Map of One Week Camping in Iceland including Iceland

If you’re after geysers, glaciers and good times, this Iceland experience has got you covered.

Note to self – Greenland is the one with the ice, Iceland is the one with all the green, but you can see why people get the two mixed up. Now you know that, you’ll be able to see why Iceland is high on the list for many adventures. Even searching for pictures from the country turns up with scenes that belong (or should belong) in a Hollywood blockbuster. The cool thing about this 7-day camping trip is you’ll get to see all the beautiful nature first hand, minus the special effects. The hills of Hvolsvollur, Vatnajokull’s frosty glaciers, the bursting Strokkur Geyser and Reykjavik’s party vibes – they’ll all be up close and personal. You better believe this trip has all the good stuff.

This trip is for 18 to 29-year-olds

Some of our under-30 travellers prefer to get around with people their own age. If that’s you, you’re in the right place!

Over 29? We’ve got over 900 other great adventures to choose from for solo travellers, friends, families, food lovers, hiking enthusiasts, and more.


Start
Reykjavik, Iceland
Finish
Reykjavik, Iceland
Destination
Iceland
Style
Basix
Theme
18 to 29s
Code
BIYI
Physical rating
Ages
Min 18, Max 29
Group size
Min 1, Max 16

Travel solo, together

You're never alone when travelling solo with Intrepid

Why you'll love this trip

  • On this trip we are travelling in our own private minibus as this allows us to reach some more off the beaten path destinations and gives us flexibility which would not be possible by public transport. And on top of that all our vehicles in Iceland have complimentary Wi-Fi.

  • There's a lot more to Iceland than ice (and Bjork). Ford the fjords, glaciers, volcanoes, black sands and thermal springs of this magical land in the world's far north.

  • The Eurasian and American tectonic plates may now be pulling apart in Thingvellir National Park, but over a thousand years ago this was the site where Iceland's first parliament came together.

  • Experience a traditional Icelandic barbeque with your small group in the Thorsmork Valley. Taste delicious hot dogs and pieces of meat cooked over an open fire pit.

  • Southern Iceland is a world of striking contrasts. Walk past blue-white icebergs at the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon and soak up the silence of the surrounding grey sand desert.

Is this trip right for you?

  • The destinations visited on this trip can be cold throughout the year, especially at the start and end of the season and at night. Please bring appropriate clothing for adverse weather conditions. There may be the rare occasion where your leader has to alter the itinerary and activities due to the weather. In this case an alternative will be offered.

  • Due to the remote locations we visit, there are a few long drives on this trip. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the scenery and spend some time getting to know the other members of your group.

  • This trip involves camping, giving you access to more remote destinations at close proximity, and the joy of camping under the night skies. This is a participatory trip – a fancy way of saying you’re not just along for the ride, but you are part of a team! Be prepared to roll up your sleeves and help out with camp activities like food prep and washing up. It’s all about giving your new travel mates a hand, and everyone knows there’s nothing worse than trying to put up a tent on your own! Out in the countryside you will be camping near local farmhouses, and all amenities (such as showers) are provided. We will provide the tents and sleeping mats, however you will have to bring your own sleeping bag and pillow.

  • That teamwork also extends to our optional food kitty of approximately is ISK 20,000 (EUR 160) for the trip to cover the cost of meals. This means you don’t have to worry about stuff like where to get food, and actually helps keep your costs down. Instead of paying individually as you go, it means we can bulk purchase items and cook our own food! Iceland can be an expensive destination in many ways, from museum entrance fees to visiting a cafe, but especially in terms of eating out. The kitty is optional and for your convenience, so if you've got specific dietary requirements you can opt out and purchase (and cook) your own food or eat at the local guesthouses, where available.

