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Hiking in Iceland – 5 days with Reykjavik, Snæfellsnes and Gullfoss

Chris A. | Published: 29/12/2025 | Category: Travel tips
The post is an advertisement for Rolfs Reiser and contains affiliate links
Fottur på Island – 5 dager med Reykjavik, Snæfellsnes og Gullfoss
Photo: Rolfs Reiser

Iceland is a nearby wilderness: lava fields, glaciers, hot springs, and waterfalls – all within day trips from Reykjavik.

The flight time from Norway is comfortable, and you land in a landscape that is both raw and spectacular.

This 5-day holiday trip, organized by the tour operator Rolfs Reiser, is suitable for those who want to experience a lot without changing hotels. You stay in Reykjavik and go on day trips to Snæfellsnes, Grindavík, and Gullfoss.

The program is set up with a calm start in the city, two nice hiking days in varied terrain, and a final main day with UNESCO nature and geysers before the return home.

Tour operator: Rolfs Reiser

Gruppe på fottur med reiseleder i Island

Rolfs Reiser organizes a compact hiking tour to Iceland with a base in Reykjavik and excursions according to the daily program. The trip includes round-trip flights, accommodation, selected meals, excursions, and a Scandinavian tour guide – so you can use your energy on experiences in the terrain.
Les mer og bestill tur til Island her>

Travel program day by day

Day 1: Arrival in Reykjavik and first evening

Kveldsscene i Reykjavik med utsikt mot hav og fjell

Photo: Rolfs Reiser

Soft start in Reykjavik – perfect for settling in before the hiking days.

After arrival, you check in at the hotel in Reykjavik (the group stays centrally in the city). Take a leisurely stroll through the center to get an overview of cafes, the waterfront, and small streets.

The evening is used for a group dinner and a first taste of Icelandic cuisine. It’s a nice way to get to know both your travel companions and the city.

Day 2: Snæfellsnes – coastal path, cliffs, and the Black Church

Kyststi på Snæfellsnes med klipper og utsikt mot Snæfellsjökull

Photo: Rolfs Reiser

A full day with Iceland at its most dramatic: sea, lava, and glacier on the horizon.

The day starts with the hike between Hellnar and Arnarstapi, a coastal path that winds past cliffs, stone arches, and small beaches. The terrain varies, but the pace is comfortable.

After lunch, the hike continues to Búðakirkja, the iconic black church. From here, you walk through green lava fields with moss and flowers before heading up towards the crater rim at Búðarklettur.

Back in Reykjavik, the evening is free. Find a quiet restaurant in the center, or take a late stroll along the harbor.

Distance: approx. 10 km, time: approx. 5 hours, Grade: Easy

Day 3: Grindavík – hike in new lava fields and bath in the Blue Lagoon

Vandring i lavafelt ved Grindavík med damp i bakgrunnen

Photo: Rolfs Reiser

Lava underfoot and hot springs as a reward – a classic Iceland day.

Breakfast at the hotel before transport goes to the fishing village of Grindavík, right by one of Iceland's most active volcanic areas. Here the hike starts in a terrain shaped by recent eruptions, where dark, newly formed lava fields meet older, moss-covered surfaces.

The day ends in the Blue Lagoon – a long, warm bath that feels good after several hours in the field. The evening in Reykjavik is free for your own dinner.

Distance: approx. 15 km, time: approx. 3.5 hours, Grade: Easy

Day 4: Þingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss – Iceland's great classics on foot

Sprekkdalen i Þingvellir med stier og fjell i bakgrunnen

Photo: Rolfs Reiser

UNESCO nature, geothermal fields, and waterfall roar

You start in Þingvellir National Park, where the rift valley cuts through the landscape and you can literally walk between two tectonic plates. Here, it's easy to find the flow in an open, clear terrain.

The journey continues into a geothermal area at Hengill with steaming springs and warm streams in turquoise hues. You will also stop at the Geysir area and at Gullfoss, where meltwater thunders down into a deep gorge.

In the evening, the group gathers for a group dinner in Reykjavik – a nice ending to the big excursion day.

Distance: approx. 13 km, time: approx. 3 hours, Grade: Easy

Day 5: Last morning in Reykjavik and return home

Morgenlys over Reykjavik med fjell i det fjerne

Photo: Rolfs Reiser

A final farewell to Reykjavik and Iceland before returning home.

After check-out, the trip goes to the airport for the return journey. If you have an early departure, you arrange breakfast on your own at the airport. For later departures, you can have breakfast at the hotel before you leave.

The trip is organized in the summer season, usually from May to September, so please book in good time to avoid it being sold out.

Travel tips

  • Pack clothes for all types of weather conditions
  • Sturdy hiking boots are recommended
  • Water bottle of at least 1.5 L for the hikes
  • Bring swimwear for the Blue Lagoon
  • Check departure time and book a trip with Rolf Reiser

For more information, price, and departures

https://www.rolfsreiser.no/fly/fottur-island