Max 10 guests
A smaller group creates more space for the route, the huts, and the guide's attention.
A fully supported hut-to-hut journey through Iceland's central Highlands, created for travelers who want something quieter, more immersive, and more exclusive than the country's busiest trekking routes.
Ancient Trails follows old Highland travel routes through geothermal valleys, rhyolite mountains, glacier views, lava fields, and mountain huts. Guided by Icelandic master storytellers and wilderness professionals, you carry only what you need for the day while we handle huts, meals, luggage transfer, sleeping bags, logistics, and safety.
Highlights
- Follow the old Kjalvegur route through the central Highlands, away from Iceland's busiest hiking corridors.
- Travel in a small-group format with a maximum of 10 guests and fully supported hut-to-hut logistics.
- Sleep in more exclusive Highland huts, with luggage transferred by vehicle between stages.
- Soak in two hot springs and share meals shaped by real Icelandic hospitality, including an old turf house dinner at Hveravellir.
- Walk with Icelandic guides who connect the route to folklore, geology, history, weather, and old travel ways.
Route choice
Why Ancient Trails instead of Laugavegur?
Laugavegur is famous for good reason, but it is also Iceland's busiest hut-to-hut trail. Ancient Trails was created for travelers who want a quieter, more supported Highland journey with a smaller group and deeper local context.
Quieter route
Ancient Trails follows old Highland travel ways away from Iceland's busiest trekking corridors.
More exclusive huts
The format is built around a more intimate hut-to-hut experience than crowded classic routes.
Fully supported
Guides, huts, meals, safety planning, and Highland logistics are handled by Norse Adventures.
Luggage transfer
Carry only what you need for the day while your main bag moves between huts by vehicle.
Icelandic storyteller guides
Travel with local guides who connect the route to folklore, geology, history, and old travel culture.
What's included
Included
- Local Norse Adventures guide and Icelandic storyteller
- Mountain vehicle transport during the trip
- Mountain hut accommodation
- Meals during the trip
- Sleeping bag for hut nights
- Luggage support between huts
- Safety planning and 24/7 operational support
Not included
- International flights
- Accommodation in Reykjavik before or after the trip
- Personal hiking clothing and boots
- Travel insurance
Itinerary
Day 1
Reykjavik to Kerlingarfjoll
Meet your guide at BSI Bus Terminal in Reykjavik, then travel to Thingvellir for a walk through one of Iceland's most important historic landscapes. Continue to Efsti-Dalur farm for lunch, visit the Geysir geothermal area, and then enter the Highlands toward the first hut in Kerlingarfjoll.
Day 2
Hot Spring Valley
After breakfast, pack your luggage for the support vehicle and hike into Hveradalir, a geothermal valley of rhyolite mountains, steam, mineral colors, and shifting Highland weather. Later, transfer to Hveravellir for dinner in an old turf house and time in the nearby geothermal pool.
Distance hiked7 mi, 12 km
Elevation gain1,970 ft, 600 m
Day 3
Valley of Thieves
Follow the ancient Kjalvegur route between Langjokull and Hofsjokull, moving through open Highland space, lava, vegetation, rivers, and glacier views. The climb to Raudkollur has no formal trail, which makes the day feel closer to the old ways of crossing the interior.
Distance hiked7-11 mi, 11-18 km
Elevation gain490-1,970 ft, 150-600 m
Day 4
Follow the Cairns
Walk beside old cairns and follow less-defined paths along the edge of Kjalhraun, one of Iceland's largest lava fields. Hrutfell and its glacier scenery remain in view as the route moves toward the green, sheltered feeling of Thverbrekknamuli. Horse riding groups are often part of the landscape here.
Distance hiked9 mi, 14 km
Elevation gain330 ft, 100 m
Day 5
Ghosts and Glaciers
Hike toward Hvitarnes through deep horse tracks formed over time, open country, springs, and the old mood of Highland travel. Near Hvitarvatn glacial lake, the route carries a strong sense of remoteness, hut culture, and the folklore of ghosts and glaciers.
Distance hiked10 mi, 16 km
Elevation gain880 ft, 270 m
Day 6
Back to Civilization
After breakfast, leave the Highlands and drive toward Gullfoss for a final stop before lunch at Farmers Bistro. Return to Reykjavik by a different road than the one you came in on, with the official tour ending around 3 pm.
Reviews
5.076 reviews
Magnus, Fenris, and Arni were awesome guides. Just the right amount of history and information were shared to inform each day’s route. They also engaged with our group during the evenings, joining in conversation and telling stories to entertain us. Thanks, guys!
Incredible! He knew exactly the best hikes and had a great personality! We felt safe and had the trip of a lifetime!!! Thank you, “Maggs” Maggnus!
Magnus and Arni were gracious guides who listened to customer requests and worked hard to make sure we had the opportunity to have input on our custom trip. They are very knowledgeable outdoorsmen who obviously enjoyed sharing their love of Iceland’s history and landscape with our group. I hope to share another adventure with them in the future. The Ancient Trails trip was a perfect alternative for our group who wanted to avoid crowds and to visit some lesser known portions of Iceland. The terrain was not difficult and the weather cooperated nicely (late June 2023). The overnight huts met all our needs comfortably. The day hike in the Troll Mountains (Kerlingarfjoll) was amazingly beautiful and breathtaking.
