wilderness travel iceland

Across the Wilderness

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ÓBYGGÐASETUR ÍSLANDS

The Wilderness Center is an authentic and peaceful hideaway,

located right by the edge of Northern Europe’s biggest wilderness.

EXHIBITION  

Life in the wilderness

Open daily 11 am – 6 pm From 15 May to 30 of September Winter opening on request

ACCOMODATION

“Sleep in a museum”

Tranquil location with unique accommodation Open all year around

Homemade food with local ingredients

Dinner service and food tours all year around

From 2 ho urs to a whole day

Horseriding, Hiking, Hot pool

MULTIDAY TOURS  

From 2 to 5 days

Hiking, skiing, Yoga, local food

TAILOR-MADE TOURS

Personalized for you

Private tours with authentic experiences

Hiking Adventures in Surreal Landscapes

Hiking the fjords of greenland and iceland.

Denmark, Iceland, Greenland

From $9,995

Moderate to Strenuous

Call 1-800-368-2794 or contact us for any questions

Arrive: Reykjavík, Iceland

Depart: Reykjavík, Iceland

• Hike dramatic high trails above Iceland's spectacular fjords
• Cruise by private boat among Greenland's sculpted icebergs
• Soak up the midnight sun, visit remote Inuit villages
• See the famous puffin colonies of the Látrabjarg Cliffs

Dates & Pricing

Pricing below is per person and based on double occupancy. The earlier you book, the more choice you’ll have. WT also has the most generous cancellation and transfer policies in the industry, we make it easy if you change your mind. Have a small group of your own? Take over an existing date or choose your own. You’ll have your own private guide–and the adventure–all to yourselves!

Payment & Cancel Schedule

$600 due at time of reservation 90 days prior to departure: Balance

Cancellation & Transfer Schedule

Minimum fee: $250 per person 61-90 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost 46-60 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost 45 days or less: 100% of trip cost

Please note that this differs from our standard policy.

• Expert leadership of a Wilderness Travel Trip Leader and local guides
• Accommodations in lodges and hotels
• All land and boat transportation and baggage handling from meeting until departure
• All activities as indicated in Detailed Itinerary

Not Included

• Travel to and from the arrival and departure location as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
• Additional hotel nights outside the trip's scheduled dates
• Optional gratuities to Trip Leaders or staff
• Optional travel insurance
• Other expenses of a personal nature (some alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.)

Accommodations

Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.

Hotel Angmagssalik

Tasiillaq, Greenland

Days 1-4 (4 nights)

Hotel Kulusuk

Kulusuk, Iceland

Day 5 (1 night)

Alda Hotel Reykjavík

Reykjavík, Iceland

Day 6 (1 night)

Hotel Ísafjörður

Ísafjörður, Iceland

Day 7 (1 night)

Hotel Breiðavík

Breiðavík, Iceland

Days 8-9 (2 nights)

Day 10 (1 night)

Trip Leaders

Wilderness Travel Trip Leaders have a passion and a joy for creating an unforgettable journey. We are extremely proud of them and the incredible travel experiences they make possible. For more information, including client comments about them and which specific trips they will be leading, please click on their profiles below.

Orri Sigurjónsson

What the Trip is Like

The hiking terrain can be rough and rocky, often with no distinct trail, and we will have some short hikes on glaciers, with rough snow and ice underfoot. No technical gear (crampons, ice axes) is necessary, but on all hikes, hiking poles will be very useful (and they are provided). This is wild country, and all participants should be ready for hiking in a beautiful, but unmanicured landscape. It's a big part of the appeal! Note: While we are hiking in Greenland, our guide will be carrying a rifle. Polar bears are rarely seen around the towns, but they can be sighted anywhere, and for the safety of the group, our guide will have a rifle with him on all walks. This is the same policy we follow in Africa on our walking safaris.

The weather in this part of the world is notoriously variable, and participants must come prepared for the strong winds and sudden weather changes of Iceland and Greenland. Temperatures should be in the mid 50s, perfect for hiking. The weather can provide spectacular clear days but can also be very wet and changeable, and we want you to be well prepared for all you may encounter. Weather in Iceland and Greenland is always unpredictable, so you must come prepared for at least some rain and bring appropriate rain gear. It is unlikely that it will be truly hot. Trip members need to remain flexible in consideration of inclement weather that may require changes, such as substituting different hiking routes or changing the planned itinerary. Water activities such as our boating excursion are also dependent on sea forecasts.

The weather will have the final say in our daily itinerary. We will do our best to complete all activities as outlined in this itinerary, but the safety of the group is of primary importance, and will be the guiding factor in our decisions.

Client Testimonials

"This trip greatly exceeded my expectations. I can always count on WT to include extraordinary experiences and ‘little touches’ of fun for its clients."

"We have been traveling with Wilderness for years. A fabulous company! Your leaders make all the difference and Orri was no exception!"

Bethesda, MD

"A great trip, made even better by the wonderful leaders, a terrific group, fine weather, amazingly beautiful country, challenging but achievable hiking, and some lucky and some predictable wildlife sightings."

Tea Gardens, Australia

Other Trips You Might Like

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Hiking the Faroe Islands

From $5,295

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From $7,395

Southern Iceland Expedition

From $7,195

Western Greenland Expedition

Greenland, Denmark

From $6,995

Book your trip today

Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!

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Trip Levels

With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.

Level 1 – Easiest

Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.

• Royal Rajasthan and Villages of India
• Small ship cruises

Level 2 – Easy to Moderate

Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.

• Our African safaris
• Costa Rica Wildlife

Level 3 – Moderate

Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.

• Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
• Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
• Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
• Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as  Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin,  are Trip Level 3.

Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.

• Ultimate Patagonia
• Hiking the Spanish Pyrenees

Level 5 – Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.

• Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
• Everest Lodge to Lodge

Level 6 – Very Strenuous

Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.

• Everest Base Camp
• Climb Kilimanjaro!

Iceland Expedition

Reykjavík, Iceland

$6,595/person

Book this tour through our partner: Wilderness Travel

Wilderness Travel is an award-winning leader in adventure travel, renowned for superb itinerary design, high-value, and the best Trip Leaders in the bus...

Additional Information

Nature has outdone herself in Iceland, a world of spouting geysers, blue lagoons, moss-covered lava fields, and multicolored valleys stretching to the sea—the geographic diversity and fantasy landscapes must be seen to be believed. On our journey of coastal, mountain, and glacier adventures, we explore UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park and the brooding heaths of ancient "saga" country, where Viking clans created the world's first parliament. We'll hike high above breathtaking Skógafoss waterfall, across the spectacular Dyrhólaey headland, and to the otherworldly black-sand beach at Reynisfjara. We'll also experience the welcoming Icelandic culture, sampling local delights from arctic char to fresh-caught salmon, and enjoying soaks in geothermally heated mineral waters—join us!

Iceland Expedition Reviews

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Iceland Wilderness Center

View top icelandic nature at the Óbyggðasetrið wilderness area.

Attractions

Iceland Wilderness Centre

• About Wilderness Center
• Recommended Tours
• What to expect
• How to get to there
• Interesting places near

The Wilderness Center in Iceland is the top place to log out, reboot and recharge. Relax in complete tranquility as you visit the area’s incredible nature and history. Discover Iceland’s Wilderness Center – a nature-lovers paradise at the edge of Northern Europe’s largest wilderness area.

In Icelandic, the Iceland Wilderness Center is called  Óbyggðasetrið . The word  óbyggð  literally means no settlement and is very descriptive to this location. The center is an incredible hideaway located right at the brim of Northern Europe’s largest wilderness area.

This place is a step back in time and offers unique accommodation options, food made from local ingredients, daily hiking trips, and fishing expeditions.

