Iceland Mountain Biking or Trekking Trip Package

By bike or trek, choose your adventure for exploring the majestic wilderness of Iceland.

This 7-day adventure takes you to Iceland's renowned Laugavegur Trail and Thorsmork Valley, where you can mountain bike or hike through the pristine, awe-inspiring scenery of the Icelandic highlands. This tour is fully supported with an experienced guide and cleverly designed by our partners at KB Tambo Tours to give you maximum freedom to explore.

Start your Iceland mountain biking or trekking trip in the capital city of Reykjavik, where you'll meet on the morning of Day 1 before heading out for the trails around Hveragerdi for your first hike or ride. On Days 2 and 3 you'll follow the Laugavegur Trail through some of Iceland's most unique scenery, including barren volcanic landscapes, glacial valleys, mossy hillsides, hot springs, and still mountain lakes. Each day you'll have a choice of routes to best suit your mood and abilities. At night, you'll stay at local campsites in your own private tent, with meals prepared by your guide. KB Tambo’s awesome guides will also take special care to ensure you have dry clothing for the next day's adventure.

On Day 4 you'll travel overland from Emstur on the Laugavegur Trek to the Thorsmork region. Located in a forested valley, this lush, green paradise hosts a myriad of hiking and mountain bike trails, which you'll spend the next two days exploring. Day 6 takes you on an amazing trail to the waterfall at Skogafoss before returning to Reykjavik for a celebratory dinner. After one last night in Reykjavik, it's time to return home, perhaps stopping for a visit at the iconic Blue Lagoon (additional cost) before your driver takes you back to the airport.

Select Your Trip

August 7 - 13, 2022

Laugavegur Trail, Iceland

Itinerary

1

Today is designed to accommodate both those who got in a day or two earlier, as well as those who arrive in the morning. There will be a complimentary airport shuttle available for your arrival. You’ll meet in the late morning at the group hotel and then head out to Hveragerdi, which has some great hiking and mountain biking trails. Hveragerdi has some of Iceland’s most active and interesting mud pots and geothermal activity. Afterwards, you'll return to Reykjavik for dinner and an early night to bed.
2

Depart early at 7:00 am, and drive 3 hours to the start of the famous Laugavegur Trek. Ambitious and fit trekkers can set out for the full 15-mile hike to Lake Alftavatn. You also have the option of two shorter hikes: from here up into the rainbow, pastel-colored mountains and back down, and then drive to tonight's lake camp destination or a stunning hike on the same trail the others are arriving on. If you wish to bike, you'll take a fun, side trail up a mountain, before riding the epic trail down to the lake. Have dinner and camp at one of the most beautiful, lakeside camping spots in Iceland.
3

Enjoy a more relaxed morning and a big hearty, cooked breakfast before starting the scenic moonscape journey to Emstrur. Today those who are mountain biking will get out ahead of the group, arriving first to camp tonight, where there is then the option of a really cool ride for the second half of the day after lunch. The trekkers will cover the 10 miles at their own pace, and then, as always, everyone will regroup for dinner in the evening.
4

The magical kingdom of Thorsmork is your destination today, and it's soon to be one of your favorite places in Iceland. There are several different routes you can take to get there, and your guide will help you choose one that best fits how you’re feeling after a couple of hard days of trekking or biking. The hiking distance is approximately 10 miles from Emstrur to Thorsmork, and the bikers will have more choices of fresh trails to and around Thorsmork.
5

Today you'll have a well-earned rest day, with the entire day to explore Thorsmork without having to move camp. There are more trails in the area than anyone could cover in a week, so you'll have many different options and today the group can split up a bit if desired, based on ability and energy levels. This is a lush, forested area of Iceland and a reputed hideaway for the many elves that live here.
6

There is an amazing trail that connects Thorsmork with the famous waterfall of Skogafoss on the southern coast. From camp, its a 14-mile steep uphill climb, thus its not suitable for everyone. But, with creative logistics no one has to miss out. Those choosing to opt out will go instead by van to the end of the trail at Skogar, where you'll still climb up to the iconic Skogafoss waterfall. There are many other waterfalls that cascade down the beautiful volcanic mountain of Eyjafjallajokull (the same one that erupted in 2010) on a very nice trail. Late in the evening the group will return to Reykjavik for a celebratory dinner and optional Friday night out on the town.
7

Enjoy an included breakfast at the apartment, after which most folks will need to head to the airport, with an optional visit to the Blue Lagoon (which due to its immense popularity must be reserved ahead of time). Your driver and van will be available the entire day today to take you to the Keflavik airport at no extra cost.

