Summer Iceland

Wilderness-seekers: summertime Iceland calls. Transformed by the Midnight Sun; this is a lush new world of wildlife-enriched waters; geothermal drama and thundering falls

What's included

All activities mentioned on the itinerary
9 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 2 dinners
Hand-picked 3-4 star hotels
Private 4x4 minibus
Arrival airport transfer by Flybus
Accommodation in twin, deluxe or family rooms with queen bunk beds
Experienced Pack Leader with you throughout the trip
Max 16 travellers per group

Flashpackers must provide evidence that they have purchased travel insurance for the duration of their adventure. Remember, flights aren't included and prices are based on sharing a twin room. If you'd like to upgrade to a single room, you can add this during the booking process or by contacting our Customer Experience team. Please note: the room categories in some of the hotels may vary and these are assigned at random. Rest assured that all the rooms are characterful, comfortable and aligned with Flash Pack standards.

About your trip

Bubbling mud pots, simmering volcanoes and two continents literally pulling apart…this summer road trip through Iceland’s ethereal landscapes will invigorate and inspire you.

Over 10 epic days, you’ll embrace the spirit of pure wilderness as you twist and turn your way round the island. Your 4×4 journey will be packed with immersive activities, like kayaking next to luminous-blue icebergs in the stunning Jökulsárlón lagoon, soaking in geothermal hot springs overlooking the Arctic Ocean and crampon hiking across a sparkling glacier, ice axes at the ready.

There’ll be whale watching in deep fjords, horse riding on sturdy Icelandic ponies and lava bread baked in the ground. This is the land of the Midnight Sun and you’ll unravel its secrets Flash Pack style, with a group of like-minded adventurers.

Welcome to Reykjavík

Settle into your Reykjavik hotel in the central 101 District, with eye-catching architecture, quirky art galleries and offbeat cafes
Get to know your group at a cosy brasserie and cocktail bar, with elegant dishes of Icelandic food and a glass of local brennivn (schnapps)

Golden Circle & Icelandic ponies

Explore the Golden Circle, taking in Thingvellir (the first Viking parliament), the famous Geysir waterspout and the mist-shrouded Gullfoss waterfall
Take an Icelandic pony trek across otherworldly volcanic terrain
Taste lava bread cooked underground at a geothermal bakery and savour the most delicious tomato soup at the famous Friðheimar greenhouse

Hike an otherworldly volcanic terrain

Explore the remote Central Highlands wilderness, where bubbling mud pots, glaciers and rivers wind through rhyolite hills pocked with sulphur vents
Spend the day hiking through the Kerlingarfjöll region, a snow-covered summit crisscrossed with gravel tracks and spectacular walking trails
Unwind at your chic highland base, a refuge of warm hospitality complete with hot thermal pools

Whale watching & microbrews

Traverse the rugged highlands to the Tröllaskagi Peninsula, a fairytale landscape of towering mountains and deep fjords
Take a whale-watching excursion from Hauganes, on board a classic oak boat, in search of humpback whales, minke whales and white-beaked dolphins
Stop off at a microbrewery to sample some of Iceland’s finest craft beers, before arriving at your hotel in Akureyri, the country’s second largest city

Geothermal relaxation

Visit Lake Mývatn, a serene bird-filled lake dotted with pseudocraters and surrounded by weird lava formations
Experience the roaring Dettifoss Falls, Europe’s most powerful waterfall, fed by icy water from the vast Vatnajökull glacier
Finish your day at a spa in the quaint fishing village of Húsavík, soaking in hot mineral-rich sea baths overlooking the Arctic Ocean

Explore the Eastfjords

Explore Iceland’s Eastfjords, a convoluted coastline of picturesque villages backed by sheer-sided mountain
Hike through stunning Stuðlagil Canyon, a particularly photogenic spot with hexagonal basalt columns lining a river of blue-green glacial melt water
Stretch your legs at Iceland’s second highest waterfall: Hengifoss

Kayak amongst glittering icebergs

Take a long, but scenic drive through desolate volcanic plains to the harbour town of Höfn where you’ll lunch on lobster sandwiches
Kayak across the mirror-still Jökulsárlón lagoon, surrounded by ghostly blue icebergs carving off the glacier
Visit nearby Diamond Beach where icebergs from the lagoon glisten like diamonds as they wash up on the black volcanic sand

Puffin spotting & a glacier hike

Walk along dramatic Reynisfjara beach and take the view from the Dyrhólaey rock arch, where puffins nest in summer
Prepare to get wet at Seljalandsfoss waterfall as you clamber behind the thundering cascade
Strap on some crampons and hike your way across Sólheimajökull glacier, past deep crevasses, jagged ridges and sinkholes

Relax in a hot river

Bathe in a hot river in the middle of the Icelandic countryside
Hike through the Reykjadalur Valley, a beautiful geothermal area dotted with steaming fumaroles and mud pools, until you find the perfect spot for a dip
Return to Reykjavik for your final farewell dinner at one of the country’s top fish restaurants

Until next time, Iceland

Say goodbye for your fellow Flashpackers and make your own way to the airport; your Pack Leader will be on hand to help you arrange a transfer
Less is said about summer in Iceland, so you’ll return home feeling wonderfully blindsided by a destination breathtakingly transformed by the seasons. And isn’t the ‘unexpected’ what we all seek from our travels?