You can also do Icelandic horse riding tours and day tours – both custom made and scheduled and even exhibitions.

The history of Iceland truly shines from beginning to end at this authentic hideaway. Truly get a sense of what it’s like to live in the Icelandic wilderness.

When visitors arrive on site, they park their cars at the designated parking spot and continue to cross over an old wooden bridge.

What awaits at the other end is an adventure and participation that has been carefully orchestrated with particular attention to detail. This is evident in the whole experience and has been done through the building’s beautiful decor, both inside and out.

TOURS THAT VISIT THE WILDERNESS CENTER

6 Days Around Iceland Adventure

8 Day Iceland Ring Road Tour

7 Day Complete Iceland

9 Day - Around Iceland, Highlands and Volcano Adventure

What to expect when visiting the iceland wilderness center.

The accommodation  has a few options ranging from the part you wish to play. Will you stay in the landowner’s suite, maybe the old farmhouse or even in a bed closet?

The options are all beautifully displayed and the feeling of staying there has often been described as if you are staying in a museum.

The preparation of food   is all done in an open kitchen so the visitors can learn a thing or two. The ingredients are fresh from the region and the recipes are old ones from Iceland.

The Icelandic horse  is one of the things locals are the proudest of when it comes to their homeland. The passion not only lays in riding them and caring for them, but also in sharing them with others.

They are known to be very friendly, have big personalities and spirits. They are sometimes referred to as Icelandic ponies, due to their lack in height but Icelanders prefer the use of word  horse . You can join a horse riding tour daily at the center.

The hiking   in the area is also something the Wilderness Center is happy to introduce you to. Be it with instructions or on  guided tours .

The walk along the river Jökulsá in Fljótsdalur is truly a dazzling one with numerous waterfalls cascading down. One of the best waterfalls to see in the area is  Hengifoss , known as the hanging waterfall or the waterfall with the red stripes.

The hiking and walking tours in the area are all packed with endless tales and folklore but the area is known for its long tradition of storytelling.

The hot spring spa  is yet another authentic Icelandic touch which many of the guests consider being a highlight. This hot spring spa has been designed and built in the same way the Vikings used to do when they utilized the warmth of the ground for bathing just as you can do when visiting.

The exhibition  at the Wilderness Center opened in 2016 and covers a 3 kilometer (1,86 miles) long trail. Guests are invited to explore and experience the spirit of the old farm buildings and learn about the livelihood of the people who lived in the area in the 19th and 20th century. 

Exhibition Hours and Entrance Fee:

• Opening dates: 15 May to 15 September
• Open daily 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• Entrance fee: 2,700 ISK

Other activities and tour options   from the center are fishing in the nearby river, the rental of mountain bikes, crossing a river on a rope bridge to explore an abandoned farm, stargaze in a specialized hut and so much more. See below for tours in the area!

Authentic Iceland Tours

The hospitality of the hosts  is renowned and they go out of their way to make your stay at the Wilderness Center a magical one. There are so many different ways to experience the retreat and they are expert at figuring out which way is the best for you!

Where is the Iceland Wilderness Center located?

The Iceland Wilderness Center is located in between Vatnajökulla, Europe’s largest glacier and the famous lake Lagarfljót, home to Iceland’s Loch Ness monster.

The valley it sits in is called Norðurdalur or the North Valley but actually, the center is in the Eastern Highlands of Iceland.  The closest settlements to the Wilderness Center are Reyðarfjörður and Fáskrúðsfjörður.

GPS Points: 

Latitude: 64° 57′ 54.154″ N Longitude: 15° 9′ 8.186″ W

Wilderness Center / Óbyggðasetur Íslands Norðurdalur in Fljótsdalur 701 Egilsstaðir Iceland

How to get to the Iceland Wilderness Center?

Driving from Egilsstaðir   you continue on head south on Ring Road one and continue for about 10 minutes. Take a turn into road 931 and take a left turn at the T-junction right after having crossed the long bridge.

When you see the hydropower station make a left onto road 9340 (F-road = gravel road). You follow the gravel road for about 8,5 kilometers (5,2 miles) before arriving.

The Iceland Wilderness Center in Winter

The center is open all year round and truly a great place to witness the Northern Lights but please note that the roads needed to get to the Wilderness Center are more challenging to drive in winter.

Nonetheless, it really doesn’t matter when you visit the center will always be a peaceful hideaway and a unique place of real character. It’s worth the trip any season!

Interesting places near the Iceland Wilderness Center

• Hengifoss Waterfall
• Litlanesfoss Waterfall
• Hallormsstadaskogur Forest
• Rjúkandi Waterfall
• Egilsstadir Town “capital of the East”
• Seydisfjordur Fishing Village
• Neskaupstaður Village
• Reyðarfjörður Village
• Skriduklaustur Cluster

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Best Wildlife Tours in Iceland

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Wildlife Tours

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The Reykjavik Whale Watching Tour

Family-Run Husavík Whale Watching Tour

Whale Watching Tour with Transfer from Akureyri

Luxury 3-Hour Whale Watching and Wildlife Yacht Tour with Transfer from Reykjavik

Family-Run Whale Watching & Puffin Safari RIB Boat Tour from Husavík

Breidafjordur Bay Whale Watching Tour with Transfer from Olafsvik in Snaefellsnes Peninsula

The Puffin Tour from Reykjavik

Up Close 2 Hour Whale & Puffin Watching Boat Tour from Reykjavik

Spectacular 5-Day Self-Drive Wildlife Tour of Iceland with Whale & Puffin Watching

Original 3 Hour Whale Watching Adventure from Reykjavik

Combination 6 Hour Whale Watching Boat Tour & Northern Lights Hunt with Transfer from Reykjavik

Scenic 8-Hour Horse Riding & Whale Watching Day Tour with Transfer from Reykjavik

Original 3 Hour Whale Watching Adventure in Oak Boats with Transfer from Husavik

Family-Friendly Bundled Discount Tours of the Golden Circle & South Coast with Whale Watching

Whales of Iceland & Reykjavik Whale Watching

Exciting 2-Hour Puffin and Whale Watching Tour with RIB Boat from Husavik

Guided 3 Hour Whale Watching Boat Tour in Faxafloi Bay with Transfer from Reykjavik

Whale watching - Downtown Reykjavík

Adventurous Whale Watching by RIB Speedboat from Reykjavik

Exciting 1 Hour Puffin Watching & RIB Speedboat Tour with Transfer from Reykjavik

4-Day Guided Tour of the Complete Ring Road of Iceland with Jokulsarlon & Myvatn

Beautiful 1.5 Hour Hiking & Puffin Watching Tour of Ingolfshofdi on Iceland's South Coast

Speedy 2 Hour Whale Watching Express Boat Tour with Transfer from Reykjavik

Whales Of Iceland Museum Admission | Museum in Reykjavik

Explore an unequalled wealth of tours and packages

Vacation Packages in Iceland

Self drive tours in iceland, tour calendar, nature tours in iceland, adventure tours in iceland, cheap bus tours in iceland, top tour destinations in iceland, verified customer reviews.

Read first-hand reviews by customers from across the world

I wish Ytri-Tunga was longer so I could see more seals but otherwise I loved the mountains! Very pretty ride and stops. I also loved napping during the ride. My favorite facts are there's only been 1 serial killer in Iceland in the last 500+ years and that there's prison that's more like a 2* hotel XD

Allison Molinaro

Our guides were very knowledgable and we were able to watch a humpback whale! The boat was comfortable and there was room for all to see the whale. We appreciated the warm inside of the boat for the return to the port.