Trip Package Includes

2 nights in apartment or hotel in Reykjavik
4 nights camping fees
Dormitory style 4-season expedition tent + inflatable sleeping mattress
All private transportation (no buses) to/from airport
Experienced, English-speaking guide
Daily shower fee and toilet fee at each campground
Most meals (see FAQ)
Unlimited filtered pure Icelandic drinking water Days 2 through Day 6
20% discount code at evo.com (exclusions apply)

Not Included

Airfare to/from Iceland
Travel insurance (we recommend World Nomads)
Single supplement fee, if applicable (see FAQ)
Optional upgrade to hut accommodations on trail ($350)
Sleeping bag, rated to 10 degrees F
Mountain bike, if riding (we recommend bringing your own bike, but rentals available for about $75 pp extra per day)
Day 1 meals & dinner Day 6
Entrance to the Blue Lagoon (optional on the last day of the trip)
Guide and driver gratuities

Questions? Call or email us!

Area Information

Iceland

Located in the North Atlantic Ocean the Nordic island country of Iceland is one of the most unique, magical, and beautiful countries in the world. It’s main appeal is in its pure and undeveloped nature and wilderness. Few countries in the world are as sparsely populated over such a large swath of magnificent land. The island is highly geologically active with many volcanoes, geothermal pools and geysers, giving visitors a seemingly never ending list of things to explore. On this trip we will explore the geothermal areas around Hveragerdi, hike and bike through the volcanic Thorsmork Valley and take in the massive Skogafoss waterfall.

Thorsmork Valley & The Laugavegur Trail Read More

KB Tambo Tours Read More

Gallery

FAQ

Are departures guaranteed?

There is a minimum number of people required per departure date. Please wait to make travel arrangements until you have received confirmation.
What is the best way to get to the trip start location?

Nearly all international flights arrive at Keflavik International Airport (KEF) which is 45 minutes from your apartment in downtown Reykjavik. You should aim to arrive at KEF no later than 8:00 am on Day 1 if possible, otherwise plan to arrive the day before. Please note there is also an airport closer to Reykjavik but you likely will not fly through there. KB Tambo Adventures will have a shuttle at the KEF airport on Day 1, leaving at 9:30 am. Or, if you arrive earlier or later there is an easy and reliable bus service, Flybus, between KEF airport and downtown Reykjavik for around $32. If you elect to arrive early before Day 1, you should stay in or around downtown. The tour uses different lodging each trip based on trip size and date and upon booking you'll be sent a Welcome Packet which will include the exact name and address of where you'll be staying. This is helpful in the event you want to book near the trip accommodations, or even the same place.
What are the accommodations like?

In town you'll be staying in apartment / home-style lodging with no more than 2 people per room; there are not separate bathrooms inside the bedrooms, but there will never be more than 2 bedrooms sharing a modern bathroom with hot water, shower, etc. The trip price is based on double occupancy in each bedroom. The campsites and huts along the route are rugged and very basic. KB Tambo pays for the daily shower and toilet fee required of all campers and for those using the huts. The huts are warm but can be noisy, with dorm-style sleeping arrangements in a common room. There are no single supplements or private rooms available in the mountain huts.
Can solo travelers get their own room? Is there a single supplement fee?

In the event you are a solo traveler you'll be paired up with another traveler of the same gender. If you wish to have your own room, a single supplement fee of $300 per person will apply for a private bedroom for the two nights in the hotel. No private rooms are available in the huts, as they are dormitory style. All those camping in tents will be paired with another camper of the same gender, KB Tambo uses three person tents for two people. A single tent supplement available at $150 for the four nights of camping.
How large is each travel group?

The maximum group size is 10, and the average group size is 7.
Are meals included? What is the food like?

Most meals are included. No meals are included on day one. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included on Days 2, 3, 4 and 5. Breakfast and lunch are provided on Day 6, and only breakfast is included on Day 7. While on the trail (Days 2 through 6), breakfasts are typically fresh local bread, butter/jam, cereal, eggs, granola, oatmeal, and famous Icelandic Skyr yogurt. Dinners are heavy on carbs and lots of fresh vegetables including salad with every dinner. Fish and lamb are the most popular meats in Iceland, but every lunch and dinner will have a vegetarian option. Lunches are usually box lunches on the trail including a sandwich, fruit, vegetables, etc. The drinking water in Iceland is of outstanding quality and is in many cases fine right from the tap; the tour includes unlimited filtered drinking water.
How much extra money should people budget?

The trip is designed so that those on a budget can bring as little extra money as possible. Virtually everything is included in this Iceland trip package, such as airport service door to door and meals (except for Day 1 in Reykjavik and dinner on Day 6). The only other thing you would need money for is souvenirs, miscellaneous items, and alcohol consumption, which always adds up quickly in any country. In general, beer and wine are expensive in Iceland ($10 a beer or glass average) and along the trails in the huts, even more so. Plan on $5 for a coke and up to $15 a beer in the huts. Someone on a tight budget who doesn’t drink alcohol could bring only $200 for the entire trip while others could bring up to $500 or $600 for a more reasonable estimate.
Can I extend my trip?

