Small-Group 6-Day South Coast, Highlands, and Eastfjords Tour with Hiking to Oraefajokull

Day two of your six-day hiking in Iceland opens with the beautiful scenery of Southeast Iceland. To start your day, a complimentary breakfast will be served at the accommodation. This will help energize you for the activities ahead.

The day’s hike starts with the landscapes around the guesthouse. One specific area you’ll see is a canyon near Nesjahverfi. This hidden gem is a lesser-known area, allowing you to explore with fewer tourists around.

Your day continues closer to the coast as you head over the Vestrahorn mountain. This peak in the Stokksnes peninsula rises to a height of 1,490 feet (454 meters). It’s one of the most recognizable mountains in Iceland because of its jagged peaks framed by the surrounding black sands and bay.

The guide will lead you on an easy hike on the surrounding bay of Vestrahorn. While trekking and sightseeing here, don’t forget to snap some photos to commemorate the experience.

The highlight of the day comes next as you travel to Vatnajokull, the largest glacier in Iceland. Your main destination is the Heinabergslon glacier lagoon for a thrilling kayaking experience.

Located at the mouth of the Heinabergjokull outlet glacier, Heinabergslon glacier lagoon is a great alternative to the world-famous Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon. Both lagoons are filled with icebergs from Vatnajokull but Heinabergjokull has lesser crowds.

Kayaking at Heinabergslon offers a more immersive experience. It allows you to get very close to the icebergs and the edge of the Heinabergjokull glacier. You’ll see icebergs in different sizes and colors while paddling and listening to the stories of your guide.

All necessary kayaking and safety equipment will be provided for the tour. This includes the kayaks and paddles. If it’s your first time, fret not, as the guide will give a briefing and will assist you throughout the tour if necessary.

After kayaking amongst icebergs, you’ll drive back to the guesthouse. Like the previous night, you’ll first have a delicious dinner before enjoying a restful sleep in your room.

Day three of your guided tour highlights the most breathtaking features and activities in the Vatnajokull National Park. Today's itinerary features a back-to-back glacier adventure of glacier hiking and ice caving.

Before leaving the accommodation, your group will enjoy a tasty breakfast prepared by the guide and the guesthouse staff. 

Your journey begins with a scenic drive to Skaftafell, a nature reserve within the Vatnajokull National Park. Upon arrival, you'll be equipped with the necessary glacier gear and safety equipment, and your professional guide will provide a brief safety orientation. 

The hike starts with a trek across one of the outlet glaciers of Skatafell. Your guide will choose one with the best features and consider the weather conditions. The hike is easy to moderate, making it accessible to most fitness levels.

Atop the glacier, you'll witness the vast expanse of ice and the stunning blue hues that characterize this frozen wonderland. The glacier has ice ridges, towering ice walls, and spectacular crevasses perfect for exploration.

Next, you'll venture into an ice cave, a highlight of the tour. These natural formations, created by the melting and refreezing of the glacier, boast intricate patterns and a mesmerizing blue color that seems almost otherworldly. 

Your guide will lead you through the cave, sharing fascinating insights about the glacier's formation and the natural forces that shape these stunning structures. 

After the exhilarating activities at Skaftafell, the tour continues with a visit to the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon. Here, you can marvel at the floating icebergs that drift serenely in the lagoon's icy waters. The lagoon is also Iceland's deepest lake.

A short walk from Jokulsarlon brings you to Diamond Beach, where the icebergs that wash ashore create a sparkling display against the black sand. This picturesque spot is ideal for capturing memorable photographs.

As the day draws to a close, you'll take the journey back to your accommodation near Hofn. Enjoy a delicious dinner before retiring for the night.

Today brings you to a one-of-a-kind journey to the Eastfjords, the farthest region from Reykjavik. Due to its remote location, not many travelers venture into the area, allowing you to enjoy a more intimate trip.

In contrast with other areas in Iceland, like the South Coast, the Eastfjors has verdant valleys, lush forests, enchanting fjords with mountains, and peaceful fishing villages.

Before leaving the guesthouse, your small group will enjoy a delicious breakfast. By this point in the tour, you are more likely closer to the other adventurers.

After packing your day’s essentials, it’s time to hit the road again. Before reaching the Eastfjords, you may visit the town of Hofn. This settlement in Southeast Iceland has a stunning natural harbor and is famous for its seafood. 

