Hiking Southern Iceland

This five-night small-group tour with G Adventures offers a brisk introduction to southern Iceland’s varied terrain. Beginning in Reykjavík, the itinerary takes in some of the country's most striking natural features including the Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, where the water’s constant roar serves as a rugged soundtrack to your first hikes.

Further along the route, hikes lead through Múlagljúfur Canyon and around the edges of the Skaftafell Glacier within Vatnajökull National Park — Europe's largest glacier. The trek up Mt Laki presents the chance to ascend a volcano, while the nearby Brennisteinsalda volcano offers a chance to relax in a natural hot pool afterwards. Throughout, the group travels by private minibus and walks on varied terrain, often sharing smaller hotels or guesthouses.

The itinerary balances active days with quieter moments in Reykjavík, a place that feels oddly otherworldly alongside the raw landscapes. The tour is led by a CEO, who handles logistics and shares insights but is not a traditional guide, allowing for a comfortable pace over moderate distances and time to take in the surroundings without hurry.