Yes, you are more than welcome to come early (this in particular is recommended to offset jet lag or flight/luggage delays) or stay late, and just contact KB Tambo if you have any questions.
Will I be comfortable camping? How good are the tents? Can I go inside the hut if it is raining?

KB Tambo Tours wants to be very upfront that camping is not a luxurious option and the base price of this trip includes tent accommodations to keep the price lower. Staying in a hut costs over $100 per night, and for a couple or two friends, it's the equivalent of a $200 per night hotel room. If the weather becomes rainy, camping is doable but not the most comfortable. One advantage you'll have is the use of custom dryers which can be used so you always have clean, fresh dry gear. Tents are expedition quality, with high-end air mattresses. It's not quite ‘glamping’ but your guides have invested a lot into ensuring a dry and warm sleeping experience and it works very well. The huts are all reserved for paying guests only, and campers do not have the option of going inside the huts, even if it is raining. You can upgrade to staying in huts all 4 nights for a total of $350 per person. Please note that this option is generally not available once you arrive - the huts all sell out months in advance. Occasionally one will open up due to a cancellation, but in general they must be reserved by January or February in order to get one for that year. If you're interested in this option, KB Tambo will do their best to arrange a hut for the additional fee but it is not guaranteed.
Will rain affect my trip?

The two downsides to travel in Iceland are the high costs and rough weather. The reason people push through those, is because it’s worth it! Iceland is one of the most amazing places you'll ever visit, even if it does rain a lot. With proper rain gear, the weather is manageable. KB Tambo has an awesome system for always having dry gear, which is the key to an enjoyable trip. With their support, you don't have to let rain stop you from having fun. They also put a lot of energy into weather logistics, meaning the guide will adjust the itinerary schedule when appropriate in order to maximize the fun and maintain comfort.
What support is provided during the trek or bike ride?

The whole Icelandic mountain biking and trekking tour concept is based on helping you have the most fun and most comfortable adventure possible. After a dozen times experiencing the trails, your guides have learned what is most needed, helpful, and difficult to do on one’s own. Guides will support you during your hike or bike ride with extra dry gear and van drivers can drive you during specific days of the tour when you’re not up to it or modify the plan a bit to match the weather. There are even special, custom made dryers to dry out your stuff at night, if necessary. Proper support is incredibly helpful for an adventure through the Icelandic highlands, this is not a Ring Road tour!

How do I know I will be able to hike at my own pace?

KB Tambo is dedicated to allowing clients the same experience they could have on their own, only better. That means, among other things, that they know how to let fast hikers and bikers do their own thing and go fast, while those that want to go at a slower pace don’t have to feel one bit rushed. The details will vary depending on location and circumstances, but everyone will be able to go at whatever pace they wish, and not have to worry about affecting the plan at all.
Will there be showers and toilets?

While in Reykjavik (in apartment/hotel) and on the road (gas stations/restaurants), everything is just like it is back home. While on the trail, or at the huts of Alftavatn, Emstrur, and Thorsmork, the facilities all have toilets and hot showers available for an extra charge, but KB Tambo pays both those fees, for everyone, every day. The toilets are remote outdoor facilities and usually clean but not luxurious.
What is the biking like? Will I be able to get in enough riding?

The mountain biking is outstanding and ridiculously fun! It is not especially technical, though a full suspension bike is recommended, say with 150mm travel being ideal. There are climbs but not very long or steep, while the descents are long, fast and rolling. The volcanic sand is a fast surface, as are the singletracks. You'll be able to ride as fast and as far as you would like each day, your guides will make sure of it - guaranteed.
Do I need to bring my own bike?

If possible, yes. It is always better to bring your own bike on a trip like this since you'll be on it a lot and will want to maximize your enjoyment. Rental gear of any kind is never as familiar as what you are used to back home. It does usually cost extra to bring a bike, and each airline is different, however some allow 2 checked bags with an international ticket purchase and even allow a bike to be one of those bags. For those who don’t have or don’t want to bring a bike, yes there are a limited amount of rental bikes available, but at $75 per day it is actually cheaper to bring your own bike. Contact KB Tambo Adventures with any questions, they are experienced with transporting bikes on airplanes, and will help you from beginning to end whether you choose to bring one, or rent one.
Will I have to carry my things while trekking or biking?

No! Just a small daypack with your camera, snacks, and extra clothes. One of the biggest benefits of this trip is being able to travel lightly through very remote and rugged terrain without trying to carry all your gear on your back. In good weather, going light makes the trip way more enjoyable. In bad weather, support becomes critical. When you finish each day, your tent or hut will be waiting for you, as will a quality hot meal cooked to your individual preference.
Why is Iceland so much more expensive than other destinations?

