Fly into Keflavík International Airport (KEF), Iceland’s main international gateway, located about 45 minutes from Reykjavík. Upon arrival, a private transfer will take you directly to your hotel in Reykjavík. KEF is well connected with frequent direct flights from most major European cities, as well as key hubs in North America (including the US East Coast and Canada). Guests arriving from Asia can easily connect via Europe or North America, with smooth same-day onward flights to Iceland.

Accommodation & Meals

• 3 nights in 3-star hotels or guesthouses (Reykjavík, Akureyri/Húsavík area, Reykjavík) in twin rooms; single room available on request
• 6 nights in mountain huts or guesthouses across the Highlands (F208, Landmannalaugar, Askja, Snæfell, Kerlingarfjöll)
• Daily breakfast included when staying in hotels/guesthouses
• All other meals are self-managed; stops for resupply planned along the route

Transport

• Modified 4x4 vehicles with 40” tires, suitable for F-roads and river crossings
• Private transfer from Keflavík Airport (KEF) to Reykjavík on arrival

Activities & Experiences

• Glacier trek on Sólheimajökull with certified guides
• Highlands exploration via F208, F26, and F910
• Hiking in Landmannalaugar, Askja Caldera, Kerlingarfjöll
• Optional summit of Herðubreið (weather permitting)
• Hike to Snæfell summit or alternative Hengifoss area
• Whale watching tour from Húsavík
• Visits to major natural landmarks: Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Dettifoss, Goðafoss, Hverir
• Forest Lagoon geothermal spa

Support

• Esploro Travel team leader throughout the journey
• Pre-departure assistance and on-ground coordination

• International flights
• Fuel (to be shared among participants)
• Camping meals (self-managed: plan and shop with your car group)
• Lunches and dinners in Reykjavík
• Parking fees
• Beverages and alcoholic drinks
• Entrance fees to optional hot springs or unlisted attractions
• Personal expenses
• Travel insurance (mandatory for participation)
• Anything not expressly listed under What’s Included

Moderate

This journey is suited to travelers with a good level of general fitness and an adventurous mindset. Expect long driving days on gravel roads and F-roads, including remote highland sections. Accommodation alternates between hotels, guesthouses, and basic mountain huts, where comfort is simple and conditions can be rugged. Several hikes involve uneven, steep, or slippery terrain, with distances of up to 4–6 km. Weather in the Highlands is highly variable, so flexibility and resilience are essential.
The optional ascent of Herðubreið is physically demanding and exposed, requiring good stamina and confidence on steep terrain; participation is entirely optional, and alternative activities are available. Participation in the Herðubreið ascent is at the sole discretion of the guide, based on each participant’s fitness, experience, and conditions on the day. Safety considerations will always prevail.

In Iceland, there’s a saying: “If you don’t like the weather, just wait 15 minutes — it’ll change.” And it couldn’t be more true. Expect fast-changing conditions and be prepared for everything: sunshine, wind, rain, and even snow... Sometimes all in the same day. July and August is technically summer, but don’t let that fool you. Average daytime temperatures range between 10°C and 15°C (50-59 °F), but can feel much colder with wind chill, especially in the highlands and coastal areas.
Bring warm layers, waterproof gear, and sturdy footwear. Even when it’s not raining, humidity and wind can make conditions harsh. Nights can drop to 5°C (41 °F) or lower, and there may be strong gusts in exposed areas. That said, you may also enjoy long hours of daylight, crisp air, and moments of stunning clarity when the Icelandic landscapes light up in surreal color.
The takeaway: layer smart, stay dry, and embrace the elements — it’s all part of the adventure.

Clothing & Footwear

• Waterproof jacket and pants (essential for wind and rain)
• Thermal base layers (top and bottom)
• Warm sweaters or fleeces
• Insulated jacket (light down or synthetic)
• T-shirts (preferably quick-dry)
• Warm hat, scarf, and gloves
• Swimsuit (for hot springs)
• Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots (well broken-in)
• Comfortable shoes for evenings/rest stops
• Flip-flops (for showers, hot springs)

Sleep Essentials

• Sleeping bag for some mountain huts
• Sleeping bag liner (optional, for added warmth)
• Earplugs (for a snory room mate!)
• Eye mask (Icelandic nights are still short in August)
• Travel pillow or packable pillow
• Microfiber towel

Gear & Accessories

• Headlamp or flashlight (with spare batteries)
• Daypack for hikes (15-20L)
• Reusable water bottle
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Portable charger / power bank
• Camera + spare batteries / memory cards

