Icelandic highlands (Strútstigur) · 5 days
A five-day guided mindful group hike along Strútstigur in the Icelandic highlands — past Landmannalaugar, Eldgjá, the Álftavötn lakes, Strútur and Mælifellssandur. Small group, mountain huts, two guides, three daily meals and baggage transport.
The journey
Into the Wild Highlands is a five-day guided walk on the quiet Strútstigur route through the Icelandic highlands, at a mindful pace and in a small group. This hike focuses on connection through mindful practices as a way of building a deeper relationship with nature and yourself.
You sleep in mountain huts, walk with two guides, and let the vast volcanic landscape — Landmannalaugar, the Álftavötn lakes, Strútur and the black sands of Mælifellssandur — do its quiet work with you. Three good meals a day and baggage transport are included.
The landscape
THE TRAIL
We meet at the Reykjavík BSÍ terminal 6.30 AM and depart with the Highland bus from Reykjavík to Landmannalaugar in the Fjällabak Nature Reserve in the Southern highlands of Iceland. We'll spend the afternoon exploring the vibrant area and soak in the thermal pool - preparing our minds and bodies for the challenges ahead. Late afternoon we'll will get a ride to Hólaskjol Highland Center, where we will spend the night and enjoy communal dinner.
We follow the waterfall Huldufoss and the river Syðri Ófæra unto Alftavötn lake. This dayhike is quiet and slow with time for immersion in the landscape, sit-spot-practices and breaks. We will have several river crossings, where you will initiate your encounters with Iceland's cold waters. This becomes a practice in itself bringing you straight into the present moment. We promise you, at the end of the hike this very well have become your favourite moments. Alftavötn is nestled within a canyon that offers the perfect space for our group to settle into our practices and group connection.
Today we set off on our longest hike, following the Strútstígur trail into the heart of the Highlands. As the valleys unfold, we settle into our natural rhythm of walking in silences, frequent breaks, and sharing conversations in a natural flow. Around halfway, we reach the geothermal pool of Strútslaug. If the pool is in the mood, the water will be just right for a restorative soak. By late afternoon, we'll arrive at the foot of Mount Strútur. With hot showers, comfortable surroundings, and two nights in one place, Strútskáli becomes our home in the wilderness—here we slow down, settle in, and deepen our connection to the land. km: 23 ascend:
Today unfolds at a gentler pace. We begin the morning with time alone in nature before choosing how we wish to spend the day. For those who feel called to explore further, the surrounding landscape offers several rewarding hikes. Others may choose to stay close to the hut—to rest, write, wander nearby, or simply enjoy having nowhere to be. In the evening, we gather once more to share a festive finner on our final evening together in the Highlands.
Hiking across the black sands of Mælifellssandur close by Myrdallsjökull glacer to close the journey at Hvanngil, where we will be picked up and driven to Reykjavík. Expect evening arrival in Reykjavík. km: 13, ascend 170 m.
THE DETAILS
Reviews
This really was a hike closer to my soul. I came to the hike with a broken heart. And after the 5 days of hiking across the Highlands, I felt the heartbreak much less. I walked my worries and the pain out of my brain. I could now accept the pain I was going through as part of my life. That it is beautiful to feel so much as a human, even when it is painful. The cold rivers taught me acceptance and became my new friends. I accepted the exhaustion and was inspired by the beauty of nature, being part of this nature, and my feelings being part of me. These hikes are rightfully called Soulhikes. I got closer to myself and everything connected to human existence. I proudly can say this was the hike of my life so far. Thank you Elsebeth.
The hike wasn't only an astonishing nature experience. It was the perfect pause from day-to-day life to tune inward and come back with renewed energy and creativity. A Soulhike was everything I didn't know I needed.
Book your place
Small groups, never more than 20. Choose your date below — and reach us any time with a question.