Maria Silva

Very nice tour, it was great! Even though it was February we got to see 3 whales! The tour guide was super nice and we learned a lot about the whales while we looked for them :)

Everything was amazing! The team is very professional. Service was incredible. But the highlight of the trip - we saw WHALES! Definitely recommend!

Immersive Wildlife Tours in Iceland

Immerse yourself in the wonders of Iceland's untamed wilderness through wildlife tours that unveil the country's unique animals in their natural habitats. Iceland's diverse landscapes serve as a sanctuary for wildlife, from the fertile surrounding ocean to the flourishing wetlands, valleys, and remote areas. 

One of the best wildlife experiences in Iceland is whale watching. The country's waters are home to numerous species of whales and dolphins, including humpback whales, orcas, minke whales, harbor porpoises, and white-beaked dolphins. 

Whale watching tours in Iceland , often departing from coastal towns like Reykjavik, Akureyri, and Husavik, take participants on boat excursions to witness these majestic creatures breaching and feeding in the North Atlantic Ocean. Knowledgeable guides provide insights into the whales' behavior and biology during these memorable outings.

Puffin watching is another popular wildlife tour in Iceland . The country hosts one of the world's largest puffin colonies, with millions of these charismatic seabirds nesting on cliffs and islands along the coast. Tours, often available from locations like the Westman Islands and Dyrholaey, offer the chance to get up close to puffin colonies during the breeding season. 

Arctic foxes, Iceland's only native land mammal, inhabit the remote and rugged regions of the country. Specialized wildlife tours take participants to areas like Hornstrandir Nature Reserve in the Westfjords, where the chance of spotting these elusive creatures is higher. 

Other thrilling wildlife tours in Iceland are seal watching, horseback riding, reindeer safari, and seabird watching. 

Frequently asked questions

What is a wildlife tour in iceland, what are the top three wildlife tours in iceland, what is the cheapest wildlife tour in iceland, are wildlife tours in iceland worth it, are wildlife tours in iceland guided, will i learn about the animals on my wildlife tour in iceland, can i take pictures during wildlife tours in iceland, can i get very close to the wildlife during these tours in iceland, do wildlife tours operate year-round in iceland, are there age restrictions for specific wildlife tours, do i need to bring any specific equipment or clothing for wildlife tours in iceland, will i see an arctic fox on a wildlife tour in iceland, do wildlife tours in iceland offer hotel pick-up, do i get dropped off at my hotel after my wildlife tour, is lunch usually included in wildlife tours, are there any ethical considerations for wildlife tours in iceland.

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Top things to do in Iceland

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Explore an Ice Cave

Visit a Live Volcano

Find the Northern Lights

Visit the Blue Lagoon

Go on a Road Trip

Do the Golden Circle

See the Glacier Lagoon

South Coast Tours

Force of Nature Trekking

July 31 – Aug. 7, 2023 Aug. 14 – 21, 2023 (FULL) Dettifoss, Iceland

July 31 - Aug. 7, 2023</br>Aug. 14 - 21, 2023 (FULL)

Small group, max 7 participants.

Number of participants

North Iceland

Draw location

Whales and Volcanoes

Highlights of the tour

€1,987 incl. flight

Period & price

RED LABEL Expedition Challenge Spicy, challenging trek

FORCE OF NATURE LIKE YOU ONLY SEE IN ICELAND

Ingredients: Volcanoes, Whales, Waterfalls, Hotsprings & Camping

Nature is the driving force behind everything. And where better to experience this than in Iceland? For a week, we imagine ourselves in a mysterious world. The world of lava, hot springs, fault lines and volcanoes. But also the world of whales, birds and waterfalls. This is Iceland at its best. It starts the first day off right. We are going whale watching. With a small group accompanied by the skipper. The humpback or sperm whale we are going to look for it. These kings of the sea are not to be missed. We spend the night in Asbyrgi. The ‘Castle of the Gods’ A beautiful valley in the shape of a horse’s hoof. According to tradition, an imprint of a hoof of Sleipnir. The winged 8-legged stallion of Odin, the Nordic supreme god. Whether it is true? A beautiful valley it certainly is. Our starting point could not have been better chosen.

8 days of trekking in Iceland. Experience the power of nature.

• 80 km of wilderness trekking
• Camping in the wilderness
• Whale safari
• Largest waterfall in Europe
• Volcanoes & hot springs
• Visit Mývatn Nature Baths
• Experienced Wilderness Guide
• Maximum of 7 participants

WITH THESE GUIDES YOU GO ON AN ADVENTURE

The Arctic Adventure A-Team

Our guides are there to guide your tour in the best way possible. They are fully part of the group and give space. Room for own initiative, own development and own opinions. Completed first aid & guide training provide a good foundation during adventure trips.

For us, “ Out of your comfort zone. Within the safety zone. ”

Read more about our guides »»

We walk with a backpack of about 20 pounds. We have everything with us for the days in the wilderness. Every day we cover at least 15 km on trails and through nature. Sometimes we also have to carry extra weight for water. This is not found everywhere along the route. But that very thing adds to the adventure.

The route passes the Dettifoss waterfall. The largest waterfall in Europe. This is where the force of nature is really visible. We also walk over lava, over “new land. Our route is right on the fault line. With the highlight being the Krafla volcano.

Volcanoes, lava fields, waterfalls and wilderness. And even then, we haven’t had everything. Hotsprings await at the end of the route. Hot water baths welcome us. Again, the power of nature in all its grandeur. You come home with new strengths. The Force of Nature.

Altitude profile ’Force of Nature’ Trekking in Iceland

Flight, transfers, equipment, food, lodging & excursions

8 challenging days in the Icelandic wilderness

Visit Europe’s largest waterfall: Dettifoss

Walk the fault line of continents

The assurance of more than 20 years of experience

Hiking and enjoying the immense landscape

Flight from Rotterdam included

Program Schedule Force of Nature Trekking in Iceland.

A journey of discovery through the natural forces of iceland..

In the morning we meet early at Rotterdam airport. An easily accessible but small airport. With a direct flight, we will go to northern Iceland. We land in the town of Akureyri. A cab is already waiting for us. This takes us to the capital of whale watching, Húsavík . After a three-hour whale safari, we move on. Our final destination for today is the starting point of our trek. We sleep in the tent on the edge of the Asbyrgi Canyon in northern Iceland. The sun sets very slowly and late. Or rather… will it go under?

Up early. That may be because of the time difference with the Netherlands. But maybe it’s because the midsummer sun has been leaving the lights on all night. Today, a hike of about 14 kilometers is scheduled. Along the Jökulsá á Fjöllum River heading south. The river waters Europe’s largest waterfall. And these, and a few more, we will visit. At the end of the day, we set up our tent in a simple camping area in the national park.

Today will be a punishing day. We will walk 21 kilometers. Toward the Dettifoss. That is the largest waterfall in Europe. Along the way we encounter beautiful nature. Caves of lava. Deep canyons and multiple waterfalls. Just enjoy the water a little longer. Before we know it, it’s gone. Because along the way we don’t come across any places where we can tap water. So for today and tomorrow we have to carry all our water in the backpack.

These three days we walk slowly at about 15 km per day to the south. We brave lava fields and get off the trail. We walk across the continental rift the fault line between the American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Here, Iceland is literally being driven apart. The result is worth noting. A force of nature on a grand scale. Lava, volcanoes and hot springs. And we are in the middle of it. Fantastic to realize that this is actually the beginning of a new world.

We go right through the wilderness and have to chart our own course in many places. There are no established eroded hiking trails in sight. Here we are responsible for a proper route ourselves. As it actually should be. The seventh day we can climb the Krafla volcano. At the end of this day, we pitch our tent at the Reykjahlíð campsite.

