Snowshoeing and hot springs in Landmannalaugar
In summary
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Sports
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Duration10 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationEurope / Iceland
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AgeFrom 16 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions1435.37 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
English
French
In a few words
During this unforgettable trip, we invite you to discover the incredible Landmannalaugar under a blanket of snow , hike in the Hengill volcanic massif, and then visit the unmissable wonders of the Golden Circle. So many magnificent playgrounds await you during this wonderful week of hiking in the heart of the exceptional natural beauty of the island of volcanoes!
For six days, we'll hike on snowshoes at the foot of the Torfajökull glacier massif in the Icelandic Highlands. In the evenings, we'll return to the comfort of our mountain hut and its hot spring, nestled in the heart of Landmannalaugar. This site of great beauty lies at the foot of a vast caldera, covered in geothermal activity, dominated by the remains of two volcanoes, and bordered by a thick lava flow that barely emerges from the snow in winter. The hikes will vary between ascents of slopes and meanders along glacial valleys in enchanting scenery.
The discovery of spectacular geothermal activity in the southwestern reliefs, followed by a visit to the three iconic sites of the Golden Circle, will be on the agenda for the end of our stay.
The highlights
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Breathtaking volcanic landscapes along rarely traveled routes
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Daily baths in natural hot springs
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The comfort of a heated refuge and delicious cuisine based on lamb and fish
Photos
Sport
Level
Snowshoeing
In figures
Snowshoes
- Average duration/day: 4h30
- Average daily elevation gain: 286 m
- Average daily descent: 286 m
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 2h
- Average daily elevation gain: 150 m
- Average daily descent: 150 m
Management
English
French
Whether still wearing my mountain hat as a passionate hiker or my chef's hat as a lover of gastronomy, I invite you to Iceland to explore unspoiled nature and enjoy healthy and delicious cuisine in a warm and welcoming atmosphere !
The trip is led by Vincent, a member of our partner agency, a qualified and passionate Mountain Guide, with snowshoeing qualifications and extensive knowledge of Iceland.
Our partner is based in Cervières, at the foot of the Col d'Izoard. In every season, they invite you to discover extraordinary and unspoiled natural spaces, combining adventure, comfort, and enjoyment, all while respecting your fitness level and desires. Join them for a hike and immerse yourself in breathtaking nature, letting yourself be captivated by its beauty!
At the heart of its approach: exchange, sharing and conviviality, with the desire to combine tourism and respect for the environment.
Program
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Flight Paris – Keflavík and transfer to Reykjavík
- Transportation Plane - 03h40 - 2240km
- Accommodation B&B
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Flight between Paris and Keflavík, transfer to the centre of Reykjavík then check-in to our accommodation.
In the evening, dinner in town, an opportunity for your guide to tell you more about the trip and also to share a convivial moment.
Day 1 -
Landmannalaugar
- Transportation Minibus - 03h40 - 200km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Positive elevation gain 100 m
- Negative elevation 100 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
An early departure in a 4x4 vehicle adapted to the harsh winter conditions. We crossed a vast plain before reaching the uninhabited highlands via a track that had disappeared under the snow. The plain gave way to a plateau, with the mountains of the Fjallabak reserve in sight. We arrived at the refuge in the early afternoon and began our first hike in the surrounding area.
First dip in a hot spring, an end-of-day ritual that is only just beginning, to be repeated in the evening while observing the Northern Lights.
Day 2 -
Ljótipollur Crater
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Positive elevation gain 200 m
- Negative elevation 200 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The first day hike, a warm-up that will take you to Frostastadavatn lake and the Ljótipollur crater. The elevation gain is minimal, the spaces vast, the mountains seem to rest on the plain.
Day 3 -
Vondugil Gorge
- Transportation Minibus - 00h05 - 3km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Negative elevation 400 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
You gradually increase the intensity, crossing the very old and very thick lava flow of Laugahraun to explore the small Vondugil Gorge and its geothermal features. From there, you begin the ascent of Suðurnámur, from the summit of which this entire part of the caldera unfolds before you, the partially frozen rivers streaking the white snow with lines that resemble strokes drawn in India ink.
