Trekking in Iceland

The team at realbuzz.com believe the best way to take in this amazing country is to trek it, so we have put together a sample eight-day adventure of trekking and snowshoeing to whet your appetite. So if you are up for a challenge that combines trekking glaciers, seeing the Northern Lights as well as the other fantastic spots of southern Iceland, check out our sample itinerary below.

Day-to-day itinerary

Day 1 – Flight to Reykjavik

Day 2 – Drangshlid to Skogafoss waterfall

The first day of your Icelandic adventure is a great laugh as you receive training in using snowshoes. Then it’s off on a snowshoe trek in the hills behind Skogafoss waterfall. You’ll then return to your guesthouse for a well earned Icelandic dinner – which won’t necessarily be fish (but it's kind of likely).

Day 3 - Drangshlid – glacier exploration

This is another fun packed with a trek up to the Solheimjokul glacier which you then explore – with the aid of crampons and an ice-axe.

Day 4 – Drangshlid to Reykjavik

After two amazing days at Drangshlid you are transported back to Reykjavik but stopping off to see some amazing sights along the way. You will visit the 40m (131ft) high waterfalls at Seljelandsfoss, one of the most spectacular waterfalls on Iceland before heading to Gullfoss waterfalls which really are amazing. You then jump back in your transport for the drive to Geyser to see the geothermal waterspouts. The day ends with a visit to Thingvellir and then it’s back to Reykjavik.

Day 5 – Reykjavik to Mount Hengill

Day 6 – Excursion to Glymur waterfall or Mount Skardsheidi

Depending on snow conditions on day six you will take a trek to either the Glymur waterfall or Mount Skardsheidi. Either way, you’ll have a fantastic day and see yet more spectacular Icelandic scenery.

Day 7 – Reykjavik

This is a rest day to recover from your adventures and explore this vibrant city and enjoy some Icelandic cuisine to celebrate the end of a fantastic adventure. If you’re feeling energetic you can go for some treks around the local area.

Day 8 – Flight home

How to get to Reykjavik

realbuzz.com recommends booking this trip through a reputable trekking tour operator. Due to the large distances and terrain covered it is advisable to have knowledgeable guides as well as all of your accommodation booked in advance. For a real adventure and to save some money you could of course book some flights to Iceland and arrange guides and accommodation yourself but using a reputable tour operator has many benefits.

Accommodation

The remote Drangshlid Guesthouse has simple but comfortable rooms with en suite facilities and a large communal sitting and dining room. The Sunna Guesthouse in Reykjavik is within walking distance of the main shopping and restaurant area, and has twin rooms with shared facilities.

Cost considerations

• Return flights.
• Applicable departure taxes.
• All airport transfer & holiday transport costs.
• All accommodation.
• All meals.
• Adventure holiday leader and full support crew.
• Luggage transfer.
• All equipment and basic medical kits.

Who can do this Icelandic trekking trip?

This eight-day adventure activity trip is suitable to relatively fit individuals who are able to be trek for five to six hours in a day.

Regardless of your level of fitness, it is always good advice to have a full medical check-up before deciding whether or not to tackle an adventure challenge.

Medical information

Charity treks

Why not do a trekking adventure for charity? Get sponsored for your trip and raise loads of cash for a worthy cause ... not only will you have had the adventure of a lifetime, but you'll have helped other people too ... the feeling of achievement will be fantastic!

As well as raising money for a worthwhile cause, if you do decide to go with a charity the good news is they take all the hassle out of organising the trip. You don’t need to worry about booking your flights or accommodation and all the other stuff – all you need to worry about is getting in shape.

So are you up for a charity challenge?