Small Group 5-Day Adventure Tour of the South Coast, Eastfjords, and Highlands
Description
Summary
Description
Book this incredible five-day guided excursion to explore some of Iceland's most beautiful areas, including the South Coast, Eastfjords, and Icelandic Highlands. Those eager to hike and discover the Vatnajokull National Park, the Skaftafell Nature Reserve, and the less-traveled wonders of the Eastfjords should book this small-group tour now.
Your tour starts when you are picked up from Bus Stop 8 in downtown Reykjavik. You will meet the expert, English-speaking guide leading the tour, as well as the other guests.
This excursion is a small-group tour, so you will be able to get to know the other guests over the next five days and have plenty of time with your guide.
Besides the tour transportation, included in the tour package are accommodations for four nights and breakfasts and dinners for days two to four. Equipment for the kayaking and glacier experience is also provided.
On the first day of your tour, you will hike in the Fjallabak and Landmannalaugar Nature Reserve in the Icelandic Highlands. Landmannalaugar is renowned for its remote setting and otherworldly landscapes.
Its name translates to "The People's Pools," referring to geothermal hot springs. Visitors are drawn to its colorful rhyolite mountains formed by volcanic activity and colored red, yellow, and green.
The area offers diverse hiking trails, from easy walks to more challenging treks. After the hike, you'll have a chance to relax in one of the natural hot springs in the area.
On the second day, you will explore the area around your accommodation in Southeast Iceland before heading to Vestrahorn mountain and hiking around its surrounding bay. The last activity of the day is kayaking amongst the icebergs at the Heinbergslonl glacier lagoon.
The third day of the tour highlights the Skaftafell Nature Reserve. Here, you'll embark on an icy adventure, exploring a glacier and visiting an ice cave. You'll also see the beautiful Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon and Diamond Beach, where the icebergs wash up.
On day four, you'll explore the Eastfjords, a region that is less frequented than other areas in Iceland due to its distance from the capital. It has incredible scenery, remote fishing villages, deep lakes, lush forests, and Icelandic farms.
You'll visit fjords, mountains, forests, waterfalls, and beaches here.
On the final day of the tour, you'll pack your luggage and drive back to Reykjavik. On the way, you'll visit the most breathtaking attractions of the South Coast. This includes the Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, Reynisfjara black sand beach, and lesser-known canyons and waterfalls.
At the end of the tour, you will be dropped off back in central Reykjavik, ready to continue your adventures in Iceland or head home.
Enjoy this immersive five-day experience exploring some of the most famous and lesser-visited areas of Iceland with a range of exciting adventures. Check availability now by choosing a date.
Included
Activities
Daily itinerary
Day 1 - Reykjavik to Landmannalaugar and Southeast Iceland
Day one of your multi-day tour in Iceland begins in Reykjavik, the bustling capital city. You’ll head over to tour bus stop #8 in the downtown area a few minutes before 9:00 in the morning. The meeting point is easy to locate because it’s just beside the iconic Hallgrimskirkja church.
Alternatively, other pickup points in the city can be arranged upon request.
Here, you’ll meet your experienced English-speaking guide and the rest of the tour joiners. The group will have a brief introduction before embarking on the sightseeing and hiking adventures.
Today’s itinerary highlights the Icelandic Highlands, a region that is not as accessible as other destinations in the country. This is due to its remote location and rugged terrain, from volcanoes to glaciers.
In the Highlands, you’ll explore the stunning landscapes of the Fjallabak and the Landmannalaugar nature reserves.
Landmannalaugar offers a perfect start to your hike. The area is characterized by its multicolored peaks, formed from centuries of volcanic activity, creating a surreal and otherworldly landscape.
Besides its rhyolite mountains, the nature reserve has steaming vents, hot springs, and expanses of rugged lava fields. This diverse terrain makes Landmannalaugar a favorite destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.
In this area, you can expect around four hours of active hiking with an elevation gain of approximately 1640 feet (500 meters).