Today we will take a short tour of the hot springs and lava fields. This can be done together or alone. We meet by noon at the Myvatn Nature Baths. Thermal baths. A wonderful and invigorating conclusion to a powerful week. At 16:00 the cab is ready to drive us back to Akureyri. We make a brief stop at impressive waterfalls of Goðafoss. In Aukureyri we spend the night in a downtown hotel. In the evening, we talk at length over a traditional dinner at one of the local restaurants.

Homeward. The cab is in front of our hotel early. This one takes us to the airport in one go. From here, the direct flight departs back to Rotterdam airport. Fulfilled, you look back on a fantastic week. You feel more powerful than ever. You feel the ‘Force of Nature’

Preparation

We meet once before the trip. Live or digital. We pick the date by mutual agreement. Then we get to know each other. You’ll get an explanation of the materials and we’ll consider the map.

During the trip

Tours at Arctic Adventure are “Expedition Experiences. You experience what an expedition could be like. Sometimes spicy, sometimes easy. But always together. We sleep in tents. You do this with someone else (or your partner) from the group. On summer trips, you can choose to bring your own tent. So then you can also sleep alone. On winter treks, at least two people always sleep in a tent for safety reasons. Moving, cooking and navigating we do together. The beauty of small groups is that there is always a real and good group feeling. Sometimes there are friendships and reunions years later.

We keep in touch beforehand (and often afterwards) in a WhatsApp group.

You need a good level of fitness for this hike. It’s nice if you can hike with a backpack on. Think about 15 kilometers a day with a 20-pound backpack.

Sports medical examination

Are you over 60 and want to participate in this tour? If so, we highly recommend you get a sports medical examination . Read more about the possibilities here.

During the trip we find ourselves in uninhabited territory a lot. In case of emergency, our position is always (but sometimes difficult) to reach by the rescue services. The guide carries satellite communications equipment and both digital (GPS) and analog (Compass) navigation. The guide has training in Wilderness Advanced First Aid and WGA I (Wilderness Guide Association). For those left behind, there is a Basecamp in the Netherlands that can be contacted.

Packing List

A detailed packing list will be sent to you after your registration (or upon request).

Participants in this trip (July 31 – August 7, 2023 Guide: Onno de Boer)

Participant 1: Available Participant 2: Available Participant 3: Available Participant 4: Available Participant 5: Available Participant 6: Available Participant 7: Available

The trip continues at 5 participants and is full at 7 participants. There are now 7 spots available for this trip.

Participants in this trip (August 14 – 21, 2023 Guide: Onno de Boer)

Participant 1: male, 54 Participant 2: Female, 52 Participant 3: Male, 56 Participant 4: Occupied Participant 5: Occupied Participant 6: Occupied Participant 7: Occupied

The trip continues at 5 participants and is full at 7 participants. No spots are now available for this trip.

Who will join us on our adventures?

Participants in our trips often register alone. It is common for couples or couples to register.

The age of most participants is between 30 and 50. There are certainly exceptions. The youngest participant was 23 and the oldest 66.

The male-female ratio is 50/50. The tougher tours attract just a little more men. 60/40. But often the distribution is nicely even.

Travel dates

July 31 – Aug. 7, 2023 Aug. 14 – 21, 2023 Guide: Onno de Boer

July 31 or Aug. 14, 2023 early morning departure from Rotterdam airport

August 7 or 21, 2023 you will land at Rotterdam airport again in the afternoon. Trip is expandable by arrangement for your own follow-up.

Airfare conditions:

Flights are operated in cooperation with Voigt Travel

– The booking made must be finalized within 48 hours. Payment within 7 days of receipt of invoice. – Changing name and/or birth date is possible up to 7 days before departure at € 35 per booking. New flight vouchers will be sent. – Cancellation fee: 100% after confirmation of booking. This applies to the cost of the plane ticket €450. – It is possible to check in online and book additional services such as special seats and baggage at www.transavia.com. Travelers can log in via “Manage your booking” – “View your booking. To log in, use the reservation number listed on the flight voucher, last name and flight details.

Total trip cost

This includes:.

• Flight from Rotterdam airport to Akureyri
• All airport, fuel surcharges and taxes
• 10 kg hand luggage – 20 kg check-in luggage
• Professional guide throughout the tour
• All dinners from evening of arrival to breakfast on day of departure
• Visit to the Myvatn Nature Spa
• 6 nights in nature in tent
• 1 hotel night in Akureyri
• Tent, backpack, sleeping bag and sleeping pad
• Stoves and pans
• Maps, compass and GPS
• Contribution to the VZR guarantee fund.
• Booking fee

Participants

This does not include:.

• Travel Insurance
• Cancellation insurance
• Beverages & personal expenses
• Personal equipment (see packing list tab)

If during the trip it is jointly decided to undertake extras (Excursions, accommodation, food) these costs will be settled among the participants.

We arrange this

• Warm sleeping bag
• Sleeping mat
• Walking sticks
• 2-person tent
• Food for the entire trip
• Pots and pans
• first aid kit
• Communication Tools
• Map & Compass

You arrange this

• Personal hiking clothing
• Run-in hiking boots
• Personal medication

If you want, you can also bring your own tent and sleeping bag.

Detailed packing list will be given to you after you register, or upon request.

Buying stuff

As a participant in our trips, you get a 10% discount in Beaver stores. So take advantage of that if you still need to buy stuff.

Check Marktplaats.nl for good used equipment.

Contact us if you have questions about the material.

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A Natural Beauty

My first trip with Wilderness Travel was to Nepal on the “Everest Lodge to Lodge” trek. At the time I thought, “how could any place in the world compare to the beauty of the Himalayas?” A year later my wife and I went to Argentina and Chile, spending 16 days hiking on the “In Patagonia” trip. Once again I was sure there was no way the area’s physical beauty could be surpassed anywhere else on Earth. Once again I was proven wrong: I had not yet been to Iceland.

Iceland’s natural beauty is unimaginable. The many shades of green invigorate your sense of sight, and it seems everywhere you look there are luminous waterfalls or beautiful blue-and-white icebergs floating on a lake skirting the North Atlantic. Simply put, it is a photographer’s paradise.

We flew into Reykjavik, the capital city on the southwestern coast. Founded by Vikings more than a thousand years ago, Reykjavik is unique in that there is no pollution, no litter, and no traffic problems to speak of. From what I’ve heard, there is virtually no crime either, which is true for the rest of the country as well.

From Reykjavik, we took a short flight to the east coast harbor-town of Hofn, a large town by Icelandic standards with a population of about 1,700 people. From Hofn we began a most memorable nine days of hiking, following a route along the curve of the southern shores as we made our way back to the capital.

Each day’s hike was different: in length (from 3 to 14 miles) and also in environment. One day we’d hike across a lava field, the next on a glacier, another day on snow. One hike brought us past fields of steam rising eerily from the ground. The juxtaposition of the environments, the bubbling steam and icy glaciers next to lush waterfalls, was incredible. It’s easy to understand why Iceland is called “the land of fire and ice.”

-Photos and text by 3-time WT Adventurer Paul Kaplan, Iceland Expedition

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• An Icelandic Wilderness Adventure With...

An Icelandic Wilderness Adventure With Culture Trip 

Editorial Manager

In January 2022, Cassam Looch joined other travellers on Culture Trip’s Icelandic adventure for an unforgettable experience – and a thrilling insight into the joys of small-group travel.

