Icelandic Winter Hiking Expedition: Iceland Snowshoeing Holiday

Itinerary

Explore the remote Icelandic highlands on this Icelandic winter hiking expedition. Beginning with training, you'll then use your newly acquired skills of snowshoeing and drawing a pulk (a sleigh to transport your kit).

Soak in geo-thermal hot springs which flow right next to your mountain hut. The ideal spot to witness the spectacular northern lights Snowshoe along mighty crater rims which frame frozen lakes and experience the panoramic views across vast snow-covered plains.

Trek past steaming vents and naturally formed artistic snow structures as you climb towards the impressive Hrafntinnusker mountain. Enjoy your final night in comfort Iceland’s capital city of Reykjavik. Reflect on your incredible winter journey across such a unique and pristine frozen wilderness.

Receive a free Water-To-Go bottle on departure to help eliminate our plastic footprint in Iceland. Adventurous Ewe is a ‘Certified Inspired by Iceland Specialist‘.

Icelandic winter hiking expedition: Itinerary

Day 1: Flight from UK to Keflavík, Reykjavik Iceland

Flight direct from 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 up the airport transfers included in Iceland. You’re welcome to book your flights through our flight agent if you wish (ATOL protected). Return flights from the UK (LHR, STN or LTN) to Keflavík, Reykjavik (KEF). Flights operated by British Airways, Easy Jet, SAS or IcelandAir and cost between £150pp – £280 return. You will then be transferred to your hotel in Reykjavik with dinner followed by briefing.

Day 2: 4×4 transfer and snowshoe from Hekla volcano to Landmannahellir (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 3 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 Landmannahellir mountain hut for an evening meal and a good night’s rest.

Day 3: Snowshoe from Landmannahellir to Landmannalaugar (approx. 15 km)

Wake up in the picturesque, snow-covered volcanic landscape and enjoy a big healthy mountain hut breakfast. It’s then time to pack your kit in your pulka in readiness for the next leg of your journey. Your route today covers 15kms with a wide variety of winter landscapes of rolling hills, vast plains, amazing lakes and lava fields. Arriving 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.

Day 4: Snowshoe from Landmannalaugar to Hrafntinnusker (approx. 20 km & 500m ascent)

Today sees your longest and toughest day of this Iceland snowshoeing holiday. 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.

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 down town.
Reykjavik to UK

Day 6: 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 back to the UK. You’ll return home with a huge sense of achievement having just completed an incredible winter expedition.