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Iceland truly is the land of fire and ice. Our trips
take in the best of this place of extreme natural forces. Rafting, hiking and
wildlife tours are all a part of our journeys, but are by no means all that
provides the adventure. Each Iceland Adventure is enhanced by soaking in
natural hot springs and getting sprayed by mists of thundering waterfalls.
Topped off by getting to know the people that revel living on the edge of
hospitable earth, these tours offer everything an adventure traveler could hope
for.
For other great Nordic adventures please see our Heart of Norway
and Isle of the Midnight Sun adventures.
Destination Wilderness offers
travelers a unique opportunity to experience the great Icelandic outdoors with
a variety of adventure activities. This seven-day trip features rafting remote
and scenic rivers, an overnight backpacking trip through the Icelandic
backcountry, horseback riding, boating to an incredible fjord island to hike
and explore, and so much more. This island, physically the size of Ohio, but
with only 2% of Ohio's population, is a relatively undiscovered adventure
destination. With miles and miles of open space, repeated evidence of ongoing
tectonic activity, a myriad of adventure activities, and Viking villages
resting on the edge of the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans, Iceland is an amazing
blend of sculpted landscapes, present-day geologic occurrences, and
time-honored traditions. Spending time here, with these people, is time well
spent.
Trip Overview
This trip
begins and ends in the town of Saudarkrokur. Saudarkrokur is located in the
north of Iceland and is accessible by bus or plane. All specialty adventure
gear is also included for the river running and other activities that are
included in this journey.
Trip Outline
Meeting Time: Our guide will
meet you at the Saudarkrokur airport lobby on the morning of the first day of
the trip. All flights from the U.S. arrive in Iceland in the early morning,
allowing you to arrive in Iceland on the day before your trip. This allows you
a full day to fly or bus to Saudarkrokur. The countryside and waters outside
Saudarkrokur serves as the base for your adventures of the next few days.
Trip Itinerary
 Day One: After
meeting you in Saudarkrokur we head to a rural country summerhouse where we
spend the day hiking around the surrounding farmlands and soaking in a hot
spring pool. This day allows for adjustment to the time differences before the
bigger adventures of the next several days.
Days Two and Three:
Overland Trek! We drive into the Tunga farm area and trek up Hryggjardalur to
Vididalur Valley. Here we spend two days hiking the peaceful beautiful
backcountry of Iceland, an area filled with wild plants, green pastures, and
relics of old farms. Amid this tranquil setting we spend the night at a
trekker's hut. The following day we hike over Litla-Vansskard Pass to
Gautsdalur Valley, before heading to Skagafjordur for the night. If conditions
are right we may be able to visit a nearby glacier. Note: We may substitute
another hike through equally dramatic Icelandic backcountry should ground
and/or weather conditions dictate.
Day Four: Rafting! On this day we
float on the West Glacial River, a fun and scenic class II-III river that winds
through a magnificent canyon. Halfway through the trip we stop at a natural hot
spring where we make hot cocoa from the boiling water. In the afternoon after
this trip individuals are encouraged to spend time exploring the local
farmlands and rolling hills or just relaxing in the hot pool at the cottage.
Day Five: Fjord Island Exploration! In the north Icelandic waters lies
Drangey Island, a towering monolith in the middle of a fjord. This legendary
island is now home to sea and shore birds, including the Puffin, and the isle
affords beautiful views of the Icelandic sea. We spend the day plying the
waters to this island and then hiking around it. This place is an important
part of the Icelandic culture, as Drangey was the home to legendary Grettir the
Strong who claimed that the island was inhabited by ghosts. We also troll the
waters for our own fish dinner and finish the day with a soak in a natural hot
pool.
 Day Six: There are two options
to choose from on this day:
Horseback Riding! Those seeking a truly
Icelandic experience can spend the day riding through the rural countryside
aboard the most unique horse on earth. The Iceland horse is a small, friendly
and sturdy breed that was brought to Iceland by Norwegian settlers in the 9th
century. Since that time no other breeds have been allowed in Iceland. The
Icelandic horse is the only breed in the world to have five gaits: walk, trot,
gallop, pace, and "tolt" or running walk. This day offers even more views of
the Icelandic countryside and unique culture.
Whitewater! Those looking
for a great rafting challenge can tackle the wild and wooly rapids of the East
Glacial River. This river trip features exceptional class IV-IV+ rapids in a
stunning gorge. On this river trip we take paddle boats, on which each person
helps paddle and power the raft under the instruction of a paddle boat guide.
This is an exciting day and provides plenty of action for adventure
thrillseekers. This afternoon we travel by van up and into the highlands of
central Iceland where we spend the night at a rustic lodge in the heart of the
backcountry.
Day Seven: Central Iceland Highlights Tour. On this day we
explore by both van and foot the wonders of the Central Highlands of Iceland as
we travel to Reykjavik. This trip takes us through the heart of Icelandic
wilderness as we pass jet black geologic wastelands, snow-covered glaciers, and
geothermal pools. Included in this journey is a visit to Gullfoss, an
incredible stair step waterfall, Geysir, the world's original waterspout, and
Thingvellir, the lakeside site of the world's oldest parliament. This is one of
the most fascinating and scenic drives in the world. This evening, after
getting settled in your own hotel room, we reunite for a celebration dinner.
Note: The order of days four, five, and six may be switched depending
on weather and conditions at sea.
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Iceland
Adventures: Rafting, Hiking, Horseback Riding, and
More! May - August
