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A line of hikers crosses a wide gravel plain toward highland mountains under blue sky

Icelandic highlands (Strútstigur) · 5 days

Into the Wild Highlands

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.

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  • Duration5 DAYS
  • DatesJun-Aug 2027
  • GroupMAX 20
  • DifficultyMODERATE
  • Fromfrom €2,129
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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

Hikers on a hill
Crossing the valleys towards Strútskali.
Rivercrossing
When the current is strong, we cross in pairs.
Group leaving Alftavötn
Alftavötn trails
The characteristic mount Strútur that gives Strútstigur its name.
The characteristic mount Strútur that gives Strútstigur its name.
Hiker crossing Mælifellssandur
Mælifellssandur desert
strutskali mountain hut
Arrival at Strútskali mountain hut at the foot of Mt. Strútur.
Mælifell and Strutur
Iconic Mælifell and Strútur.
Landmannalaugar Rhyolite landscape
Landmannalauguar Rhyolite Rainbow Landscape.

THE TRAIL

Day by day

  1. Day 1 — Transition to the Highlands

    We depart early morning with the Highland bus from Reykjavík to Landmannalaugar in the Fjällabak Nature Reserve in the Southern highlands of Iceland. We spend the day hiking the Landmannalaugur trails and soaking in the natural thermal pool - preparing our minds and bodies for the challenges ahead. Late afternoon we will be driven deeper into the Highlands to Hólaskjol Highland Center, where we spend the night and enjoy communal dinner. Depending on trails chosen: 5-10 km.

  2. Day 2 — Journey with water to Álftavötn

    7KM. ELEVATION: 119M

    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.

  3. Day 3 — Crossing the plains

    21 KM. ELEVATION: 775M

    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.

  4. Day 4 — Deepening and exploring

    13KM. ELEVATION 425 M. (OPTIONAL)

    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.

  5. Day 5 — The Return

    13 KM. ELEVATION GAIN: 170 M

    Hiking across the vast glacial sand desert and wetlands of Myrdallsjökull, we move through a landscape that beautifully summons the essence of our journey. Frequent water crossings and soft, volcanic sand invite bare feet, slowing us down and creating deep silences where the journey can gently land within you. We will close our journey at Hvanngil, where we’ll be picked up and driven back to Reykjavík. Expect to arrive in Reykjavík in the evening.

THE DETAILS

What's included, and what's not

What's included

  • Three meals a day
  • Transport from BSÍ to the highlands and back
  • Mountain-hut accommodation
  • Baggage transport between huts
  • Two guides

Not included

  • International flights to/from Iceland
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal hiking clothing & gear (boots, layers, pack)

GUIDE & SAFETY

You're in certified, careful hands.

Every Soulhike is led by Elsebeth Molberg Thing — a certified Wilderness First Responder (NOLS Wilderness Medicine) and a warden on the Fimmvörðuháls trail. On the highland hikes we walk with two guides carrying satellite-connected radios and a direct line to Björgunarsveitin (Iceland's volunteer search & rescue), so you can safely let go and be present.

See how we keep you safe
  • Certified WFR (NOLS Wilderness Medicine)
  • Warden on the Fimmvörðuháls trail
  • Two guides + satellite comms on highland routes
  • Direct line to Iceland's search & rescue

Reviews

What past Soulhikers say

  • 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.
    Marcel S.
  • 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.
    Astrid L.Sweden

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