Iceland: Hiking East Iceland, Serene Spas & the Spirit of Reykjavik

Location: Europe
Duration: 8 Days
Price: From $6,995
Activity Level: Level 4 – High Energy

Iceland: Hiking East Iceland, Serene Spas & the Spirit of Reykjavik

Location: Europe
Duration: 8 Days
Price: From $6,995
Activity Level: Level 4 – High Energy

Overview

This eight-day journey showcases the wild beauty of East Iceland through scenic hikes, remote villages, and unforgettable encounters with local culture and nature. Explore Reykjavik before flying east to Borgarfjörður Eystri, a quiet fishing community framed by dramatic peaks and lush valleys. Each day featuresguided hikes with differing landscapes through black sand beaches, colorful rhyolite mountains, turquoise pools, basalt canyons, and areas rich with folklore. Enjoy warm Icelandic hospitality, restorative spa time, and leisurely evenings in charming accommodations. Your adventure concludes back in Reykjavik with a soothing visit to Sky Lagoon and memories to last a lifetime on this all-women trip.

Main Attractions

Otherworldly Landscapes

Hike black sand beaches, rhyolite mountains, and turquoise glacial pools in some of East Iceland’s most remote and breathtaking valleys.

Wildlife Up Close

Visit puffin colonies and seabird cliffs at Hafnarhólmi, a haven for Iceland’s coastal wildlife.

Cultural Icelandic Gems

Explore small villages, turf houses, concert halls, and legendary elf sites steeped in folklore and tradition.

Map of Iceland showing a travel route from Reykjavik to Egilsstaðir by plane, then to Stórurð by car and hiking; inset highlights Iceland’s location.
Two Atlantic puffins stand on a grassy hill under a clear blue sky, with one puffin facing the camera and the other looking away.
A group of people smiling and holding drinks while relaxing in a natural hot spring surrounded by rocks and grass under a cloudy sky.
A person with a backpack hikes down a grassy hillside overlooking a broad, green valley with streams and distant mountains under a cloudy sky.
A wire fence with purple lupine flowers in front of a grassy field and rocky hillside under an overcast sky.
A blue road sign with a pedestrian symbol points towards Breiðavík, set against a grassy landscape with hills in the background.
Two Atlantic puffins stand on a grassy hill under a clear blue sky, with one puffin facing the camera and the other looking away.
A group of people smiling and holding drinks while relaxing in a natural hot spring surrounded by rocks and grass under a cloudy sky.
A person with a backpack hikes down a grassy hillside overlooking a broad, green valley with streams and distant mountains under a cloudy sky.
A wire fence with purple lupine flowers in front of a grassy field and rocky hillside under an overcast sky.
A blue road sign with a pedestrian symbol points towards Breiðavík, set against a grassy landscape with hills in the background.

Itinerary

A cityscape with colorful rooftops, a prominent church tower, and mountains in the background, under a cloudy sky.

Welcome to Iceland!

Arrive in Iceland and transfer by Flybus (included) from the Keflavik airport (KEF) to Reykjavik. Meet your guide at your hotel by 10 AM. You’ll enjoy a guided walking tour of Reykjavik and nearby areas, providing a great introduction to the city’s culture and scenery. The evening concludes with a welcome dinner (with one drink included) alongside your guide.

Meals dinner
A person wearing a red jacket and backpack walks beside a reflective pond in a grassy area, with snow-capped mountains in the background under a clear blue sky.

Village Tours

After breakfast, fly from Reykjavik to Egilsstaðir, where a bus takes you to the scenic village of Borgarfjörður Eystri. After a light lunch, enjoy a guided three-hour village walk (weather permitting), exploring artistic landmarks, the old turf house, the concert hall, and a local fish factory. In the afternoon, follow sheep paths into the surrounding valleys on an unmarked hike to Dimmidalur and Jökuldalur beneath the dramatic Dyrfjöll peaks, passing through an “Elf Hill” before ending at Álfaborg. Check into your hotel for four nights.
Hiking details: Duration: ~3 hours, Distance: 7.5 miles, Elevation gain and loss: 1,310 feet

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
An Atlantic puffin stands on grassy ground with wings spread, orange feet visible, and a blurred background.

Puffin Discovery Walk

After preparing your own lunch from the breakfast buffet, set out with your guides on the spectacular Brúnavík Bay trail. Begin at the eco-friendly harbor of Hafnarhólmi, home to puffins and seabirds nesting on the cliffs. Hike from the coast through lush mountain scree to Brúnavík Pass, then descend to a tranquil black-sand beach for a grounding barefoot walk. Continue over Hofstrandarskarð Pass and along the colorful Helgárgil canyon before returning to Bakkagerði. Enjoy dinner and a relaxing evening at your hotel.
Hiking details: Duration: ~4.5–5 hours, Distance: 10 miles, Elevation gain and loss: 2,300 feet

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
Rocky landscape with patches of green moss surrounds a turquoise pond under a cloudy sky, with distant hills partially covered in snow.

