Across the Wilderness 2020 - 11 days

Day 1. Arrival

Transfer to Reykjavík is on your own. We recommend the easy and convenient FlyBus Plus transfers. If you are arriving early, a great suggestion is to explore Reykjavik, the largest municipality in Iceland.
Please note guaranteed early check-in is not included in the price. Most hotels begin check-in around 14:00 (2:00pm).

Overnight stay in Reykjavik (airport transfer not included). Dinner on your own.

Day 2. Þingvellir - Gullfoss - Geysir

The guide will pick you up at your hotel or from pre-arranged bus stops in Reykjavík to the tour’s meeting point. The first day begins with a visit to Thingvellir National Park, the ancient site of the world’s first parliament. Here you can see the dramatic continental drift between the North-American and Eurasian tectonic plates. An hour’s drive away, the popular Geysir geothermal area awaits. The most active geyser, Strokkur, shoots water high into the air every few minutes, but you’ll also witness several other boiling pools and hot springs.
Next your group will take part in reforestation programme, located in Haukadalur valley. You can help your group plant a total of five trees, which not only allows you to leave your mark in Iceland but also for your tour group to reduce your carbon footprint!
Then you‘ll head onwards to Iceland’s most popular waterfall, the impressive two-stage Gullfoss (“Golden Falls”).

Approximate distance: 279km / 173 miles

Highlights: UNESCO World Heritage site with Geological Wonders – The beautiful Golden Falls – Exploding Geysers - Conservation Project

Overnight and dinner: Hvolsvöllur area.

Day 3. Dyrhólaey - Kirkjubæjarklaustur

Start the day by driving along the highway, making a stop at two impressive waterfalls: Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. Head to the black sand beaches to enjoy the far-reaching views from Dyrholaey headland, where thousands of puffins and other seabirds nest (puffins generally seen between May and mid-August. Enjoy a stop in the quaint village of Vik before crossing the Myrdalssandur volcanic ash outwash plains created by flowing water from nearby glaciers. The day ends after passing through the vast Eldhraun lava field, the world’s largest recorded single lava flow in the last 10.000 years.

Approximate distance: 190km / 118miles

Highlights: Thundering Waterfalls – Seabird Colony – Black Sand Beaches of the South Shore – Lava Fields

Overnight and dinner: Kirkjubæjarklaustur area for the next two nights.

Day 4. Jökulsárlón - Skaftafell

The day starts with a drive through beautiful scenery towards Vatnajokull, the largest glacier in Europe. You will also get a view of Hvannadalshnjukur, the country´s highest peak. The highlight of the day will surely be surely Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon, where huge icebergs dance around in icy seawater. Continuing on your way, pass by several outlet glaciers from Vatnajokull, visiting at least one of them. Along the route you also will get magnificent views of Skaftafell, a glacier-crowned wonderland within Vatnajökull National Park.

Approximate distance: 260km / 162miles

Highlights: Glacial Lagoon with Icebergs – Scenic Glacial Park – Europe’s Largest Glacier

Overnight and dinner: Kirkjubæjarklaustur area.

Day 5. Landmannalaugar

We continue along the rough interior highland track Fjallabaksleið to Landmannalaugar, a magnificent area surrounded by colorful rhyolite mountains, where you will have the option of taking a bath in a natural warm geothermal pool. The surreal beauty of the uninhabited interior reveals deep valleys and sculptured mountains, many formed in volcanic eruptions under glaciers during the Ice Age.
After a nice walk (optional) enjoy a relaxing swim in a warm brook created by the convergence of hot and cold springs.

Approximate distance: 200km / 125miles

Highlights: Multi-coloured Wilderness Mountains – Lava Fields – Hot Spring Bathing – Hekla Volcano

Overnight and dinner: Thjorsardalur area.

Day 6. Sprengisandur

Today wilderness adventure awaits! It’s time to head north through the very heart of Iceland. Discover hidden treasures of Iceland’s uninhabited interior along the Sprengisandur highland route, a vast, barren, black desert connecting Iceland´s north and south. With only rough tracks and un-bridged glacial rivers, your group will rely on your experienced driver to navigate the rugged passage between the glaciers. This is a true taste of Iceland‘s wild side—bumpy roads and driving through rivers are a part of the experience. If Sprengisandur is closed, we take the Kjölur highland route instead.

