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★★★★★ Based on 100+ reviewsHut-to-Hut Hiking Tour

Ancient Trails

Go deep in the central highlands and hike old Viking paths away from the crowds

Duration6 days / 5 nights
AccommodationMountain huts

Intro

The story of Iceland is written in its landscapes and best told through its hiking trails.

Get ready for a trek through time — past ancient glaciers, epic geysers, legendary Viking footpaths, and century-old hiker's huts — and uncover the forces that have shaped the Land of Fire and Ice for millions of years.

You'll walk along the same paths that Viking settlers, farmers, explorers, and armies once used to travel between the north and the south. This path is shrouded in myth and legend — remote, wild, and once said to be home to trolls, elves, ghosts, and outlaws.

Step onto the trail and hike over lava fields, between glaciers, across rivers and canyons — and at the end of each day, rest your weary feet in cozy mountain huts.

You'll taste traditional dishes and unwind in natural hot springs like travelers of old. Experience the legacy and living history of Iceland in this unforgettable journey.

Highlights

Guided by Icelandic localsLearn about our culture, traditions, folklore and more
Very small groupsEnjoy a more personal experience
Get to know Iceland's legacySee a unique blend of historic landmarks and timeless landscapes
Hot springs & tasty foodDive into the island's culture and delicious traditional cuisine
Follow the Vikings' footstepsThe Ancient Trail of Kjalvegur is one of the oldest passable highland routes

Included

Pick-up and drop-off in Reykjavik.

Local certified guide from Norse Adventures

Experienced and licensed mountain vehicle driver.

Private 4x4 mountain vehicle for the group to get in and out of the highlands.

Support vehicle that transfers the overnight luggage between huts.

Vehicle fuel.

Accommodations in mountain huts.

All meals for the duration of the trip.

All the cooking equipment.

Sleeping bag.

Showers in the mountain huts.

Admission fees and parking fees.

Agency support 24/7.

Not included

International flights to and from Iceland.

Airport transfers to and from to Reykjavik.

Pick-up and drop-off from your hotel.

Accommodations in Reykjavik before the trip.

Any meals in Reykjavik before the trip.

Lockers in Reykjavik to store luggage that is not taken on the trip.

Personal hiking gear.

Trip insurance.

Anything before or after the trip.

Everything not specified in "Included".

Itinerary

Leave the touristy trails behind and uncover the rich history behind Iceland's iconic landscapes on this 6-day hiking tour Explore a spectacular mix of natural landmarks, ranging from geysers and colorful rhyolite mountains to timeless glaciers, while learning about their legacy from a seasoned local guide. Spend your time off the trails unwinding in scenic mountain huts, chilling in saunas, and tasting traditional Icelandic delicacies.

Pick-up time: 10 am (10:00)Meeting location: BSI Bus Terminal in Reykjavik

Your guide will pick you up at 10 am at the BSI bus terminal in Reykjavik and drive to Thingvellir national park where we will take a walk and explore the Mid-Atlantic Rift, and learn about the history of Iceland. After that we head on to Efstidalur farm and restaurant where we eat dinner in a barn and have a culinary introduction from the farmers. After a good meal, drive to Geysir geothermal area and witness the geysers erupting boiling hot water high up in the air Finally we head into the wilderness of the highlands and drive to our first hut.

Meals: Lunch and dinnerAccommodation: Hut

Thingvellir national park tectonic rift

After breakfast, pack up your luggage and place it in the car. Today you'll hike the out-and-back trail to the Hveradalir geothermal area and hike a loop around the valley to soak in all the amazing sights. You'll encounter a spectacular array of colors, including, yellow, blue, black, green, and red from the iron and the rhyolite that the mountains are composed of. After the hike, get transported to the Hveravellir hut, where you will spend the night, and have an amazingly unique dinner in a turf house. Make sure to take a dip in the nearby geothermal pool before hitting the hay.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinnerAccommodation: HutHiking: 7 miles / 12 kmElevation change: 1,970 ft / 600 m

Hveradalir (also known as the Hot Spring Valley) in Kerlingarfjoll mountain range

A spectacular hike awaits today along the ancient Kjalvegur route, once used by Vikings, settlers, and farmers. The route winds between the Langjokull and Hofsjokull glaciers, and you'll walk through unique vegetation, grass, flowers, and brush, but also black lava fields, volcanic craters, mountains, and glaciers. Hike to the top of Raudkollur mountain (Redhead Mountain) and enjoy unrivaled views of the glaciers and rivers snaking their way through the valleys and mountains.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinnerAccommodation: HutHiking: 7-11 miles / 11-18 kmElevation change: 490-1,970 ft / 150-600 m

View from the top of Mt. Raudkollur, of Langjokull glacier and the many rivers snaking their way through the highlands

Today, you'll follow the ancient cairns built by the Vikings a thousand years ago, and walk along the Fulakvisl river on the edge of the Kjalhraun lava field while enjoying a spectacular view of the Hrutfell mountain and its gliding glaciers throughout. Watch the Fulakvisl river roar through a very narrow canyon carved out by lava millennia ago. The scenery around the Thverbrekknamuli hut is so incredible you'll want to stay there and explore it for days on end. It's a true highland oasis.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinnerAccommodation: HutHiking: 9 miles / 14 kmElevation change: 330 ft / 100 m

Two men and a white siberian husky dog (Fenris the White Wolf) hiking past an ancient cairn, built by Vikings a thousand years ago. White mountain and glacier in the background.

