Iceland Winter Hiking Expedition

Difficulty level

Graded 'extreme'.

This is due to there being four consecutive long days of hiking in snowshoes along undulating, frozen and uneven terrain. There is no support available for this trek given the remoteness of the route. Please be warned, if the weather closes in, the group will need to make alternative arrangements, which may involve remaining in a remote mountain hut. This is a proper adventure.

To complete the Iceland Winter Expedition comfortably, it is preferable that you have previous experience of long treks in varied and irregular terrain carrying a 45-litre day-pack. You do not need previous snowshoeing or pulka pulling experience as training will be provided; however, it is beneficial that you are a confident walker with a good level of fitness and strength to manage the sections of ascent and the long duration of the trek, combined with pulling your laden pulka.

Training programme

A bepsoke training programme will be provided when you join this trip to help you with your preparations. There are also exclusive offers with Training Partners and Communities – Her Spirit and Strength and Movement Coach, Peter Lant.

Train hard, smile harder and enjoy the journey!

Season

• Jan
• Feb
• Mar
• Apr
• May
• Jun
• Jul
• Aug
• Sep
• Oct
• Nov
• Dec

Meeting point

Keflavík Airport
Keflavík
235
Iceland

Itinerary

• Day 1 | Flight from UK to Keflavík, Reykjavik Iceland

  Flight direct from the UK to Reykjavik for the start of your epic adventure. Flights are not included in your winter expedition, giving you the flexibility to travel from your nearest airport or extend your stay in Iceland if you wish. We will provide you with the recommended flights for this trip in order for you to take the airport transfers included in Iceland. You’re welcome to book your flights through our flight agent if you wish (ATOL protected). You will then be transferred to your hotel in Reykjavik with dinner, followed bya  briefing.

  Included:

  Transfer from Keflavík, Reykjavik (KEF) airport to your hotel for the nominated flight.

  Dinner.

  Briefing, equipment checks and expedition preparations.

• Day 2 | 4×4 transfer and snowshoe from Sigalda area to Landmannalaugar (13kms)

  In true expedition style, you have an early start this morning. Departing the civilisation of your hotel in Reykjavik, it’s time for a spectacular 4×4 journey deep into Iceland’s highlands. After 5 hours of winding roads through remote lava fields and snowcapped hills via Sellfoss and Hella, you’ll arrive just north of Helka volcano for the start of your snowshoeing hike. Crossing vast lava plains of undulating terrain, your 13km wintery trail is the perfect day of introduction to snowshoeing, with finishing at Landmannalaurar mountain hut where you’ll have dinner and enjoy a well-earned rest.

  Included:

  Local guides and support crew.

  Snowshoe and hiking poles hire.

  Overnight in Landmannalaugar self-catering mountain hut.

  Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

• Day 3 | Snowshoe from Landmannalaugar around Landmannalaugar (approx. 15 km)

  Wake up in the picturesque, snow-covered volcanic landscape and enjoy a big healthy mountain hut breakfast. Today, the group eill leave the pulka’s at the hut and take a day hike around Landmannalaugar.

  In the summertime, this mountain region is bustling with visitors, but in winter, it becomes a serene and pristine wonderland. Our adventure takes us across a diverse array of winter landscapes, from white rolling hills and expansive floodplains to frozen lakes and rugged lava fields. Arriving back at the very comfortable mountain cabin of Landmannalaugar where you have the chance to take a dip in the thermal running river and spend the evening looking out for the northern lights.

  Included:

  Local guides and support crew.

  Snowshoe, hiking poles and pulka hire.

  Overnight Landmannalaugar in a self-catering mountain hut.

  Breakfast, lunch and BBQ dinner.

