Join us for this amazing Icelandic adventure which includes not only a classic hike but also plenty of time to explore some of the iconic sights which make Iceland such a memorable destination. The tour begins with a private transfer from the airport to our hotel in the capital. We have dinner together with our Icelandic guide, Saga, before heading off to the highlands by private minibus the following morning.

The Laugavegur Trail, between Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk, is one of the most popular hiking trails in Iceland. National Geographic listed it as one of the most beautiful trails in the world.

It is unusual to find so much variety in the landscape. The trail goes through incredibly colourful rhyolite mountains, black obsidian lava, wheezing hot springs, lakes clear as a mirror, black sandy desert and ends in a lush forested area.

Once the trail is complete, we take a shorter hike to gain some of the most spectacular views from a high vantage point. We then head to our hotel in Vik and have 2 full days of private touring exploring the south coast with its magnificent waterfalls and black sand beaches. We also experience the classic Golden Circle tour which again includes some spectacular waterfalls and geysers too. Depending on flight times, we hope to have the chance to take a dip in the famous Blue Lagoon on our way back to the airport.

To make the holiday extra special, the tour will be led by local guide, Saga of Viking Women exclusively for Her on a Hill. Highly experienced, you can be sure to be in safe hands.

Itinerary (subject to change)

Day 1: Arrive in Reykjavík. Tour briefing with Saga. Dinner.

Day 2: REYKJAVÍK – LANDMANNALAUGAR

We depart Reykjavík early in the morning and change buses in the town of Hella where the Highland Bus will take us to the highlands. During the summer months, this bus drives the mountain tracks that lead to Landmannalaugar, passing by the Hekla volcano and other volcanoes in the Dómadalur area. Arriving in Landmannalaugar at noon, we get settled in to the hut and have some lunch. After lunch, we go for a lovely “warm up“ hike in the area. Landmannalaugar is a magnificent geothermal wonderland, whose colourful rhyolite mountains have become famous across the world. In the evening, we have dinner and later, we have some free time to relax in the natural hot spring or join the wardens at the Mountain Mall, which sells beer, wine and snacks.

Distance: 5-6 km (3,7 mi) Walking time: 3 – hours 

Day 3:      LANDMANNALAUGAR – ÁLFTAVATN

Today begins with breakfast at the hut before we start hiking the famous Laugavegur Trail. Our journey heads towards Hrafntinnusker, an obsidian desert which appears otherworldly. We then follow the beautiful Reykjafjöll Mountains, famed for their snowy peaks and majestic views of the surrounding area.

From Hrafntinnusker, we descend down into the gullies of Jökultungur with hundreds of steaming hot springs and mud pools. We enjoy fascinating views to the south to the Álftavatn area (Swan Lake), and the Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull glaciers. In the afternoon, we arrive at Álftavatn hut where we stay the night.

Distance: 21 km (13 mi) Walking time: 7 – 8 hrs Ascent 470 m (1540′) Descent 490 m (1600′)

Day 4:   ÁLFTAVATN – EMSTRUR

We pass below the foot of the green iconic volcano of Stórasúla before entering the black deserts of Mælifellssandur. Heading towards another ancient and verdant volcano, the Hattfell, we enter the Emstrur region where farmers used to graze their sheep in summer. Before arriving at the Botnar hut (Emstrur), where we stay the night, we visit the magnificent Markarfljót canyon cut almost 200 m down into the rocks south of Hattfell.

Distance: 16 km (10 mi) Walking time: 6 – 7 hrs Descent: 40 m (130 ft)

Day 5: EMSTRUR – ÞÓRSMÖRK

We continue up and down through the small valleys and gullies of Emstrur, where the great Mýrdalsjökull glacier rises only a couple of kilometres away. As our hike is coming to an end for the day, we descend into Þórsmörk’s (the woods of Thor) green valleys filled with Arctic birch forests and colourful flowers. Our accommodation will be in a simply magnificent location, beneath the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers. You can now celebrate your completion of the world famous Laugavegur Trail.