First, due to its remote location as an island in the North Atlantic Ocean, nearly everything in Iceland has to be imported from Europe. This increases the price of vehicles (especially!) but also gasoline, food, lodging - basically everything. And, as a country with a very small population (there are significantly more travelers and tourists than there are people to work) wages are very high. The extremity of the terrain and climate means everything from the gear to the vehicles has to be specialized and high quality. KB Tambo has worked hard to make the cost as low as possible. This trip is definitely on the lower end in terms of cost, and if one accurately and completely runs the numbers, they will find it is often less than you could do it for on your own. Lastly, when traveling on your own, just one or two common mistakes can set a whole trip back in time or money. And there really is no way to bike or trek through this rugged terrain except by carrying everything on your back, or using support.
Are there opportunities to explore on my own?

For the most part, yes. Your guides know people value their freedom and independence, which is one reason so many are reluctant to take a “group” tour. In the afternoons especially, there may be time to explore after you arrive at the camps, though safety (cliffs, boiling mud pots, glacier crevasses, etc) is a legitimate issue so please be sure to discuss with your guide first.
What about internet / cell phone access?

Iceland has excellent cell phone service in most places and the Thorsmork huts, where you'll stay at for two nights, have wi-fi so you can catch up on work and family. Most travelers find that by checking with their regular cell carrier before coming over, they can activate their phone for their trip to Iceland without having to replace the SIM card, etc. Rates vary, check with your carrier.
What is the cancellation and change policy for this trip?

evo upholds KB Tambo’s policies regarding cancellation, which have been modified to be flexible due to Covid-19. If you need to cancel or change your Iceland trip dates and are camping, you may do so at any time without penalty. However, if you plan to stay in the huts, those reservations are also not changeable without a change fee (we don't charge a fee, however the Iceland hut system does). Also, availability is very limited and your new date might not be available.
What about Covid-19?

We are optimistic that travel will continue to become more plausible with Covid-19 vaccinations well under way in the US and elsewhere. We strongly suggest checking the CDC and WHO for the latest public health guidelines and, if you choose to travel while the pandemic is still underway, that you adhere to recommended health & safety measures before, during, and after your trip. Please note that Iceland requires either a certificate of complete Covid-19 vaccination, OR proof of a negative PCR test (no more than 72 hours old), 5-6 days mandatory quarantine, and another negative PCR test. Thus, fully vaccinated travelers will find it quite convenient to enter Iceland. Before boarding the plane for your return trip the US currently requires proof of negative Covid-19 test result (within 24 hours of return) in order to re-enter the country.

Testimonials

I had a great time on my Iceland trip, not only riding but just hanging out with the other clients was fun. Iceland is amazing and beautiful and I got to get down and dirty on a real adventure! Come prepared, leave fulfilled.

Aaron Chase

Professional Mountain Biker

Although I had heard a lot about Iceland I was not prepared for how beautiful and unique it is. We had mixed weather, and In hindsight it would have been worth paying extra to get the huts, as it rained really hard the first day. But I survived! I had such a fun trip in Iceland and KB Tambo obviously knows what they are doing. The logistics were smooth, and the guides were low-key and gave me my space.

Danielle

Iceland (trek) September 2018

KB Tambo had to answer a lot of questions from me before the trip, but once I was there I felt prepared for everything. The biking in Iceland was AWESOME. So much fun, so beautiful and so peaceful. I really enjoyed the Icelandic culture and the riding was sick, lots of variety and not super extreme terrain though plenty fast. I seriously want to go back next year!

Brett

Iceland Bike

Laugavegur Trail, Iceland

Mountain Biking or Trekking

Select Your Trip

Select Your Trip

Trip Package Includes

Not Included

Trip Planning

Bike Gear

Hiking Gear

Clothing

Other

Are departures guaranteed?

What is the best way to get to the trip start location?

What are the accommodations like?

Can solo travelers get their own room? Is there a single supplement fee?

How large is each travel group?

Are meals included? What is the food like?

How much extra money should people budget?

Can I extend my trip?

Will I be comfortable camping? How good are the tents? Can I go inside the hut if it is raining?

Will rain affect my trip?

What support is provided during the trek or bike ride?

How do I know I will be able to hike at my own pace?

Will there be showers and toilets?

What is the biking like? Will I be able to get in enough riding?

Do I need to bring my own bike?

Will I have to carry my things while trekking or biking?

Why is Iceland so much more expensive than other destinations?

Are there opportunities to explore on my own?

What about internet / cell phone access?

What is the cancellation and change policy for this trip?

What about Covid-19?

A destination near you

Select Your Trip

A destination near you

Trip {{trip.Name}}

{{trip.Date}}

{{trip.SKU}}

{{traveler.FirstName}} {{traveler.LastName}} traveler {{1 + $index}}

Order Summary