One Week Camping in Iceland
One Week Camping in Iceland
One Week Camping in Iceland
7 Days Starting and ending in Reykjavik
Visiting: Reykjavík, Golden Circle Iceland, Hvolsvöllur, Thórsmörk, Guesthouse Gerði, Vatnajokull, Jökulsárlón, Solheimasandur Plane Wreck
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BIYI
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Physical rating:
Low
Age range:
18-29 years
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Note to self – Greenland is the one with the ice, Iceland is the one with all the green, but you can see why people get the two mixed up. Now you know that, you’ll be able to see why Iceland is high on the list for many adventures. Even searching for pictures from the country turns up with scenes that belong (or should belong) in a Hollywood blockbuster. The cool thing about this 7-day camping trip is you’ll get to see all the beautiful nature first hand, minus the special effects. The hills of Hvolsvollur, Vatnajokull’s frosty glaciers, the bursting Strokkur Geyser and Reykjavik’s party vibes – they’ll all be up close and personal. You better believe this trip has all the good stuff.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Reykjavik
Location: Reykjavík
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meals Included: No Meals
Hallo! Welcome to Iceland. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm today. Being so far north on the globe, Reykjavik’s daylight can change dramatically between seasons – 4 hours in winter and up to 22 in summer, meaning a lot of time partying or a lot of napping in the sun. Your call! Maybe check out some of the bars with the group once the welcome meeting is over; the nightlife (or late day life?) here is super impressive.
Day 2 : Golden Circle / Hvolsvollur Valley
Location: Golden Circle Iceland, Hvolsvöllur
Accommodation: Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast
Jump out of bed and get ready to follow Iceland’s ‘Golden Circle’ for a day of smooth scenic drives. Arrive at Thingvellir National Park and the Parliament Plains. This is the site of Europe's oldest parliament, founded in AD930. If you notice a big ridge of water in the landscape, you’re probably looking at the Silfra fissure, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are slowly ripping apart. Check out the Strokkur Geyser in the Geysir area and you might catch it when it blasts water through the air. Finally, swing by the Gullfoss double waterfall on the Hvita River before heading to the Hvolsvollur Valley. On your way to camp for the night, there’s the option to stop at Secret Lagoon for some steamy hot springs – it’s up to you! Once settled in at camp, lend a hand with the Hvollsvollur tree planting project. Since the arrival of the first settlers to Iceland, deforestation has taken place in order to make space for pastures. Overgrazing has then led to soil erosion. With this in mind, the owners of the campsite had the idea to start a tree planting project on their land to contribute to lowering CO2 and counteract soil erosion. Do your bit for the environment and get your hands dirty as you plant your own tree in the surrounding hills.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 3 : Thorsmork Valley
Location: Thórsmörk
Accommodation: Camp
Meals Included: Dinner
Today, disappear into the green and black hills of Thorsmork (Thor’s Valley) by public 4x4 bus, crossing many fast-flowing rivers on your way. This nature reserve is a favourite with walkers and once you see the oases and waterways below, it’ll be pretty obvious why people keep coming back. The rugged and rocky ridges provide dramatic views of the valleys and rivers beneath. The valley is sheltered on both sides by glaciers which gives an otherworldly feel. You will have time to walk among wooded surroundings and perhaps to head uphill to summit of Valahnukur for some magnificent panoramic views from the top, or hike in the canyon of Stakkholtsgja with a ravine waterfall at its end. In the evening, dig into a special barbeque prepared on an open fire. Icelandic locals have a special relationship with hot dogs, and you haven’t really tasted one until you’ve had one of theirs. The choice of meat is up to the group’s preference, but usually you’ll opt for lamb and some delicious hot dogs. You’ll also get the chance to taste some Hakarl – a famous dish made from fermented shark. Don’t knock it ‘til you try it!
Included Activities:
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Day 4 : South Coast / Gerdi
Location: Guesthouse Gerði
Accommodation: Camp
Meals Included: No Meals
New day; new destination. En route to our next stop, you’ll get to explore Iceland’s beautiful south coast. After checking out some beautiful waterfalls, you’ll get to see Vik’s Black Sand Beach – lined with sand as dark as the night sky. Seriously weird. Afterwards, see some scenic cliffside views of Dyrholaey, known as ‘the arch with the hole’. It’s a stunning sight, but be careful, as it can get real windy. Head to Gerdi for the evening where you'll set up camp for the night.