Distance: 17 km (10.5 mi) Walking time: 6 – 7 hrs Descent: 300 m (985 ft)

Day 6: ÞÓRSMÖRK – VÍK

We spend the morning in the most beautiful place in Iceland; Þórsmörk and visit the Sönghellir cave (Song cave), climb up the small mountain of Valahnúkur from where magnificent views can be enjoyed, before taking the afternoon highland bus back to Hella, arriving around 19:00. We change back to our private minibus and head to our country hotel for two nights.

Distance: 5 km (3,5 mi) Walking time: 3-4 hours Descent: 300 m (980 ft)

Day 7: THE SOUTHCOAST & GLACIER LAGOON

After a good night’s sleep, we will explore the majestic south coast of Iceland. We will visit the two most photographed waterfalls in Iceland; Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, feel the energy of the roaring ocean on the black sand beach and, last but not least, explore the Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach. Arrive back at our hotel in the evening.

Day 8: THE GOLDEN CIRCLE

Now it´s time to explore the classic Golden Circle, that consist of three major sightseeing points; Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir hot spring and the Þingvellir national park, but before we do, we will start our day by soaking in the wonderful old pool often referred to as the Secret Lagoon, followed by lunch at the greenhouse farm, Friðheimar. Return to Reykjavík and enjoy a farewell dinner.

Day 9

BLUE LAGOON & GOODBYE

If time allows, it is a must to dip in the bright blue water of the Blue Lagoon, rich in minerals that makes your skin feel ten years younger. Enjoy a silica mud mask with a complimentary drink. Later, we will say our goodbyes at Keflavík airport.

• Price
• Grade
• Accommodation
• Guide
• Travel

9 days / 8 nights: 4 nights single ensuite hotel accommodation/ 4 nights mixed dormitory £2750 4 nights twin shared ensuite hotel accommodation / 4 nights mixed dormitory £250 discount Price Includes: 8 nights’ accommodation – 4 hotel in 2 centres, 4 mountain hut; Exclusive tour for Her on a Hill customers with local female guide and Her on a Hill guide; Private minibus for the tours; Private minibus and then Highland bus to get to the trail; Transfer of main luggage and food on the trail – you just carry a day pack; All meals except 2 lunches and 1 evening meal on the first night. Meals are prepared by Saga on the trail – with a little help from the group; 2 full days of private touring of classic locations to view magnificent waterfalls, geysers, black sand beaches, etc Entrance to Secret Lagoon and Blue Lagoon. Not included Flight to Iceland; 2 lunches; 1 evening meal; Discretionary Tips; Travel Insurance

It is the remoteness, terrain underfoot and unpredictability of the weather that makes the walking challenging. In terms of length and ascent, the walks are between 10.5 and 15 miles each day on the trek and up to 500m of ascent. There are 3 river crossings which will involve taking boots off. You need to be physically fit to undertake this trek.

The accommodation along the trails is in mountain huts sleeping up to 75 people. The accommodaiton is in dormitories with other guests – not women only. There are bunk beds with single and double mattresses. You will need to bring a sleeping bag although they can be hired. The other 4 nights are in hotel accommodation where single rooms are available - 2 nights in Reykjavík and 2 in Vik.

Saga Lif A self-described nature addict, Saga has always been drawn to the beauty of Iceland’s natural world. She became a guide to help other women unleash their inner Valkyries and make meaningful connections through awe-inspiring adventures. Her company Viking Women focuses on all-female trips that combine wellness with Iceland’s otherworldly landscapes.

There will be a private transfer by minibus meeting certain flights (tbc). If you arrive at a different time, there is a good bus service to the capital. You can purchase your flight independently via the airline or online agency. If you prefer to have a flight booked on your behalf that has ATOL protection and / or you would like to add on extra days at a different accommodation then please contact our preferred partner, Paul Graham at Explorer Travel. Accommodation and travel booking fees vary according to your requirements. You can call Paul on 01213 573 866 or email him with your enquiry: paul.graham@explorertravel.co.uk Please do not book flights until the holiday is confirmed by Her on a Hill.