Your itinerary in the Eastfjords is not set in stone. Depending on the time and weather conditions, the guide may take you to the region’s most famous attractions and hidden wonders.

A possible stop for sightseeing and cultural activities is the coastal town of Djupivogur. This picturesque settlement, with its colorful houses and friendly locals, embodies the tranquil charm of the Eastfjords. Here, you can take a stroll along the shore and perhaps visit the Eggin i Gledivik, an outdoor sculpture installation representing the eggs of local bird species.

For hiking, a possible destination is Hallormsstadaskogur, Iceland’s largest forest. This expansive woodland is a rarity in a country known for its barren landscapes and offers numerous hiking trails through dense birch and pine trees. The vibrant atmosphere of the forest provides a perfect setting for relaxation and reflection.

Throughout the tour, your guide will also lead you to several hidden gems off the beaten path, from secluded fjords to secret viewpoints offering panoramic vistas of the Eastfjords’ stunning landscapes.

Towards the end of the day, you’ll return to your accommodation in the southeast to prepare for a long hike the next day.

Day five offers one of the highlights and most challenging hikes of your trip. Today, your group will conquer Hvannadalshnukur, the tallest mountain in Iceland. It is situated in the Oraefajokull glacier volcano of the Vatnajokull National Park.

Preparing for this hike is crucial. Wear layered clothing to adjust to changing temperatures and bring waterproof gear to protect against snow and ice. Sturdy hiking boots, hiking poles, gloves, and a warm hat are essential. 

It's also advisable to bring sunglasses and sunscreen to protect against the sun's glare on the ice.

Weather in Iceland can be highly unpredictable, especially in mountainous regions. Conditions can change rapidly from clear skies to heavy snow or fog. Following your professional guide closely is vital to ensure safety throughout the hike.

The initial phase of the ascent involves traversing rocky paths and snowy terrain, offering an immediate taste of the mountain's diverse terrain. The landscape here is a mix of volcanic rock and ice, showcasing the dynamic geological activity of the region.

As you progress, the terrain becomes steeper and more demanding. The path transitions to snow-covered slopes with deep cracks. Your experienced guide will ensure a steady pace, allowing frequent breaks to rest and hydrate. 

The final approach to the summit involves navigating more crevasses and negotiating the glacier's icy surface. This section demands focus and careful footing, but your guide will provide expert assistance to ensure a safe ascent. 

Upon reaching the summit of Hvannadalshnukur, you are greeted with unparalleled panoramic views. On a clear day, you can see vast expanses of Vatnajokull National Park, the surrounding peaks of the Oraefajokull glacier, and the distant coastline of the North Atlantic Ocean.

After taking in the views and capturing the moment with photographs, the descent begins, following the same route back down the mountain.

After a demanding yet rewarding hike, you'll return to the Southeast Iceland accommodation for dinner and sleep.

Today is the last leg of your six-day trip to Iceland. In contrast with the previous days, today’s itinerary is more laid back as you return to Reykjavik. 

The journey takes you on a scenic drive along the South Coast of Iceland. This region is one of the most visited areas in the country because of its impressive natural attractions and proximity to the capital.

One of your stops is Reynisfjara beach, the most famous black sand beach in Iceland. Reynisfjara features stretches of volcanic sands with basalt columns and unique sea stacks. 

Although swimming is prohibited in the area due to the mighty waves of the North Atlantic Ocean, it’s the perfect spot for sightseeing and taking photos. It also has an interesting folklore that you’ll discover from your expert guide.

Another place to visit is the Skogafoss waterfall. With a drop of 200 feet (60 meters) and a width of 82 feet (25 meters), Skogafoss is a majestic spectacle. On sunny days, rainbows often form above its water curtain.

You can view Skogafoss from its pool of water at the bottom or climb the staircase beside it leading to the top cliff. Either way, it’s an unforgettable sight to witness.

Next to explore is the Seljalandsfoss waterfall. This cascade is the same height as Skogafoss but with a different viewing angle. A small cave goes behind it, allowing visitors to view the water curtain from behind.

On top of these popular South Coast destinations, the guide will bring you to other less-traveled sites. This may include additional waterfalls, canyons, cliffs, and more, with time permitting.

Before the day ends, you’ll reach Reykjavik. The guide will drop you off at tour bus stop #8 beside the Hallgrimskirkja church, where you can part ways with the rest of the adventurers.