Discover the hidden wonders of Iceland’s Highlands on this 3-day trekking adventure, featuring Grænihryggur volcanic ridge, Landmannalaugar geothermal area, and Háifoss falls. The route leads you across colorful mountains and past powerful waterfalls that send mist into the air. After a day on the trail, you’ll relax in natural hot springs.
The highlight of the journey is Grænihryggur, called the Emerald Ridge, tucked deep in the Highlands. You’ll spend two nights in traditional mountain huts, waking up to wide-open landscapes, crisp air, and the quiet rhythm of nature all around you.
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This three-day adventure plunges you into Iceland’s wild heart—the vibrant Highland areas Landmannalaugar and Grænihryggur. The journey begins with sweeping views of Hekla volcano and leads to the region’s iconic hot springs. Along the way, lava fields and rainbow-colored mountains lead to geothermal marvels and the striking Emerald Ridge. The expedition concludes with a scenic return to Reykjavík, stopping at the majestic Háifoss waterfall, the enchanting valley of Gjáin, and the twin cascades of Hjálparfoss.
You’ll start in Reykjavík, where a bus will pick you up and take you toward Iceland’s untamed Highlands. The road winds through wild mountain passes, revealing volcanic views of Hekla, one of the country’s most active volcanoes.
By midday, you’ll come to Landmannalaugar—a geothermal gem cradled by shimmering rhyolite mountains, the crown of the Highlands. You‘ll leave your things at a mountain hut and fill up on lunch before starting one of the most iconic hiking trails in the area—Laugahringur loop.
This trail circles the Laugahraun lava field, a dark, twisted expanse forged by a 15th-century eruption. From there, the path climbs the colorful slopes of Brennisteinsalda, known as the Sulphur Wave for its striking reds, oranges, and greens. The route then descends into Grænagil, or Green Canyon, where emerald hues glow beneath looming black cliffs.
By late afternoon, you’ll return to your hut and sink into the soothing hot springs of Landmannalaugar—the perfect reward after a day on the trail. Dinner follows, and as the Highlands quiet under the evening sky, you’ll unwind and rest up for the adventures ahead.
Distance: ~4.5–6 km (2.8–3.7 mi)
Duration: 2–3 hours
Elevation gain: ~200–300 m (656–984 ft)
As morning breaks, a steaming cup of coffee and a hearty breakfast fuel you for the Grænihryggur hike ahead.
Deep within the Fjallabak Nature Reserve, the ridge lies hidden among Iceland’s most otherworldly terrain. After a drive to the trailhead, the scene opens up before you—emerald ridges rising from black sand deserts, mirrored by crystal-blue lakes. You’ll pause here to savor both the view and a packed lunch in one of Iceland’s most striking natural settings.
As the afternoon light softens, you’ll return to camp and sink into comfort. Dip into a steaming hot spring, or simply sit back and take in the vast Highland horizon—the perfect ending to another unforgettable day.
Distance: 15–18 km (9–11 mi)
Duration: 7–8 hours
Elevation gain: 800 m (2,624 ft)
Your final day begins with breakfast and a bit of packing before your group sets off toward Reykjavík. The last leg of the journey still delivers plenty of wonder.
The first stop lies on the edge of the Fjallabak Nature Reserve, near Ljótipollur lake. Despite its name—meaning “ugly puddle”—the lake is anything but: a striking basin of deep blue water framed by rust-red crater walls.
You’ll continue along the gravel twists of Iceland’s remote F-roads, cutting through sweeping moss fields and volcanic plains. Soon, Sigöldufoss fades from view, its delicate, veil-like cascades spilling over black lava cliffs. Then comes Háifoss, one of Iceland’s tallest waterfalls, plunging 122 m (400 ft) into a dramatic canyon. Your guide will lead you to the best viewpoints, and upon your return, enjoy lunch and light conversation with fellow travelers.
Crossing a bridge and leaving the Highlands behind, you’ll pause at Gjáin, a hidden oasis of moss-covered walls, clear pools, and miniature waterfalls set against a volcanic backdrop. The final stop, Hjálparfoss, is the perfect closing note—twin waterfalls framed by striking basalt formations.
As the road winds back to Reykjavík, the evening sky glows in shades of red and gold—a fitting finale to three unforgettable days in Iceland’s wild heart.
Distance: 4 km (2.5 mi)
Duration: 1.5–2 hours
Elevation gain: 170 m (557 ft)
Bring personal medication or health supplies you may need.
