The High Peaks of Iceland is a exciting and physically demanding walking and climbing expedition to ‘The Land of Fire and Ice’ you will have the opportunity to develop alpine skills, walk on Iceland’s largest icecap and ascend their highest peak, Hvannadalshnukur (2119m), in the Skaftafell National Park. All the while you will be able to see and absorb the sights that make Iceland so spectacular: volcanoes, lava fields, hot springs, geysers, icebergs and glaciers. You will make ascents of a number of other peaks before the long day on Hvannadalashnukur – all with their own breathtaking panoramas: Mount Hekla (1491m). Mt Kristinartindar (1222m) and Mount Botnssulur (1095m). No previous experience is required as you will be taught how walk with crampons and a safety rope, but a good level of fitness is essential.

Iceland is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise and there are many other activities you can enjoy if you are able to stay a little longer – just contact us for more information.  

This trip will operate with a minimum of 6 participants using a local Icelandic guide.

THIS TRIP RUNS SUNDAY TO SUNDAY ENABLE CLIENTS TO MAKE USE OF THE EASYJET FLIGHTS TO REYKJAVIK FROM LUTON, MANCHESTER, EDINBURGH AND BRISTOL WHICH ALL FLY ON SUNDAYS.

Dates & Prices

Itinerary

Day 1 Fly to Reykjavik and take a taxi or the shuttle bus to your accommodation in town. There will be a meeting with your Icelandic guide in the evening. Reykjavik is not cheap – but it is exciting and vibrant nevertheless.

Day 2 Today we loosen up with an ascent and traverse of Mount Botnssulur (1095m). Our ascent of Mount Botnssulur starts from Þingvellir. The climb is straightforward but ends with a lovely ridge to the summit that gives outstanding views stretching over Hvalfjordur, the steaming volcano Hengill, the Vestmann islands and Pingvallavatn, Iceland's largest lake just below us.  5 hours walking. 

Day 3 Today we climb Mount Hekla (1491m), Iceland's best known and most active volcano that adopts the 'classic' volcano shape. We start our climb from the north side of the mountain from the edge of the newest lava field formed in the year 2000; a great lunar landscape of black volcanic sand and rocks that leads upwards along the volcano's ridge to the summit. The variations in the lava and vegetation shaped by the forces of erosion create a colourful and spectacular scenery. The view from the top of Mt. Hekla is wide and beautiful; you can see all of the Fjallabak mountains, up to Vatnajökull glacier (Europe's biggest) and Mount Bardarbunga (Iceland's second highest peak). 6 to 7 hours walking, 1040m of ascent.

Day 4 Today we climb onto the Svínafellsjökull glacier and spend some time crossing the glacier and practicing the skills we need for our forthcoming ascent of Mt Kristinartindar. In the afternoon we head for the coast to visit Jökullsárlón, a pretty lagoon famous for its many icebergs that have been thrown into the water by the descend glacier.  Seals can often be seen ducking and diving their way between them. You can take a walk along either shore. The icebergs adopt a variety of colours from white to blue to black….all very beautiful. This place has provided the backdrop for many Hollywood films, including the James Bond movie ‘Die Another Day’.

Day 5 We set off from the campsite through the beautiful arctic birch forest on route to Svartifoss, famous for its black basalt columns that frame the waterfall. We continue crossing the open moorland of Skaftafell to gain the slopes of Kristinartindar.  We stop briefly at the viewpoints Sjόnarnipa and Gláma before gaining the col between the two summits of Kristinartindar. The true summit (1126m) is reached by a rocky path, which finally gives way to magnificent views over the surrounding mountains including Mt. Hvannadalshnúkur, the highest mountain in Iceland and the great expanse of glacial ice that surrounds them. We return by a circular route taking in two further waterfalls Hundafoss and Thjofafoss to complete a wonderful day.  7 to 8 hours walking.

Day 6 Our aim today is to climb Iceland's highest peak, Mt. Hvannadalshnúkur (2119m). It is an unforgettable experience to look out across the frozen world beyond, the Vatnajökull icecap (Europe's biggest glacier) and the Arctic Ocean. We start very early as the days walk is likely to take around 12 to 14 hours, but with 24 hours of daylight we have plenty of time! We walk up for about 1000 metres to gain the Oraefajokull Glacier. Here it’s time to rope up and put our previous crampon training into action as we weave our way round the various crevasse and icefalls. Ultimately on reaching the summit we are rewarded with the most awesome views across Iceland in all directions. A hard day but extremely rewarding. 12 to 14 hours walking.

Day 7 Today we make a leisurely start to our journey back to Reykjavik, much appreciated after our arduous ascent yesterday. Our next stops will be at the impressive waterfalls of Skogárfoss and Seljalandsfoss, the latter which you can walk behind. No trip to Iceland would also be complete without a stop for a dip in a geothermal pool somewhere on route as well. Back in Reykjavik we can go for a meal out and celebrate conquering Iceland!

Day 8 Time to leave this amazing island. The shuttle bus to the airport connects will all flights and may even take you via the famous Blue Lagoon.

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