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Days
7
Price from
€1,385EUR
Map of Iceland Camping Adventure including Iceland

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 (new 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.

Start
Reykjavik, Iceland
Finish
Reykjavik, Iceland
Destination
Iceland
Code
GEIS
Physical rating
Ages
Min 18 , Max 29
Group size
Min 1, Max 16

Why you'll love this trip

  • There's a lot more to Iceland than ice (and Bjork). Ford the fjords, glaciers, volcanoes, black sands and thermal springs of this magical land in the world's far north

  • Discover Iceland's fascinating history of Reykjavik, and visit the astonishing Lutheran church of Hallgrimskirkja

  • The Eurasian and American tectonic plates may now be pulling apart in Thingvellir National Park, but over a thousand years ago this was the site where Iceland's first parliament came together

  • Hike to the tongue of Europe's biggest glacier and marvel at the walls of ice in Skaftafell National Park

  • Southern Iceland is a world of striking contrasts. Walk past blue-white icebergs at the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, and soak up the silence of the surrounding grey sand desert

Is this trip right for you?

  • Iceland can be an expensive destination in many ways, from museum entrance fees to visiting a cafe, but especially in terms of eating out. Therefore at the start of the trip the leader will suggest for you to participate in a voluntary camping meal kitty system. The kitty is an on-ground payment system overseen by the travellers and the leader, designed to fund food shopping at the start of the trip for meals while camping. The recommended amount is ISK 20,000 (approx EUR 160). Please note that this kitty is voluntary, and if you decide not to take part in it you will have the option to eat at the guesthouses instead, and cater for yourself on days when we are on the road.

  • The destinations visited on this trip can be cold throughout the year, especially at the start and end of the season and at night. Please bring appropriate clothing for adverse weather conditions. There may be the rare occasion where your leader has to alter the itinerary and activities due to the weather. In this case an alternative will be offered.

  • Due to the remote locations we visit, there are a few long drives on this trip. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the scenery and spend some time getting to know the other members of your group.

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Itinerary
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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.
Accommodation
  • Guesthouse (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm today – remember to bring your next of kin and insurance info. Keep your eyes peeled for a note in the hostel lobby for the deets. If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. Please note that the guest rooms may be spread across a number of buildings all situated along a quiet street in central Reykjavik, a 5-minute walk from each other.

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.
Accommodation
  • Camping (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Golden Circle (Strokkur Geyser & Gullfoss Waterfall)
  • Þingvellir National Park (Parliament Plains)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Total driving time today is around 3,5 hours / 250 km

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. Afterwards, disappear into the green and black hills of Thorsmörk (Thor’s Valley) by 4x4, 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.
Accommodation
  • Camping (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Responsible Travel Tree Planting Activity
Meals Included
  • Dinner
Special Information
Total driving time today is around 1,5 hours / 50 km by 4x4 bus

See ya Thorsmörk! It’s been fun. Return to civilization. Later 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’. At the famous glacial lagoon of Jökulsarlon there’s the option of jumping on a boat to sail around the huge icebergs, before heading to Gerdi for the evening.
Accommodation
  • Camping (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Seljarlandsfoss & Skogarfoss Waterfalls
  • Dyrholaey & Reynisdrangar
Optional Activities
  • Boat Ride on Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon - ISK5700
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
Total driving time today is around 1,5 hours / 50km by 4x4 bus, plus 4,5 hours / 350 km on tarmac

Take a drive to Skaftafell National Park and start on a hiking adventure of your choice. Feeling like you could tackle Europe’s biggest icecap? In that case, go for a 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. Alternatively, just go for a walk to the glacier tongue. 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. After exploring this chilly countryside, return to our campsite at Gerdi.
Accommodation
  • Camping (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Skaftafell National Park
Optional Activities
  • Skaftafell Glacier Walk - ISK9500
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
Total driving time today is around 2,5 hours / 200 km. Please note that the glacier walk option requires a minimum of 8 people signed up.

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.
Accommodation
  • Guesthouse (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Whale Watching (Seasonal) - ISK9000
  • Blue Lagoon - ISK9500
  • Settlement Exhibition - ISK1650
  • Saga Museum - ISK2100
  • Whales of Iceland Museum - ISK2900
  • Maritime Museum - ISK1650
  • Harpa Concert Hall - Free
  • Volcano House - ISK1590
  • Perlan Museum - ISK2900
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
Total driving time today is around 6 hours / 400 km. Please note that the Blue Lagoon has limited availability, and during peak times tickets sell out far in advance. We recommend you book your time slot online in advance if you would like to be sure of a certain time/date for your visit: bluelagoon.com.

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 Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
The Blue Lagoon has limited availability, and during peak times tickets sell out far in advance. We recommend you book your time slot online in advance if you would like to be sure of a certain time/date for your visit: bluelagoon.com.

Meals

2 breakfasts, 1 dinner

Transport

Private minibus

Accommodation

Guesthouse (2 nights), Camping (4 nights)

Included Activities

  • Golden Circle (Strokkur Geyser & Gullfoss Waterfall)
  • Þingvellir National Park (Parliament Plains)
  • Responsible Travel Tree Planting Activity
  • Seljarlandsfoss & Skogarfoss Waterfalls
  • Dyrholaey & Reynisdrangar
  • Skaftafell National Park

Dates & availability

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Book this trip and make a difference to local communities. Along with carbon offsetting your trip, we’ll also contribute funds to our new social enterprise partner, Friends-International, on your behalf. Find out more

Important notes

PARTICIPATORY CAMPING: Participatory camping means that you are expected to chip in with chores such as cooking, washing dishes, setting up and dismantling camp, etc.

ACCOMMODATION: In Reykjavik accommodation will be at a centrally located guesthouse, with triple share rooms. Out in the countryside you will be camping near local farmhouses, and all amenities (such as showers) are provided. We will provide the tents and sleeping mats, however you will have to bring your own sleeping bag and pillow. A single supplement for a private tent is not available on this trip.

MEAL KITTY: At the start of the trip the leader will suggest for you to participate in a voluntary camping meal kitty system. The kitty is an on-ground payment system overseen by the travellers and the leader, designed to fund food shopping at the start of the trip for meals while camping. The recommended amount is ISK 20,000 (approx EUR 160). Please note that this kitty is voluntary, and if you decide not to take part in it you will have the option to eat at the guesthouses instead, and cater for yourself on days when we are on the road. Please be aware though that dining at guesthouses and restaurants in Iceland can be relatively expensive.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
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