On day 5, you'll hike to one of the oldest mountain huts in Iceland, Hvitarnes. Built way back in 1930, the hut and its turf roof are protected by Icelandic law because of its age and uniqueness. Follow a trail through vegetated areas interspaced by some deep horse trails and crystal-clear water fountains. The hut is close to the Hvitarvatn glacial lake, which runs from the Langjokull glacier and is the source of both the Hvita river and Gullfoss falls. There is an ice cold river just outside the hut, and those who dare may take a dip

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinnerAccommodation: HutHiking: 10 miles / 16 kmElevation change: 880 ft/ 270 m

Colorful landscape with red grass, green grass, a lake, a mountain and a glacier in the background.

Drop-off time: 3 pm (15:00)

Time to head back out of the highlands. We eat our breakfast and drive towards the waterfall Gullfoss, where we stop and enjoy magnificent views of this beautiful waterfall. Next up we drive to Farmers Bistro, a small local restaurant and have a good last lunch together. We drive back to Reykjavik along a different road than the one we came with. That marks the official end of the tour. If you'd like to stay longer and keep on exploring the area, just ask your guides for some recommendations

Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Gullfoss waterfall

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

This hiking adventure is suitable for all ages as long as you have a decent level of fitness. You will be hiking for 6 full days, covering roughly 7.5-10 miles (12-17 km) per day with moderate elevation change while carrying only a daypack.

One of the best parts about the Ancient Trails itinerary is that it is fully supported—your luggage is transported hut-to-hut by the support vehicle, so you only carry the day's essentials. Weather, trail conditions, and occasional shallow river crossings can add to the challenge, so come prepared for adventure.

The huts are simple and rustic yet offer everything you need: heat, basic cooking facilities, shared dorm-style rooms with bunks, and either indoor or nearby toilets. Showers are available on the first two days only, so plan accordingly.

Capacity is limited, which creates a cozy communal atmosphere and often means the hut is reserved exclusively for your group. Pack earplugs, a sleep mask, and a power bank because outlets are limited.

All meals from lunch on Day 1 through lunch on Day 6 are included. Guides prepare hearty, home-style meals and keep the kettle going for water, tea, coffee, and hot chocolate. Breakfasts and lunches are simple but plentiful, while dinners are the highlight of each day.

  • Arctic char with potatoes, coleslaw, and dill-mint dressing
  • Fried chicken with fresh salad, grilled vegetables, and garlic sauce
  • Fish pie served with traditional rye bread and butter
  • Icelandic lamb soup
  • Grilled leg of lamb with potatoes, greens, veggies, and rich BBQ sauce

Special dietary requirements can be accommodated if you let us know in advance.

Ancient Trails departures run June through September. Highlands temperatures typically range between 5-15°C (41-59°F), though occasional cold snaps can dip to -5°C (23°F) and sunny spells can climb to 25°C (77°F). Icelandic weather is famously unpredictable, so layering is key.

  • June: lingering snow patches, blooming flowers, midnight sun
  • July: the warmest, driest, and most stable month
  • August: clear trails plus the first glimpses of the northern lights
  • September: crisp nights, high aurora chances, dramatic autumn colors

Boots & clothing

  • Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support
  • River-crossing shoes (closed-toe; sandals are not enough)
  • Thermal base layers, fleece or wool mid-layers, quick-dry pants
  • Windproof/waterproof shell jacket and rain pants
  • Warm hat, gloves, buff, wool socks, swimwear for hot springs

Gear & luggage

  • Daypack (20-40 L) with rain cover plus a 50-100 L duffel
  • 1-2 L water bottle or hydration bladder
  • Personal first aid kit, medication, lightweight towel, toiletries
  • Headlamp, sunglasses, sunscreen, power bank, earplugs, sleep mask
  • Optional: hiking poles, gaiters

Limit yourself to one duffel (max 100 L / 23 kg) plus one backpack.

  • Client-to-guide ratio: 5:1
  • Maximum group size: 10 guests with 2 guides
  • 2026 departures are already confirmed

Larger private groups can be accommodated—just contact us.

Adults 18+ are welcome. Minors may join with a parent/guardian and require approval before booking. If your party includes travelers under 18, let us know in advance.

Fly into Keflavík International Airport (KEF); from there, take a shuttle or taxi to Reykjavík. The tour begins at the BSI Bus Terminal.

Meet your guide at 10:00 AM on Day 1, hop into a 4x4 mountain vehicle, and head straight for the highlands.

We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance that covers medical care, evacuation, and trip interruption. Norse Adventures currently does not sell insurance, but we suggest Redpoint Travel Protection for comprehensive adventure coverage.

Deposits: Secure your spot with a 30% deposit. The remaining balance is due 90 days before departure. Bookings made within 90 days require payment in full.

Cancellations:

  • Within 48 hours of booking: full refund
  • 60+ days before departure: 70% refund
  • Within 59 days of departure: no refund
4.99 (155 reviews)
Laura MSpectacular trip on the Laugavegur. Our guide, Arni, was fantastic-knowledgeable, fun and responsive even when weather caused hiccups. Magnus communicated throughout, even arranging extra excursions. We highly recommend the Hut-to-Hut experience and Norse Adventures!
Philippa SHiking the Laugavegur trail with Norse Adventures was exactly that-an adventure for our slightly older group. We hiked, stayed in huts, ate lovely meals (and celebrated with beer and wine). Magnus and Fenris were master guides and helped anyone who needed it on steep sections. Fifty-five kilometers of fun nights, river crossings, hills and humor. Just do it!
Happy group of hikers outside Alftavatn Hut in Iceland with Norse Adventures tour

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