Toiletries & Medication

• Personal toiletries (in travel sizes)
• Lip balm (windproof, with SPF if possible)
• Sunscreen (even in Iceland!)
• Basic first aid (plasters, antiseptic, painkillers)
• Motion sickness tablets (for winding roads)
• Wet wipes / tissues

Travel Essentials

• Travel insurance (mandatory)
• Credit card & some cash in local currency (ISK)
• Power plug adapter (Iceland uses Type F, 220V, same as rest of Europe)
• Main luggage: backpack, max 60L (We strongly recommend a backpack instead of a suitcase — soft-sided, compact, and easier to pack in the vehicle.)

Optional but Useful

• Travel journal or book
• Snacks for long drives
• Travel-size laundry soap (if you want to rinse quick-dry items)
• Binoculars (for puffins, arctic foxes, landscapes)

Highlands, Hiking & Adventure

Q: How technical are the hikes on this trip?
A: Most hikes are non-technical but take place in remote, wild terrain. Expect uneven ground, lava fields, loose rocks, river valleys, and changing weather. Good hiking fitness is required, but no climbing or mountaineering skills are needed for the standard itinerary.

Q: How difficult is the Herðubreið summit?
A: Herðubreið is challenging and optional. The ascent involves steep, exposed terrain and requires excellent fitness, confidence on loose ground, and stable weather conditions. Only guests who feel comfortable will attempt it. If conditions or fitness aren’t ideal, alternative exploration around Askja is planned.

Q: What about the Snæfell hike?
A: The Snæfell ascent is demanding but less technical than Herðubreið. Weather permitting, it’s a rewarding summit with wide views over eastern Iceland. Again, participation is optional.

Q: Is the glacier hike technical?
A: The glacier trek on Sólheimajökull is guided by certified professionals and suitable for beginners. Depending on group size and conditions, ice climbing or ice cave exploration may be possible, but this is not guaranteed.

Driving & Logistics

Q: Do guests need to drive?
A: No. This is not a self-drive trip. All driving, including F-roads and river crossings, is handled by the Esploro Travel team leader to ensure safety and efficiency in technical terrain.

Q: Are river crossings involved?
A: Yes, in the Highlands. Crossings are assessed case by case and only attempted when conditions are safe.

Accommodation & Connectivity

Q: What are the huts like?
A: Highland huts are shared dorm-style accommodations with bunk beds and shared bathrooms. Comfort is basic but warm and functional, designed for remote environments.

Q: What are the accommodations like in Reykjavík and Akureyri?
A: In Reykjavík and Akureyri we stay in mid to high-end 3-star hotels, with private bathrooms, comfortable beds, and all the amenities needed to properly rest after long days in the wild. These stays are intentionally chosen as moments to slow down, recharge, enjoy a good shower, and treat ourselves before and after the more remote Highland sections.

Q: Is there internet or mobile signal?
A: Connectivity is limited. Some huts have Wi-Fi in communal areas, but many locations, especially in the Highlands, have no signal at all. This is part of the experience.

Wildlife & Nature

Q: What wildlife might we see?
A: Puffins, arctic foxes (rare but possible), seabirds, reindeer in the east, and whales during the Árskógssandur whale-watching tour.

Q: Is whale watching guaranteed?
A: No wildlife encounter can be guaranteed, but Árskógssandur has one of the highest success rates in Europe.

Drones & Photography

Q: Can I fly a drone?
A: Yes, outside National Parks and protected areas. Drone use is strictly regulated in Iceland. Permits are required for National Parks and must be obtained before departure. We’ll guide you through the process if needed.

Q: Is this a photography-focused trip? Will there be support for photos and drones?
A: This is not a photography workshop, but photography is very much part of the experience. The Esploro Travel team leader knows Iceland extremely well and will help you reach hidden viewpoints, lesser-known drone-friendly locations, and photographic spots that don’t appear on standard itineraries.

Practicalities

Q: What level of fitness is required overall?
A: Moderate to high. You should be comfortable with long days, variable weather, and hiking up to 4–6 hours. Optional summits require higher fitness but are never mandatory.

Q: Is travel insurance mandatory?
A: Yes. Insurance must cover hiking, remote travel, and medical evacuation.

Q: Is this trip suitable if I don’t want to do the hardest hikes?
A: Absolutely. All demanding objectives (Herðubreið, Snæfell) are optional, and alternative activities are always available.