• Day 4 | The jewel in the crown – Snowshoe from Landmannalaugar to Hrafntinnusker (approx. 20 km & 500m ascent)

  Today sees your longest and toughest day. From Landmannalaugar (575m) your trail traverses the ancient lava field of Laugahraun, formed in 1477.  It’s an area of much geothermal activity with steaming vents and bubbling hot springs. The route then climbs towards the Hrafntinnusker mountain. From this vantage point, the views are spectacular with rugged snow-covered mountains dominating the skyline. The surrounding area is patterned with ravines formed from rivers easily cut through the soft rock, some of which may be frozen, adding to the incredible atmosphere. There’s a good amount of climbing today with a height gain of 500m however, it’s a day you’ll remember with the impressive landscapes to witness and thermal pools to soak those weary limbs in.

  Included:

  Local guides and support crew.

  Snowshoe, hiking poles and pulka hire.

  Overnight in Landmannalaugar, catering mountain hut.

  Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

• Day 5 | Snowshoe from Hrafntinnusker to Sigalda (approx. 10 km)

  Say goodbye to your mountain hut as you strap on your snowshoes for the final time, heading north through the lava fields of Dómadalur towards Lake Eskihlíðarvatn. Hiking along crater ridges framing frozen lakes and across vast lava plains. The horizon is extensive as the impressive Icelandic frozen landscape stretches for miles all around you. Arriving back at the road at Sigalda, you’ll climb back onboard your 4×4 for your return transfer to Reykjavík. You’ll arrive back at the capital in the late afternoon, ready for a celebratory Icelandic beer or two and enjoy a delicious celebratory meal downtown.

  Included:

  Local guides and support crew.

  Snowshoe and hiking poles hire.

  4×4 super jeep transfer.

  Overnight in a hotel (twin share basis).

  Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

• Day 6 | Reykjavik to UK

  Depending on your flight time, we can arrange an optional excursion to the Blue Lagoon.

  There will be one transfer operating from the hotel to Keflavik Airport for your return flight to the UK. You’ll return home with a huge sense of achievement having just completed an incredible winter expedition.

  Included:

  Breakfast.

  Return airport transfer.

Included

Before you go

• Personalised trip support in the lead up to your hike
• Training guide
• Kit discount code for independent specialist outdoor retailers
• Expedition info supplied via our free mobile travel app
• Financial protection of your booking
• Public liability insurance
• Risk assessment and emergency management planning
• Monthly payment plan available
• Free Water-To-Go Bottle to help reduce your plastic footprint in Iceland

On your trip

• Experienced Icelandic Winter Mountain Leader for 4 days
• UK Mountain Leader for groups over 7 people
• Local ground crew
• Airport transfer day 1 
• Transfers on day 2 and day 5 by private super jeep
• 2 nights' hotel accommodation in Reykjavik (twin room basis) 
• 3 nights' accommodation in mountain huts (dormitory rooms)
• Sleeping bag
• All meals from dinner on day 1 until breakfast on day 6  
• Hire of snowshoes, walking/ski poles, pulka, and sleeping bag for the duration of the expedition
• Filling of water bottle/s and thermos (please provide your own water bottles and thermos for refilling)
• All trip management and hygienic cleaning procedures of equipment before, during and post-expedition

Not Included

• Return flights from UK to Reykjavik Iceland; these can be booked via the flight operator (ATOL protected)
• Travel insurance (mandatory)
• Clothing and equipment listed on your Kit List
• Water bottle/s and/or camelbaks/platypus and thermos for filling and refilling. Please provide your own bottles as this is to minimise the use of plastic bottles
• Personal snacks and electrolytes
• Personal spending money
• Any costs incurred with retiring from the expedition early ie. hotel accommodation, change of travel tickets, any medical costs, etc
• Tips for local crew

Impressively, Iceland has been described as a world leader in addressing pollution control and natural resource management challenges. Almost one hundred sites, with a total area of 2,000,000 ha (including glaciers and marine areas) are protected in Iceland under the Nature Conservation Act. In addition, 85% of Iceland’s primary energy needs are met with indigenous renewable resources, meaning Iceland is at the forefront of sustainable energy production.