I’ve been lucky enough to travel extensively as part of my work at Culture Trip. From large group trips to solo filming assignments, there aren’t many invitations I’ve turned down in the name of adventure – and time out of the office. Despite this, I have to say the prospect of joining a group of strangers on an intense five-day trip to Iceland wasn’t high on my list of ways to kick off 2022. Why would I want to spend my free time with people I didn’t know? Would we all get along? What if I was the “one” on the trip that everyone always refers to when they say “There’s always ‘one’”? In truth, I was confident of a great time as the itinerary looked incredible – but I still had a few concerns.

Although I was there to work, I felt very much part of the group. I had the same schedule, would be staying in the same hotels, and would ultimately experience everything everyone else would experience. I also had the opportunity to be guided by a local insider, and rest-assured I was going to be taking full advantage of that given how many questions I had ahead of departure.

Getting to Iceland

There was one other obstacle to overcome when my flight out of London was delayed by several hours due to – believe it or not – excessive wind conditions that were preventing the aircraft doors from opening. Feeling the onset of a mild panic, I once again contacted the Travel Team at Culture Trip to see if I had to rebook my pre-arranged transfer to Reykjavik. And once again I was given the reassuring news that this would be no problem and that my ticket was specific to my arrival time. The bus would be there, no matter how late I landed.

In fact, all of this information is available in the documentation sent out post booking. I simply hadn’t read it properly – but there’s no greater reassurance than what comes directly from someone at the other end of the line. As I later discovered, several people on the trip had similar issues – not least because of rapidly changing Covid-19 entry requirements – but people who know far more than I do about these things were able to help get us all to Reykjavik as promised.

This trip to Iceland would be my first during winter: an entirely different proposition to the daylight-drenched days I’d previously experienced. Yes, we’d have to contend with wind, snow, rain and ice, but with the added darkness comes the exciting prospect of a chance to observe the Northern Lights. This was a bucket-list item for me and I secretly worried that not seeing them would ruin my trip.

For my first two nights I wandered the streets of Reykjavik looking skywards for the merest hint of ethereal colour. No luck, but Northern Lights or not, I was satisfied with my main event prelude and ready to join my new travelling companions.

Day 1: Welcome to Reykjavik

Hotel Alda, where we are staying in Reykjavik, is perfectly situated at one end of Laugavegur, the main shopping artery of the city, with boutique shops, restaurants, cafes and bars that feel very “Icelandic”. Locals and tourists often end up here on a night out, so it’s a good place to be if you want to get a flavour of both the city and its people. It’s also very handy if you haven’t brought enough winter clothes (thankfully I’d remembered to pack my thermals).

The hotel has an outdoor hot tub, but since we are only just settling into our first night I don’t hold out much hope of us taking advantage. One fun-filled dinner – and a few pints of local IPA – later the majority of the group are donning our swimsuits in sub-zero temperatures, getting to know one another the only way you truly can here.

To say our first night is a success would be an understatement. Ragnar, our Local Insider, is used to breaking the ice in the literal sense, but his hosting skills are also of the highest order. Welcoming all of us with a quick stroll through the downtown area, Ragnar bags us a spot at one of the best restaurants in and even goes as far as choosing what we’ll eat. He already knows our dietary requirements and makes sure we’re treated to a selection of local delicacies and some of his own favourites. From the first mouthfuls of the sumptuous lamb, duck and Arctic char sliders, we know that food is going to be a highlight of the trip. Our bookings include all evening meals, so we don’t have to worry about that side of things, either.

Over the course of several dishes, a few drinks and a slow walk back to the hotel, I find out a little more about my new companions. The majority are from the US and arrived not long after me. It’s fascinating to hear how travel restrictions impacted everyone’s journey to Iceland in different ways – but also encouraging to hear that people were still determined to travel, no matter how many hoops they had to jump through.

Morgan Forrest , who travelled from Maine with her friend Hannah, was initially nervous about joining a group for her first trip abroad since 2019. “My idea of a wasted trip would be a traditional group tour, riding around in a large tour bus and barely getting a full, authentic experience of the country I am visiting. I was also worried that the group I would be travelling with would be a buncha’ sticks in the mud, and not want to go out and try new things or challenge themselves,” Morgan tells me, away from the potential “muddy sticks”.

Monet Izabeth is a global travel enthusiast and documentary filmmaker who invited some of her followers to join her on this trip. Ragnar and Monet actually did a virtual interview together prior to departure and having joined the stream myself, I could see how this lively combination would have inspired me to get back on the road.

I finally get to speak to Monet when she tries to convince me she has already found the best cinnamon rolls in town. I’d found what I considered to be the best breakfast treat in Reykjavik – and our two favourite bakeries did not align! More bickering ensues when Monet reveals she will be getting as much Taylor Swift onto the bus playlist as possible… I’m glad I packed my earplugs.

Day 2: Into the Wild

“I’m Icelandic all the way through, and have been doing tours for eight years,” Ragnar tells us as we are about to embark on our first full day. Somehow managing to pack all our luggage into the back of his minibus with some impressive Tetris skills, our Local Insider is more than happy to explain what we are going to do over the next few days.

“This trip is a thorough introduction to Iceland. I’ll take you to some of the most popular sights and also to some offbeat locations that most people don’t go to. Also, you’ll get to taste Icelandic food that most people miss out on. Trust me, this ticks so many boxes for the amount of time we have – it’s just gonna be amazing.” Ragnar had a big say in curating the itinerary, and it’s clear he is keen to show us many facets of his country. The excitement inside the bus is palpable as we drive out of the capital in darkness – which feels eerily unnatural at 10am!

For most visitors, trips to Iceland begin and end in Reykjavik. Our adventure would be the same, but we were also going to explore some of the incredible wilderness attractions that have made this country such a popular tourist destination in the last decade or so. As Ragnar tells me en route: it was actually the volcano eruption of Eyjafjallajökull in 2010 that put Iceland on the map. The ash cloud that followed the initial eruption was the reason a number of flights around Europe and across the Atlantic were temporarily grounded – and people were keen to find out why. Then came the surge in TV and film appearances: Game of Thrones being a notable example.

We are all getting on famously now – there is a real sense of adventure and willingness to tackle anything Ragnar has in mind to throw at us. Our first stop is the charming village of Reykholt, where Snorri Sturluson – arguably the best-known Icelandic saga writer of all time – once lived. His sprawling works are said to have been the inspiration for JRR Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings book trilogy, and as we enter the snow-covered terrain away from the city, we can sense the influence the landscape has had on literature through the ages. In summer, the country looks like a real-life version of The Shire, but on a foggy winter’s day it feels like you are trekking across Middle Earth in search of the next great adventure.

Despite our full itinerary, our Local Insider still has a few surprises up his sleeve. En route to the awe-inspiring waterfalls of Barnafoss and Hraunfossar, there is a bonus visit to a goat farm. With much of Iceland covered in snow and ice, these farms are essential to provide food throughout the year. We tuck into some of the cheese made on site when Ragnar suddenly reveals his first surprise: a real-life celebrity from HBO’s Game of Thrones – and here we were, face to face.

Clearly the envy of his entourage, the goat – who was famously plucked from a field by one of Daenerys Targaryen’s dragons before meeting his untimely demise behind a waterfall – steps forward. Sheepish though he is, this moment goes down as one of my career highlights – and I’ve interviewed Brad Pitt!

With enough adventure for one day and the weather starting to take a turn for the “predictably unpredictable” – as Ragnar puts it – we retreat to our cosy accommodation for the rest of the day. Hotel Húsafell is a modern property with sweeping views over swathes of unspoilt landscape – and on this snowy evening it’s the perfect place to enjoy a meal with a roaring fire to warm us. There’s a great atmosphere in the room, but as dessert is served we begin to wonder if the howling winds and sheets of sleet coming down outside might scupper tomorrow’s – or even tonight’s – activities.