Meeting points in Reykjavik (7:00–7:30 a.m.):
- Reykjavik's City Hall (Ráðhúsið) on Vonarstræti
- Hallgrímskirkja Church
- Reykjavik Campsite
Meeting points outside of Reykjavik:
8:15 a.m.—Selfoss N1 gas station
9:00 a.m.—Hella Bus Terminal
*Note that it can take up to 30 minutes before the bus to collect you, depending on your location and traffic.
Get ready for your trip with this handy guide: How to prepare for hiking and trekking in Iceland.
Prefer to travel light? You can rent waterproof pants & jackets, hiking boots, poles, and sleeping bags at checkout or add them via My Adventures after booking.
Don’t worry, you can always rent sturdy hiking shoes, a waterproof jacket and pants in the booking process or add them to your booking. You can book these items and more under the selection “Extras” in the booking widget when booking your tour on our website.
If you have already booked the tour and wish to add some rental gear to your booking, you can do so at least 24 hours prior to your tour starting by contacting our customer care.
Please keep in mind that we do not rent gear on location.
We have a maximum of 16 participants on the hut tour. The group size just depends on how many bookings for each departure.
Yes, we recommend to bring a water bottle that you can then fill with the tap water at the huts/campsites. It’s perfectly safe to drink and delicious. There are also several streams along where people tend to get more water from. It’s safe just ask the guide.
We always recommend our participants to use gaiters. The weather in Iceland can be quite wet so the trails subsequently get wet as well. They are not necessary but do help a lot and keep you from getting drenched when the rain starts to pour.
We recommend bringing hiking poles on the trek. However, they are not necessary and it depends on your personal preference. Many people prefer to have them for the river crossings and if you are used to hiking with poles then you should bring a pair with you. It’s also possible to rent a pair from us in the booking process.
Showers are found in every hut/campsite. Using the showers costs 1000 ISK and can be paid for at the warden’s hut at each hut/campsite.
The WC have toilet paper and soap for washing your hands. Anything else you might need for example shampoo, bandages, towels, washcloths, nail clippers etc. you will need to bring with you.
There are no power outlets in the huts that are accessible to travelers. We encourage bringing your own power bank on the tour (you can pack that in your duffel bag which is transported by the support vehicle). In some cases, you can buy small portable chargers at the huts as well, but they are not always available.
The huts are shared. They have dormitories with single and twin bunk beds so do be prepared to share a room with your fellow travelers.
The main luggage is transported between huts by a support vehicle provided by us. You will only need to carry a smaller day backpack with your lunch, water bottle, medication, sunglasses, river crossing shoes, rain gear, and other items or clothing you might need for the day.
There is a limit of 1 piece of luggage for each participant that can weigh up to 20 kg (+ your day backpack). Since there is limited space on the luggage trailer we kindly ask that you try to pack light out of consideration to other passengers on the tour. If you have extra luggage that you would like to leave, we recommend storing luggage at the BSI Bus terminal (fees apply) or another luggage storage space in Reykjavik.
The supported car will need to cross rivers to get between huts so we recommend a waterproof duffel bag since your luggage can get wet along the way. We also recommend that you put dry clothing and items in a plastic bag.
Our standard menu includes milk products, fish, nuts, meat, and bread. For trekkers with special dietary requirements, a supplement is required to cover the cost of purchasing additional food to accommodate these needs. This applies to those who are vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, have allergies, or have other specific dietary preferences. The supplementary fee can be paid at checkout, where customers are also asked to specify their dietary requirements, and we will arrange for the necessary food to meet those needs, ensuring the best meals for everyone.
Yes, you can rent a sleeping bag from us. You can purchase the rental when booking the tour OR you can add it to your booking at least 2 days before the tour starts. If you rent a sleeping bag, please bring a sleeping bag liner.
Please note: that a sleeping bag cannot be rented once you are on the tour.
Yes, you can purchase the single tent rental either when you book the tour or by adding it to your booking at least 2 days before the start of the tour.
The only information we would appreciate from you is whether you have any medical issues we should be aware of.
If you have any food restrictions, please have a look at our Special Food Extra.
There is no WiFi in the huts but there are spots along the trail and by the huts where you can get 3G/4G connections. However, the connection is very flaky so we don’t really count on it.
The meals are prepared by all participants, guides and the team. Although the guide is usually the leader on the project this can go all ways. We have found that this brings the group together and makes a nice, fun and cozy atmosphere. Make food and friends at the same time.
No, our guides are not able to provide information on these matters, but our team will be happy to assist you. We kindly ask that you reach out to our customer care team regarding any questions or concerns.
