Hikers climbing the Vatnajökull glacier
15-day adventure

Volcanoes Deserts and Glaciers

Iceland
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Code: ICVG

15 days
Easy

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Our Altai guides in Iceland are not only experts in leading groups in the outdoors, but also passionate about this remarkable country. It is not just the surreal landscapes and geothermal activity that make Iceland so fascinating, a rich history and culture is waiting to be discovered. We provide Icelandic adventures for all levels of ability. If you are looking for something challenging, check out the iconic Laugavegur trek or for a slower...
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Kandoo's view

A journey through the heart of Iceland's wild and rugged interior, a remote and exhilarating adventure, far from tarmac roads or popular trekking trails. On this trip we will navigate our way through the center of Iceland, using 4x4 vehicles to forge our way through rivers, across deserts and lava fields and beneath creaking glaciers. We will climb to the summit of Brennisteinsalda for magnificent views of Landmannalaugar, swim in thermal springs and see active lava flows and explosive geysers. An action packed trip for those seeking adventure far beyond the normal tourist routes. Mesmerizing waterfalls, ancient lava tunnels, rhyolite mountains and vast glaciers are waiting to be discovered.

Trip highlights

  • Explore the Rhyolite mountains of the Kerlingarfjöll massif
  • Discover Goðafoss, the waterfall of the gods
  • Hike on the Vatnajökull ice cap
  • Cross remote and rugged landscapes in 4x4 vehicles

Experiences

  • Kandoo Trekking
    Hikers in Thorong, during the Annapurnas Tour
    Our core collection of treks and hikes, through some of the world's most outstanding landscapes

Gallery

Itinerary

  • Day 1

    Arrival

    Arrival at Keflavik airport where a member of our local team will be ready to greet you. We transfer to our accommodation in Reykjavik and pass by the new volcano of Geldingadalur. If we are lucky, the plume of molten lava may be in sight!

    • Accomodation: Hotel
  • Day 2

    Reykjavik - Kerlingarfjöll

    This morning we set off early from Reykjavik and quickly find ourselves on the Mosfell Moor, a totally different atmosphere descends as we enter the Icelandic wilderness for the first time. We soon reach Thingvellir, the valley of the parliament, a high place of Icelandic history. This is where the summer sessions of the ancient Icelandic parliament established in 870 were held. We continue our journey north, stopping at the majestic Gullfoss waterfall and the Strokkur geyser, which spouts out every 5 to 10 minutes. After visiting the Geysir, we enter the highlands of Iceland between the Hofsjökull and Langjökull glaciers and scenery grows ever more impressive. Finally, we arrive in the Kerlingarfjöll region and settle down at our refuge for the night.

    • Accomodation: Refuge
    • Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
  • Day 3

    Kerlingarfjöll

    Today is devoted to the discovery of the Kerlingarfjöll massif which literally translates as "witch mountains". Spectacular colours and contrasts are created by Rhyolite, a crumbly orange-coloured rock that makes up this unique landscape. We walk amongst solfataras (volcanic steam vents) and fumaroles and discover hot springs steaming in the cool air. After a full day of exploring we return to our refuge for another night.

    • Hiking time: 5 - 6 hours
    • Accomodation: Refuge
    • Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
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Trip information

Difficulty

This trip through the wilds of Iceland 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 gains 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. 

Food & drink

Each day will start with a breakfast of cereals, bread, jam and honey, fresh fruit and plenty of tea and coffee. After breakfast we prepare our own picnic lunches to throw in our daypacks. There will be bread to make sandwiches and a range of fillings to choose from (cheese, cold meats, vegetables) as well as salads, dried fruits and cakes.

Your help in the kitchen is expected and much appreciated, particularly in the evenings with food prep and washing up. We like the whole group to work as a team to cook dinner, it creates a pleasant atmosphere as we reflect on the days adventures together. We are proud of the healthy a delicious meals we provide even out in the Icelandic wilderness! There will always be plenty of fresh vegetables and you will have the opportunity to taste skyr, smoked salmon, leg of lamb and other tasty Icelandic delicacies. Every meal will include some kind of local meat or fish.

If you have special dietary requirements please inform us of this when completing your participant forms and include as much detail as possible. For example, if you are vegetarian, please inform us if you eat fish or not. Our guides will do their best to meet your requirements but you may like to bring one or two products with you. For example, gluten free products are not readily available in Iceland so you could bring a small bag of GF pasta and maybe a pack of your favorite GF biscuits. Please feel free to contact us and discuss this if you would like more information. 

In Iceland, alcoholic drinks are sold only in state stores and alcohol is very expensive due to high levels of taxation. If you would like a drink in the evenings, it is a good idea to purchase something at duty free as you exit the airport. 

Accommodation

During this trip we will stay in a mixture of hotels, guesthouses and refuges. 

In Reykjavik we stay in comfortable hotel accommodation in twin rooms with en-suite bathroom facilities. 

Guesthouses are usually large typically Icelandic houses with 5 to 10 bedrooms. Accommodation is in dormitories of 4 to 6 people with shared bathroom facilities. Single or double rooms can be booked on request and subject to availability. 

The refuges are much like the mountain huts you would find in mainland Europe. Large buildings in exceptionally beautiful locations with basic dormitory accommodation and shared bathrooms. Single beds or bunk beds are provided but you need to bring your own sleeping bag. There will be hot showers and charging for phones and cameras available for a small fee. Most of these refuges are owned by the Iceland Touring Association and you can see pictures and learn more about the accommodation by visiting their website here

At every location on our Iceland trips there will be access to flushing, western style toilets.

