills and abilities necessary to participate on each Wildland trip, and they apply uniformly to all potential trip participants, irrespective of the presence or absence of any disability.
Once you identify a trip in which you may be interested, please carefully review the EEC and itinerary details. If after reviewing the EEC that apply to your desired trip, you determine you need an accommodation in order to meet the EEC, please contact us prior to registering to discuss your requested accommodation.
The EEC exist for your own safety and the safety and enjoyment of all participants. If you are unable to meet the EEC for the trip, with or without an accommodation, you are not eligible for that trip. If you register and arrive for a trip for which you do not meet the EEC, you will be disqualified from participation on the trip and will be dismissed or evacuated from the trip without a refund.
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.
Guide Working Parameters
Guides are required to take 8 hours off each 24-hour period to sleep, recuperate, take personal/down time…etc. In addition, as part of the 8 hours off they must sleep/rest or be in their tents/rooms uninterrupted for a minimum of 5 hours each night. We ask guests to respect these requirements and to not interrupt guides’ off time and sleep time unless there is a true emergency.
Age Restrictions
Age restrictions on this trip are as follows:
- 12 and older to join scheduled tours (mixed groups)
- 5 and older to join private tours, with final approval and specific logistical requirements (such as porter or stock assist) determined on a case by case basis
Trip Insurance
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.
Weather in Iceland
The weather in Iceland is generally cool, and the country has what is considered a temperate climate. The relatively warm North Atlantic Current makes Iceland’s temperatures more temperate than many places of similar latitude. Wind can make it feel much colder, so being prepared with the proper rain gear and warm layers is critical.
The average temperatures and precipitation in Iceland are:
| Average Iceland Temperatures (Fahrenheit) | ||||||
| Month | Low | Hi | Wet Days | |||
| October | 36° F | 45° F | 15 days | |||
| November | 32° F | 39° F | 13 days | |||
| December | 28° F | 37° F | 14 days | |||
| January | 28° F | 36° F | 13 days | |||
| February | 28° F | 37° F | 13 days | |||
| March | 28° F | 37° F | 14 days | |||
| April | 34° F | 43° F | 12 days | |||
Accommodations
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
0-1 NightS
The family-run hotel is remote and yet modern with its style being inspired by the natural wonders it is wrapped in: a mix of concrete, basalt, wood, and glass creates a contemporary feel that reflects the natural environment in which the hotel sits. The location is in a beautiful setting and we know you will love it.
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.
* These exact accommodations are not guaranteed. In some instances alternative accommodations of similar quality and location may be used.
Trip Reviews
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Tamara W
Trip of a Lifetime
The Northern Lights and Iceland have been on my bucket list. Michael was full of interesting facts about the land and glacier formations and Antoine taught us some mountaineering skills on the ice, both entertained us with Iceland Sagas. Honestly I hesitated on the trip over the price but quickly understood how everything in Iceland is expensive and how the price was justified. I quickly didn't regret a cent as it was truly a trip of a lifetime for me and my daughter. I can't recommend this trip enough to others. I absolutely would not have seen or done as much on our own than through WLT. It was a vacation for someone else to attend to all the details and they truly maximized our time with adventures. We went in March which was a great combination of the weather being a little warmer than Feb yet the ice was a beautiful blue
Theresa P
Excellent
Michael and Antwon were excellent guides. They made sure everyone had a good time and were cognizant to the needs of all the hikers. They provided very interesting details about Iceland and kept us entertained throughout the trip.
Arlene T
Absolutely a five-star experience.
Iceland is beautiful! A wonderful trip with unique sites you probably cannot see anywhere else. Everywhere you look is another beautiful scene. The ice caves are amazing and not to be missed. The guides are excellent, making sure we saw the main attractions and also got to places less traveled, with fewer tourists. I would recommend this trip to anyone looking for a something out of the ordinary, but also providing all the amenities that make traveling comfortable. Absolutely a five-star experience. I would advise getting everything on the packing list. I was skeptical about needing a ski mask, but was happy I got it when we had some wind in our faces one day. Also, this is a winter trip and the weather may dictate how much you can experience in one day. The day may be shorter or longer than set out in the itinerary. Be prepared to be flexible and you’ll have a great time.
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