What to expect
Colourful Mountains
Majestic Waterfalls
Volcanoes & Hot Springs
Home to one of the world’s most dynamic landscapes, Iceland is the legendary ‘Land of Fire and Ice’. Embark on an unforgettable 8-day journey through the rugged and beautiful landscapes of South Iceland. Get up close and personal with glistening glaciers, majestic volcanoes, vast highlands, bubbling geysers, cascading waterfalls, and Landmannalaugar – the pearl of the Highlands. Swim in a natural geothermal pool, meet like-minded travellers and create incredible memories on this otherworldly escorted group tour to Iceland.
What’s Extra
After arriving at Keflavik Airport, we transfer to Reykjavik. We begin our Icelandic adventure with a city sightseeing tour, exploring the capital’s vibrant streets and landmarks.
In the afternoon we check-in to our hotel and relax after our journey.
This evening, we get together to enjoy a welcome drink, followed by dinner.
This day excursion introduces us to some of the most interesting and best-known natural phenomena in Iceland, along the infamous Golden Circle route. It includes the Geysir area, Gullfoss Waterfall and the Thingvellir National Park.
We start our day by driving to Thingvellir National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) which holds a special place in the hearts of Icelanders, with many historically important events having taken place here through the centuries. At Thingvellir, the Icelandic parliament Althingi was founded in 930 and in the year 1000, Icelanders adopted Christianity. Geologically, it is also unique. This is where the American and Eurasian tectonic plates are slowly drifting apart and you can clearly see the effects of the plate movements, with open cracks and fissures visible in the earth’s crust.
Here we take our first hike through the fascinating landscape of the National Park, passing the historical sites and Öxaráfoss Waterfall.
Approx. 2.5 hrs / 8 km; easy hike (-70m / + 70m)
Today, we venture into Iceland’s central highlands to the remote and stunning Kerlingarfjöll mountains. This area is a true paradise for adventurers, offering a breathtaking mix of geothermal hot springs and snow-capped peaks. Embark on a hike through the geothermal area, witnessing steaming vents and colourful hot spring activity, and then descend into the valley of the highland base (approx. 6 km, moderate hike). The raw beauty and solitude of this location make it a memorable highlight of the trip. After exploring, we return to our hotel in the Gullfoss area for a second night.
Approx. 3 hrs / 6 km; moderate hike (+ 150m / – 300m)
The total distance driven today is about 170 km.
Today we drive through the surreal, moon-like lava landscape to reach Landmannalaugar – one of the southern highlands’ most renowned areas. Famous for its vibrant rhyolite mountains and vast black obsidian lava fields, this area offers an extraordinary hiking experience. We spend the day hiking through these otherworldly landscapes, encountering natural hot springs and stunning vistas. After the hike, we have the option to soak in a natural hot spring, surrounded by the striking scenery. (swimwear needed) We continue the journey along the adventurous Fjallabak track, heading towards the south coast. We stay overnight in the Klaustur area for the next two nights.
Approx. 3 hrs / 7,5 km; moderate-demanding hike (+ 300m / – 300m)
The distance for the day is around 250 km.
Today’s exploration focuses on the majestic Vatnajökull area, home to Europe’s largest glacier. We begin with a visit to Skaftafell National Park, where we hike to the stunning Svartifoss Waterfall, known for its unique basalt column formations. The park offers a picturesque blend of green hills, valleys, and glacier views.
Then we continue to the famous Jökulsarlon glacial lagoon, to take an optional boat tour among the floating icebergs, getting up close to these magnificent ice formations. The combination of blue ice and serene waters creates a captivating scene. We return to the Klaustur area for another night.
Approx. 4 hrs / 8 km; moderate hike (+ 250m / – 250m)
The distance for the day is around 270 km.
Explore the highlights of Iceland’s south coast, starting with the black sand beaches of Reynisfjara near Vik. The dramatic coastal scenery includes basalt sea stacks and crashing waves. Next, we visit the iconic Skógafoss Waterfall, one of the largest in Iceland. Here, we embark on a hike along the initial part of the famous Fimmvörðuháls trail, following the Skógá River upstream through dramatic canyons with numerous waterfalls.
Alternatively, we can opt for a guided glacier walk on the Solheimajökull glacier, providing an up-close experience of the ice formations and crevasses (optional; approx. 2 hrs).