Húsafell Canyon Baths, fed by the Giljaböð Hot Springs, are a relatively new attraction in Iceland where you’re invited to bathe as the Vikings once did. These baths are open to the elements, however, and herein lies our dilemma: are we willing to trek through the rain, wind and ice, down into an unlit canyon, and recline in a geothermal pool, just for the sake of some late-night drinks? The unanimous decision is that we most certainly are – so off we go, slipping and sliding down a remote valley in the middle of nowhere. This is a “crampons on” situation and, thanks to Ragnar and the lovely lady from the retreat, we make it down in one piece. Then, faster than you can say “frostbite”, we strip down to our swimming costumes, sprint across the bridge and fling ourselves into the steaming hot springs. We collectively breathe – or possibly moan – a sigh of relief as the water soothes our aches from the day’s excursions and the shivering subsides. We could stay all night, but there is another packed day to look forward to tomorrow.

Day 3: Geysers and Snowmobiles

Over breakfast, we recount in bemusement the events of the night before. For some of us it was a little extreme; for others it was all part of the adventure we’d signed up for, but ultimately we all thoroughly enjoyed our late-night escapade into the wild. Before we can upload that picture to our social media, however, Ragnar is practically clearing the table for us as he instructs us to get ready for another day full of Icelandic awesomeness.

Today, snowmobiles are on the menu – and the near whiteout blizzard we drive through on our way to the famed Golden Circle raises a few questions. Snow blizzard or not, though, this popular loop is a must for any trip to Iceland, and most tours take in the highlights. We, however, are set to see it all in one day…

Thingvellir National Park has a special place in the hearts of locals as it’s considered to be the birthplace of modern Iceland. Some welcome respite from the wind and rain gives us an opportunity to take it all in and swap our robust minibus for a Super Jeep transporter. We wave goodbye to Ragnar as he heads off to the next hotel (or possibly just to escape the never-ending Taylor Swift playlist), and wave hello to our off-road expert who is charged with getting us to the top of the glacier.

Refreshments are needed before getting behind the handlebars of our snowmobiles, so we grab lunch at Gullfoss waterfall after catching a spectacular show at the Geysir Geothermal Area. The thought of hurtling along a glacier at high speed creates palpable excitement as we tuck into a bowl of delicious lamb stew. After a long drive full of anticipation we arrive at what is apparently our starting point. Outside the vehicle we see and feel nothing but cascading snow and fierce wind driving ice into our faces. Just as we think we are in for a disappointing cancellation, the door to a hut most of us hadn’t spotted opens up to reveal a warm, inviting glow – and a booming voice from inside proclaiming, “Perfect weather for snowmobiles!”

Orange overalls on, a quick tutorial earnestly listened to, and off we go. There is no holding back as we follow the leader in convoy through the snow. Surrounded by so much white that the sky and ground blend into each other, we rely on common sense and expert guidance to get us around the course. I assume it’s a course, although I can’t actually see anything. Nevertheless, we throw caution to the pounding wind, thank the gods of Valhalla for our gloves and face cover – and I secretly pray my beard won’t freeze over and snap off when we go over the next bump.

Bitterly cold though it may be, there’s no argument that this is the highlight of the trip so far . We pair up and each take turns to navigate the snow at our own pace, through one of the most intensely serene places on earth. Frankly, it’s an unforgettable experience.

Later, after checking into our next hotel to spend our final two nights, we pretty much collapse into the outdoor hot tub before enjoying another fantastic dinner. Once again, the food has been carefully selected to give us a flavour of real Icelandic cuisine, from tender lamb and fresh fish to locally sourced vegetables. The food here is wholesome, and always piled high on plates to make sure you never go hungry. That night, we sleep very well – full from our feast and soothed by a few moments in the sauna before bed!

Day 4: Do Go Chasing Waterfalls

Hotel Lækur is a totally distinct property and our new base. Far removed from the bright lights of the cities, it gives us acres of space and plenty of opportunities to relax. There’s a homely feel to the place, with a wonderful loft space where you can unwind and enjoy Icelandic hospitality to its full extent. I love the fact that we can experience all facets of a trip here from the central hotel in the capital to these dreamy remote lodges far from the crowds.

As we hit the road for our final full day, the mildly depressing realisation that our time together will soon be over begins to creep in. But there’s still so much ahead of us – and it’s not long before the next spectacle sparkles into view.

The Sólheimajökull glacier is a mesmerising blend of opaque blue ice and white snow. Pretty soon, we are bearing pickaxes, heavy footwear and safety harnesses on our hike to the top. The views en route are incredible, especially when the sun breaks through the clouds to illuminate the landscape in vivid colours as if emitted from the ground up.

The ascent continues, with Ragnar and two other climbing experts ensuring our safety every step of the way. As we pose for the obligatory selfies, we spot our guides drilling into a patch of ice with a tool that eventually carves out a perfectly clear block with a small hole in it. Cue Ragnar’s next surprise: a bottle of local vodka slipped from his pocket, and the chance to try what we are told is “the purest shot in the world”. The ice block is, in fact, a perfectly shaped shot glass from which we all take turns knocking back a proper local winter warmer.

We spend a few more hours hiking across the glacier and slowly make our way back to our de facto base camp. Unbelievably, it’s still only mid-morning – and next up is a dream location for cinephiles. As a massive movie nerd, I’ve been beside myself with excitement all morning, but I manage to play it cool as we drive along the coast to Reynisfjara – better known outside of Iceland as Black Sands Beach.

I recognise the rocky outcrops from films like Ridley Scott’s Prometheus and several Game of Thrones episodes, and it’s even more spectacular in real life. Before we run off like excitable children, Ragnar warns us of “sneaker waves”– fast-moving tides that creep up the wide beach and catch you unawares, pulling you into the sea before you can do anything about it. The sheer cliffs and stark black ground beneath our feet are quite the distraction, but with Ragnar’s advice fresh in our minds we are able to safely enjoy another bucket-list destination.

Moving on, we take a short drive up to Dyrhólaey lighthouse for views of Kirkjufjara Beach. The clear conditions allow us to see the moonrise over the ocean – another wonderful moment for the memory bank – before we pile back into the bus to be whisked away to not one but two more waterfalls.

“I love waterfalls,” Ragnar tells us, not for the first time, and it’s easy to see why. It’s now almost nightfall, and we are treated to the sight of two fully illuminated falls – something we hadn’t even imagined possible. The floodlights are tastefully positioned so you can walk safely behind the natural attractions and take in their majestic power.

Back at the hotel – and after a last supper and mini birthday celebration for Morgan – we gather in the loft space for a final surprise. Ragnar, having gone to his vehicle for a mysterious package, returns with a refrigerated box of food and drink. We sample all manner of delicacies but the one to remember is the fermented shark. The “interesting” smell is matched by the “challenging” flavour, and those brave enough to try it offer mixed reactions. We share a few more drinks and laughs before reluctantly withdrawing to our cabins, with the unenviable task of packing up ahead of us.

The Northern Lights

Wrapped up in my cabin bed and half asleep, I am jolted awake by the sound of our WhatsApp chat exploding. At first I think it’s just more pictures from the day being shared, but then I look closer and see Monet’s alarming message: “This is not a drill!”

My mind races. Has a volcano erupted? Has someone gone for a midnight stroll and fallen down a crevasse? Then comes the follow-up text: “Northern Lights behind the hot tub.” What?! Now my whole body is racing. How could I forget? It’s the last night and in all the excitement of the past few days I had put the potential sighting of the aurora borealis to the back of my mind.

Wait. Could this be a cruel joke? Ah well, what is there to lose apart from a few minutes of sleep? Thankfully, it’s fully legit: as if scripted by the best writer in Hollywood, we get our Northern Lights on our last night in Iceland. It’s a magical moment that’s impossible to describe. We just stand back in complete silence save for the occasional flash and click of a smartphone, and take it all in.