Included Activities:
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Day 5 : South Coast / Jokulsarlon / Gerdi
Location: Vatnajokull, Jökulsárlón, Guesthouse Gerði
Accommodation: Camp
Meals Included: No Meals
Feeling like you could tackle Europe’s largest icecap? In that case, embark on an optional walk on Vatnajokull – you don’t really need any special experience to sign up for a glacier walk here, so don’t let the size scare you. Glaciers like Vatnajokull are sadly melting away due to rising global temperatures, so seriously consider this if it is on your bucket list, as it might not be here in a few years’ time. Alternatively, you may want to visit Fjallsarlon: a glacier lake at the southern end of Vatnajokull. If a relaxing morning is on the cards, you could explore the surroundings of the farmstay and head to the Thorbergur Centre. Later head to the famous glacial lagoon of Jokulsarlon where there’s the option of jumping on a boat to sail around the huge icebergs. After exploring this chilly countryside, return to the campsite at Gerdi for the evening.
Optional Activities:
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Day 6 : Solheimasandur / Reykjavik
Location: Solheimasandur Plane Wreck, Reykjavík
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meals Included: No Meals
Now it’s time to get back to Reykjavik! But not before you have visited the crashed plane that still sits on the Solheimasandur Beach to this day, which you’ll get to explore. Now that you’ve seen the natural side of Iceland, arrive back into Reykjavik in the early evening. Your leader will take you around town on a short walking tour, and then it's up to you to explore at your own pace. Maybe go window-shopping for a few souvenirs, or alternatively, there is always the option to knock back a few drinks at one of Reykjavik’s quirky bars with your new friends on the last night of this adventure.
Included Activities:
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Day 7 : Reykjavik
Location: Reykjavík
Meals Included: Breakfast
With no activities included for today, you're free to leave at any time, but that doesn’t mean you have to! Perhaps head to the Blue Lagoon, or otherwise, book yourself in to a Silfra Fissure snorkelling adventure, where you’ll discover this underwater ridge with water visibility of up to 120 metres. If you would like to extend your stay in Reykjavik, we’ll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
Optional Activities:
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What's Included
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Solheimasandur Plane Wreck
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Golden Circle (Strokkur Geyser & Gullfoss Waterfall)
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Þingvellir National Park (Parliament Plains)
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Hvolsvollur Valley - Responsible Travel Tree Planting Activity
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Hakarl (Fermented Shark) Tasting
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South Coast - Dyrholaey & Reynisfjara Rocks
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Seljalandsfoss - Waterfall Visit
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Icelandic Hot Dog Barbeque
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Reykjavik Walking Tour
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Skogafoss - Waterfall Visit
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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International Travel
Accommodation
- Camping (4 nights), Guesthouse (2 nights)
Transport
- Private minibus with free Wi-Fi , 4x4 bus
Included Activities
- Golden Circle (Strokkur Geyser & Gullfoss Waterfall)
- Þingvellir National Park (Parliament Plains)
- Hvolsvollur Valley - Responsible Travel Tree Planting Activity
- Hakarl (Fermented Shark) Tasting
- Icelandic Hot Dog Barbeque
- South Coast - Dyrholaey & Reynisfjara Rocks
- Seljalandsfoss - Waterfall Visit
- Skogafoss - Waterfall Visit
- Reykjavik Walking Tour
- Solheimasandur Plane Wreck
Check out our Q&As
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
No, this trip is catered for those aged 18-29 years
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Are international flights included in this tour?
No
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
No
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No
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Is this trip right for you
The destinations visited on this trip can be cold throughout the year, especially at the start and end of the season and at night. Please bring appropriate clothing for adverse weather conditions. There may be the rare occasion where your leader has to alter the itinerary and activities due to the weather. In this case an alternative will be offered.
Due to the remote locations we visit, there are a few long drives on this trip. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the scenery and spend some time getting to know the other members of your group.
This trip involves camping, giving you access to more remote destinations at close proximity, and the joy of camping under the night skies. This is a participatory trip – a fancy way of saying you’re not just along for the ride, but you are part of a team! Be prepared to roll up your sleeves and help out with camp activities like food prep and washing up. It’s all about giving your new travel mates a hand, and everyone knows there’s nothing worse than trying to put up a tent on your own! Out in the countryside you will be camping near local farmhouses, and all amenities (such as showers) are provided. We will provide the tents and sleeping mats, however you will have to bring your own sleeping bag and pillow.
That teamwork also extends to our optional food kitty of approximately is ISK 20,000 (EUR 160) for the trip to cover the cost of meals. This means you don’t have to worry about stuff like where to get food, and actually helps keep your costs down. Instead of paying individually as you go, it means we can bulk purchase items and cook our own food! Iceland can be an expensive destination in many ways, from museum entrance fees to visiting a cafe, but especially in terms of eating out. The kitty is optional and for your convenience, so if you've got specific dietary requirements you can opt out and purchase (and cook) your own food or eat at the local guesthouses, where available. -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
Reviews of this Operator
Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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COVID Protection
Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards
From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19.
However, we continue to strongly recommend that all travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and other Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.
This policy excludes all Polar trips and select adventure cruises, where testing and vaccination remains a requirement. Please refer to the Essential Trip Information of your chosen tour for more details.