Approximate distance: 300km / 185miles

Highlights: Wild Heart of Iceland and Black Sand Desert

Overnight and dinner:Lake Myvatn area for the next 2 nights.

Day 7. Tjörnes - Ásbyrgi - Dettifoss - Lake Mývatn

After travelling on the gravel roads of the highlands, the smooth highways of the north make the fully-packed day seem more comfortable. Travel through the town of Husavik and around the Tjornes peninsula, the northernmost point of your journey. Discover the impressive 100 meter (328 feet) high walls of the horseshoe-shaped canyon of Asbyrgi. According to Norse mythology, the canyon is the hoof-print left by Sleipnir, the magical eight-legged horse of the pagan god Odinn. The journey continues to Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall, located in the awe-inspiring Jokulsargljufur canyon. Next travel to the unforgettable Lake Myvatn area, a geological wonderland and paradise for bird watchers. Some of the most visually bizarre attractions in the region include the mud pits of Hverarond and the still-warm lava fields of Krafla, teeming with lava flows, fissures and explosion craters.

Approximate distance: 300km / 185miles

Highlights: Glacial River Gorge – Europe’s Most Powerful Waterfall – Geothermal Wonderland– Rich Birdlife

Overnight and dinner: Lake Mývatn area.

Day 8. Akureyri - Skagafjörður

Start the adventure today with a visit to Godafoss, one of the most impressive waterfalls in the country. (The name means “Waterfall of the Gods,) Continue to Akureyri, the vibrant “Capital of the North”. Enjoy some free time to explore this colourful and charming town. Some activities might include a visit to the delightful botanical garden, a swim in the local geothermal pool, or perhaps enjoying the culture, art and fine food of the Listagil artists‘ district. The route then continues to the Skagafjordur area, known as the traditional heart of horse breeding in Iceland. This area also boasts many historical sites from the classic Sagas. Tonight, horseback riding on a purebred Viking horse might be an appealing option, as would be an invigorating walk in the picturesque surroundings.

Approximate distance:285 km /183 miles

Highlights: Waterfall “Of the Gods” – The Capital of the North – Viking Horses

Overnight and dinner : Laugarbakki area.

Day 9. Hvammstangi - Eiríksstaðir - Fellströnd

The journey continues around Vatnsnes Peninsula, which contains the extraordinary rock formation of Hvitserkur, a 15 meter (49 ft) tall cliff jutting out straight from the sea. You might even see seals resting close to the beach. In the after-noon, drive through rolling farmlands and across Laxardalsheidi heath to the Viking Age house at Eiriksstadir. This was the original homestead of Erik the Red and birthplace of his son Leif Eiriksson, two of the most celebrated Vikings in the world. In a replica of a grass-roofed house, meet modern day Vikings who demonstrate the lifestyle from 1000 years ago, sharing their crafts and knowledge.

Approximate distance: 150km / 93miles

Highlights: Historical Farmlands – Birthplace of Leif Eiriksson

Overnight and dinner: Fellsströnd or Snæfellsnes.

Day 10. Snæfellsjökull National Park

Today is spent exploring the amazing variety of natural landscapes in Snaefellsjokull National Park. The park‘s crown jewel is Snaefellsjokull glacier itself, which covers a dormant volcano that last erupted in 250 AD. Walk along the uniquely pebbled seascape of Djupalonssandur beach. At the picturesque harbour village of Arnarstapi, you can observe magnificent basalt rock in stacked formations and take a walk along the unique hiking trail linking the settlements of Arnarstapi and Hellnar. Afterwards the journey leads back to Reykjavik, where the tour ends. The tour bus will drop you off at Bus Hostel, where you will be transferred to a pre-arranged bus stop in Reykjavík.

Approximate distance: 440km / 273 miles

Highlights: Snaefellsjokull Glacier – Pebble Beaches – Sea Cliffs with Birdlife – Quaint Fishing Villages

Overnight: Reykjavik. Dinner on your own.

Day 11. Departure

Departure day (transfer not included but can be booked on request)

GeoSea geothermal baths - per adult
Price: 4967 ISK (36 EUR)

GeoSea geothermal baths - per child
Price: 2623 ISK (19 EUR)

Evening Horse Riding Tour in the North - per adult
Price: 9522 ISK (68 EUR)