Day 5: a Fond Farewell in the Blue Lagoon

The day nobody wants to wake up to finally arrives. We pack up our trusty minibus for the last time, and leave the wilderness behind us. There was one last stop, however, and it was set to be the perfect spot to end a trip to Iceland. The Blue Lagoon has in recent years earned a reputation as an overcrowded tourist magnet, but it’s a different story if you avoid peak times. Of course, Ragnar has ensured we visit at just the right time so we get the venue to ourselves. I didn’t particularly enjoy my previous visit here, but this is a totally different experience. We get a few extras thrown in as part of the pre-booked package, and as we step into the warm, mineral waters it feels like we are once again back in the wilderness.

Ragnar tells us about how the lagoon was something of a happy accident in terms of its creation, after some workmen found it while on a job nearby and used it to soak and relax. Today it’s a huge site, with spas and a hotel, and a thoroughly rewarding experience for day-trippers from the city.

As we chit-chat and unwind, Monet hits the nail on the head: “This trip felt like going on an adventure with a bunch of friends,” she says. No words could ring truer.

Shortly afterwards, some of the group depart for the airport while the rest of us think about how to fill our evening ahead of our early flight the next day. We had complete flexibility with the timing of our flights and I decided to extend my stay by one more night, if only to experience the other must-visit food experience in Iceland. So later I meet up with Ragnar, Monet and a few others to make a late pitstop at a hotdog stand downtown. The spot was made famous by Bill Clinton, who now has a dish named after him, and just like the rest of our trip – if it’s good enough for the former president, it’s good enough for me.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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Seljalandsfoss waterfall is one of Iceland's most iconic vistas.

Nat Geo Travels: Iceland

A National Geographic staffer reveals her most memorable moments—including frosty glaciers and lovely lagoons—in this beautiful wilderness.

National Geographic Travel communications director Meg Calnan recently traveled to Iceland with National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures . She trekked across glittering glaciers, photographed cascading waterfalls, and witnessed the awe-inspiring northern lights. We asked Meg about her favorite outdoor adventures, best day trips, and packing essentials.

Why did you choose to travel to Iceland?

Iceland has been on my radar for a long time and was a top contender when I was choosing a honeymoon destination a couple years ago. We ended up going to Morocco instead—which is also amazing—but I kept hoping I’d still make it to Iceland. Now I have a 10-month-old daughter, so when I had the opportunity to travel with National Geographic Expeditions, Iceland was an ideal choice. It’s easily accessible from the United States and also afforded me the ability to stay relatively connected to home.

Iceland has no shortage of amazing landscapes. What was your favorite outdoor adventure?

The whole trip was a great outdoor adventure! We visited several different waterfalls during our stay, including two of the most famous: Gullfoss and Seljalandsfoss. Our guide gave us some great suggestions for photography spots at each location, but pictures really can’t do it justice.

Were you nervous about trying any of the activities?

Initially I was nervous about participating in the glacier walk because I don’t think I have ever made it through a winter without taking at least one tumble on the ice. Balance is not my strength! After this experience, I think I would fare better if I invested in some crampons for my wintertime dog walks, because I felt perfectly secure walking across a glacier while they were strapped to my boots. It took a few minutes to get the hang of the technique, but we were all comfortably strolling in no time. The warm, sunny weather made the experience even better!

Did you happen to catch a glimpse of the aurora borealis?

Our group was hopeful that we would get to see the northern lights during our visit since our trip was at the beginning of prime viewing season, which runs from September to mid-April. Our guide gave us expert insight on timing and how best to capture them in photos. He referred us to a local website that forecasts the upcoming activity levels and visibility for the night ahead. One evening after dinner, he knocked on all of our hotel doors shouting, “The lights are starting!” We ran outside to an open field behind our hotel to enjoy the show.

It sounds like you got some great insider tips. How did having an expert guide with you enhance your trip?

Our trip was led by a chief experience officer named Gilli, who was phenomenal. He offered so much local knowledge and insider tips that really elevated our experience. He was also patient, funny, and flexible—all essential traits to leading a weeklong group trip!

A great guide definitely takes away some travel anxiety. Are there any other can’t-miss locations that you recommend?

The Blue Lagoon is not part of the official trip itinerary, but it’s very easy to add on at the beginning or end given its proximity to the airport. It’s an iconic spot—and thus a bit of a tourist trap—but a must-see nevertheless. We landed in Iceland very early in the morning and made the geothermal waters our first stop before heading into Reykjavík. It was a nice way to start the day and refresh after the flight. Plus, being there early was crucial to getting ahead of the big crowds.

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It’s always nice to escape the big crowds. Speaking of escapes, did you get to go on any day trips?

We visited Friðheimar , a geothermally heated farm, and had a truly wonderful lunch of bottomless tomato soup grown in their greenhouse. The soup was accompanied by homemade breads and a variety of tomato-themed dessert options (tomato ice cream exists, and it’s delicious). Before digging into lunch, we got to visit with the beautiful Icelandic horses they have on-site and watch an equestrian demonstration.

What are your most practical packing tips for new visitors planning a trip to Iceland?

Pack layers! The weather is constantly changing so it’s important to be able to add and remove layers throughout the day. I needed everything from a scarf to sunglasses over the course of our seven-day adventure. Don’t forget the sunscreen, either. I didn’t pack any and got sunburned a couple of the days we were there. It might be cold and windy, but the sun reflects off the ice and gets you.

Follow Meg on Twitter and Instagram .

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Iceland Wilderness

Travel off the beaten track during this escorted coach tour. With a special 4x4 mountain coach you will explore Iceland's uninhabited interior volcanic landscape as well as Iceland's classic nature highlights.

Transportation

Itinerary - day by day, arrival in reykjavik, capital of iceland view details hide details, golden circle view details hide details, south shore with puffins and lava fields view details hide details, skaftafell national park - glacial lagoon view details hide details, landmannalaugar - bathing in natural hot spring view details hide details, sprengisandur - black sand desert view details hide details, lake myvatn area: dettifoss and asbyrgi view details hide details, askja national park & drekagil view details hide details, visit fishing villages & meet vikings view details hide details, vatnsnes peninsula and eric red museum view details hide details, snæfellsjökull national park view details hide details, departure from reykjavik view details hide details, tour category.

Accommodation at good tourist class hotels equal to 3 stars according to Scandinavian standard.

Inside cabin included during overnight cruises.

See Silver accommodation

Services included:

• 11 nights hotel accommodation including buffet breakfast, all rooms with private facilities
• 9 two-course dinners (main and dessert) or dinner buffet on evenings 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10
• English speaking tour escort and transportation by 4×4 mountain coach from day 2 to day 11
• boat tour on Fjallsárlón lagoon
• Entrance to Eirkisstadir Museum
• Electronic travel documentation, including a detailed travel itinerary and travel vouchers.
• 24/7 emergency phone service while travelling.

Please note, the departures on Jun 29, Jul 13, Aug 03, and Aug 24 may be guided in English/French to ensure an optimal group size. The departures on Jul 06, Jul 20 and Aug 10 may be guided in English/Dutch. All other departures are English-speaking only.

Triple rooms are unfortunately not available for 3 adults. Children at the age of 9-11 years sharing a room with two adults receive a 25% discount of the above-listed price. Children 12 years and older pay full price. It is not recommended that children 0-8 years old travel on escorted coach tours.

