Sprengisandur - Traverse of the Icelandic Highlands
Traverse on an ancient route where unpredictable weather and beautiful scenery combine for an awesome adventure.
Available on request!
Tour code: EXPI52

Take On the Challenge of Skiing Through The Center of Iceland
A beautiful traverse on cross-country skis over the Icelandic highlands. Your highly experienced and knowledgeable guide will lead you from the high grounds above Akureyri in the North, over the deserted Sprengisandur, which is the ancient route between the Hofsjökull and Vatnajökull glaciers – to Landmannalaugar, an area of high geothermal activity. This is a journey through the center of Iceland is challenging and rewarding. Because this area is not easily accessible in the winter time, you will encounter wide open spaces and impressive mountainous landscapes with no one else around. Snow, ice, fire and water come together to create an enchanting winter world. While you are surrounded by amazing nature, the unpredictable weather and isolation make this tour a personal challenge for many participants. After a long day of skiing, you will get some much deserved rest in a hut or tent, depending on where we stop for the night, and enjoy a delicious meal.
We recommend this tour as a preparation for the Greenland crossing. For beginners in cross-country skiing, we recommend the Landmannalaugar cross-country ski tour before attempting this crossing.
Tour Overview
Difficulty
Strenuous
Strenuous
Only suitable for people physically and psychologically prepared for highly engaging experience. Expedition level. Often involves carrying your own gear.
Availability
Mar
Duration
10 days
Pickup
Included
Group Size
5 - 12 participants (second guide for groups 8 - 12)
Language
English
- 16
Minimum age
16 yrs
Accommodation
Mountain hut and camping
Walking per day
7 - 9 hrs
Total Distance
220 km (137 mi)
Max. Ascent
900 m (2900 ft)
Customer Reviews
“...What a fantastic trip! Our guide Maxime was incredible, we cannot say enough about him or his knowledge of everything Icelandic. The scenery could not be beat and the whole experience was really, really special. Even had one crystal clear night where the Northern Lights filled the sky. Wow.”
Tour Highlights
Included
- Experienced and qualified guide
- Mountain hut sleeping bag accommodation in dormitories (6 nights)
- Camping accommodation in two persons tent (3 nights)
- Flight Reykjavík - Akureyri
- Transport at the beginning and end of the tour
- Breakfast (9), Lunch (10), Dinner (9)
- Pulkas/sleds
Not Included
- Sleeping bag
- Mattress
- Skiing equipment
- Accommodation in Reykjavík
Optional Extras
- Sleeping bag
- Skiing equipment
- Accommodation in Reykjavík before and after the tour