Join us for an unforgettable 8-day journey through the stunning Icelandic Highlands, one of the largest wilderness areas in Europe. Our mission is to take you to the most captivating and intriguing spots in the Icelandic Highlands, where the natural beauty knows no bounds. Gullfoss Waterfall: Witness the majesty of the mighty Gullfoss waterfall as it thunders into a rugged canyon, providing the perfect canvas for your lens. Kerlingarfjöll Geothermal Area: Immerse yourself in the surreal landscape of geothermal wonders at Kerlingarfjöll, where steaming vents and vibrant colors provide endless creative opportunities. Landmannalaugar - with windswept rhyolite mountains, a rock type that creates a full spectrum of dazzling colors. Shades of red, pink, green, blue, and golden yellow make for an ethereal location. Haifoss Waterfall: Discover the awe-inspiring beauty of Haifoss, one of Iceland's tallest waterfalls, nestled in a remote, pristine setting. Diamond Beach - At the Diamond Beach, the icebergs which fill the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon wash up on shore, creating a stark contrast with the volcanic black sand. Maelifell Green Volcano: Discover the unique surroundings of the lonely green volcano, Maelifell, an icon of the Icelandic Highlands. South Coast Sights: We'll also ensure you experience the famous sights along Iceland's southern coast, including the charming village of Vik, the dramatic black sand beach Reynisfjara, and the iconic waterfalls Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss.
About Me! We are Guided Arctic. Guided Arctic is the creation of Jennifer Spiegel and Ian Montgomery. Ian has been captivated by all things Arctic longer than he can remember. He has travelled multiple times to nearly every arctic location on the planet. When he isn’t in the arctic, he works as a filmmaker, photographer, aerial cinematographer and educator in San Francisco. His films and photography has been awarded multiple times. Ian is a certified Wilderness First Responder. Jennifer Spiegel is a food professional with an incredible list of credentials including tenures with Wolfgang Puck, Michelin Star chef Charles Solomon, cooking throughout Tuscany and was the founder and creative director of one of the Bay Area’s most successful boutique catering and event design companies. Although food was her first passion, landscape photography has always been a close second and she has spent the past several years traveling the world with Ian documenting some of nature’s most amazing vistas while trying her best to stay warm. Jen and Ian have taken guests to Iceland, Norway and Greenland multiple times over the last 8 years. As well as organized group tours, they do bespoke trips as requested.
We stay in 3-4 star hotels on the edge of the Highlands. The price is based on twin share, if you don't want to do that there is a single room surcharge. We have spent years searching for the right hotels and have developed great relationships with hotel owners in Iceland. We usually eat our dinners at the hotels, and we are confident in our choices. Any questions about the trip? You can let me know in the Q&A section!
What's included?
Accommodation
Breakfast
Lunch
Snacks and drinks in the truck.
Guided Ice Cave Tour
Airport Transfers
Photography Guidance (if required)
Your Booking includes free protection from Trip cancellations. Learn More
Ian and Jen are Guided Arctic. Tour guides for the Arctic, specializing in small group tours with a maximum of 5 people.
You can chat with Ian once you reserve your spot.
Trip Itinerary
1
Kerlingarfjöll
Day 1-2
We will depart Reykjavik at 10am in our Land Rover Superjeep. Around 1 hour later we say goodbye to sealed roads as we hit our first ‘F’ Road. Another hour later we will arrive at he thermal valley of Kerlingarfjoll. This breathtaking valley is home to an otherworldly landscape of mountains, hot springs, and glaciers. Hike through the valley and discover its hidden gems, including colorful mountains, geysers, and natural hot pools. Once you have explored the valley, you will hike around 90 minutes to our overnight accomodation at Highland Base.
2
Gullfoss Falls
Day 2
Today we head South, our first stop being at the famous Gullfoss Waterfall. Gullfoss (translated to ‘Golden Falls’) is one of Iceland’s most iconic and beloved waterfalls, found in the Hvítá river canyon in Southwest Iceland. The water in Hvítá river travels from the glacier Langjökull, before cascading 32 meters (105 feet) down Gullfoss’ two stages in a dramatic display of nature’s raw power. Next stop is the town of Geysir where you can watch Strokkur hurl boiling water up to 160ft in the air.
