One Week Camping in Iceland
7 days
From
$ 1865
Duration7 days
If you’re after geysers, glaciers and good times, this Iceland trip’s got you covered. Quick note: Greenland is the one with all the ice, Iceland is the one with all the green – but you can see why people get the two mixed up. Now we’ve got that out the way – Iceland is crazy pretty. Even searching for pictures from the country turns up with scenes that belong in a Hollywood blockbuster (Star Wars, anyone?). The cool thing about this trip is you’ll get to see all the beautiful nature first hand, minus the special effects. The hills of Hvolsvollur, Vatnajokull’s frosty glaciers, the bursting Strokkur Geyser and Reykjavik’s party vibes – you better believe this trip has all the good stuff.
This tour is operated by
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Duration: 7 daysService level: Basic
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Physical Grading: Light
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Ages: 18+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Reykjavik
Hallo! Welcome to Iceland. Being so far north on the globe, Reykjavik only gets four hours of sun in winter and 22 in summer – that means a lot of time partying or a lot of time napping in the sun, your call. Maybe check out some of the bars with the group once the welcome meeting is over – the nightlife (or late day life?) here is super impressive.
Day 2: Golden Circle / Hvolsvöllur Valley
Jump out of bed and get ready to follow Iceland’s ‘Golden Circle’ for a day of smooth scenic drives. Arrive at Thingvellir National Park and the Parliament Plains. This is the site of Europe's oldest parliament, founded in 930. If you suss out a big gap of water in the landscape, you’re probably looking at the Silfra fissure where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are slowly ripping apart. Check out the Strokkur Geyser in the Geysir area and you might catch it when it blasts water through the air. Finally, swing by the Gullfoss double waterfall on the Hvita River before setting up camp in the Hvolsvöllur Valley. Once settled in lend a hand with the Hvollsvöllur tree planting project. Deforestation has had a nasty impact on the island as it’s led to serious soil erosion. The locals counter this by planting trees in the surrounding hillsides – Do your bit for the environment and get your hands dirty when you plant your own tree.
Meals: B
Day 3: Thorsmörk Valley
Today disappear into the green and black hills of Thorsmörk (Thor’s Valley) by public 4x4 bus, crossing many fast flowing rivers. This nature reserve is a favourite with walkers and once you check out the oases and roaring rivers it’ll be pretty obvious why people keep coming back. The rugged and rocky ridges provide dramatic views of the valleys and rivers beneath. The valley is sheltered on both sides by glaciers which gives the scenery a surreal feel. You will have time to walk among wooded surroundings and perhaps to head uphill to summit of Valahnukur for some magnificent panoramic views from the top, or hike in the very scenic canyon of Stakkholtsgja with a nice waterfall at the end. In the evening dig into a barbeque prepared on an open fire.
Meals: D
Day 4: South Coast / Gerdi
See ya Thorsmörk! It’s been fun. Return to civilization. En-route to our next overnight destination you’ll get to explore Iceland’s beautiful south coast. After checking out some beautiful waterfalls, you’ll get to see Vik’s Black Sand Beach which is literally pitch black – how crazy is that? Zip off to Dyrholaey, known as ‘the arch with the hole’. Head to Gerdi for the evening where you'll set up camp for the night.
Day 5: South Coast / Jökulsarlon / Gerdi
Feeling like you could tackle Europe’s biggest icecap? In that case, go for an optional walk on Vatnajökull – you don’t really need any special experience to sign up for a glacier walk here so don’t let the size scare you. It’s kind of sad to think that the glacier is melting away due to rising temperatures – it might not be here in a couple of years. Alternatively you may want to visit Fjallsarlon. If you prefer a relaxing morning you can explore the surroundings of the farmstay and head to the Thorbergur Centre. Later head to the famous glacial lagoon of Jökulsarlon where there’s the option of jumping on a boat to sail around the huge icebergs. After exploring this chilly countryside, return to our campsite at Gerdi.
Day 6: Solheimasandur / Reykjavik
Now it’s time to get back to Reykjavik! But not before you have visited the crashed plane that still sits on the Solheimasandur Beach to this day, which you’ll get to explore. Now that you’ve seen the natural side of Iceland, spend the afternoon in Reykjavik at your own pace. Maybe go window-shopping for a few souvenirs, ride a bike along the harbour front or check out some of the local art galleries if you’re feeling arty. Want to do something active? You can take a ride on an Icelandic horse or see killer whales on a whale watching expedition. Or while away the hours with a soak in the geothermal waters of the famous Blue Lagoon. Alternatively, there is always the option to knock back a few drinks at one of Reykjavik’s quirky bars with your new friends on the last night of this adventure.
Day 7: Reykjavik
Today marks the end of your Icelandic adventure and you're free to leave at any time. If you would like to extend your stay in Reykjavik we are happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
Meals: B
Inclusions
Included
- Golden Circle (Strokkur Geyser & Gullfoss Waterfall)
- Þingvellir National Park (Parliament Plains)
- Responsible Travel Tree Planting Activity
- Dyrholaey & Reynisfjara Rocks
- Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
- Skogafoss Waterfall
- Reykjavik Walking Tour
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Transport
Private minibus with free Wi-Fi, 4x4 bus -
Accommodation
Camping (4 nights), Guesthouse (2 nights)