Kayaking and road trip in the heart of Iceland's volcanoes
In summary
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Sports
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Duration10 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationEurope / Iceland
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AgeFrom 18 - 70 years
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CO₂-Emissions407.3 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
Embark on a 10-day Icelandic adventure, fully immersed in the heart of the vast volcanic landscapes . Behind the wheel of your 4x4 , traverse the legendary Golden Circle before venturing into more secluded regions, between wild fjords , isolated tracks, and lunar landscapes.
This active trip alternates between exploration and intense experiences: whitewater kayaking , sailing under the midnight sun , and a three-day kayak expedition with bivouac camping , bringing you closer to raw and unspoiled nature. Each day offers its own share of emotions, from monumental waterfalls and natural hot springs to spectacular beaches and Arctic wildlife viewing.
Designed for travelers seeking authenticity , this journey combines freedom, physical exertion, and total immersion in contrasting landscapes. An intense exploration of Iceland, where volcanoes, ocean, and polar light create a magnificent backdrop for an unforgettable outdoor experience.
The highlights
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10-day 4x4 road trip between the Golden Circle, wild fjords and isolated tracks
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3-day kayak expedition with bivouac, total immersion in the heart of the wilderness
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Active adventures: whitewater kayaking and sailing under the midnight sun
Photos
Sport
Level
Kayaking and Canoeing
The expert's opinion
For anyone in good physical condition with some kayaking experience and able to cover 45km in 3 days at sea.
In figures
Canoeing / Kayaking
- Average duration/day: 1h
- Exposed Passages: Yes
- Majority river class : Class 2 - some simple rapids
Management
Your travel guide to take everywhere with you. 🗺️
A guide will accompany you for the kayak trips and the 3 days of bivouacking.
Program
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Arrival in Iceland
- Transportation Car - 00h45 - 50km
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Upon arrival at Keflavík International Airport, you'll pick up your rental 4x4 and set off across the lava fields of the Reykjanes Peninsula. The lunar landscapes immediately set the tone for this Nordic adventure!
Retrieving camping equipment and setting up camp in Reykjavík, the northernmost capital city in the world, nestled between sea and mountains.
In the evening, you can stroll through the colourful streets, dine in a small local restaurant or walk along the old port admiring the unique evening light.
Night in Reykjavík.
Day 1 -
Whitewater kayaking in the Golden Circle
- Transportation Car - 03h30 - 250km
- Activity Canoeing / Kayaking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Exposed passages Yes
- Majority river class Class 4 - powerful water movements
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
In the morning, head towards Selfoss and then towards the Golden Circle.
At 11am, 3-hour kayak tour on a whitewater river.
Then a visit to the two-tiered waterfall: Gullfoss, fed by the Hvitá River.
This was followed by the discovery of the Geysir geothermal area, including the famous Strokkur geyser which erupts a column of hot water 20 meters high every 5 to 10 minutes.
Then a visit to Þingvellir National Park, home to the world's oldest parliament, the Althing, where Vikings met to discuss laws from the year 930. The park includes several mountains, volcanoes, lakes, rivers and a forest.
Night near Hvalfjörður
Day 2 -
The Snæfellsnes peninsula under the midnight sun
- Transportation Car - 03h - 250km
- Activity Canoeing / Kayaking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Majority river class Class 1 - calm river
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Route to the spectacular Snæfellsnes peninsula, dominated by the glacial volcano Snæfellsjökull, made famous by Jules Verne in Journey to the Center of the Earth.
You explore the hidden canyon of Rauðfeldsgjá, the photogenic black church of Búðir, and then the coastal village of Arnarstapi, a haven for seabirds. Next, you travel along the cliffs of Lóndrangar and the black pebble beach of Djúpalónssandur, where the
Remains of an old shipwreck. At the end of the day, an easy climb to the Saxhóll crater for a panoramic view of the coast.
In the evening, you set off on a sea kayaking trip (3 hours) under the magical light of the midnight sun, a unique experience between golden sky and silver sea.
Night in Stykkishólmur.
Day 3 -
The wild coast
- Transportation Car - 03h05 - 220km
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Today, we're heading to the Westfjords, the wildest region of Iceland.
Take route 68 along the very wild coast along the Hrútaoörður fjord whose beaches collect a large quantity of driftwood from the boreal forests carried by the Siberian current.