Almost all electricity in Iceland is produced using renewable energy sources, with 73% of electricity provided by hydropower plants and 26.8% from geothermal energy, accounting for over 99% of total electricity consumption in Iceland.

This is just one of the many reasons we are so passionate about encouraging adventure tourism to Iceland, given their level of care and diligence in helping the planet with such impressive renewable energy usage.

Some of the responsible travel features embedded in this Iceland Winter Hike are:

• Using local crew who are qualified Guides, support crew and drivers who are all extremely knowledgeable and experienced
• Staying in locally owned accommodation wherever possible
• Minimising plastic waste wherever possible by providing a complimentary Water-To-Go bottle on departure
• Careful management of energy and water resources on the trip
• Offering real-life experiences which promote cross-cultural understanding
• Operating with a ‘leave no trace’ ethos – take only memories, leave only footprints
• This trip will make a financial contribution to the environmental charity, Cool Earth, as part of the business partnership
• This expedition has a carbon footprint of 94kg of CO2 emissions per person with recommendations on how this can be offset

Together, we can all make a difference in helping preserve this precious and wonderful planet.

Monthly payment plan

A monthly payment plan can easily be arranged for this trip.

Costs

5 Stars - based on 40 user reviews:

Iceland is an amazing place and the trip really showcased the beauty and the challenges of snow trekking in the wild. Many laughs, digging deep, climbing volcano slopes and the fun of sliding down the other side. A great team to go with. Great trip and great company to travel with! John, 2022

The communication is exemplary; from my initial inquiry about the trek, to organising my travel plans and what I needed to bring, and to messaging when I got home to see if I was well, is above and beyond my expectations. The ethics helped me to feel like I got to see the Atlas Mountains from a view more closely aligned with the locals. Each person I met from the airport transfers, to the host, travel guide, chefs and all those supporting them, were friendly and welcoming, and every aspect of this trip was seamless. Abby K-H

Just back from a life-changing and iconic expedition with to climb Yala Peak (5550m) in Nepal with a 15-woman team. I knew it was going to be a very special journey because we were honouring Japanese climber Junko Tabei who made the first female ascent of Mount Everest 50 years ago, and also to pay tribute to the people of the Langtang Valley who are rebuilding their villages and their lives after the devastating earthquake 10 years ago. But the expedition far surpassed my dreams! ...the trip brought joy, meaning, friendship and 'glory' to all of us. What rewards!  It doesn't get better than that. I highly recommend. Rosemary J B

From the moment I decided to do this amazing trip the team have been unbelievably supportive and their comms cannot be faulted... I would highly recommend. Eileen H

The whole trip was superbly organised and the team working on the ground were nothing short of fantastic, nothing was too much trouble. Aeysha T

Really personal communication from first contact and loved everything about the company. Outstanding local guide, great itinerary and small group size... Overall a company that makes you feel really valued and that offers really well thought out experiences. Dan B

Absolutely phenomenal company surrounded by the most kind and professional individuals you would ever meet. From my inquiry to the planning and discussion of some individual challenges to doing the Mount Toubkal Trek, I have been extremely impressed by the patience and support I was given by the staff and the guides. As a result, we had the most unforgettable experience, and I am extremely grateful. Tania P

I was impressed with the level of pre-trip communication and advice. The trip was well organised, and the mountain leader was excellent. Catherine T

We had great communication before which prepared us for what we would need on the day and help if needed was available throughout the tour. All equipment was great, lunch was tasty, and the order of events worked perfectly. We will absolutely be booking another trip soon. Thank you everyone. Gemma O

Fantastic company with a huge range of challenges. Highly recommend. Ashley H

Brilliantly organised challenge. All of us at Dynamo were very impressed with the friendly, accommodating team who went out of their way to make sure our multi-stage event ran smoothly and was a huge success. Many thanks from all of us. Sarah F

Reviews taken from Facebook