Day 4 -
Stórihver Solfataras
- Transportation Minibus - 00h05 - 3km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 6h30
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Negative elevation 500 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Ascend the Hrafntinnusker plateau to discover the Stórihver fumaroles. This is the gateway to the caldera, the largest geothermal area on the island. Along the way, make a detour to Brennisteinsalda, which offers a panoramic view of the surrounding area.
Day 5 -
Jökulgil Valley
- Transportation Minibus - 05h - 15km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Positive elevation gain 450 m
- Negative elevation 450 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
You think you've seen it all, and you do, but there's still the Jökulgil Valley, which has been taunting you for days, offering its sweeping vistas to a gaze warmed by a soak in the hot spring. And what better way to experience it than by gaining some altitude towards Skalli, an unassuming peak among the many unassuming peaks in the area, but with a breathtaking panoramic view.
Day 6 -
Lava flows of Laugahraun
- Transportation Minibus - 03h - 160km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Positive elevation gain 150 m
- Negative elevation 150 m
- Accommodation Youth hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Last walk, if time permits, in the lava fields of Laugarhraun, ideal for getting lost without any unfortunate consequences.
Then transfer aboard the super jeep to reach the south and the surroundings of Hveragerði.
Day 7 -
Hengill Massif
- Transportation Minibus - 00h30 - 32km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Positive elevation gain 200 m
- Negative elevation 200 m
- Accommodation Youth hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Hike in Reykjadalur, "the valley of fumaroles", in the middle of a vast area of geothermal activity, to a hot spring for a delightful open-air bath! And to get there we will not hesitate to take a winding path, passing from one geothermal area to another where mud pots and bubbling water abound.
Day 8 -
Golden Circle - Reykjavík
- Transportation Minibus - 03h - 200km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Positive elevation gain 150 m
- Negative elevation 150 m
- Accommodation B&B
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Our journey will end with a visit to the Golden Circle, which includes the three most famous sites on the island.
Departure for the superb Gullfoss waterfalls and the Hvítá river gorges, partially frozen at this time of year, where a superb cataract foams, standing as guardian of the inland deserts.
Then we headed to Geysir where the column of water from the Strokkur geyser erupts with exemplary regularity up to about twenty meters high.
And finally, a visit to Thingvellir, "the Althing Plain," the site of Iceland's former parliament, located in the center of a rift valley and a fault system that reveals the colossal effects of plate tectonics. A stroll through this UNESCO World Heritage site, a rare place where natural history and human history are inextricably linked.
Late afternoon, return to Reykjavik.
Day 9 -
Transfer to Keflavik and flight Keflavik - Paris
- Transportation Plane - 03h40 - 2240km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Group transfer from your accommodation to Keflavík International Airport and flight to Paris.
Day 10
Note
We reserve the right to modify the program for any reason (weather conditions, snowpack conditions, participants' physical condition and technical level, the guide's preferences, etc.). These modifications are always made in your best interest: for your safety and to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.
Accommodation
You will be staying at the Aurora guesthouse, a beautiful family-run guesthouse located on a quiet street in Reykjavík's old town center, close to many restaurants and shops.
Regardless of your mobile network operator, your mobile connection should be good. Wi-Fi access is free and available.
No registration or special request from you will be processed directly by the accommodation provider, who is not responsible for the scheduling or organization of this stay. Room allocation and other accommodation details are handled exclusively between the hotel and us. Thank you for your understanding.
Nestled in the heart of the Icelandic Highlands, the Landmannalaugar refuge is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. It is located in a mountain range with breathtaking scenery, renowned for its colorful rhyolite mountains, geothermal hot springs, and diverse hiking trails.
The hostel is located in Eyrarbakki, a small coastal village ideally situated away from the most frequented sites and rich in Icelandic culture and history. Nearby is Húsiø, one of the oldest houses in Iceland, built in 1765.
Regardless of your mobile network operator, your mobile connection should be good. Wi-Fi access is free and available.
No registration or special request from you will be processed directly by the accommodation provider, who is not responsible for the scheduling or organization of this stay. Room allocation and other accommodation details are handled exclusively between the hotel and us. Thank you for your understanding.
Access
Vincent, your guide, will meet you at Roissy - Charles-De-Gaulle airport and will travel to Iceland with you.
