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Iceland is remarkable little country is a favorite for hikers from all over the globe - discriminating travelers looking for the undeveloped, untrammeled, and undiscovered delights our planet still has to offer. Though 11% of its surface is covered in ice, Iceland is remarkably green, courtesy of the moderating effects of Gulf Stream currents. This unique island also offers a fascinating look at its Norwegian Viking heritage through settings like Thingvellir National Park, meeting point of the first parliament which convened over 1000 years ago. But what really sets Iceland apart is the indescribable beauty of its landscapes — unearthly volcano-sculpted panoramas punctuated by pristine fjords, dramatic rainbow-studded waterfalls, the largest icefields in Europe, and soft carpets of moss covering much of what remains.
Join us as we traverse the varied and remarkable landscapes of the Island of Fire & Ice!
A Note on the Walks
Walks are rated on a scale of 1-5. A walk rated 1 is fairly level and easy and a walk rated 5 is hilly and considered a challenging hike - see below for more details. (1 kilometer = .62 miles)
Daily Itinerary
DAY 1: ARRIVE REYKJAVÍK (BD)
Reykjavík Nordic Capital Walk – 10 km, rated 2
After an early arrival at Keflavík Airport, we’ll have breakfast and deposit luggage at our hotel in Reykjavík, then enjoy a rural walk along a salmon stream on the outskirts of the planet’s northernmost capital. After checking into the hotel this afternoon, join us for a walking tour through old Reykjavík – a thought-provoking look at a culture that has endured a multitude of challenges in its 1200-year history.
DAY 2: ACTIVITIES FROM REYKJAVÍK (BD)
Þingvellir Parliaments and Plates Walk – 10 km, rated 2+/3
The renowned Golden Circle Tour brings us to our walk of the day at Þingvellir, Iceland’s oldest national park. We’ll start at the Lögberg, traditional meeting point of the AlÞing, the Icelandic Viking parliament established in A.D. 930. We then continue from North America to Europe as we cross the easily identifiable rift zone marking the meeting of these two tectonic plates. Next on our route are stops at Geysir, the cluster of geysers that gave their name to this geological phenomenon, and Gullfoss, arguably the most spectacular waterfall in the country.
DAY 3: REYKJAVÍK–LAKE MÝVATN (BD)
After breakfast in Reykjavík, we’ll depart by plane for the northern reaches of Iceland and the surprisingly modern little town of Akureyri on the shores of the Eyja Fjord. From Akureyri, we continue north in search of whales. Though whale activity can never be predicted, odds are good that we’ll encounter humpbacks, minke whales, and dolphins on our cruise from the port of Husavik. En route to Lake Mývatn, we stop to admire pounding Goðafoss (Waterfall of the Gods), one of many impressive falls that contribute to the wonderland mosaic of beautiful Iceland.
DAY 4: LAKE MÝVATN (BD)
Dimmuborgir Black Lava Castles Walk – 10 km, rated 3+
Lake Mývatn is a geological wonderland brimming with geothermal and volcanic delights. From our hotel amongst a forest of pseudo-craters, we’ll depart by bus for our walk at nearby Dimmuborgir, a convoluted labyrinth of “black castles” – oddly shaped pillars and crags created 2000 years ago by trapped lava flows. After stopping at the hot mud pots of Námafjall, we’ll return to the hotel to enjoy its unique setting in this otherworldly landscape.
DAY 5: LAKE MÝVATN–BREIÐDALSVÍK (BD)
This morning we depart for Jökulsárgljúfur National Park and Dettifoss, a waterfall extravaganza created by the Jökulsá á Fjöllum River, the second longest river in Iceland. One of only four national parks in the country, Jökulsárgljúfur National Park is distinguished by its chaotic, disjointed landscape, a result of powerful volcanic eruptions under the river that were magnified by the combination of fire, gas, and water. The afternoon drive takes us across the island’s interior, a mesmerizing volcanic wasteland, and on to the rugged fjord country and dramatically isolated farmland of east Iceland.
DAY 6: BREIÐDALSVÍK–SMYRLABJÖRG (BD)
Djúpivogur Seascapes and Seabirds Walk – 10 km, rated 3+
An hour south along the coast lies the quiet fishing village of Djúpivogur, unlikely venue for one of the most intriguing experiences of our Adventure, a 45-minute cruise offshore to the now deserted island of Papey, once farmed by several generations of Norwegian Vikings and Icelanders. Today it is home to a lighthouse, the oldest and smallest wooden church in Iceland, and a thriving population of seabirds, including the comical little puffin. The walk of the day is a stimulating hike along the rocky headlands and coves near Djúpivogur, with outstanding opportunities to enjoy dramatic seascapes and a diverse population of sea birds.
NOTE: Availability of the boat to Papey Island is weather dependent and cannot be guaranteed until shortly before our departure.
