Hiker enjoying view of Reynisfjara black sand beach and Dyrholaey in the distance

Crater to Summit: A Perfect Iceland Hiking Itinerary

Ratings of Zicasso's Service
Customizable Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist

Countries Visited

Iceland

Places Visited

Skogar, Vatnajokull National Park, Dyrholaey, Fjallabak Nature Reserve...

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Suggested Duration

9 Days

Experience the drama of volcanoes and the elegance of glaciers, the beauty of playful puffins and the majesty of relaxing hot springs during your unforgettable Iceland itinerary perfect for the adventurer the and explorer alike. Historical farmhouses hide beneath grass roofs and walls made from large stones as geysers erupt with impressive waterworks while mountains shimmer with colors shaped by volcanic rock. Trails lead to distinctive craters and quiet villages, hidden thermal baths, and remnants...

Customizable Itinerary

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Trip Highlights

  • Witness the stunning icy terrain of Eyjafjallajokull Glacier that feeds the rushing rivers of the Thorsmork Valley
  • Hike near the summit of Eyjafjallajokull, and walk along the newest craters of the volcano formed in the 2010 eruption
  • View the captivating spouting waters of the Strokkur Geyser as it erupts more than 200 feet into the air
  • Enjoy a boat ride along the reflective waters of the Jokulsarlon Lagoon to touch icebergs more than 1,000 years old
  • Travel along the Loop Road to find lava fields and the remarkable Skogafoss Falls as they tumble over the former coastal cliff
  • Find puffins as they glide through the air near the cliffs and natural archway of Dyrholaey in Iceland’s south
  • Hike along the rolling hills and volcanic soils to find multi-colored ridges of Landmannalaugar dressed with natural streaks of blue, green, red, and black
  • Bask in the refreshing heat and relaxing ambiance of the renowned Blue Lagoon
  • Discover the ridges of the tectonic plates that separate Europe and the Americas inside Thingvellir National Park 

Detailed Description

Iceland is a country full of natural wonders ready to be experienced by lovers of the outdoors and enthusiastic travelers during your 9-day summer trek that combines national parks, stunning waterfalls, and abundant coastal beauty. Your adventure will begin with your arrival at Keflavik International Airport where your private transfer will greet you at customs and escort you along the beginnings of the Ring Road. You travel to the south to enjoy the stunning beauty of Iceland’s natural landscapes and find rugged mountains and blue lakes. Stop for a quick look at Skoga Falls for a view of the cascade and a short hike alongside the Skoga River.

Wake the next morning to continue your travels along the Ring Road, stopping to visit with Icelandic horses and explore rural villages. View the Dyrholaey Arch as puffins swirl in the sky before traversing the waters of Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon. Wake the next day for a full day hike around Vatnajokull National Park, and then wander amongst the rugged peaks, glaciers, and icebergs along with stunning lowlands fed by the Skaftafellsjokull glacier. The next day, you will visit the Fire Fissure of Eldgja en route to Ofaerufoss Waterfall, and then enjoy a hike around the Landmannalaugar region to find the colors of the rhyolite mountains.

The following day, you will take a 4x4 excursion around the Thorsmork region, known for its rugged terrain, stunning mountain ridges, and glacial rivers at the base of Eyjafjallajokull Volcano. In the afternoon, you can settle into your accommodation within the birch forest and then continue your exploration of the volcanoes foothills the next morning as you ascend the massif to view the newest craters of Magni and Modi before returning to your accommodation for a restful evening. The next day, your private transfer will escort you to a small farm that utilizes the heat from the thermal gasses to grow produce in a greenhouse, and then you will continue to Golden Falls and the stunning geysers of Strokkur and the Great Geysir.

Once at Thingvellir National Park, you can see the boulder where the first parliament of Iceland met, along with a walk along the continental tectonic plates. Venture next to the top of Mt. Hengill and take in the stunning views of the countryside around Reykjavik. You will also find natural hot springs where locals enjoy a relaxing soak, and you can take the time to join them. Return to Reykjavik for a tour of Iceland’s capital city, and the next day, your private transfer will bring you to the Blue Lagoon where you can refresh your body with a soak in the renowned hot spring. Conclude as you arrive at the Keflavik Airport for your flight home.  As you consider your plans, click here to read other traveler's reviews.

Starting Price

$4,090 per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

What's Included

  • Accommodations
  • In-country transportation
  • Some or all activities and tours
  • Expert trip planning
  • 24x7 support during your trip

Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.

Reviews of Zicasso's Referral Service

4.85 stars based on 393 reviews.

Iceland Vacation Review: Reykjavik, Jökulsárlón Glacier...
"Our travel team did all the hard work and prepared everything...

Reviewed By Carole P.

Iceland Tour Review: Blue Lagoon, Waterfalls, Lava Fields,...
"We interviewed several companies, but once we spoke with...

Reviewed By Stefanie A.

Iceland Trip Review: Dyrholaey Arch, Glacier, Boat Ride,...
"We were so happy with everything planned and provided."

Reviewed By Mary M.

Iceland Family Travel Review: Reykjavik, Snæfellsnes Peninsula,...
"Thank you to Jonathan for planning a wonderful trip!"

Reviewed By Gary M.

Iceland Travel Review: Blue Lagoon, Hot Springs, Snorkeling,...
"We were thrilled with our trip plan, and Lisbet was responsive,...

Reviewed By Kevin G.

Iceland Vacation Review: Glacier Hike, ATV Tour, Waterfalls,...
"We had an AMAZING time in Iceland. Jonathan planned the...

Reviewed By Hope B.

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