Stórurð Boulder Hollow Hike

After breakfast and preparing your picnic lunch, set out on a guided hike to Stórurð, also called Boulder Hollow, one of East Iceland’s most stunning natural areas. From Vatnskarð Pass, you’ll ascend Geldingafjall and continue inland with sweeping views of Njarðvík, Fljótsdalshérað valley, the black-sand beach of Héraðsflói, and on clear days Vatnajökull and Mt. Snæfell. Descend into Stórurð’s maze of giant boulders, turquoise pools, and grassy banks. After hiking, unwind at Musteri Spa, which has non-private communal showers typical of Iceland, then enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Hiking details: Duration: ~3.5–4 hours, Distance: 10 miles, Elevation gain and loss: 1,650 feet

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
Coastal landscape with a steep cliff, sandy beach, and a small cluster of white buildings with red roofs near the shore under a partly cloudy sky.

Breiðavík Inlet Hike

After breakfast and preparing your packed lunch, head out with your local guides for a scenic hike through the colorful landscapes of Breiðavík. Begin in Afrétt and walk across open moors and the light-brown rhyolite fields near Urðarhólavatn, continuing toward Gæsavötn and Víknaheiði before reaching the stunning Breiðavík inlet. After lunch, ascend to the Gagnheiði ridge for sweeping views marked by a viewpoint indicator. Hike back to Bakkagerði with panoramic mountain scenery and enjoy dinner at your hotel.
Hiking details: Duration: ~4 hours, Distance: 9.3 miles, Elevation gain and loss: 1,300 feet

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
A person in a yellow jacket stands by a river surrounded by basalt rock columns and cliffs.

Stuðlagil Canyon Hike and Return to Reykjavik

After breakfast, pack your lunch and depart on a two-hour drive to Stuðlagil Canyon, home to some of Iceland’s most striking basalt columns. Follow the trail along the canyon rim to admire the towering formations and the vivid turquoise water that emerged after the river’s flow was reduced by a hydroelectric project. After taking in this dramatic landscape, return to Egilsstaðir for your afternoon flight back to Reykjavik. Enjoy the evening at leisure with dinner on your own.
Hiking details: Duration: ~90 minutes, Distance: 3.5–4 miles, Elevation gain and loss: mostly flat

Meals breakfast, lunch
Seven women in swimsuits stand in a geothermal pool outdoors, each holding a drink, with steam and hills visible in the background under a cloudy sky.

Visiting Sky Lagoon

Following breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a transfer to the Sky Lagoon, where your group receives a private pass for a 2–3-hour visit (no guide accompaniment, giving you time for personal relaxation and spa amenities). The afternoon is yours to spend as you wish. In the evening, your group gathers for a farewell dinner, with one drink included and your guide present to celebrate the journey.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
A group of people dressed in winter outdoor clothing pose and smile on a wooden walkway in a scenic, open landscape under a cloudy sky.

Farewell to Iceland

Your final morning includes transfer by Flybus (included) to Keflavik airport (KEF) for departure, ensuring seamless end-of-trip logistics and comfort. You can depart at any time today.

Meals breakfast
A grassy hill with a wooden staircase overlooks a fjord and mountains in the distance under a clear blue sky; a small white house sits near the shoreline.

Accommodations

Please note that all amenities were current when written and are subject to change at any time.

Hotel Reykjavik Saga in Iceland.

Hotel Reykjavik Saga

Hotel Reykjavik Saga is an elegant 4-star hotel that opened in July 2022. Ideally situated at the very heart of the Reykjavik city center, the hotel is a stone’s throw away from picturesque Lake Tjörnin, the cathedral, art museum, shops and restaurants. The hotel is on Lækjargata, a historic street in the center of Reykjavik and has been designed in a modern style that reflects Icelandic tradition. Location and environment have been fully considered throughout the design process.

AMENITIES: complimentary toiletries, bathrobes, hair dryer, safe, coffee / tea maker, flatscreen TV, blackout curtains, Wi-Fi

A long, single-story red building with white-framed windows sits on grass with mountains in the background under a cloudy sky.

Álfheimar Country Hotel

Nestled in the quiet fishing village of Borgarfjörður Eystri, Álfheimar Country Hotel offers warm Icelandic hospitality surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. Overlooking the scenic fjord and dramatic mountains, the hotel provides a peaceful escape for travelers seeking comfort, adventure, and authenticity in East Iceland. Guests can relax in cozy rooms with sweeping views of the countryside and is the perfect base for discovering the area’s folklore, colorful rhyolite peaks, and the charm of Iceland’s remote eastern coast.

Amenities: Hairdryer, Wi-Fi

What People Are Saying

“Just would like to add that this trip exceeded my expectations. So wonderful to travel with like-minded women. Experiencing activities that I probably would never have an opportunity to experience. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

What People Are Saying

I am forever grateful for the work AdventureWomen did to ensure that my experience was the epic one that I had. I am a better person for having met all these beautiful women. At the beginning of this trip, we were 18 strangers. And at the end of the trip, we were 18 friends. Experiences bring people together, and AdventureWomen brought us together, sharing things we would never have shared had it not been for Iceland!