OPTIONAL VATNAJÖKUL GLACIER EXPEDITION:
The Vatnajökul icecap is the largest in Europe (3rd largest on the planet), covers 8% of Iceland, and is over 1300 feet thick on average. Our evening excursion onto this massive mountain of ice starts from our hotel in Smyrlabjörg. We ascend the path up to the glacier in four-wheel-drive jeeps, and you’ll soon see why four-wheel-drive is necessary! Our experienced guides will drive right onto the glacier, where we’ll enjoy breathtaking views of deep ice-sculpted valleys, the barren peaks of east Iceland’s mountains and, of course, the enormous sheet of ice that is Vatnajökul itself.
DAY 7: SMYRLABJÖRG–HÖFÐABREKKA (BD)
Skaftafell Svartifoss Walk – 10 km, rated 2+/3
First stop today is at Jökulsárlón Lagoon, a 600-foot-deep river lagoon cluttered with icebergs calved from the glacier Breiðamerkurjökull. A short cruise will take us even closer to these floating crystal pyramids. Our walk venue for today is a forested hillside resisting the force of two flanking gargantuan glaciers flowing down from the massive Vatnajökul ice field. The route passes lovely Svartifoss (black waterfall) and visits a lonely group of deserted 19th century farm buildings. Following a short coach ride, part two of the walk explores an Icelandic mosaic as we hike above a beautiful gorge and into a remote lagoon fed by a glacial waterfall.
DAY 8: ACTIVITIES FROM HÖFÐABREKKA (BD)
Höfðabrekka Moonscapes and Meadows Walk – 10 km, rated 2+/3
This morning’s walk starts on a hillside overlooking an extinct volcano, with a picturesque braided river extending over the plain far below. The trail takes us through a fascinating landscape of soft green hills, bizarre lava and sandstone shapes, and panoramic vistas out over the Atlantic. After a break for lunch in the tiny community of Vík, the afternoon is free to relax at our hotel, take a dip in the geothermal hot tub, or perhaps take a stroll in this beautiful corner of Iceland's southeast coast.
DAY 9: HÖFÐABREKKA–HEKLA AREA (BD)
The Icelandic coast near Vík offers stunning views of rock formations and a bevy of coastal bird life that beckon us to explore with a morning stroll. From Vík, we continue to the homey Skógar Folk Museum for a memorable review of a wide collection of rural Icelandic memorabilia. Two more spectacular waterfall visits to Skogarfoss and Seljalandfoss will conclude another day exploring the delightful coast of southeast Iceland. Later tonight, we’ll enjoy a special Farewell Dinner as we reminisce about our adventures together.
DAY 10: DEPART FROM REYKJAVÍK
You’re invited to join us on an excursion to the Blue Lagoon this morning (admission not included). This turquoise-tinted thermal pool, set amongst the contrasting grays of the Reykjanes lava flows, is the perfect place to relax in preparation for a trans-Atlantic flight. Early this afternoon, we’ll depart for the Keflavík Airport and our return home, reluctant to leave, but enriched by the history, culture, and scenery of unforgettable Iceland!
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What's Included
Walking Iceland - Island of Fire & Ice
Summer l 10 Days
Including:
- Airport to hotel group transfers on first and last day**
- All land travel as outlined
- Superior tourist-class or better hotel accommodations
- All breakfasts and dinners
- 6 IVV-sanctioned walks as listed
- Fees for walking credit
- All tipping for local guides and coach drivers
- Local guide service throughout
- WAI guide service throughout
- This tour offers a limited number of private rooms for solo travelers for an additional fee
- Entrance fees/admission to:
- Þingvellir National Park
- Gullfoss waterfall
- Whale-watching cruise
- Goðafoss waterfall
- Jökulsárgljúfur National Park and Dettifoss waterfall
- Papey Island puffin cruise
- Jökulsárlón Lagoon iceberg cruise
- Skaftafell National Park
- Skógar Folk Museum
- Skogarfoss and Seljalandfoss waterfalls
- More fun stops and amazing sights than we can list!
**See Adventure Advice memo (received following registration) for details and times.
Optional Excursions:
- Vatnajökul Glacier Expedition
- Blue Lagoon
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Why We Walk
Why We Walk
Walking and travel are a natural combination! For over 20 years, our Walking Adventures International team has been offering walking programs around the world, and we’ve found that walking and motorcoach travel is the best way to tour. Our coach takes you efficiently from point to point with little wasted time, but walking lets you get off the bus, stretch your legs, and explore the "must see" highlights and off-the-beaten-track wonders. For more on Why We Walk, click here.
Walk Rating System
1. An easy walk on pavement or well-maintained trail with no significant hills.
2. A moderately easy walk, may be on pavement or on trails. No significant difficulty with hills.
3. A moderate walk in any setting with some difficult terrain, one or two substantial hills and/or steps.
4. A more difficult walk. Most likely in a natural setting with poorly maintained paths and steeper or hilly inclines.
5. A very difficult walk. All in rough fields or woods. Many steep hills or high altitude trails, or very rough uneven terrain, steep or unstable inclines.
Volkssport
Some travelers like to keep track of their walks with a system known as volkssport. Click here if you’d like to know more about volkssport.
General Questions
And follow this link for more details on topics like: WAI’s approach to airfare, the number of people accepted on a tour, and finding a roommate!
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