3
Geysir
Day 2
Next stop is the town of Geysir where you can watch Strokkur hurl boiling water up to 160ft in the air. Geologists believe the geothermal field has a surface area of approximately 3 km² (1.1 sq mi). Most of the springs align along a 100 m (328 ft) wide strip of land running in the same direction as the tectonic lines in the area (south to southwest). The strip is 500 m (1.640 ft) long and culminates near what once was the seat of the lords of Haukadalur. The area became active more than 1.000 years ago and consists of more than a dozen hot water blow holes. The oldest account of the Geysir area dates back to 1294. Earthquakes in southern Iceland caused changes in the geothermal area and created several new hot springs.
4
Haifoss
Day 2-3
We then head back onto the F-Roads and head towards the incredible Haifoss. Háifoss, or the ‘High Waterfall’, is a waterfall in Fossárdalur valley, innermost of Þjórsárdalur valley, in South Iceland. It is the country’s third tallest falls
5
Landmannalaugar
Day 3-4
We will experience many dramatic landscapes today, including volcanic deserts, crater lakes, a bright red waterfall and many more including Sigoldugljufur - Also known as the Valley of Tears. It is most renowned for and earned its nickname from its sheer number of waterfalls and crystal bright blue water. The Highlight of todays adventures is the Highland’s most well known locations, Landmannalaugar - a truly rare area, both geologically and aesthetically. The dramatic region is a sweeping expanse of dried magma that originally formed in an eruption in 1477. Landmannalaugar itself is made up of windswept rhyolite mountains, a rock type that creates a full spectrum of dazzling colors. Shades of red, pink, green, blue, and golden yellow make for an ethereal location. after a hike we will soak in the incredible natural hot springs.
6
Landmannalaugar
Day 4-5
More exploration in the Highlands, exploring the Kirkjubæjarklaustur Area, Rauðfoss, Krakatindur and Ófærufoss. We will be slowly making our way south, heading towards our overnight accomodation at the hotel Laki.
7
Jökulsárlón
Day 5-6
Today we head the very famous Diamond Beach and Jokulsarlon lagoon. Here compressed glacial ice turns glassy and a deep, luminous blue. You’ll see plenty of broken blue icebergs at Jökulsárlón – and the contrast against the white backdrop of the distant glacier and the black sand of the lagoon’s beach is truly other-worldly. You may even see seals too. At the Diamond Beach, the icebergs which fill the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon wash up on shore, creating a stark contrast with the volcanic black sand. This beautiful display makes it a favourite location for photographers and nature lovers. Depending on the weather we will either do a glacier walk or a kayak trip around the lagoon.
8
Vik
Day 6-7
Today we head back East along Highway 1 towards our overnight stay at the Katla Hotel in Vik. Along the way we will stop at Skaftafell, where you can walk onto a glacier. Once we are closer to Vik, will will drive onto the black sand beach to see a very popular cave and some volcanic structures. In The afternoon you will join up on a guided tour of the Katla Ice Cave. Prepare for movie-like landscapes and jaw-dropping sights like nothing you’ve ever done before. You will hike across the Myrdalsjokull glacier, then visit the amazing blue and black ice cave of the Kötlujökull glacier on Mt. Katla.
9
Maelifell
Day 7-8
We leave behind the busy tourist ring road and head towards one of the true gems of the Highlands. Mælifell is a 791 metre tall volcano that stands out in a desert of black sands. It was once concealed under Mýrdalsjökull glacier, the third largest glacier in the country, but became exposed when the glacier retreated at the end of the last Ice Age. This occurred approximately 10,000 years ago. The volcano remains close to this ice cap, just to its north. As such, it is surrounded by volcanic landscapes and many pristine glacier rivers. It is particularly renowned for its vivid green colouration in summer, which contrasts starkly with the black sands that encircle it. Because of its beauty, Maelifell has been featured in films such as Noah and television series such as Game of Thrones.
10
Reykjavík
Day 8
Last day but that doesnt mean it wont be full of many amazing sights. First up is Reynisfjara Beach. With its enormous basalt stacks, roaring Atlantic waves, and stunning panoramas, Reynisfjara is widely considered to be the most beautiful example of Iceland’s black sand beaches. In 1991, National Geographic voted Reynisfjara as one of the Top 10 non-tropical beaches to visit on the planet. Next is two of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls, ‘Seljalandsfoss’ and ‘Godafoss’. We will be back in Reykjavik by 5pm.
Trip Summary
Accommodation
Hotel
8 days trip
Kerlingarfjöll, Gullfoss Falls & 8 more
Transportation
Car
What's excluded?
Dinner
Alcohol
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Iceland
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