In Holmavik, you can go on a whale watching tour (at an extra cost) or visit the witchcraft museum or the Galdur brewery.
Night near Hólmavik
Day 4 -
Camping on an isolated peninsula
- Transportation Car - 02h40 - 220km
- Activity Canoeing / Kayaking
- Majority river class Class 2 - some simple rapids
- Accommodation Camping
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Meet in the early afternoon for your three-day sea kayaking expedition! After the briefing and transfer to the starting point, you'll paddle approximately 9 km to reach a secluded beach, where the campsite is set up. Dinner will be served in your tent, lulled by the gentle lapping of the waves: a complete change of scenery awaits.
Day 5 -
Bivouac
- Activity Canoeing / Kayaking
- Majority river class Class 2 - some simple rapids
- Accommodation Camping
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A day at sea! You're off to discover an island home to thousands
migratory birds — Arctic terns, eiders and guillemots — come to nest
in the cliffs.
In the afternoon, you join a colony of seals, often seen basking in the sun.
Sun on the rocks. Return to camp after approximately 18 km of paddling, dinner
A convivial gathering around the fire and a night in a tent facing the sea.
Day 7 Last leg by kayak: you paddle along the fjords for approximately
Day 6 -
Back to civilization
- Activity Canoeing / Kayaking
- Majority river class Class 2 - some simple rapids
- Accommodation Camping
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast and breaking camp, we stowed the kayaks and began paddling back to Ísafjörður. Along the way, we paddled along the Kambsnes peninsula and caught a glimpse of the small village of Súðavík in the distance, before crossing the fjord and following the coast to the port of Ísafjörður. We arrived in town around 4 pm.
Day 7 -
The south of the Northwest Fjords
- Transportation Car - 03h40 - 270km
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Go down to the red sand beach of Rauðissandur,
You can swim at Hellulaug , near Flókalundur. This natural pool on the edge of the fjord, though not visible from the road, is only 60 cm deep but is continuously fed by a hot spring at 38 degrees Celsius. You can also hike (2 hours round trip) to Helluvatn, the "Lake of Hell."
You can also plan a swim at Birkimelur pool, a seaside pool with a rock jacuzzi.
You follow the jagged road along the fjords.
Night near Búðardalur
Day 8 -
Borgarfjörður
- Transportation Car - 03h30 - 240km
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Discovery and walk around a crater, visit to Borgarfjörður including the Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, whose waters originate from the Eiriksjökull glacier, cross the Hallmundarhaun lava field before flowing into the Hvitá river.
Stop at the Deildartunguhver hot spring next to the Krauma baths
Numerous hikes are possible in Húsafell, where signs display all the options.
head towards the small town of Borgarnes .
I recommend a detour to Hvalfjörður where you can hike to the fabulous Glýmur waterfall
Night in Reykjavik
Day 9 -
Back to France
- Transportation Car - 00h45 - 50km
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Return the vehicle to Keflavik International Airport and take your flight back to the
France.
Day 10
Note
The program is designed for adults only, but it is also possible to book easier or shorter kayak tours to suit teenagers from 16 years old.
Accommodation
All nights are at campsites that you can choose on the day itself. There is no need to book them in advance.
Access
Upon arrival at the airport, you pick up your rental vehicle and set off to explore the country.
Go to the starting point
Keflavik Airport is the country's only international airport. It is also possible to reach Iceland by ferry from northern Denmark.
Price details
The price includes
- Rental of a 4x4 vehicle such as a Dacia Duster or equivalent for the entire duration of the trip, unlimited mileage, airport tax, second driver, SCDW insurance
- 2 kayaking trips (day 2 whitewater river kayaking, day 3 sea kayaking at sunset)
- 1 guided 3-day kayak and bivouac expedition, all meals included
- Carbon tax (€1 per day of car rental to reforest Iceland)
The price does not include
- International flights
- Breakfasts, lunches, dinners and drinks except on days 5 and 6
- The parking lots
- Optional vehicle insurance
- Personal expenses
- Optional activities
- Camping pitches
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
- Gourd
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Binoculars
Clothing to bring
- Thermal underwear, at least two
- Thermal base layer in wool or fleece
- Hiking pants
- Waterproof clothing
- Wool or fleece hat
- A pair of gloves
- Thick hiking socks