Luggage

You will need to bring a 70-80 litre duffel bag or backpack for the bulk of your luggage and a smaller 30-40 litre daypack to carry with you each day.  Please do not bring a rigid suitcase as this is not as practical to transport during your trip. Your luggage will travel with you in a 4x4 vehicle and it is a good idea to pack anything you do not want to get wet into dry bags. 

How do I get there?

You will need to arrive in Reykjavik on day 1 of your itinerary. Reykjavik's international airport is called Keflavic (KEF) and is located 48km outside the city. The journey from the airport into the city will take around 45mins. Reykjavik's city airport is used for domestic flights only.

From the UK, there are direct flights to Keflavic from London Heathrow (LHR) with British Airways and Icelandair. Easy Jet also offer direct flights from London Luton (LTN), Manchester (MAN) and Edinburgh (EDI). The flight time is roughly 3 hours depending on which airport you depart from.

For those traveling from the USA, Icelandair have direct flights from New York (JFK), Boston (BOS), Washington (IAD) and Seattle (SEA). Delta offer convenient flights via New York from San Francisco (SFO), Los Angeles (LAX), Phoenix (PHX) and Atlanta (ATL).

On arrival in Iceland, after clearing immigration and collecting your luggage, please look out for a member of our team in the arrivals area. They will be holding a large “KANDOO” sign.

Budget & change

The local currency in Iceland is the Icelandic Krona (ISK). For the most up to date exchange rate please visit www.xe.com.

Iceland isn't a cheap place to visit. Restaurants often have lunchtime special menus which are great value (around £20-30pp for a soup and fish of the day). A meal out for 2 will cost around £60-100 (fish) or £80-120 (meat). When getting around in Reykjavik an exciting and cheap option is to use the electric scooters parked up around town. Simply download the app and scoot away. If this feels too techy, a taxi starting price will cost roughly £4.30 or going on foot is more than appropriate as Reykjavik has a small city centre. Souvenirs can cost anything from ~£5 to £500. It is also worth knowing that as a tourist, you can claim back the value-added tax (VAT) on certain goods over the value of ISK 6,000 (£36) at Keflavik airport before your flight home. As long as this is all on one tax receipt, you can claim back the tax.

Tips

Tipping customs vary all over the world and can be very confusing when travelling to a new country. Tipping is always appreciated - it is not obligatory and should be left to the discretion of each individual in Iceland. Tips are not a substitute for good wages: our guides are all well paid and well looked after. If you are satisfied with your guide’s services, we recommend a tip between £30-40 per person (equivalent to 5000-6600 ISK) for the entire trip. On the other hand, if you receive bad service or have not been treated well, you would not be expected to tip at all.

Formalities & health

Passport

Most travellers will require a passport valid for at least 6 months after your return date. It is your responsibility to confirm your specific requirements and please be aware that proof of onward travel may be required.

Visa

Travelling to the Iceland is visa free for up to 90 days, for UK and US citizens

Vaccinations

No vaccinations are required.

Insurance

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fully and adequately insured for the duration of your trip. Please ensure that all activities, excursions and destinations in your itinerary are included in your travel insurance policy, in addition to your regular cover for cancellation and medical expenses. We ask that you keep a copy of your policy summary (containing policy number and the emergency contact number for your insurer) in your day sack at all times, so that we can access this information should we need to contact the insurer on your behalf.

Medication

Your guide carries a first aid kit at all times but we recommend you carry the following items:

  • Painkillers
  • Anti-diarrhoea tablets
  • Sunscreen (high factor) for lips and skin
  • Moisturising cream
  • Elastic bandage and regular bandages
  • Sanitary products
  • Mosquito spray
  • Blister bandage

Equipment & clothing

Clothing to bring

  • Hat for sun protection
  • Hat for warmth
  • Scarf or head scarf that can be wet
  • Sunglasses
  • Long sleeve shirts or cotton t-shirts
  • Jumpers, 1 light weight and 1 warm
  • Windproof and waterproof jacket with hood
  • Breathable fast drying underwear
  • Warm gloves
  • Comfortable long trousers (fast drying)
  • Waterproof trousers
  • Thermal long sleeved vest and leggings
  • Trainers or sandals for evenings
  • Walking socks
  • Hiking boots (high rise, sturdy soles)
  • Swimming costume may be useful

Equipment to bring

  • Sleeping bag with minimum comfort rating of 0˚C
  • 2 x 1 litre water bottles or hydration pack 
  • Walking poles (highly recommended)
  • Head torch with spare batteries and bulb
  • Toiletries (including wet wipes)
  • Dry bags for keep clothes dry in your luggage
  • Container for any toxic rubbish (batteries, sanitary items etc)
  • Duffel bag (80 to 90 litres), flexible and water resistant
  • Daypack (30 to 40 litres) to carry with you each day

OTHER USEFUL KIT

  • Camera
  • Binoculars
  • Insect repellant
  • Thermos flask

Dates & prices

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06/07/2024 20/07/2024 £7,999 $10,395
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27/07/2024 10/08/2024 £7,999 $10,395
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17/08/2024 31/08/2024 £7,999 $10,395
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05/07/2025 19/07/2025 £7,999 $10,395
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26/07/2025 09/08/2025 £7,999 $10,395
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16/08/2025 30/08/2025 £7,999 $10,395
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Want to ask us a question or book a private trip? Don't hesitate to contact us!

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Price includes

  • Airport transfers
  • 14 nights accommodation
  • All transportation as outlined in your itinerary
  • An expert Kandoo Adventure guide
  • Full board (except meals in Reykjavik)

Price does not include

  • International flights
  • Visa (if required)
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals in Reykjavik
  • Optional activities / entrance fees to museums
  • Drinks, tips and personal expenses