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Trekking Eastern Iceland - 6 Days

From £1,880You save £19(1%)

Trip Snapshot

Genders

  • Female50%
  • Male50%

Average age

45
12 Min100 Max

Start / End

  • Egilsstaðir
  • Egilsstaðir

Physical rating

4/5

Group size

1 - 16

Meals included

15

Highlights

  • Immerse yourself in authentic Icelandic hospitality with a stay in a charming family-run guesthouse in Borgarfjörður eystri, where you'll savour delicious local cuisine and delve into the enchanting folklore of the region's 'hidden people' (elves).
  • Embark on exhilarating treks across diverse landscapes, from the panoramic heights of Geldingafjall mountain offering sweeping views, to the unique geological marvels of Stórurð with its enormous rocks and mesmerising turquoise glacial basins.
  • Witness the sheer power of Europe's mightiest waterfall, Dettifoss, before venturing into the otherworldly, smoking lava fields of Leirhnjúkur, often likened to a Martian landscape, and experiencing the bubbling mud pots and steaming vents of Hverir geothermal area.
  • Discover the remote beauty of Eastern Iceland's coastlines, hiking across vast moors to the serene golden sands and dramatic cliffs of Breiðavík inlet, and ascending to Gagnheiði ridge for truly unforgettable panoramic mountain views.
  • Experience the vibrant wildlife at Borgarfjörður harbour, where you can spot charming puffins and other seabirds (when in season), followed by a stunning coastal trek over mountain passes, past black sand beaches, and alongside the colourful Helgárgil canyon.
  • Conclude your unforgettable journey with a visit to the historic and picturesque Seyðisfjörður fishing village, renowned as one of Iceland's most beautiful towns, and enjoy a final majestic waterfall before your departure.
Recommended before you book

Everything you need to picture the adventure and pack with confidence — in one free PDF.

What's inside the PDF

  • Day-by-day itinerary
    Every day mapped out, covering activities, travel times, meals and where you'll stay.
  • Packing & kit list
    Exactly what to bring, from clothing and essentials to luggage guidelines and what's available to hire locally.
  • What's included
    Accommodation, transport, guides and meals, so you can see exactly what your price covers.
Free, instant PDF - no obligation

Summary

Dotted with humbling fjords, breathtaking waterfalls, and no-filter-needed fishing villages, Eastern Iceland is an adventure unto itself. Experience this otherworldly region in its truest form on this six-day trek that’s guided by one of our expert CEOs (Chief Experience Officers) from start to finish.

Itinerary

  • Day 1

    Egilsstaðir/Bakkagerdi

    Arrive at the Egilsstaðir airport in the morning and transfer to our local guest house, home for the next 5 nights. Visit the fishing village of Borgarfjörður eystri which offers a glimpse into daily life and enjoy lunch at a local fish soup restaurant. After, take a hike through Borgarfjörður valley following sheep trails up to Dimmidalur (the Dark Valley) and keep an eye out for the "hidden people" as we pass through legendary elf communities. This evening, settle in for a farm-to-table dinner prepared by our host. This centre–based trip offers a chance to connect with our local hosts in a family-run guest house. In their words, this is your home away from home and their warmth and hospitality will make it hard to leave. Here we enjoy our included breakfasts and dinners which offer a true immersion into local cuisine. Our hosts focus on fresh, local ingredients and support their neighbours; small-scale farmers and fishermen, much to the delight of our palate.

    While difficult to see, the "hidden people" make Borgarfjörður eystri their home and the area is thought (according to folklore) to hold a large population of elves. The elves make their home in the many interesting rock formations and they have no concern with hikers walking by, so long as you respect their homes and nature. On occasion, they are known to help humans, in particular those being bullied, so be kind to each other.

  • Day 2

    Bakkagerdi

    Enjoy a full day of trekking. Drive to Vatnskarð pass and hike across Geldingafjall mountain for exceptional views over Njarðvík, Fljótsdalshérað valley, Héraðsflói bay and beyond. Continue down into Stórurð, with its enormous rocks crossed by a small river hiding turquoise-coloured basins of icy water. Hike back and return to the guest house for a hearty dinner.

  • Day 3

    Bakkagerdi

    Enjoy an excursion to the stunning sites around Mývatn lake. Stop en route to visit Dettifoss waterfall, one of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe. Then, hike in the smoking lava fields of Leirhnjúkur, often compared to a martian landscape. From here, drive to Hverir, a geothermal wonder of bubbling mud and smoking steam. Continue to Mývatn Lake and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Take some free time here and opt to visit the geothermal nature bath. Return to the east Fjords for dinner at our guesthouse.

  • Day 4

    Bakkagerdi

    Enjoy another day of hiking and exploration. Drive to Afrétt and begin the hike across the moors through Urðarhólavatn, Gæsavötn and Víknaheiði. Continue to Breiðavík inlet with its golden sand beaches and high cliffs where we break for a lunch stop. After, hike to Gagnheiði ridge which offers a stunning panoramic view of the mountains. Walk back to the guesthouse.

  • Day 5

    Bakkagerdi

    Start at Borgarfjörður harbour to view the puffins and sea birds nesting there, when in season. From here, hike up from the coast across green mountain screes to Brúnavík pass then down to Brúnavík inlet. Walk across the black sand beach and take a break in this serene spot. Continue the hike over Hofstrandarskarð pass, and alongside the colourful Helgárgil canyon. Enjoy our last home-cooked dinner at the guesthouse.

