All Colors Of Iceland

Tour format: A sightseeing tour with several easy to moderate hikes (up to 6 miles round trip).

Physical Difficulty: Easy to Moderate. This Tour Involves 2 — 6 miles of hiking daily with an elevation gain of up to 1200'. 

Weather: The weather in Iceland is unpredictable and can be changed every 15 — 30 minutes. Participants must be prepared for a temperature range from 40°F to 70°F. At night, the temperature might drop to 30 °F. We will probably get several hours of rain during our Tour. Participants must be ready for rainy and windy weather conditions.

Transportation is included in the Tour price except for the flights to and from Iceland and the transfer to/from the airport. We rented two (or three) big, full-size campervans (VW Crafter 4×4). 

Lodging: All nights, we will stay camping and sleep in our campervans. Almost all camping sites have clean and comfortable showers, toilets, laundry facilities, and shared kitchens. 

Meals: are not included. We can cook for ourselves in the campervan or find some restaurants nearby. Usually, we buy all necessary food and supplies in local supermarkets and just share the total cost with all participants. 

Campervan — VW Crafter 4×4

Each campervan has 5 seatbelt seats and 5 sleeping beds. We will live with 4 people per camper. There are 2 bunk beds. The upper bed is 180cm L x 160cm W, and the lower one is 200cm L x 175 cm W and can be turned into a sitting and dining section. 

The F Campervan is ideal for a group of friends, a family, or anyone who wants additional comfort with standing height and more space. 

Each campervan will have a gas cooking stove, cooking utensils, plates, and cutlery. All vans have an additional overnight heater, an electrical cooler, and running water.

Please note that none of the campers include blankets/sleeping bags, or pillows; these are extras that you can rent individually or bring your own. 

Some rental prices for your reference: 

• Sleeping bag — 23 euros
• Pillow — 7 euros
• Blanket — 7 euros
• Cotton Towel — 7 euros

Day 1.  07/04, Friday. 

Participants will arrive in Iceland, and we will meet at the airport by 10 AM. If you reach Iceland the day before, you should get a hotel next to the airport so we can pick you up from your hotel. Do not book a hotel in Reykjavik—it would be about a one-hour drive, and you would have to take a taxi (approximately 200 — 240 euros) to return to the airport. 

After loading our luggage, we immediately go to one of the most remote and hard-to-reach places in Iceland’s highlands — Kerlingarfjoll. We will drive for about 4 hours, and half of this time, we will drive a rough 4×4 road. 

We will then travel to the famous geothermal zone of Hveradalir. This is a small valley of red rhyolite mountains, steaming vents, and bubbling rivers. It’s a hiker’s paradise, a photographer’s dream. We will spend at least 2 — 3 hours wandering between yellowish and reddish hills and climbing on top of them. 

After dinner, we will hike 25-30 minutes from our rooms to the natural hot spring, where we can sip a glass of wine at the end of this beautiful day.

Night in the Kerlingarfjoll Camping. 

Day 2.  07/05. Saturday. 

The weather in Iceland is unpredictable, so today, after breakfast, we will have another chance to visit Hveradalir at different times of the day and in different weather conditions. 

We will start driving back to “civilization” at noon. On our way, we will stop at the mighty Gullfoss Waterfall. After that, we will quickly stop and stretch our legs at the most famous geyser in Iceland — Geysir. 

Our next stop will be at the fantastic waterfall — Brúarfoss (hike 4 miles). 

Later, on our way to today’s camping, we will stop at two more powerful and picturesque waterfalls and one of the most beautiful canyons in Iceland. 

Night in Landmannalaugar Camping

Day 3.  07/06. Sunday. 

On this day, we will visit Landmannalaugar. This captivating and otherworldly geothermal area is nestled in the rugged highlands of Iceland and is known for its surreal landscapes painted with vibrant colors. Surrounded by multicolored rhyolite mountains, steamy hot springs, and bubbling mud pots, Landmannalaugar offers a unique and unforgettable experience. 

Here, we hike up Bláhnúkur Mountain (meaning Blue Peak). This is the most challenging 6-mile Landmannalaugar hike in the area. There’s a steep ascent with a narrow path, precipitous drops on both sides and a river we may need to wade across. So, what is the reward of this hike? The views from any spot on this trail are simply majestic. 

After this hike, we will go to the natural hot spring. As we did one day before, we can have a glass of wine in this hot pool! 

When we return to the South Coast, we will stop at one of the iconic Icelandic waterfalls, Seljalandsfoss. We will get a chance to walk behind the falls. (Remember to wear waterproof clothing.)

Also, we will visit another icon of Iceland — the mighty waterfall Skógafoss and a hidden gem — the Kvernufoss waterfall. 

Night in Skogafoss Camping

Day 4. 07/07. Monday

Today will be a very intense day with many stops and sightseeing views. We won’t perform any long hikes but a lot of walking at a relaxing pace. 

First, after breakfast, we will try to find some puffins at one of the countless shoreline cliffs (hopefully, they still will be there — usually, they are nested along the coast from April to the beginning of August. 

On our way, we stop at a surreal mossy lava field. 

We will visit and stretch our legs at another Iceland jem — the picturesque canyon Fjaðrárgljúfur.

Our next stop will be at another spectacular Icland waterfall — Fagrifoss.

We will spend the second half of this day at Laki. 