Win a trip to Iceland

Nature | Iceland’s Wilderness Mapped in More Detail than Ever

Iceland’s Wilderness Mapped in More Detail than Ever

• Jelena Ćirić
• April 27, 2022
• Nature , News

Scientists have mapped Iceland’s uninhabited wilderness in more detail than ever before. A new report on the project, prepared by the Wildland Research Institute (WRi) on behalf of Icelandic initiative Óbyggð kortlagning provides information that can help policymakers and nature conservationists preserve these areas in their best possible form. Previous studies for the European Union Wilderness Register have shown that Iceland retains approximately 43% of Europe’s top one percent wildest areas.

Around half of Iceland’s Central Highland falls under the definition of uninhabited wilderness, and the report divides it into 17 distinct areas. One third of the uninhabited wilderness mapped in the project is privately owned, while the other two thirds are on public land. The areas were mapped and defined according to international standards.

Maps are essential for conservation efforts

WRi Director Dr. Steve Carver told RÚV it is important for Icelanders to be able to clearly distinguish between wilderness and other areas, and that as wild areas diminish globally, Iceland’s wilderness will become still more valuable.

“If we look at biodiversity goals after 2020, the top priority is protecting the remaining unspoilt areas,” Dr. Carver stated. “That’s why they need to be mapped. Once a line has been drawn on a map, it can be put into context legally, in Icelandic law on nature conservation, so it’s possible to make decisions about where to build, where power lines can be laid, and where hydropower plans can be built so as not to spoil this important resource.”

Iceland’s Nature Conservation Act No 60/2013 outlines the goal of mapping wilderness across the whole of Iceland by June 2023.

Planned power plants threaten wild areas

The report identifies four main historical threats to wilderness in Iceland: impacts from geothermal and hydropower infrastructure; tourism; recreational 4×4 driving; and off-road driving. “These have resulted in the steady attrition of wilderness areas over the last 80 years. Many of these threats are ongoing with further expansion of electrical power generation and associated transmission infrastructure,” the report states.

Proposals to expand hydropower, geothermal power, and wind power generation in the Central Highlands are “of particular concern,” according to the report’s authors, as they are “all capable of vastly impacting wilderness qualities.”

Interested readers can view the full report online.

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About Iceland

Visa information, geography of iceland, general information, the northern lights, volcanic eruptions, sustainable travel, iceland academy, plan your trip, how to get there, accommodation, things to do, map your journey, getting around, visitor numbers, carbon footprint, destinations, the regions, scenic routes, national parks, trip suggestions, towns & villages, inspiration, food and beverages, lbgt+ travel, escape the ordinary.

Read handpicked articles to get you inspired by Iceland

Hiking in Iceland

Walking and hiking in Iceland's diverse landscapes is a fantastic way to experience the island's extraordinary nature, especially during the long days of the midnight sun. You will find various hiking routes around Iceland, and each part of the country has its own natural gems.

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Since 2021, the Reykjanes Peninsula has witnessed a surge in seismic activity, including several volcanic eruptions. Despite this, Iceland has remained a safe and open destination for travelers. For a detailed look into the recent volcanic activities and their safety implications, the Icelandic Meteorological Office offers insights through this informative video.

Embark on the journey of a lifetime in Iceland!

With our new interactive map feature, you can easily plan every step of your adventure. From cozy accommodations to unforgettable activities, the possibilities are endless. Dream big, plan smart, and chart your path with our personalized itinerary feature. Make the most of every moment in Iceland!

Take the Icelandic Pledge

Are you visiting Iceland? Be a responsible tourist and take the Icelandic pledge. Encourage your friends to do the same!

Looking for things to do?

Regions of Iceland

Iceland is typically divided into 7 different geographical regions. Each region differs slightly in respect to culture and landscapes, but are uniquely Icelandic. Find your favorite part of Iceland.

Iceland is a popular travel destination. Sometimes, certain places can be busier than others. Skip the hectic tourist traffic at the most popular destinations and plan your trip to make the most of your time in Iceland. Use our tourist counter to see peak visitor times and plan accordingly. 

Appreciate our towns & villages

Did you know that there are over 100 towns and villages to explore throughout Iceland? We encourage you to stop and look into these charming, beautiful, and often quirky places. History, art, nature, local cuisine, and year-round swimming pools abound. You might be surprised at what you find!

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Tips to travel Iceland on a budget, plus travel expert-approved gear

Where to get local deals, take a dip in a hot spring and more.

Need some summer vacation ideas that won't break the bank? "Good Morning America" is off to Iceland and packing expert tips to help create the perfect travel bucket list on a budget.

From free dips in hot springs to the stunning Seljalandsfoss waterfall, ABC News' Ashan Singh explored the Nordic island nation and shared the top ways to enjoy every stop of the trip without overspending.

"Iceland is a tremendous deal from the Boston area in particular -- flights are only about five hours in each direction -- you could take just a long weekend there and still get an action-packed trip," Eric Rosen director of travel content for The Points Guy, told "GMA."

TPG has seen deals for as low as $400 and for travelers who don't care where they're seated on the plane, some fares drop as low as $230.

When it comes to hotels, Rosen offered another simple tip, spend now on credit cards from brands like Hilton or Marriott that, once the spending threshold is reached, offer large bonus points.

"Hilton cards for instance, offer anywhere from 130 to 180,000 points typically as part of their bonus," he said. "And that's going to be good enough for two maybe even three nights at some of these hotels in Reykjavik. And that could be your whole trip right there."

Iceland activities on a budget

Get a taste of the city's culture with the Reykjavík City Card, which gives visitors access to multiple museums, art galleries, pools and even bus transportation for free.

Enjoy going home with a fashionable souvenir? Local knits are quintessentially Iceland, but with handmade sweaters priced up to $500, Singh sought out second hand store, Extraloppan to score a sweater as low as $50.

Rent a car. Singh found deals for as low as $86 a day.

Save on a more extravagant meal by finding a deal through the Dineout Iceland app, which for a small fee offers discounts all over the land of fire and ice.

Looking for a cheap and quick local bite? Try a roadside hot dog for just $4.

Visit the free National Parks and take in sights like waterfalls and geysers, but Singh suggests skipping the Blue Lagoon, which can cost $350 for a family of four, instead opt for taking a dip in a local, free hot spring.

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Expert recommended travel gear

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REI Co-op Trailmade Pants - Women's

Men's Trail Model 4 Hiking Shoes

Women's Trail Model 4 Hiking Shoes

Michael Josh Large Outdoor Picnic Blanket

CeraVe Hydrating Face Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 for All Skin Types, 2.5 fl oz

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Trailmade Rain Jacket - Men's

Trailmade Rain Jacket - Women's

EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter One International Wall Charger AC Plug Adaptor with 5.6A Smart Power and 3.0A USB Type-C for USA EU UK AUS (TA-105, Grey)

Action Camera 4K 20MP Sport Camera 40M Waterproof Underwater Camera Volg Video Camera WIFI Wide Angle Helmet Camera EIS Stabilization Dual Microphone

Anker Nano Power Bank with Built-in Foldable USB-C Connector

4Monster Camping Towels Super Absorbent

Vapur Flexible, Collapsible Wide Mouth Anti-Bottle with Detachable Carabiner

KNIT CUFFED BEANIE

THE NORTH FACE Apex Insulated Etip Glove - Men's

• $39.18 to $41.51

Indoor Instant Privacy Bed Tent for Sleeping,Quick Set-up Bed Canopies,Portable Bed Drapes with Large Space and 3 Doors (Black, Twin)

Manta Sleep Mask - 100% Light Blocking Eye Mask, Zero Eye Pressure, Comfortable & Adjustable Sleeping Mask for Women Men, Perfect Blindfold for Sleep/Travel/Nap/Shift Work

[Weighted Sleep Mask

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