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This expedition combines glacier travel, mountain trekking and wild camping across some of southeast Iceland’s most remote landscapes. Beginning near Skaftafell, the route gradually leaves civilisation behind before crossing Skeiðarárjökull, one of Iceland’s largest outlet glaciers, and ascending into colourful rhyolite mountains overlooking enormous ice fields below.
Days are spent moving through constantly changing terrain, from braided glacial rivers and knife-edge ridges to volcanic plateaus and ancient birch forests. Evenings are spent camping in isolated locations surrounded by glaciers, waterfalls and mountain scenery far from roads and crowds. With experienced guides leading the journey, participants gain access to areas few visitors ever experience while travelling safely through Iceland’s demanding wilderness terrain.
Guiding in Iceland’s remote mountain regions requires extensive local knowledge, glacier experience and the ability to adapt to rapidly changing conditions. Daniel and Svanhvít both have years of experience working in Icelandic mountain environments, combining professional guiding qualifications with a deep understanding of the landscapes crossed during this expedition.
Rather than running large commercial groups, trips are intentionally kept smaller to create a more personal experience and allow greater flexibility throughout the journey. Their approach focuses on safe travel, meaningful wilderness experiences and helping participants fully appreciate the unique terrain, geology and atmosphere of southeast Iceland.
The expedition begins near Skaftafell before travelling by vehicle along the highway and deeper into remote terrain via rough mountain tracks. Once the walking begins, the route follows a winding glacial river through the dramatic Nupstaðarskógar valley, with steep cliffs rising above the trail and powerful glacier-fed water carving through the landscape below.
A protected climb leads onto higher ground where panoramic views open across Skeiðarárjökull and the surrounding mountains. From there, the group continues onto the plateau above the glacier before setting up camp for the night in a remote mountain location surrounded by volcanic landscapes and open wilderness.
Today focuses on crossing Skeiðarárjökull, one of Iceland’s largest and most impressive outlet glaciers. Wearing crampons and technical glacier equipment, the group navigates crevasses, ice formations and moulins where meltwater disappears deep beneath the glacier surface.
The crossing can be physically demanding due to the size of the glacier and changing terrain underfoot, but the reward is reaching one of the most spectacular camping locations on the route. Surrounded by glaciers and mountain scenery, the evening camp offers a true sense of Icelandic wilderness far from any roads or settlements.
The route climbs into the colourful rhyolite mountains above Skaftafell, where volcanic rock creates striking red, orange and green tones across the landscape. Narrow ridges and high mountain terrain provide incredible views over surrounding glaciers and ice fields stretching across southeast Iceland.
After ascending to the highest summit in the area, the group camps close to the mountain beneath the peak near a small waterfall. Sunset and evening light across the surrounding glaciers often create some of the most memorable views of the entire expedition.
Leaving the high mountains behind, the final day descends into one of Iceland’s oldest surviving birch forests. Terrain gradually softens as the group returns from exposed mountain landscapes into greener valleys and lower ground near Skaftafell.
The walk out offers time to reflect on the journey before reaching civilisation once again and saying goodbye at the end of the expedition. Transport is then provided back towards the starting area.
Accommodation throughout the expedition is based entirely on wild camping in remote mountain environments. Campsites are chosen for their surroundings, shelter and proximity to the route, with several nights spent in extraordinary locations overlooking glaciers, valleys and volcanic peaks.
Camping forms a major part of the overall wilderness experience and allows participants to spend extended time immersed within Iceland’s remote landscapes. Evenings are often spent sharing meals, discussing the day’s route and enjoying the isolation of the mountains far from roads and towns.
This is a demanding multi-day trekking expedition involving glacier travel, mountain terrain and carrying personal equipment between camps. Participants should have good fitness levels and be comfortable spending long days hiking in remote environments.
Previous glacier experience is not essential because guides provide instruction and technical safety equipment throughout the trip. However, experience with hiking or multi-day trekking is strongly recommended before joining.
Yes, one of the main highlights of the expedition is crossing Skeiðarárjökull, one of Europe’s largest outlet glaciers. Participants travel across the ice using crampons while navigating glacier terrain under the supervision of experienced guides.
The glacier crossing includes crevasses, moulins and constantly changing ice formations that create a very different experience from normal hiking routes in Iceland. Guides carefully manage the route depending on conditions throughout the crossing.
Camps are located in remote wilderness areas chosen for safety, scenery and access to the route. Some camps overlook glaciers and mountain ranges, while others sit beside waterfalls or sheltered valleys away from roads and tourist areas.
Facilities are minimal due to the remote nature of the expedition, which is part of what makes the experience feel so immersive. Participants should expect a genuine wilderness camping experience throughout the four days.
Participants should expect to carry personal clothing, sleeping equipment and some food supplies during the expedition. Technical glacier equipment and safety gear are provided by the guides.
Packing efficiently is important because the route involves several long trekking days over uneven terrain. A recommended kit list is provided before departure to help participants prepare properly.
Icelandic mountain weather can change rapidly, especially near glaciers and high mountain terrain. Guides constantly monitor conditions and may adjust routes, timings or campsites if required for safety reasons.
Daniel and the guiding team have extensive experience working in Icelandic mountain environments and are used to adapting plans depending on weather and glacier conditions throughout expeditions.
Über das Zentrum
Skaftafell
Betrieben von Pict Expeditions, einem Partner von adventuro.
Reykjavík, Iceland
Ab kr282000
Vík & South Coast, Iceland
Ab kr320000
Vík & South Coast, Iceland
Ab kr139600
