Hiking Southern Iceland

Iceland may appear small on the map, but in person its enormous and cinematic landscapes barely feel like Earth at all. Get outdoors and into the action on this six-day active adventure through some of the most epic scenery in the entire country. Hike to the bases of pounding waterfalls, breathtaking in their strength. Travel through landscapes filled with towering peaks, massive glaciers, sprawling icefields, black sand beaches, and wild fjords. Set off on some of the best hikes in the region through spots like Múlagljúfur Canyon, the Skaftafell Glacier, Mt. Laki, and Brennisteinsalda volcano where you can bathe in a natural hot pool. Start and finish the trip in weirdly wonderful Reykjavík and discover how the people lucky enough to call this place home live full-time.

Day 1 Reykjavik/Vik
Arrival Day.

Upon arrival at Keflavik Airport the group will be scheduled for transfers to the Viking World museum where breakfast will be available until 9:30am. From there, travel to Seljalandsfoss, a waterfall situated on the South Coast of Iceland close to the Ring Road for a quick look. From here set out on an introductory hike up Skógafoss waterfall. Soak in the impressive landscape and towering falls as you become acquainted with some of Iceland’s unique environments. Finish the day at the hotel in Vik where you will enjoy an included dinner.

Day 2 Vik/Hof
After breakfast the group will transfer to Skaftafell, a nature reserve located in Vatnajökull National Park home to waterfalls, glacier lagoons, and black sand beaches. Hike to the largest glacier in Europe in the morning and then have lunch. In the afternoon hike from Skaftafell Visitor Centre to the picturesque Svartifoss waterfall, known as Black Falls for its basaltic rock in its background. Later, hike Skaftafell’s most astounding viewpoint at Sjónarnípa. Arrive to the hotel in Hof in the late afternoon in time for dinner.

Day 3 Hof/Kirkjubaejarklaustur
This morning visit Jokulsarlon, a glacial lagoon bordering Vatnajökull National Park in southeastern Iceland. Embark on a one hour hike through the iridescent chunks of ice on the black sand of Diamond Beach. Then, transfer to the Múlagljúfur Canyon for a 5km hike. This hidden gem in southern Iceland looks like it belongs in a fairytale. Think green mossy cliffs, birds flying through the mist, and a canyon so deep that it’s hardly crazy to imagine a dragon lurking behind a waterfall cascading straight from a mountain. Afterwards, continue to the hotel in Kirkjubaejarklaustur for the night.

Day 4 Kirkjubaejarklaustur
Start your morning off with a short one-hour hike through Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon. The canyon is up to 100m deep and 2km long. You will walk deeper into the canyon with the river Fjaðrá running alongside you. From there the group will travel to the base of Mt. Laki and hike this magnificent mountain that was the sight of one of the greatest volcanic eruptions of all time. Then, visit a few more of Icelands famous sites and waterfalls like, Systrafoss, Systrastapi, and Kirkjugólf, before returning to Kirkjubaejarklaustur for the night.

Day 5 Kirkjubaejarklaustur/Reykjavik
Continue further into Vatnajökull National Park as the group travels to the Eldgjá chasm in the western part of the park. Spend close to two hours exploring and hiking near the Ófærufoss waterfall. Next up is a hike up Brennisteinsalda for a two and a half hour walk, ending with a soak in some hot pools. Travel to Reykjavik where you’ll spend the night.

Day 6 Reykjavik
Depart after breakfast.