Eclipse Expedition: Women’s Adventure in Iceland

Let’s dive into Iceland’s iconic Golden Circle! Our guide will pick you up in the morning, and we’ll start with the big three: Þingvellir National Park (where tectonic plates meet), the Geysir geothermal area (watch the ground erupt), and Gullfoss waterfall (prepare for jaw-dropping views).

For lunch, we’ll swing by Friðheimar tomato farm, a quirky greenhouse where tomatoes thrive in Iceland’s chilly climate. Later, we’ll unwind at the Secret Lagoon, Iceland’s oldest geothermal pool. Soak in heated water fed by natural hot springs, surrounded by steam and a mini geyser that spouts every few minutes. Fun fact: The lagoon’s water refreshes completely every 24 hours - no chemicals needed (but please ensure to mind bathing regulations before entering the lagoon).

After a day of adventure, we’ll cozy up at a hotel in Hella, a charming town near the Golden Circle. Rest up because tomorrow’s another epic day!

We'll kick off the day with a scenic ride on the Highland Bus from Hella to the breathtaking highlands! We'll depart at 8:30 AM and arrive at Landmannalaugar, known as the "People's Pools," around 11:30. This vibrant spot is famous for its colorful rhyolite mountains, steaming hot springs, and picturesque lava fields—perfect for nature lovers and hikers alike!

Once we're settled into our hut, we'll grab some refreshments and head out on an easy hike to explore the area. Landmannalaugar is a starting point for many iconic trails, including the Laugavegur trek, but today we'll enjoy a leisurely stroll amidst the stunning landscapes.

After dinner, we'll unwind in the natural hot spring, where you can soak in the warm waters surrounded by nature's beauty. If you're up for some fun, we can also visit the Mountain Mall for a cold beer and a friendly game of KUBB. It's a great way to relax and bond with fellow travelers!

Distance: 5 km (3 mi)
Walking time: 2 – 3 hrs

Let’s kick off our Laugavegur adventure! After a hearty breakfast and some morning stretches, we’ll load our gear into a luggage transporter (no heavy packs for us!) and hit the trail. Today’s hike is about 12 km, starting with a steady uphill climb through Landmannalaugar’s vibrant rhyolite hills. These colorful "Rainbow Mountains" will slowly fade as we head into the stark, volcanic terrain of Hrafntinnusker (aka the Black Obsidian Skerry).

We’ll take a break at the Hrafntinnusker hut, where you can refill water bottles and use the outdoor toilet. Then, we’ll descend into Jökultungur, a valley packed with steaming hot springs and bubbling mud pools. Keep an eye out for the Álftavatn lake (Swan Lake) and jaw-dropping views of Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull glaciers in the distance.

By afternoon, we’ll arrive at Álftavatn hut, nestled by a peaceful lake surrounded by mountains. Settle in, enjoy the scenery, and swap stories with fellow hikers. Pro tip: The lake’s icy waters are perfect for a quick post-hike foot soak!

Tonight’s stay: Cozy dorm-style bunk beds at Álftavatn hut. Don’t forget your earplugs - shared rooms mean new friends (and probably some snoring)!

Ready for Day 2? Tomorrow’s hike brings black sand deserts and epic river crossings.

Distance: 24 km (15 mi)
Walking time: 8 - 9 hrs
Ascent/Descent: +470 m (1540 ft); -490 m (1610 ft)

Just like the other days, we start with breakfast and prep our sandwiches for lunch. We'll load our gear into the luggage transporter and hit the trail, ready to tackle another day in Iceland's stunning highlands.

Today, we'll face two exciting glacial river crossings. The first one is just 30 minutes from the hut, so remember to pack your river crossing shoes in your daypack!

As we hike, we'll pass by the Hvanngil hut, where you can take a quick break to use the restroom facilities. After the second river crossing, we'll enter the surreal Mælifellssandur black sand desert. This landscape is dotted with vibrant green mountains and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding glaciers.

We'll arrive at Emstrur hut in the afternoon, where we'll settle in for the night. If you're up for more adventure, consider the optional hike to Markarfljót canyon in the evening. It's an unforgettable experience with stunning vistas that will leave you in awe!

Distance: 16 km (10 mi)
Walking time: 6 – 7 hrs
Descent: 40 m (130 ft)

The round-trip hike to Markarfljót canyon is approximately 3 km and may take between 1 to 2 hours to complete. Start and finish at Emstrur hut.

