5-Day Vatnajökull Wilderness Trek

We will pick you up in your accommodation in the Reykjavik city center or you can meet your driverguide at BSI Bus Terminal. We will then begin our journey in our private vehicle along Iceland’s stunning South Coast to the trailhead at Núpsstaðaskógur. After dividing up tents and supplies, we set off into a dramatic canyon carved by the river.

The first day is a gentle introduction, giving us time to find our pace before reaching camp. We spend the night surrounded by towering cliffs and the sound of rushing water—a magical start to the journey.

Distance: 4 - 5 km (3 mi)
Elevation: Ascent40 m
Walking time: 2-3hrs.

After a short climb, we reach the Tvílitihylur waterfalls, then follow the sculpted Núpsá canyon with cliffs soaring nearly 200 meters. Emerging onto the Sléttur plains and climbing the Eggjar Hills, we are rewarded with sweeping views of Vatnajökull icecap and its vast Skeiðarárjökull glacier.

Camp is set near the glacier, surrounded by Iceland’s silent, wild beauty.

Distance: 10 - 12 km (6–7,5 mi)
Elevation: Ascent400 m
Walking time: 6 - 7 hrs.

This is the big day—the glacier crossing. For nearly 10 km, we traverse the icy wilderness of Skeiðarárjökull, a demanding but unforgettable challenge. The landscape is like another world, with ridges, crevasses, and endless ice stretching into the distance. By evening, we step off the glacier into the hidden Norðurdalur valley, one of Iceland’s most extraordinary gems. Our campsite overlooks glassy glacial lakes with floating icebergs and colorful rhyolite mountains glowing in the evening light.

Distance: 11-14 km (7–8,5 mi)

Elevation: Ascent 150-200 m
Walking time: 7 – 8 hrs.

The day begins with a climb onto a narrow ridge, where the views will take your breath away—on one side, the golden rhyolite valley of Kjós; on the other, Iceland’s highest peak, Hvannadalshnúkur, dominating the horizon. From here, we descend into the lush Morsárdalur valley, where each step brings more greenery until we’re walking through the enchanting birch forest of Bæjarstaðarskógur. It feels like entering a different world. We camp on the valley plain, embraced by forest and mountain views.

Distance: 12 - 18 km (7,5 - 11 mi)
Elevation: Ascent 350 m and descent 1.000 m
Walking time: 7 - 8 hrs.

Our final day takes us through the beauty of Morsárdalur valley before finishing in Skaftafell National Park—the perfect finale to this epic trek. From here, we catch our bus back to Reykjavík, retracing the scenic south coast. Along the way, we can stop at Skógafoss waterfall and the world-famous Reynisfjara black sand beach. We return to the city in the evening, tired but exhilarated, with memories of Iceland’s wildest landscapes etched forever in our minds.

Distance: 8 km (5mi)
Walking time: 2 - 4hrs.

This is more than a trek—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime expedition into Iceland’s untamed heart. Glacier crossings, secret valleys, colorful mountains, and nights under Arctic skies. Spaces are limited—secure your spot now and step into Iceland’s wild side!