Overview
What to expect
Ancient Trails is a six-day, fully supported hut-to-hut trek through Iceland's central Highlands. Follow the old Kjalvegur travel route with a small group and Icelandic guides, far from the busiest hiking trails. Each day brings a different landscape: the steaming rhyolite slopes of Kerlingarfjöll and Hveradalir, the open country between Langjökull and Hofsjökull, lava fields, glacial rivers, and remote mountain huts.
The journey begins in Reykjavík and heads into the Highlands via Þingvellir and Geysir. Soak in natural hot springs, share dinner in the old turf house at Hveravellir, and hike past the cairns that once guided travelers across the interior. An optional climb of Rauðkollur opens up views across the glaciers. On the final day, visit Gullfoss before returning to Reykjavík.
The group is limited to ten guests. Your guides bring Icelandic history, folklore, and local knowledge to the trail while Norse takes care of meals, mountain huts, sleeping bags, transport, and moving your main bag between overnight stops. You hike with a daypack. Expect several consecutive days on uneven Highland terrain and weather that can change quickly.
Highlights
- Hike the historic Kjalvegur route through the quieter central Highlands
- Explore the geothermal valleys and colorful rhyolite mountains of Kerlingarfjöll and Hveradalir
- Soak in natural hot springs at Kerlingarfjöll and Hveravellir
- Share an Icelandic dinner in Hveravellir's old turf house
- Walk between Langjökull and Hofsjökull with glacier views along the trail
- Choose an optional summit hike to Rauðkollur for panoramic Highland views
- Spend five nights in small mountain huts with a group of no more than ten guests
- Learn the history and folklore of the route from local Icelandic guides
- Carry only a daypack while your main luggage travels between huts
Details
Practical information
Included
- Local Norse Adventures guide and Icelandic storyteller
- Mountain vehicle transport during the trip
- Five nights in mountain huts
- Meals from lunch on Day 1 through lunch on Day 6
- Sleeping bag for the hut nights
- Main-luggage transfer between huts
- Safety planning and round-the-clock operational support
Meeting point
Vatnsmyrarvegur 10, 101 Reykjavik
Meet your guide inside or just outside the main terminal entrance unless your confirmation says otherwise.
View in encyclopediaFAQ
Questions about this tour
How demanding is the Ancient Trails hike?
Expect several hours of walking on consecutive days across gravel, lava, soft paths and open Highland terrain. The route is not technical, but you should be comfortable hiking in changing weather. You carry a daypack while your main bag travels with the support vehicle.
What should I expect from the mountain huts?
The huts are warm but simple, with shared sleeping areas and basic cooking facilities. Toilets vary by hut, and showers may be limited or unavailable along the route.
What food is served during the trek?
The trip includes filling breakfasts, packed trail lunches, warm dinners and hot drinks. Tell the Norse team about dietary needs in advance so supplies can be planned before entering the Highlands.
How should I prepare for Highland weather?
Even in summer, a day can bring sunshine, rain, wind and cold air. Bring waterproof outer layers, warm layers, a hat, gloves and spare dry clothing; the route may change if conditions require it.
What should I pack for Ancient Trails?
Bring broken-in waterproof hiking boots, shoes for easy river crossings, warm and waterproof layers, a daypack, swimwear, toiletries, medication and a reusable water bottle. Pack the luggage transferred between huts in a soft duffel rather than a hard suitcase.
How large is the group, and can children join?
Scheduled groups have at most 10 guests, with up to one guide for every five guests. Minors may be considered with a parent or guardian, subject to approval before booking based on hiking experience and comfort with shared hut life.
Where and when does Ancient Trails begin?
Meet your guide at BSI Bus Terminal in Reykjavík at 10:00 on the first day. Arriving in Reykjavík the day before is recommended, especially after an international flight.
How is safety handled on the route?
Guides assess weather, trail and river conditions, road access and the group's pace throughout the trip. The itinerary can change for safety. Travel insurance should cover hiking, medical care, evacuation and interruption.
Departures
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Jun 23, 2027 - Jun 28, 2027
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