The Iceland Trail 2026

You will have access to our Trail Application before the trip starts, which contains detailed routes, highlights, and practical information.

Guided Trails

There will be experienced guides available to help you at any time. They will also have a GPS Tracker with them (including an emergency signal) to alert in case of an emergency. Additionally, you will receive a briefing every morning/evening with extra tips & tricks.

Self-Guided Trails

This means you will be completing the hike completely on your own. We make sure you have everything you need to make the hike a success. In the trail app, you'll find clear daily descriptions, navigation, and tips so you can prepare well for different situations. At every campsite, there will be a ranger available in the evening for questions, spare equipment, and support, but during the day, you are responsible for yourself on the trail.

The difficulty level of a trail depends on several factors. Based on a clear overview, you can assess whether this trail is suitable for you. With certain options, like luggage transport, you can also make the trail easier for yourself.

Anyone between 16 and 65 years old with good fitness and a sense of adventure can take on this trail. The journey includes a solid amount of physical activity, so good health is a must. Also, keep in mind the variable weather conditions. Please note that people under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Children are not allowed. Want to go on a hiking trip with your family? Then Hike Tribe is a better alternative.

Important for self-guided hikes

Our self-guided trails are only suitable for hikers with experience in multi-day treks.

Are you trying a multi-day hike for the first time but unsure about your fitness?

Ask yourself these questions:

• What types of physical activity do I regularly do, and for how long?
• Have I had any recent injuries that affect my hiking ability?
• Can I comfortably walk 15 kilometers over hilly terrain?
• Can I train specifically in the coming months to prepare well?

If your answers give you full confidence to embark on an adventure, then this trail is definitely for you! You will receive a training schedule a week after booking that will prepare you to comfortably tackle the path.

Still hesitant and want to test yourself before heading out on the trail?

Try one of our micro-adventures like The Packraft Trail.

Are you traveling solo and between 20 and 40 years old?

And do you want to do The Iceland Trail in a small group? Be sure to check out the website of WeAdventures.

The guides provide daily briefings and instructions on how to tackle the day's hike in the best way. Basically, you're free to hike on your own during the day. The guides will spread out across the group. Guides at the back are there to support hikers who are having difficulties. If you feel more comfortable with a guide by your side, you can always follow the guide's trail.

For safety reasons, the guides may decide to keep the group together.

You will be walking completely independently during the day. That's why we expect that you have experience with multi-day hikes and that you can navigate on your own using the trail app and offline maps. For self-guided trips, we recommend booking in pairs or small groups.

You can quickly check if self-guided is right for you with the following questions:

• Do you have experience with multi-day hiking trips?
• Can you navigate independently with an app and offline map?
• Can you set and adjust your own pace, breaks, and daily itinerary depending on weather conditions?
• Can you apply basic first aid and solve minor equipment issues on your own?
• Are you self-sufficient and able to make decisions in the event of an injury or emergencies? (We'll provide you with clear guidelines in the trail app!)

If you answered yes to all the questions, then a self-guided trip is right for you! Still have doubts? Feel free to email us at info@theicelandtrail.com.

You’ll be sleeping in your own tent for a week near shelters. We provide the unique sleeping spots. At most locations, all sanitary facilities are available. Additionally, you can shower at most sleeping spots for a small fee, which can easily be paid with a card.

During the hike, you won't encounter any restaurants or supermarkets. So, you need to bring enough food for the entire route. You can purchase a food pack with a cooking set (cooking pot, gas burner, and gas bottle) from us for €115 (veggie)/€119 (meat). In this food pack, you'll find 3 meals a day (breakfast, lunch, & dinner).

Additionally, make sure to bring your own water bottles. Ensure you can carry at least 2 liters of water. You can refill your water bottles at the shelters.

• Planned route and complete travel organization
• 5 nights camping
• Guidance from English-speaking guides (guided) or support from a ranger on-site (self-guided)
• Trail application with all information about The Iceland Trail
• All transportation to and from the trail

You will receive a packing list well in advance, detailing all the necessary gear.

The basics include good hiking shoes (at least category A/B that definitely protect your ankles), a backpack (around 65 – 80l), a daypack (30 – 35l), decent camping gear, and protective (rain) clothing.