Today’s the big Laugavegur finale! We’ll leave Emstrur and hike through the Almenningar gorge, with Mount Einhyrningur (Unicorn Mountain) guiding the way.

As we trek, we’ll soak in views of Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers while the landscape slowly shifts. Sparse trees start popping up, hinting at the birch forests ahead. By the time we reach Þórsmörk, we’ll be surrounded by emerald-green woods and rugged peaks. A true Viking paradise!

Tonight, we’ll stay in a mountain hut nestled beneath glaciers, celebrating our Laugavegur Trail victory with laughs and maybe a toast. You did it!

Distance: 17 km (10.5 mi)
Walking time: 6 – 7 hrs
Descent: 300 m (985 ft)

Today’s our final day in the highlands, and we’re going to make the most of it! We’ll spend the morning exploring the enchanting Þórsmörk valley on foot. Take in the stunning views, breathe in the fresh air, and soak up the magic of this unique landscape.

After our epic hike, we'll make our way back to the little town of Hella, where our trusty bus is eagerly waiting to whisk us away. We'll then embark on an afternoon adventure along the south coast, where we will visit some of the main attractions. We'll also visit Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon, a stunning natural wonder carved by the Fjaðrá River. This canyon is known for its serpentine path and picturesque views, making it a photographer's paradise.

As the day winds down, we'll settle into our cozy hotel in the southeast and celebrate with a delicious dinner—because, after all, every Viking needs a hearty feast!

Distance: 5 km (3 mi)
Walking time: 2 – 3 hrs
Ascent: 150 m (490 ft)

Let's get ready for another unforgettable day! We'll start by driving to the breathtaking Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and the enchanting Diamond Beach. Take a stroll along the black sand, where icebergs from Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier sparkle like diamonds against the dark volcanic sand.

On our way back to our hotel in the south, we'll stop at the Eldhraun Lava Field, a vast and historic landscape created by the massive Laki eruption in the late 18th century. This area is not only geologically fascinating but also played a significant role in shaping Iceland's history and even influenced global events.

Next, we'll visit two of Iceland's most popular waterfalls: Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi. At Seljalandsfoss, you can walk behind the waterfall for a unique perspective, while Gljúfrabúi is a hidden gem nestled in a cave.

Finally, we'll arrive at our hotel, where we'll rest and recharge for the BIG ECLIPSE DAY!

Distance: 6,5 km (4,5 mi)
Walking time: 3 hrs
Ascent: 150 m (490 ft)

Rise and shine - today is the big day! We’re about to embark on an enchanting journey to the volcanic Reykjanes Peninsula, where nature has painted its own masterpiece. Our first stop is the breathtaking Lake Kleifarvatn. This gem is the largest lake in the region, cradled within a dramatic volcanic craters, right on the edge of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.

After the lake we’ll make a pit stop at the Seltún geothermal area, where you can see the earth bubbling and hissing from the geothermal activity. Afterwards, we’ll lace up our hiking boots and hike up a small mountain to check out the craters from the 2021 volcanic eruptions.

Once we've worked up an appetite, we’ll refuel with lunch before heading to the bubbling Gunnuhver hot spring. Our next stop will be the Bridge Between Continents - a literal leap from one tectonic plate to another!

As the grand finale, we’ll head over to the Reykjanes Lighthouse for an unforgettable spectacle: A TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE! It’s set to make its grand entrance in West Iceland around 17:47.

The Reykjanes Peninsula offers some great sights, so get ready to enjoy the day and the eclipse!

To wrap up our adventure, we'll enjoy a farewell dinner in Reykjavik, sharing stories and memories of our incredible journey. It's a special night to celebrate our time together and the unforgettable experiences we've had!

Let's wrap up our Icelandic adventure in style! We'll spend the morning relaxing in the iconic Blue Lagoon, soaking our well-traveled muscles in its milky-blue, mineral-rich waters. Nestled in the rugged lava fields of the Reykjanes Peninsula, this geothermal oasis is the perfect place to unwind and rejuvenate!

After our Blue Lagoon visit, we'll head to the airport for those with afternoon flights. If you're not ready to leave Iceland just yet, feel free to ride back to Reykjavik with your guide and enjoy more time exploring the city. It's a great opportunity to visit any last-minute spots or simply soak up the city's vibrant atmosphere!