The huts along the trail are simple and rustic, yet offer a reasonable level of comfort. Each one is heated with gas and equipped with basic cooking facilities — limited, but sufficient for preparing meals. Accommodation is in shared dorm-style rooms with bunk beds and mattresses.

Showers are available only on Day 1 & 2, but not beyond that. All huts have toilets, either inside the building or in a nearby separate unit. Capacity in the huts is small, so in most cases, your group will have the space to yourselves. However, a few huts remain open to other hikers and cannot be reserved for private use. Light sleepers are advised to bring earplugs and a sleep mask for added comfort. There are no power outlets in the huts so please bring a power bank.

Staying in huts like these creates a communal atmosphere perfect for connecting with fellow travelers while immersing in the remote beauty of the highlands! You're welcome to help with meal prep if you'd like, join in for card games, or wander and explore the beautiful surroundings — it's all part of what makes this trip so special.

All meals from lunch on Day 1 through lunch on Day 6 are included. Your guides will be preparing and cooking authentic, home-style meals throughout the trip. Water, tea, coffee, and hot chocolate is provided. While breakfasts and lunches are simple but plentiful, dinners are a real highlight — generous, flavorful, and often one of the most memorable parts of the journey.

The menu might change slightly, but here's what your guides are planning at the moment:

• Arctic char — marinated in lemon and coriander, served with potatoes, coleslaw, and a refreshing dill and mint dressing. (A delicious fish, similar to salmon.)
• Fried chicken — served with fresh salad, grilled vegetables, and garlic sauce.
• Fish pie — served with traditional rye bread and butter, this one might surprise you!
• Icelandic lamb soup — a true Icelandic classic and one of the country's most beloved recipes.
• Grilled leg of lamb — served with grilled potatoes, fresh salad, vegetables, and rich BBQ sauce, it's a proper Viking feast!

As for special dietary requirements, they can be accommodated — but please let us know well in advance.

Ancient Trails tours run in the summer, from June through September. Temperatures usually range between 5°C and 15°C once in the Highlands — so layering is key! On rare occasions, it can dip as low as -5°C or rise up to 25°C. Iceland's weather is famously unpredictable, so the most important thing is to be well-prepared with proper clothing and gear.

There's really no “perfect” time to visit—each month offers its own unique charm, with changing landscapes, trail conditions, and experiences. Here's what to expect throughout the season:

• June — Snow patches still linger on the trail, but the landscape comes alive with blooming flowers and vibrant colors. Enjoy nearly 24-hour daylight — perfect for birdwatching.
• July — The most stable weather of the season. Snow fields mostly gone, warmest and driest month, with minimal wind — ideal for hiking.
• August — Snow-free trails and the first chances to catch the northern lights as the nights slowly return!
• September — Crisp, chilly nights with a high chance of seeing the northern lights. The weather becomes less predictable, and the trail feels wilder as autumn approaches.

Boots and clothing

• Lightweight hiking boots — waterproof with ankle support
• River crossing shoes — open shoes will not do the job
• Thermal underwear — long-sleeved wool top and bottom
• Fleece or wool sweater or jacket
• Strong and light hiking trousers that dry quickly
• Jacket — windproof, waterproof, and breathable shell
• Rain trousers — windproof, waterproof, and breathable shell
• Fleece or wool gloves and beanie
• Wool socks
• Neck buff
• Swimwear — if you want to bathe in the hot geothermal pools

Gear and luggage

• Backpack with rain cover for use during the day (20—40 L)
• Water-resistant duffel bag for the overnight gear (50—100 L)
• Water bottle or hydration bladder (1—2 L)
• Personal first aid kit, including blister care
• Prescription medication and other personal health items
• Toiletries, including toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, etc.
• Lightweight, packable towel
• Headlamp or flashlight
• Sunglasses and sun protection
• Power bank to charge devices
• Earplugs and sleeping mask
• Hiking poles and gaiters

Please note there is a limit of 1 duffel bag and 1 backpack. All of your overnight gear must fit into your duffel bag, while your daypack will be carried during the hikes.

We kindly ask that you keep your duffel bag as light as possible. The maximum allowed size is 100 L, with a weight limit of 23 kg.

Group sizes and prices:

• For this group adventure, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 5:1.
• The maximum group size is set at 10 participants with 2 guides.
• 2026 dates are confirmed to run!

Hiking in Iceland can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements:

• If you are older than 18, you're good to go.
• Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

To get to the BSI bus terminal in Reykjavik, the starting point of this Ancient Trails tour, you first have to fly into Keflavík International Airport (KEF), serving Reykjavik. From there, you can take a shuttle or a taxi to Reykjavík.

You will be meeting your guide at 10am on Day 1 at the BSI bus terminal in central Reykjavik, which can be easily accessed by foot or public transportation. From that point on, you'll hop onto the 4x4 mountain vehicle and start your journey!

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. At the moment we cannot provide this but can recommend Redpoint Travel Protection.

Deposits

Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.

Cancellations

• If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
• If cancelled 60 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
• If cancelled within 59 days of departure, no refund will be issued.