The Laki fissure famously erupted in 1783, unleashing a catastrophic eruption that spewed forth massive lava flows and a dense haze of sulfur dioxide, devastating consequences for the environment and human populations. This eruption profoundly impacted global weather patterns and is thought to have contributed to famines and disruptions worldwide. Despite its tumultuous past, Laki’s starkly beautiful landscape, marked by its rugged lava fields and craggy formations, reminds us of nature’s unpredictable power and ability to shape and reshape our world.

Getting to the center of Laki is a true 4×4 adventure. We will drive on the rough roads, ford several rivers, and climb mountain passes. 

When we get there, we will hike Mount Laki for a bird' s-eye view of the surroundings. This hike is one of the most scenic in Iceland!

After that, we take a short hike to a tranquil lake in the middle of the crater, which offers unique scenery. 

Night in Camping at Laki

Day 5. 07/07. Tuesday.

After breakfast, on our way back to Ring Road #1, we will have another chance to visit Canyon Fjaðrárgljúfur. 

We will continue driving in southern Iceland toward Svínafellsjökull Glacier. Right from the road, we will get an unobstructed view of several glaciers today!

At the glacier’s base (if weather permits), participants can take a scenic flight above an enormous ice field with countless glaciers and the surreal net of glacier rivers. That flight is optional and not included in the tour’s price. It costs around 550 euros. 

In this area, we plan to hike Svartifoss waterfall, which is surrounded by hundreds of natural stone hexagonal pillars (a 3-mile round-trip hike). 

Later, we will stop next to the historical and charming grass-roofed church. 

After that, we will drive to the beautiful Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, which is full of flowing icebergs. If it would be safe, we can stop by Dimond Beach and take pictures of small icebergs on the black sand. 

Night in Skaftafell camping

Day 6. 07/08. Wednesday.

After breakfast, we will hike (a 5-mile round trip hike with a 1000' elevation gain) the truly hidden gem of Iceland — Múlagljúfur Canyon. It is a mesmerizing canyon nestled in the remote Icelandic highlands, offering a glimpse into the raw and untamed beauty of the country’s landscapes. Carved by the relentless forces of water and time, the canyon is a testament to the transformative power of nature. Towering cliffs adorned with vibrant greenery frame a river that winds its way through the heart of the gorge. The sight of cascading waterfalls and the symphony of rushing water adds to the enchantment of Múlagljúfur, making it a haven for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure in Iceland’s rugged wilderness.

On this day, we will drive to our next stop for over four hours. But the road won’t be boring at all! We will make several stops next to roadside waterfalls and scenic viewpoints. 

We are heading toward a cliff on the northeast side of Iceland with an enormous colony of puffins. We can be just two to three feet away from these fantastic, colorful birds and their nests here. Last time, on our 2024 tour at this place, we even saw five or six humpback whales!

About one and a half hours later, we finally reached our camping spot at another picturesque canyon: Stuðlagil.

Stuðlagil has only recently gained attention due to its striking beauty and unique basalt column formations. Tucked away in the East Iceland Highlands, Stuðlagil boasts dramatic rock columns that reveal their geometric splendor as the Jökulsá á Dal River flows through the canyon. The vibrant hues of the basalt columns juxtaposed against the calm blue waters create an awe-inspiring and surreal visual spectacle. 

We must walk on a leveled path for about 20 — 25 minutes to get to the viewpoint. 

Night in Camping

Day 7. 07/09. Thursday.

In the morning, we will get one more chance to visit Stuðlagil Canyon (in case the weather was lousy yesterday). 

Today, we will again spend a lot of time driving and sightseeing. We will make a first significant stop at the incredible Goðafoss Falls. 

We can stretch our legs at the Hverir geothermal area if it isn’t too muddy. 

If everybody in the group would like, we can stop for about two hours at Mývatn Nature Baths to get into hot, blue water and relax in this natural wonder. It costs about $50 per person and is not included in the tour price. Another option is to visit two extra picturesque waterfalls: Dettifoss and Selfoss. 

If time permits, we can stop at Glaumbær Farm & Museum  to see more traditional Icelandic grass-roofed buildings. 

Night in camping

Day 8. 07/10. Friday.

This morning, we will visit one of the countless Icelandic fjords to see one of the most famous Icelandic sea stacks: Hvítserkur to capture its reflection with rising sun. 

Not so far away from this rock, we can try to check out a beach — often, we can see resting seals there. 

After that, we will go to the foremost west point of Iceland. On our way we will visit natural bridges, waterfalls. 

And late evening we will finish that day at one of the most iconic Iceland’s location — next to waterfall Kirkjufellsfoss with a stunning view of Mount Kirkjufell. 

Night in camping

Day 9. 07/11. Saturday.

We must wake up early to start driving toward the airport by 5 AM. However, we will have one more chance to see Mount Kirkjufell.  

We will arrive in Keflavik by 9 AM, where our tour will officially end. At 11 AM, participants can start looking for a return flight. 

Recommended Personal Gear:

• Rain jacket and pants (Gore-Tex technology preferable).
  
• Fleece jacket.
  
• Light down jacket. 
• Waterproof hiking boots.
  
• Extra warm clothing for cold weather conditions, including long underwear, hats, and gloves.
  
• Backpack to carry your gear, water, extra layers, and camera or drone. 
• Backpack’s rain cover. 
• Thermos. 
  
• Rubber boots or waterproof overshoes to walk on Dimond Beach. 
• Sleeping bag, pillow, towel (participants can rent it in Iceland)