What People Are Saying

Outstanding – a completely transformational experience with an amazing group of women

Dates & Pricing

Start Date End Date Availability Starting At Booking Link
Aug 2, 2027 Aug 9, 2027
Space Available
$6,995
Standard Double
$6,995 total, $800 deposit
Standard Single | Waitlist
$8,295 total, $800 deposit

Arrival: Arrive in Iceland and transfer by Flybus (included) from the Keflavik airport (KEF) to Reykjavik. Meet your guide at your
hotel by 10 AM.

Departure: Depart at any time on Day 8 from Keflavik airport (KEF).

What's Included

  • Accommodations as per itinerary based on double occupancy
  • All meals as listed in the itinerary
  • Fly Bus ticket on arrival and departure days
  • Activities as indicated in the itinerary
  • English-speaking guide(s) throughout the trip
  • All ground transportation
  • Drinking water available from taps to refill personal bottles
  • Gratuities for hotel staff and waitstaff
  • Domestic airfare

What's Not Included

  • International airfare to and from Iceland
  • Optional activities
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Alcoholic beverages (unless otherwise specified)
  • Fees for passport, visas, immunizations, or travel insurance
  • Cost of hospitalization or evacuation
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Gratuities for guides and drivers

FAQs

Absolutely! You belong here. AdventureWomen welcomes all women and individuals who identify as part of the women’s community. We celebrate all races, backgrounds, orientations, abilities, and ages. Our adventures reflect the vibrant diversity of our travelers.

You can process your registration on our online booking system or over the phone. Most deposits are $800. In many cases, and unless otherwise indicated, your deposit is transferable if you notify us in writing 120 before your trip departs.

Be sure to check the ‘What’s Included’ section of the trip you are interested in. Once you get to the departure city and meet the group, we often include most meals, all accommodations, all activities (although there might be an optional activity at an additional cost), transportation while on the adventure, qualified local guide(s) and some trips also include an AdventureWomen Ambassador. Our trips do not include airfare to/from the arrival and departure cities. Internal flights are included.

Absolutely! In fact, we encourage it! Many of the women who travel with AdventureWomen come solo. For those that do not choose a single supplement, we pair you with a roommate. Usually, when we change accommodations on a trip, we will change roommates if we can, so you get a chance to know others in our group. A limited number of single supplements may be available for an additional charge.

That depends entirely on the trip! AdventureWomen adventure travel trips are rated according to the physical fitness level demanded by the included activities.

  • Level One: Easy Pace Our Easy Pace trips are thoughtfully designed for women who enjoy gentle activity, cultural immersion, and plenty of time to savor the scenery. They feature light walking, easy terrain like cobblestone streets or flat nature trails, and optional activities such as city tours, wildlife safaris, and scenic boat rides. This level offers a relaxed pace with flexible itineraries and minimal physical exertion.
  • Level Two: Moderate For women who enjoy staying active, balanced with some downtime, our Moderate trips offer a blend of movement and relaxation. Activities may include walking on gently rolling trails, with occasional uneven terrain like forest paths or shallow creek crossings. With activities like beginner kayaking or short e-bike excursions, this level is perfect for those eager to explore while trying something new.
  • Level Three: Dynamic Designed for adventurous women ready for a challenge, our Dynamic trips feature regular activity on varied terrain with moderate elevation gains. Expect natural obstacles such as rocky paths and shallow creek crossings. From glacier walks and whitewater rafting to ziplining and kayaking in calm to lightly-choppy waters, this level is perfect for those with hiking and outdoor experience and a sense of adventure.
  • Level Four: High Energy Our High Energy adventures are designed for women who crave being on the go! You should be prepared for full days of hiking across rugged, moderate-altitude terrain. With some steeper inclines and rocky paths, these trips often feature back-to-back adrenaline-fueled activities like canyoneering, multi-day treks, and Class IV whitewater rafting—perfect for experienced adventurers and hikers with good stamina and a passion for pushing their limits.
  • Level Five: Challenging Our Challenging trips are crafted for seasoned adventurers ready to take on remote, high-altitude terrain, and full-day treks. These trips are demanding yet deeply rewarding and designed for seasoned outdoor enthusiasts. You should be in excellent physical condition and be able to hike up to 14 miles per day with steep ascents, rugged trails, and elevations reaching 19,500 feet. These are strenuous trips that require endurance and a commitment to training before departure.

A trip extension is an optional add-on to your main AdventureWomen itinerary. Extensions allow you to explore a destination more deeply, visit nearby regions, or enjoy additional activities before or after your scheduled trip. You can request an extension by contacting your Trip Manager. We’ll confirm availability with our local partners and send you the details, pricing, and next steps. For more information about AdventureWomen extensions, please visit our FAQs.