Magnus from Norse adventures was the absolute best! He told us tons of stories about the region and made the whole trip fun! We had amazing traditional Icelandic food every day! You could not have a better experience!!
Magnus and Arnie were great guides and very informative while we were backpacking through the Icelandic Highlands on the KJALVEGUR Trail. The food was amazing, all of our meals were traditional Icelandic meals like Grilled Lamb, Meat Stew, Grilled Char and an amazing Cod Gratin on the last night. Our adventure was awesome. we started with a drive to our first start point in the highlands. however while travelling to the start point, we hiked through Þingvellir National Park, the original Parliment site dating back to 930 AD. This is also the site of the rift valley and we had the opportunity to hike between the North American and Eurasian Tectonic Plates. We next visited a traditional farm that has embraced agro-turism and had a delightful lunch and farm made ice cream. We continued on to a geyser and then on to Gullfoss Nature Reserve Park that had a large waterfall. Next we drove to the first hut that we were staying in. It was a beautiful hike that had us cross glaciers, high meadows and deserts as well as lava fields. Absolutely breathtaking.
Maggnus is a consummate professional guide. I knows what we needed and always provided it. He knew the routes and took us to some amazing places. We always felt safe. Maggnus and Husky Fendris have personality, smarts and skill. We saw some amazing places on our hike.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
How fit do I need to be?
You do not need expedition experience, but you should be comfortable with full hiking days in changing Highland weather.
The walking is not technical, but the surface changes often: gravel, lava, soft paths, open terrain, and occasional wet sections. You carry only a daypack; your main luggage moves by support vehicle.
Good benchmarkIf you can hike for several hours on back-to-back days and still enjoy the evening, this trip is usually a good fit.
What are the mountain huts like?
The huts are simple, warm, and rustic. They are part of the character of the trip, not just a place to sleep.
Sleeping is shared dorm-style, usually in bunk rooms or communal sleeping areas. The huts have basic cooking facilities, and toilets are either inside or nearby depending on the location.
Showers are limited or unavailable on parts of the route, so the rhythm is wonderfully simple: dry layers, warm food, quiet evenings, and no hotel-style fuss.
What's the food like?
Meals are hearty, practical, and built around long days outside. The feeling is more shared expedition kitchen than restaurant service.
- Simple, filling breakfasts.
- Packed lunches for the trail.
- Warm home-style dinners prepared by the guides.
- Hot drinks and generous portions.
Dietary needsWe can usually adapt for dietary requirements with advance notice, but we need to know before supplies are planned for the Highlands.
What will the weather be like?
Ancient Trails runs from June to September, but the Highlands can still feel wild in summer.
Sun, rain, wind, low cloud, and cold air can all happen in the same week. Exposed areas near glaciers and lava fields can feel colder than expected, especially when the wind comes up.
Pack mindsetWaterproof shell layers, warm layers, hat, gloves, and dry backup clothing matter more than chasing a perfect forecast.
What do I need to bring?
Pack for hut-to-hut hiking, quick weather changes, and simple Highland living.
- Broken-in waterproof hiking boots.
- River-crossing shoes for small and easy crossings.
- Warm base layers, insulation, waterproof jacket, and waterproof trousers.
- Hat, gloves, swimwear, toiletries, medication, and reusable water bottle.
- A comfortable daypack plus one soft duffel for transported luggage.
Avoid hard suitcases for the hut-to-hut section. Soft duffels are easier to load, move, and store.
Group sizes and age requirements
Ancient Trails is deliberately small, capped at 10 guests.
The guiding ratio is up to 5 guests per guide, with up to 2 guides depending on group size and logistics. That keeps decisions personal and gives the guides more room to manage pace, weather, and individual needs.
Adults are welcome. Minors may join with a parent or guardian after approval before booking; for younger guests, we look at hiking experience, maturity, and comfort with shared hut life before confirming.
Getting there and meeting location
The tour begins at BSI Bus Terminal in Reykjavik at 10:00 AM on Day 1.
Your guide meets the group, reviews the plan, and then you travel toward the Highlands by mountain vehicle. Keep your hiking gear accessible, because the first day includes the shift from city travel into the start of the Highland journey.
Travel tipArriving in Reykjavik the day before is strongly recommended, especially if you are flying internationally.
How many departures are available?
Ancient Trails has scheduled summer departures in 2026 and 2027, with live availability shown in the booking calendar.
The 2027 season begins June 23, 2027 and runs every 3 days through the season. Because each group is capped at 10 guests, peak summer dates can fill early.
If your preferred date is full, check nearby departures or contact us about private options and waitlist possibilities.
Safety measures and insurance
Safety decisions are made throughout the trip, not only before departure.
- Guides monitor weather, trail conditions, river crossings, and road access.
- The pace is adjusted around the group and the day.
- The route may change if conditions require it.
- Travel insurance should cover hiking, medical care, evacuation, interruption, and belongings.
The goal is the strongest possible Highland experience within the real conditions of the week.
Deposits and cancellation policy
A 30% deposit secures your spot on the selected departure.
The remaining balance is due 90 days before departure. Once your booking is confirmed, we reserve your place in a small group and plan hut space, guides, transport, and logistics around that departure.
Cancellation terms follow the Norse Adventures cancellation policy. Please review it before booking and use travel insurance to protect against unexpected changes.
Ancient Trails
