THE ICELAND ULTIMATE
Hiking adventure

Your adventure begins as you arrive in Iceland, where transport will be arranged to collect you from Reykjavik Airport. It’s well connected to many airports around Europe, making your journey smooth and hassle-free. 

To make the most of your trip, we recommend arriving in the morning or afternoon, giving you time to settle in and also a great opportunity to meet your fellow adventurers. If you’re arriving a day early, we can suggest excellent accommodation options to ensure a relaxed start to your journey. 

For the duration of the trip, you’ll be based in Selfoss, a small town not far from the capital. This means you won’t have to carry all your belongings from place to place, and after each day of hiking, you’ll return to the comfort of a warm shower and a cosy bed. Get ready for an unforgettable week exploring one of Europe’s most spectacular mountain landscapes.

Distance – 9.2km, Elevation – 400m, Time – 5 Hours

This adventurous trail to Iceland’s second-highest waterfall is a dramatic canyon hike like no other. Starting near Hvalfjörður fjord, the path first takes you through a lava cave and across a river on a log bridge (which may not be up in early spring), before you begin climbing along the mossy cliffs of Glymur canyon. As the sound of the waterfall grows louder, the views open into a towering gorge carved by glacial meltwater. The climb is steady but not technical, offering spectacular perspectives of Glymur’s 198-meter drop into the chasm below. For even more variety, you can cross the upper river (conditions permitting) and return on the opposite side, forming a scenic loop. The combination of water, height, remoteness, and greenery gives this hike an alpine feel — with far fewer crowds than Iceland’s headline sights.

Distance – 14.9km, Elevation – 605m, Time – 6 Hours

This trail through the geothermal wilds of the Hengill volcanic system is raw, rugged, and endlessly fascinating. Located just 35 minutes from Selfoss, it offers a more isolated experience than popular routes. The hike begins near the Nesjavellir geothermal plant and immediately immerses you in a world of bubbling vents, steaming ravines, and colorful rhyolite hills. As you ascend toward Skeggi or loop through Sleggjubeinsdalur, you’ll pass boiling mud pots, wide ridgelines, and panoramic views over Þingvallavatn lake and the surrounding highlands. The variety in terrain — from lush valleys to bare volcanic plateaus — makes this feel like several hikes in one. It’s not technically difficult, but the remote feel and changing elevation keep it exciting from start to finish.

Distance – 11.8km, Elevation – 550m, Time – 5 Hours

This hike is the perfect blend of iconic Icelandic landscape and geothermal reward. Beginning in the town of Hveragerði, just 25 minutes from Selfoss, the trail climbs steadily into Reykjadalur — or “Steam Valley” — where clouds of geothermal mist drift over the hills. Along the way, you’ll pass bubbling mud pots and hot streams in a green, dramatic valley carved by volcanic activity. Most visitors stop at the hot river, but to make this a proper day hike, continue beyond the bathing area and follow a ridge that loops above the valley, offering expansive views of the Hengill range and the coast beyond. After taking in the views, soak your legs in the naturally warm stream before heading back down. This route is accessible, soothing, and atmospheric — a uniquely Icelandic experience.

After several days of hiking through Iceland’s wild landscapes, today is a chance to slow down, explore the village at your own pace, or take a day trip to one of the country’s other stunning destinations.

There are hundreds more hikes you can go for alone if you still have the energy or maybe you would like to spend the day in Reykjavik to experience a bit of city life, museums and quirky cafes. We have lots of ideas for you if you need some inspiration.

Distance – 12.9km, Elevation – 367m, Time – 5 Hours

Starting at one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls, this hike quickly moves beyond the crowds into a peaceful, varied landscape. After walking behind the curtain of water at Seljalandsfoss, continue northward past fields of lupines and stone walls to the secretive Gljúfrabúi, half-hidden inside a mossy gorge. From here, a lesser-known trail leads up into a remote valley carved by meltwater from Eyjafjallajökull. The path climbs gently through grassy meadows, with open views toward the Atlantic Ocean and distant cliffs. While the waterfalls are the showstoppers, the valley trail adds solitude and serenity — a quiet walk among birdsong, basalt, and big skies. It’s a wonderful combination of Iceland’s iconic beauty and quiet, surprising depth.

Distance – 11.2km, Elevation – 495m, Time – 5,5 Hours

This two-part hike begins with a short loop around the vividly colored Kerið Crater, where bright red earth surrounds a still, turquoise lake. After enjoying the crater’s surreal palette, drive 15–20 minutes south to begin a quiet ridge trail above Þorlákshöfn, a stretch of lava-strewn coastline where black sand, windswept moss, and ocean views create an atmosphere of stark beauty. The trail follows ancient lava ridges with wide-open views of the sea, the south coast, and the vast plains stretching inland. Though less known than Iceland’s inland hikes, the contrast between fire (Kerið) and sea (Þorlákshöfn) makes this day feel layered and elemental — a softer, slower-paced route that invites reflection and wide-eyed wonder.

After an incredible week exploring the wild beauty of Iceland, it’s time to pack your bags and begin your journey onwards. Transport will be arranged to take you back to Reykjavik. It’s recommended not to book a flight too early on the final day to give us time to get back to the airport.

If you’re extending your stay, there are plenty of incredible places to explore beyond the mountains. We’d be happy to share recommendations to help you make the most of your time.

As you leave Iceland behind, you’ll take with you memories of volcanoes, geysers and unforgettable adventures in one of Europe’s most breathtaking landscapes. Until next time!