Go to the starting point
Non-stop return flight with Icelandair in economy class from Paris - Charles-De-Gaulle to Keflavik.
Your flight number will be provided in your travel documents, at the latest one month before the start of your trip.
Outbound and return flight times :
Paris - Keflavik: 1:00 p.m. / 3:40 p.m.
Keflavik - Paris: 7:45 a.m. / 1:10 p.m.
For departures from other airports, please contact us.
The price of the stay is calculated based on a flight of 458 euros per person on October 30, 2025. We may have to revise the price of your trip (upwards or downwards) depending on the price of your plane ticket at the time of purchase, once the departure is confirmed.
Price details
The price includes
- the round-trip flight between Paris and Keflavik,
- airport taxes
- Return transfers by minibus between Keflavik Airport and our accommodation in Reykjavik
- transport in an off-road vehicle with driver for 10 days
- 2 nights in a guesthouse in Reykjavik and 9 nights in a mountain refuge and hostel on the island
- All meals during the stay except dinners in Reykjavik on Tuesday, August 18th and Friday, August 28th
- 10 days of supervision
The price does not include
- insurance
- dinners in Reykjavik on days 1 and 9
- drinks, personal expenses and tips
- the possible revision of the airline ticket price (both upwards and downwards)
Options
- Single room at Guest House Aurora in Reykjavik : CHF164.66 / unit
- 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 provided on site
For hiking:
- the snowshoes
- hiking poles
- Safety equipment: avalanche victim detectors, shovels and probes
For meals:
- dishes
- kitchen equipment
- thermoses for hot drinks
At the Aurora Guest House in Reykjavik: bath towels
Equipment to bring
For hiking:
- A medium-sized backpack (30 to 40 liters) for the day's essentials (water bottle, warm clothes, binoculars, camera, etc.) and a picnic lunch. Straps for attaching snowshoes are often a welcome addition.
- a rain cover to protect belongings in case of snowfall
- an insulated water bottle preferably (1.5 liters minimum)
- a pocket knife
- a pair of highly protective sunglasses
- a tube of sunscreen and a lip balm, both very protective
- a waterproof pouch for carrying your important documents
- Optional: a camera, a pair of binoculars...
For the evening:
- a sleeping bag
- 2 to 3 pairs of warm socks
- spare clothes
- a swimsuit and a bath towel
- indoor shoes or slippers
- a pharmacy, with the necessary supplies to treat everyday minor ailments, think about possible foot care (Compeed, Strapal and other dressings), and of course your personal treatments.
- a towel and toiletries
Clothing to bring
You must pack all your belongings in 2 bags (no suitcase!).
A hiking backpack (maximum 10 kg) : with a capacity of approximately 35 liters with straps to attach snowshoes and poles .
When travelling, it will serve as hand luggage for your fragile items (camera, binoculars…), valuables and for any medication you may need.
During hikes, it will be useful for carrying your belongings for the day (water bottle, warm clothes, binoculars, camera...) and the picnic.
It will be in the cabin during air travel. The cabin baggage weight allowance will be indicated on your travel documents.
A travel bag (maximum 23 kg) : to hold the rest of your belongings.
It will be in the hold during air transport and local journeys.
To avoid any potential problems with the delivery of your luggage, feel free to wear your hiking clothes and take your essential items in the cabin.
To protect yourself from the Icelandic cold and wind, the best approach is the layering method: adjust your temperature by wearing layers of clothing that aren't too warm, so you don't sweat too much. If you're planning a trip with us, we recommend choosing clothing made from natural merino fibers, which are warm, breathable, and odor-resistant if you perspire.
For hiking:
- warm, waterproof trousers or lighter trousers and tights
- a Gore-Tex type windbreaker
- A down jacket to protect against the most biting cold.
- a not-too-thick sweater, possibly fleece or merino wool.
- Warm and quick-drying underwear (tights, long-sleeved t-shirts, etc.), perhaps made of merino wool.
- a warm hat that protects the ears well
- a cap or other hat to protect you from the sun
- two pairs of gloves, thin ones and warm, waterproof "snow" gloves (or mittens)
- Gaiters are recommended if the snow pants don't have good elastic and/or hooks to stay on the boot.