After the hike, you’ll enjoy a relaxing soak in one of the area's natural hot springs. This geothermal oasis, surrounded by rugged beauty, provides a perfect spot to unwind and recharge. Don’t forget to pack your swimwear and towel to fully enjoy the bath.
Following the hot spring relaxation, you’ll board the tour transportation and continue the journey toward Southeast Iceland. The drive offers more scenic views along the southern coast edged by the North Atlantic Ocean.
Your final destination for the day is your countryside accommodation near the coastal town of Hofn. The guesthouse will serve as your stay for the next four nights.
Day 2 - Vestrahorn and Heinabergslon Glacier Lagoon Kayaking
You will begin your day two with a tasty breakfast served at your cozy accommodation. Before leaving for today’s adventures, you can enjoy the breathtaking views surrounding you.
After packing your day’s essentials and preparing, you’re now ready to hike the surrounding landscapes of Nesjahverfi. The guide will lead your group to a beautiful and secluded canyon near the guesthouse. This hidden gem provides a peaceful and scenic continuation of your hike. Not many travelers know the area, so you may explore the area with fewer tourists to bump around.
Following the canyon hike, the journey continues to Vestrahorn, a striking mountain located on the Stokksnes peninsula. The mountain is made out of gabbro rocks and peaks at 1490 feet (454 meters).
Vestrahorn is most renowned for its dramatic landscapes. Its jagged peaks are made more breathtaking by the surrounding black sand beaches and a stunning bay. Although you won’t hike on the mountain itself, the surrounding beach will be your trekking grounds.
While in the area, don’t forget to snap some photos. This area is recognized as one of the most breathtaking subjects and backdrops of photography in Iceland.
After exploring Vestrahorn, you’ll ride a little further south, close to the Vatnajokull glacier. Here, the Heinabergslon glacier lagoon awaits you for a thrilling kayaking activity.
Heinabergslon glacier lagoon is a beautiful spot by Heinabergsjokull, an outlet glacier of Vatnajokull. The lagoon is filled with floating icebergs that have broken off from the glacier, creating a stunning scene of icy formations. It’s similar to the famous Jokulsarlon lagoon, although smaller and less crowded.
Kayaking here offers a close-up view of the icebergs and the peaceful surroundings. The guide will assist you during the activity and provide all the necessary kayaking and safety equipment.
As the evening sets in, you’ll return to the guesthouse for dinner and relaxation.
Day 3 - Skaftafell Glacier Hiking and Ice Caving
Day three of your Icelandic holiday opens with a beautiful view of Southeast Iceland. To prepare for a long day ahead, you’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast at your accommodation.
Today’s itinerary highlights the Skaftafell Nature Reserve of the Vatnajokull National Park. Skaftafell is an ideal location for hiking and glacier expeditions because of its magnificent landscapes.
At Skaftafell, the guide will lead you on an exhilarating hike around and atop one of its glacier tongues. The nature reserve has birch woodlands, black sands, waterfalls, and more natural features.
Atop the glacier, you’ll discover dramatic landscapes and ice formations. Ice ridges, ice walls, crevasses, and vast plains will welcome you. Even if it’s your first time or not, the activity offers an unforgettable experience. These glaciers are constantly changing, ensuring a unique experience with each visit.
All safety equipment will be provided. The guide will also provide you with assistance and enrich your experience with information about the glacier, its history, and folklore.
The main highlight of the day is a visit to a blue ice cave. These caves are formed naturally each season, offering an extraordinary view of the vibrant blue ice.
Walking through the ice cave is an unforgettable experience. Inside, you’ll see shimmering blue walls with streaks of ash and other unique ice shapes. Make sure to take some photos because the caves melt and freeze with the seasons.
After spending ample time exploring the glacier and ice cave, the return journey includes stops at two more iconic locations. The first is the Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon, a stunning body of water filled with icebergs. The floating icebergs, varying in size and shape, are stunning to see up close.