Where you'll be staying

We often feature these unique hotels on this trip, with final options confirmed a month before departure. We work with these or similar hotels to ensure a stylish and comfortable stay every time.

Exeter Hotel, Reykjavík

With its loft-style interiors and industrial chic vibe, this contemporary design hotel is right in the heart of District 101. The city’s buzzing nightlife is close at hand, plus the hotel’s lively bar ensures an upbeat ambience.

Highland Base, Kerlingarfjöll

An upscale wilderness retreat surrounded by dramatic highland scenery. Spend your days hiking through the colourful glacial mountains and your evenings soaking up the views from a geothermal hot tub under the Arctic sky.

The Greenhouse Hotel, Hveragerði

A plant-filled hub of sustainability, featuring boutique guestrooms and a live music bar, alongside a collection of hip designer stores, ranging from Icelandic knitwear to household goods and a gourmet delicatessen.

Adventure FAQs

Which airport do I need to fly in and out of? Plus airport code

Fly into and out of Keflavík International Airport (KEF).

What time should my flight arrive (in time for the welcome meeting)?

Please arrive in Reykjavik before 4 pm on Day 1. The welcome meeting and dinner will be from 6 pm onwards starting at the hotel, which is located approximately 45 minutes away from the airport.

What time should my flight depart on the final day?

On your final day, we recommend booking flights in the afternoon as you might want to relax in the morning. You are required to arrive in airport two to three hours before your flight.

Do you include airport transfers?

If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure, or you book pre-tour accommodation with us, your airport arrival transfer will be included. If you book alternative pre-tour accommodation or are arriving by another mode of transport you must arrange your own arrival transfer.

Airport transfers from Keflavik Airport (KEF) are by coach. You’ll be provided with a pre-paid ticket for the ‘Flybus’ before travelling.

Once you have collected your baggage and have passed through immigration, please follow the clear signs for the Flybus.

Flybus will take you into the centre of Reykjavik and within walking distance of your hotel. In most cases you will need to change to a smaller coach at Reykjavík bus station which is the first stop on the way from the airport. You will be advised by the Flybus staff every step of your journey.

The departure transfer is not included, but your Pack Leader can help you arrange this.

Are tips included?

Please note that tips are not included in the cost of this adventure. Suggested amounts per person are:

Pack Leader / Driver: 2500 ISK / 18 USD per day
Local tips: your Pack Leader will be able to advise on how much to tip local guides, restaurants, etc. Some Pack Leaders will collect a tipping kitty at the welcome meeting to take care of local tips.

However, all tips are at your discretion depending on what you feel comfortable with.

Do I need a visa?

Up-to-date visa and entry information can be found using our official partner, Sherpa, who can help you arrange a visa if needed.

You can also find essential travel advice – including security and local laws, as well as passport and visa information – on the government website of your home country:

UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.
Residents of other countries: refer to the travel advice provided by your own government or local consulate.

Please be aware that passport and visa requirements can change before departure, so it’s important to stay updated with the latest information.

What vaccinations and medication will I need?

While we are not medical professionals and cannot offer personalised medical advice, we want to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable adventure. Here are some tips to help you prepare.

1. Consult with a healthcare professional

We recommend scheduling an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure. This will give you ample time to receive any necessary vaccines or medications.

2. Up-to-date medical advice

UK residents: visit the NHS Fit For Travel website for the latest medical advice.
US residents: check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for specialised health information.
Australian residents: refer to the Smart Traveler Health website for current medical advice.

3. Government travel advice

UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.

4. Medication tips

If you take prescription medication, ensure you bring enough to last the entire adventure, plus a few extra days in case of travel delays. Carry a copy of your prescription with you in case you need to visit a clinic while abroad.

We hope this information will help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure.

Will I see the Northern Lights?

You can see the Northern Lights from late August to May, but it’s best to visit between October and April when the night skies are much darker.

In the summer months, you can witness the Midnight Sun, when the sun doesn’t set below the horizon before 12 am. For six weeks either side of the June 21 summer solstice, you’ll experience nights when it never gets truly dark.

How much should I budget per day for extras?

We recommend budgeting 7,000 ISK, the equivalent of 40 GBP / 55 USD per day.

What will the hotel rooms be like?

The room categories in some of the hotels may vary and these are assigned at random. Please rest assured that all the rooms are characterful, comfortable and aligned with Flash Pack standards.

What fitness levels do I need for this trip?

This adventure is fast-paced and the glacier hike will challenge you. However, no specific level of fitness is required.

We recommend having a read through of the itinerary above to make sure you are happy partaking in the activities mentioned. Please get in touch if you have specific questions on fitness.

Will the itinerary change?

Please be aware that the itinerary, activities, and hotels are subject to change. These changes can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control – but we’ll always do our best to ensure it has little impact on your experience. From time to time, we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh and exciting.

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