Conclude the day with a visit to the picturesque Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, where we can walk behind the cascading water. We stay overnight near Hella.
Approx. 2 hrs / 5 km; moderate hike (+ 250m / – 250m)
The distance covered today is around 180 km.
We begin the day with a journey around the Reykjanes Peninsula, known for its geothermal activity and dramatic landscapes. Start with a visit to the serene Kleifarvatn Lake and the bubbling Seltún geothermal area.
Then, we take a hike to the recent volcanic eruption sites at Geldingadalur Valley, to witness the raw power of nature from the 2021-2023 eruptions. We continue to Gunnuhver Hot Springs and the scenic Reykjanes Lighthouse at the peninsula’s tip.
Before heading back to Reykjavik, we can enjoy the option of a relaxing bath in the famous Blue Lagoon, surrounded by milky blue waters and steam rising from the geothermal pools (optional). We conclude the day with an overnight stay in Reykjavik.
Approx. 2 hrs / 4 km; moderate hike (+ 150m / – 150m)
The total distance today is about 220 km.
After breakfast we transfer to Reykjavik Airport for our flight home.
Frequently Asked Questions
The transfer time from Reykjavik Airport to your hotel is approximately 45 minutes, depending on weather and traffic.
Passport validity requirements:
To travel to Iceland, you must follow the Schengen area passport requirements.
To enter Iceland (and all Schengen countries) your passport must:
Visa requirements:
You can travel to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel as a tourist
Icelandic Krona
It is of paramount importance that you have the correct footwear for this walking holiday. It is essential to wear walking boots that are comfortable and preferably lightweight, with some ankle support and a good grip. If you already have a pair of boots that you are happy walking in (including during hot/wet weather and on hard ground), then bring these along. However, if you are bringing new footwear, do make sure they are well broken in before you arrive. Experience has shown that wearing 2 pairs of woollen socks adds to comfort. Whilst we would hope for good weather during your holiday, it is of course impossible to guarantee this. We would therefore recommend you travel with clothing suitable for all conditions, and suggest you use the following checklist as a guideline of what to take:
Clothing Tips
By following this packing list, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle the diverse weather conditions and enjoy the breathtaking landscapes of South Iceland on your hiking tour
A reasonable level of fitness/mobility is required for the sightseeing. The order of the itinerary and events may be subject to change.
Optional excursions are not guaranteed and are based on minimum numbers of passengers. Following optional excursions need to be pre-booked with Solos Holidays office at the time of booking.
Blue Lagoon Experience Comfort GBP 100.00
Min number is 11 passengers booked.
Clients that do not go into the Lagoon can wait in the cafeteria or walk around in the surroundings.
Amphibian Boat Tour GBP 58.00
No min numbers. Clients will join non-solos travellers on the tour.
Glacier Experience – Easy Glacier Hike From Sólheimajökull Glacier GBP 104.00 – Please note this optional excursion replaces the walk on day 6
No Min numbers. All necessary gear is included in the price. Clients will join non-solos travellers on the tour.
We suggest a Group Collection to cover transfer drivers, guide, and hotel staff of €25.00 per person. Your Tour Leader will collect this on your behalf and distribute it accordingly, thus relieving you of the burden of who, when and how much to tip. The tipping of housekeeping will be left to your individual discretion (a small amount left in your room on departure should cover this and would be much appreciated). As is customary, ‘the hat’ will be passed around for the driver and guide on all optional excursions.
Average Temperatures
| Month(s) | Highest temperature | Lowest temperature |
|---|---|---|
| May | 9 °C | 3 °C |
| June | 11 °C | 7 °C |
| July - August | 13 °C | 8 °C |
| September | 9 °C | 5 °C |
| October | 6 °C | 2 °C |
“I’m sure you will enjoy it, I have been on three solos holidays to date and the people I’ve met have been great.”
“I’ve been travelling with Solos for nearly 20 years, on and off. The reason is for exactly what you want – you meet like minded people… and have loads of fun!”
“I’ve been on loads of trips with Solos over the years and can honestly say you will not regret booking your 1st one!”
“The feeling you have once you go away on your own is worth all the nerves before! I was so very anxious the first time but now having done it 4 times, I love it!”