Nearby is Diamond Beach, where icebergs from the lagoon are washed ashore. The ice fragments glisten like diamonds on the black sand, offering a striking contrast and a perfect spot for photos.
After exploring these natural wonders, the day concludes with a return to the guesthouse. Before retiring for the night, your group will enjoy a simple dinner.
Day 4 - The Wonders of East Iceland
Day four takes the adventure further east to the stunning Eastfjords of Iceland. Before leaving the guesthouse, like in the previous days, you’ll first enjoy a complimentary breakfast to help energize you for the adventures ahead.
Unlike the South Coast, characterized by its dynamic lava fields, black sands, and glaciers, the Eastfjords boast an older, more mature landscape. This area is known for its majestic fjords, carved by ancient glaciers, steep mountains, and even forests, which are a rare sight in the rest of Iceland.
The day continues with a scenic drive through the Eastfjords, offering breathtaking views of the dramatic coastline and towering mountains.
Your first possible stop is Djupivogur, a charming coastal village known for its picturesque harbor and rich history. This quaint town provides a glimpse into the traditional Icelandic way of life and is a great spot to enjoy some local culture.
Next, the journey may continue to Hallormsstadaskogur, Iceland's largest forest. This lush area contrasts sharply with the barren landscapes seen earlier in the tour. The forest is filled with walking trails that wind through dense trees, offering a peaceful retreat and a chance to experience Iceland’s diverse flora.
Another possible hiking destination today is Hengifoss, one of Iceland's tallest waterfalls. The hike to Hengifoss offers spectacular views of the surrounding cliffs, which are layered with red strata. The waterfall itself cascades down from a height of 420 feet (128 meters).
Throughout the day, there will be opportunities to stop at various viewpoints, beaches, and smaller waterfalls, depending on the weather and available time. Each stop provides a unique perspective of the Eastfjords’ rugged beauty.
After a full day of exploring the Eastfjords, you’ll return to the guesthouse for dinner and relaxation. This will be the final night of your trip, so feel free to socialize more with the rest of the hikers and tour joiners.
Day 5 - South Coast Highlights and Reykjavik
On the final day, the journey back to Reykjavik begins, marking the end of the tour with some of Iceland's most iconic sights. The route back follows the South Coast, offering a mix of famous attractions and hidden gems.
Along the South Coast, one of your stops will be the Reynisfjara beach, known for its black sand and striking basalt columns. The powerful Atlantic waves crashing against the shore create a dramatic scene, and the nearby Reynisdrangar sea stacks add to the beach's unique charm. It’s a captivating spot for photography.
Next, the tour continues to Skogafoss waterfall, one of Iceland's largest and most photographed waterfalls. The waterfall has a drop of 200 feet (60 meters) and a width of 82 feet (25 meters). Visitors can get up close to the base to feel the spray or climb the adjacent staircase for a panoramic view from the top.
Following Skogafoss, the journey heads to Seljalandsfoss waterfall. This waterfall is unique because visitors can walk behind the cascading water for a different perspective. The path behind the waterfall provides an exhilarating experience and a chance to see the waterfall from all angles.
The drive then takes a turn towards some of the less visited canyons and waterfalls, offering a quieter and more intimate experience of Iceland's natural beauty. These hidden spots showcase the country's diverse landscapes away from the crowds.
After exploring these lesser-known sites, the drive continues all the way back to Reykjavik. Arriving in the city marks the end of the five-day tour, filled with unforgettable experiences and stunning landscapes. This final leg of the journey ties together the varied beauty of Iceland, from dramatic coastlines and powerful waterfalls to serene canyons.
The tour guide will drop you off at the same tour bus stop you were picked up on day one.
What to bring
Good to know
This tour is easy for fit people who hike regularly but can be harder for those with few experiences in hiking. Hikes will have around a 500-meter elevation gain on rock/snow-covered ground. Most days include a small hike or other physical activities.
Each tour joiner is allowed one large and one small suitcase/backpack to bring.
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