• Choose minimum A/B hiking shoes in which you feel comfortable enough to embark on a long trek.
• Prepare for changing weather patterns. Good protective rain gear is an absolute must, and don’t forget to pack some warm clothing as well. It can get quite chilly in the evenings.
• If you opt for your own tent (minimum 3-season), make sure to bring your own sleeping mat (minimum R-value 3) and sleeping bag (minimum comfort temperature 2°C).

You can optionally rent camping gear and trekking poles from us.

You can provide your own camping gear or rent it from us. You can choose to rent all your camping equipment from us or just rent a tent, sleeping bag, or mat.

If you bring your own gear, make sure it's of good quality and suitable for the conditions. A 3-season tent, a compact mat (minimum R-value of 3), and a sleeping bag (minimum comfort temperature of 2°C). You will receive a packing list well in advance with an overview of all the necessary equipment.

The luggage transport means that both your personal items and camping gear will be transported from one shelter to another by a 4×4 vehicle. On-site, you will receive a protective duffel bag (90L), where everything needs to fit. Your luggage can weigh a maximum of 20kg. This includes camping gear, which usually weighs about 5 kg (tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag) and food packs (+-4kg).

The spots for luggage transport are limited, so don't wait too long to decide on this option. You will still need your own backpack/duffelbag to get to Iceland. We cannot store trolleys and they are not allowed. A daypack is also required to carry while hiking, where you can keep drinks, food, and rain gear.

The food pack is highly recommended, as the meals provide you with all the necessary nutrients during a hike. You'll find tasty, varied meals (including breakfast, lunch, and dinner). We use Real Turmat food packs. You can check out their website to get an idea of what the food packs include.

Your cooking kit (including a pot, gas burner, and gas canister) is also included. There is both a vegetarian and a non-vegetarian option available.

Our food pack does not include snacks or coffee/tea.

Throughout the week, you'll walk about 80 km. The stages vary between 12 and 16 km, with a longer day on day 3 (24 km). The days are well distributed and balanced, providing a nice mix between the number of kilometers covered and the elevation gained. For those interested, the guides offer short evening walks on some days.

At the campsites where we stay, there are always toilets available. Additionally, 4 out of 5 campsites have a shower. However, during the hikes, you won’t come across any sanitary facilities. That means that when nature calls, you'll have to go about it the adventurous way. Luckily, there are usually enough rocks or other spots nearby where you can find some privacy.

We follow a Leave No Trace policy, which means we want to keep nature as untouched as possible. That's why we ask everyone to bring small bags for toilet paper and other waste. These can be disposed of properly at the next base camp.

When you book, you can choose to contribute to a certified climate project by Greentripper. Your contribution supports an initiative made up of 11 local projects in Uganda that distributes more efficient cooking stoves. This significantly reduces fuel consumption, helps protect forests from deforestation, and improves indoor air quality for local families. The project is Gold Standard certified, which guarantees the highest international standards for climate projects.

If you decide to contribute, Travelbase will also offset additional local emissions on site. After your trip, you’ll receive an official carbon credit certificate.

Want to learn more about our initiatives for more sustainable travel? Find out more on Travelbase.

During the trail, you will have little to no reception. Please let your loved ones know so they don't worry. You'll usually have some reception every other day, and your SIM card is active in Iceland – the rates are the same as at home.

We recommend comparing the different flight options from your preferred airport via Google Flights.

Make sure you arrive at Keflavík Airport (KEF) and consider the itinerary when booking your flights. Please arrive at our basecamp by 5:00 PM for the briefing with the guides or ranger.

For the guided trails, our base camp is located at the Lava Hostel. Next to it, there's also the campsite where you can book an overnight stay for your first and last night.

The self-guided trails depart from Reykjavik Eco Campsite.

It is not simply possible to leave the trail or skip a hiking day. From Landmannalaugar (the starting point), you can still take a Highland bus back to Reykjavik, but this is always at your own expense. The campsites in Álftavatn and Emstrur are very remote, making it very difficult and expensive to return from there. On the last hiking day to Husadalur, you do have the option to take a shorter route and walk directly to the last base camp.

After your booking, you can easily find all the important information, like your flight details and the allowed baggage dimensions and rules, in the app. Log in with your booking details and go to your trip overview. There, you will always find the most up-to-date information about your flight and baggage. This way, you have everything neatly in one place and avoid surprises at check-in.