Iceland Travel Guide

Trekking in Iceland

• Which is the best time to visit Iceland?

  The summer months are the busiest time for tourism in Iceland and one of the many highlights of this season is the "midnight sun". From May to July the sun is above the horizon line for nearly 24 hours a day. All that daylight means travellers have plenty of time to explore and there is certainly no rush to reach your campsite each evening. You can expect temperatures between 6°C and 18°C. This is also a great time to see whales and puffins. The highland roads are all open making the Laugavegur Trek possible.
  

• Do you need hiking boots for Iceland?

  Yes you will need a pair of sturdy boots with good ankle support. The terrain in Iceland is rugged and a good pair of boots is vital for a safe and comfortable trip. 
  

• What is the best length of trip to Iceland?

  This really depends what you want to see and do while you are in Iceland. You can complete the famous Laugavegur Trail in an 8 day trip with 6 days of trekking. Our Fire and Fjords adventure in the north east of Iceland is also an 8 day trip.  
  

• Is Iceland expensive?

  Iceland is a very expensive place to visit and ranks in the top 5 most expensive countries in the world. At Kandoo Adventures we have our own local team and operate our trips ourselves. This means we can provide great value for money on our open group trips and private tailor made Icelandic adventures.
  

• What language is spoken in Iceland?

  The official language of Iceland is Icelandic. English is also widely understood. 

• Is it OK to take lava rock from Iceland?

  It is illegal to take anything natural out of Iceland's protected areas; they are very passionate about caring for th eland on which they live and this includes leaving the lava where it lies. 
  

• Why is Iceland good for adventure tourism?

  Iceland is known for its bubbling lava fields, blankets of glaciers and electric green mountains that dominate the moon-like landscape. The numerous glacial fed rivers create impressive waterfalls which fall majestically from the steep drops in the Icelandic landscape. Although it sits just outside the arctic circle, the island has a temperate climate thanks to the warming effects of the gulf stream. 
  

• What tours are worth doing in Iceland?

  This really depends on what it is you are visiting Iceland for. Each of our trips offer different ways to experience Iceland:
  

   
  

  Laugavegur Trek - For those wishing to delve into the remote wilderness of Iceland's rolling hills.
  

   
  

  Fire, Ice and Northern Lights - For anyone wanting to see the natural wonders that Iceland has to offer.
  

   
  

  Volcanoes, Deserts and Glaciers - Explore the Rhyolite mountains of the Kerlingarfjöll massif then hike on the Vatnajökull ice cap.
  

   
  

  Ultimate Iceland - Hit all the highlights in this full circumnavigation of Iceland.
  

• Can you explore Iceland without a guide?

  It is possible to explore Iceland without a guide, however this means driving yourself and Iceland's roads are notoriously bad during the winter months. It also means you don't learn about the interesting quirks of Iceland culture (of which there are many) for example, did you know that in Iceland hot water comes straight from the ground? Houses don't need heating systems because they have a big, natural one below them!
  

• How difficult is the hike to the volcano in Iceland?

  Hiking up the volcano is not very demanding and is achievable by anybody in good health with a reasonable level of fitness. You will need to hike for between 4 and 7 hours with elevation gain up to 500m. Although there is no technical difficulty, the terrain can be rocky and unstable and care will be needed to avoid slips and trips. The weather can also play a big part in the difficulty of the trip. If conditions are poor, you could be hiking in very cold conditions with strong winds and rain. To talk about your suitability for this trip, please feel free to contact us.
  

• Is it OK to take lava rock from Iceland?

  It is illegal to take anything natural out of Iceland's protected areas; they are very passionate about caring for th eland on which they live and this includes leaving the lava where it lies. 
  

• Do I need specialist equipment to hike on the glaciers?

  No, we provide crampons, helmets, harnesses and ice axes for your glacier trek. You need to ensure you wear appropriate clothing; this needs to be warm, waterproof and windproof. On your feet you need to wear sturdy boots with ankle support.