This 6-day guided adventure takes you deep into the landscapes of South West Iceland, combining classic sights with lesser-known hiking routes, volcanic terrain, and a rare celestial event. Designed for travelers who want to explore on foot and understand the forces shaping Iceland, the journey culminates in one of nature’s most extraordinary spectacles: the Total Solar Eclipse of August 2026.

The tour begins with the Golden Circle, where you’ll hike through Þingvellir National Park along visible fault lines marking the separation of tectonic plates. Visits to Gullfoss waterfall and the erupting hot springs at Geysir complete this introduction to Iceland’s geological story, followed by a stop at the striking Brúarárfoss waterfall.

From there, the focus shifts to the geothermal landscapes of Mt. Hengill. Hiking near Nesjavellir, you’ll move through a world of black lava, vivid moss, and steaming vents, with panoramic views over Þingvallavatn. These quieter trails offer a close-up look at Iceland’s volcanic energy away from the main tourist routes.

On the Reykjanes Peninsula, recent eruptions have reshaped the land. You’ll explore bubbling geothermal areas, walk across young lava fields near Fagradalsfjall, and visit Grindavík to see how communities adapt to life beside active volcanic systems. The day concludes at a carefully selected viewing location for the Total Solar Eclipse, when daylight turns to darkness and the sun completely disappears behind the moon.

The adventure continues along Iceland’s South Coast, where black sand beaches, basalt columns, and waterfalls define the landscape. Highlights include Reynisfjara beach, the village of Vík, and an unforgettable glacier hike on Sólheimajökull using crampons and ice axes, guided by experienced professionals. Stops at Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss round out the journey before returning to Reykjavík.

Comfortable hotel stays, included breakfasts and dinners, and a relaxed final day in Reykjavík ensure a balanced experience that combines active exploration with time to reflect on a truly once-in-a-lifetime journey.

Tour itinerary

Day 1 — 10 August | Golden Circle

A short drive brings us to Þingvellir National Park, where we’ll hike along the dramatic fault lines that reveal the rifting of the Earth’s crust. Along the way, we’ll hear about the major historical events that unfolded here and learn why Þingvellir is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After the hike, we’ll visit the beautiful Brúarárfoss waterfall before continuing around the Golden Circle to the mighty Gullfoss waterfall and the spouting hot springs at Geysir.

Accommodation: Three nights at Hotel Kvika on Iceland’s South Coast, surrounded by wide-open, sparsely populated landscapes. (Gallery: hotelkvika.is) Meals: Breakfast and dinner at the hotel. Hiking: 2–3 hours.

Day 2 — 11 August | Nesjavellir – Hiking in the Mt. Hengill Area

A day around Mt. Hengill feels like Iceland has turned the “contrast” knob all the way up: black lava underfoot, neon-green moss, and sulphur steam drifting across rust-coloured hillsides.

We’ll drive to Nesjavellir, where our hike begins near the geothermal plant’s pipes and rising steam plumes. From there, we climb onto open volcanic terrain—dark lava and bright moss giving way to colourful geothermal ground with vents and mineral-stained slopes. After a snack and photo stop at a viewpoint overlooking Þingvallavatn (Lake Þingvellir), we descend back toward Nesjavellir and return to our hotel for dinner.

Accommodation: Hotel Kvika Meals: Breakfast and dinner at the hotel Hiking: 3–4 hours.

Day 3 — 12 August | Reykjanes Peninsula – Total Solar Eclipse

Today we explore the dramatic landscapes of the Reykjanes Peninsula. Our first stop is the Seltún Geothermal Area, where bubbling mud pools and steaming vents showcase the powerful forces beneath the surface.

Next, we head to Fagradalsfjall, one of Iceland’s youngest volcanic areas, to walk the striking lava fields formed during recent eruptions. Although there is no flowing lava now, the hardened terrain still tells an extraordinary story of nature’s raw power. The hike to the viewpoint takes around 45 minutes each way, across an almost otherworldly landscape. Our guide will share insights into the region’s geology and stories from the eruption period.

Afterwards, we visit Grindavík, a town deeply affected by volcanic activity. We’ll see the protective barriers built to help divert lava flows and explore the tectonic rifts that cut through the area.

We’ll end the day at a carefully chosen location to witness the Total Solar Eclipse:

Partial eclipse begins: 16:47

Totality: 17:48–17:50

If weather conditions are unfavourable, we may adjust the itinerary to improve our chances of clear skies.

Accommodation: Hotel Kvika Meals: Breakfast and dinner at the hotel Hiking: 3-4 hours

Day 4 — 13 August 2026 | South Coast & Glacier Adventure

On our final full day of exploration, we travel along the South Coast to the famous black-sand beach of Reynisfjara, where basalt columns, roaring Atlantic waves, and dramatic sea stacks create an unforgettable scene. We also visit the charming village of Vík.

In the afternoon, we enjoy an exciting glacier hike on Sólheimajökull. Equipped with crampons and ice axes, we step onto the ice and learn about glacier formation, movement, and the rapidly changing landscape—guided by experienced professionals.

We then stop at the majestic Skógafoss waterfall, and Seljalandsfoss waterfall before we return to Reykjavík.

Overnight: Hotel Cabin, Reykjavík. Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 — 14 August 2026 | Reykjavík at Leisure A free day in Reykjavík to rest, explore the city, or join optional activities. Overnight: Hotel Cabin. Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 — 15 August 2026 | Departure Breakfast at your hotel and (optional) Flybus transfer to Keflavík International Airport. Meals: Breakfast