  • Day 6

    Bakkagerdi/Egilsstaðir

    Drive to historic Seyðisfjörður fishing Village for a walk around what is considered once of the most picturesque towns in Iceland. After, drive to one last waterfall before transfer to the airport where the tour ends. When booking onward travel, please select flights with a departure time after 15:00.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Local guesthouse (5 nts)

  • Meals

    Breakfasts: 5, Lunches: 5, Dinners: 5

    Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.

    Vegetarian options available

  • Local Guide

    Guided

    This adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.

  • Wifi

    Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.

Dates & Prices

  • May 2027

    from £1,880
  • Jun 2027

    from £1,880
  • Jul 2027

    from £1,959
  • Aug 2027

    from £1,959
  • Sep 2027

    from £1,880
  • Save 1%
    Sunday 23 May 2027to Friday 28 May 2027
    6+ spaces of 16 leftGuaranteed Departure
    £1,899£1,880
    Pay MonthlyBest offer
    Book for£250 today, pay the rest later
    Private Room from +£494
  • Save 1%
    Sunday 30 May 2027to Friday 4 Jun 2027
    6+ spaces of 16 leftGuaranteed Departure
    £1,899£1,880
    Pay MonthlyBest offer
    Book for£250 today, pay the rest later
    Private Room from +£494
private departures available

Make this tour private

Every departure on this trip can be booked just for your own group — your dates, your people, the same expert local guides.

What changes when you go private

  • Travel with just your own group
    No other travellers on the trip — just the people you choose to bring
  • Travel on your schedule
    Pick your exact start date—no fixed group departures or rigid timetables.
  • Exclusively for your party
    Enjoy this handcrafted itinerary with a dedicated private guide just for you.
No obligation — we'll come back to you with a quote

Customer reviews & ratings

(4.61 out of 5)
Based on 93 reviews
  • Excellent holiday, amazing scenery and hikes, go prepared for cold and wet Small friendly group, went to places off the usual tourist trail that I wouldn?t have the confidence to go on my own

    Caroline Jun, 2025 Verified
  • Excellent holiday, amazing scenery and hikes, go prepared for cold and wet Small friendly group, went to places off the usual tourist trail that I wouldn't have the confidence to go on my own

    Caroline Jun, 2025 Verified

Essential trip information

Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.

Frequently asked questions

  • What is the main focus or style of this tour?

    This tour is an active trekking adventure focused on experiencing the humbling fjords, breathtaking waterfalls, and fishing villages of Eastern Iceland with an expert CEO (Chief Experience Officer) from start to finish.
  • What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    You will stay in a local guesthouse for 5 nights. These are typically small, family-run hotels or pensions, offering clean, safe, and simple accommodation. Please note that they may not have elevators, air-conditioning, or English-speaking staff, and single rooms might be smaller.
  • What meals are included in the tour price?

    The tour includes 5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 5 dinners. These often feature farm-to-table local cuisine prepared by your hosts at the guesthouse.
  • What is the physical rating for this trek, and what level of fitness is required?

    This trek has a physical rating of 4, indicating it involves strenuous activity. Participants should be prepared for challenging hikes across varied terrain.
  • What are some of the main natural attractions and cultural experiences included in the itinerary?

    Highlights include visiting the Dettifoss waterfall, exploring the smoking lava fields of Leirhnjúkur, seeing the geothermal wonders of Hverir, experiencing Mývatn Lake, hiking through various fjords and valleys like Borgarfjörður, and visiting fishing villages such as Borgarfjörður eystri and Seyðisfjörður. You'll also learn about local folklore, including tales of "hidden people" (elves), and may view puffins at Borgarfjörður harbour when in season.
  • What is the minimum and maximum age for participants on this tour?

    The minimum age for participants is 12 years old, and the maximum age is 100 years old.
  • How large are the tour groups typically?

    The group size ranges from a minimum of 1 to a maximum of 16 participants.
  • Who will be leading the tour group?

    The tour will be led by an expert CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout the trip.
  • What currency is used in Iceland, and what payment methods are recommended?

    The currency in Iceland is the Icelandic Krona (ISK). It is recommended to bring a combination of cash, credit cards, and debit cards.
  • Are there laundry facilities available during the trip?

    Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. We suggest bringing non-polluting/biodegradable soap for personal laundry.
  • What transportation methods are used during the tour?

    Transportation between destinations and to included activities will primarily be via private minivan/bus, in addition to extensive hiking and walking.
  • Is travel insurance mandatory for this trip?

    Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. You must be covered for medical expenses, including emergency evacuation and repatriation, with a minimum coverage of USD200,000. It's also strongly recommended that the policy covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage and personal effects.
  • What are the tipping guidelines for local guides and the CEO?

    Tipping in Iceland is not customary, but it is appreciated to express satisfaction. For local guides, a recommendation would range from the equivalent of $6-8 USD per day. For the CEO, a guideline of €30-40 per person per week is suggested if you felt they did an outstanding job.
  • Is there an extra cost for solo travelers?

    No, solo travelers do not have to pay more for shared accommodation on group trips, as they are paired with someone of the same sex. However, if you book the "My Own Room" option, you will receive a single room for all night stops, which comes with an additional charge.
  • What should I know about the weather and how to dress?

    Icelandic weather is unpredictable and changeable; it's common to experience rain, sun, wind, and even snow in a single visit, even in summer. Layering clothing is key to being prepared for a variety of conditions, as it can get quite cold, especially in the highlands.
  • Are there any specific health considerations I should know before travelling?

    It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up-to-date medical travel information and any required inoculations. We recommend carrying a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers. Our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug. You should assess your ability to cope with the physical demands of the trip.
  • What kind of emergency funds should I have access to on this trip?

    It is recommended to have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an emergency fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (e.g., a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route.
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