Itinerary

Hallo! Welcome to Iceland. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm today. Being so far north on the globe, Reykjavik’s daylight can change dramatically between seasons – 4 hours in winter and up to 22 in summer, meaning a lot of time partying or a lot of napping in the sun. Your call! Maybe check out some of the bars with the group once the welcome meeting is over; the nightlife (or late day life?) here is super impressive.
Accommodation
  • Guesthouse (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place. Please note that the guest rooms may be spread across a number of buildings all situated along a quiet street in central Reykjavik, around a 5-minute walk from each other.
Jump out of bed and get ready to follow Iceland’s ‘Golden Circle’ for a day of smooth scenic drives. Arrive at Thingvellir National Park and the Parliament Plains. This is the site of Europe's oldest parliament, founded in AD930. If you notice a big ridge of water in the landscape, you’re probably looking at the Silfra fissure, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are slowly ripping apart. Check out the Strokkur Geyser in the Geysir area and you might catch it when it blasts water through the air. Finally, swing by the Gullfoss double waterfall on the Hvita River before heading to the Hvolsvollur Valley. On your way to camp for the night, there’s the option to stop at Secret Lagoon for some steamy hot springs – it’s up to you! Once settled in at camp, lend a hand with the Hvollsvollur tree planting project. Since the arrival of the first settlers to Iceland, deforestation has taken place in order to make space for pastures. Overgrazing has then led to soil erosion. With this in mind, the owners of the campsite had the idea to start a tree planting project on their land to contribute to lowering CO2 and counteract soil erosion. Do your bit for the environment and get your hands dirty as you plant your own tree in the surrounding hills.
Accommodation
  • Camping (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Golden Circle - Strokkur Geyser & Gullfoss Waterfalll
  • Þingvellir National Park - Parliament Plains
Optional Activities
  • Hvolsvollur Valley - Responsible Travel Tree Planting Activity - ISK2500
  • Fludir - Secret Lagoon - ISK3300
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Total driving time today is around 3.5 hours/250 kilometres. Please note that the tree planting activity is only possible during the summer months from mid-May to mid-September, and depends on weather conditions.
Today, disappear into the green and black hills of Thorsmork (Thor’s Valley) by public 4x4 bus, crossing many fast-flowing rivers on your way. This nature reserve is a favourite with walkers and once you see the oases and waterways below, it’ll be pretty obvious why people keep coming back. The rugged and rocky ridges provide dramatic views of the valleys and rivers beneath. The valley is sheltered on both sides by glaciers which gives an otherworldly feel. You will have time to walk among wooded surroundings and perhaps to head uphill to summit of Valahnukur for some magnificent panoramic views from the top, or hike in the canyon of Stakkholtsgja with a ravine waterfall at its end. In the evening, dig into a special barbeque prepared on an open fire. Icelandic locals have a special relationship with hot dogs, and you haven’t really tasted one until you’ve had one of theirs. The choice of meat is up to the group’s preference, but usually you’ll opt for lamb and some delicious hot dogs.
Accommodation
  • Camping (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Thorsmork Valley - Icelandic Hot Dog Barbeque
Meals Included
  • Dinner
Special Information
Total driving time today is around 3 hours/50 kilometres by public 4x4 bus.
New day; new destination. En route to our next stop, you’ll get to explore Iceland’s beautiful south coast. After checking out some beautiful waterfalls, you’ll get to see Vik’s Black Sand Beach – lined with sand as dark as the night sky. Seriously weird. Afterwards, see some scenic cliffside views of Dyrholaey, known as ‘the arch with the hole’. It’s a stunning sight, but be careful, as it can get real windy. Head to Gerdi for the evening where you'll set up camp for the night.
Accommodation
  • Camping (1 night)
Included Activities
  • South Coast - Dyrholaey Viewpoint
  • Seljalandsfoss - Waterfall Visit
  • South Coast - Skogafoss Waterfall
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
Total driving time today is around 6 hours: 1.5 hours/50 kilometres by 4x4 bus, and 4.5 hours/350 kilometres by road.
Feeling like you could tackle Europe’s largest icecap? In that case, embark on an optional walk on Vatnajokull – you don’t really need any special experience to sign up for a glacier walk here, so don’t let the size scare you. Glaciers like Vatnajokull are sadly melting away due to rising global temperatures, so seriously consider this if it is on your bucket list, as it might not be here in a few years’ time. Alternatively, you may want to visit Fjallsarlon: a glacier lake at the southern end of Vatnajokull. If a relaxing morning is on the cards, you could explore the surroundings of the farmstay and head to the Thorbergur Centre. Later head to the famous glacial lagoon of Jokulsarlon where there’s the option of jumping on a boat to sail around the huge icebergs. After exploring this chilly countryside, return to the campsite at Gerdi for the evening.
Accommodation
  • Camping (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Jokulsarlon - Glacier Lagoon Boat Ride - ISK5700
  • Vatnajokull - Glacier Hike - ISK13900
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
Total driving time today is around 2.5 hours/200 kilometres. Please note that the glacier walk option requires a minimum of 8 people to sign up.
Now it’s time to get back to Reykjavik! But not before you have visited the crashed plane that still sits on the Solheimasandur Beach to this day, which you’ll get to explore. Now that you’ve seen the natural side of Iceland, arrive back into Reykjavik in the early evening. Your leader will take you around town on a short walking tour, and then it's up to you to explore at your own pace. Maybe go window-shopping for a few souvenirs, or alternatively, there is always the option to knock back a few drinks at one of Reykjavik’s quirky bars with your new friends on the last night of this adventure.
Accommodation
  • Guesthouse (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Reykjavik - Reykjavik Walking Tour
  • Vik - Solheimasandur Plane Wreck
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
Total driving time today is around 6 hours / 400 km.
With no activities included for today, you're free to leave at any time, but that doesn’t mean you have to! Perhaps head to the Blue Lagoon, or otherwise, book yourself in to a Silfra Fissure snorkelling adventure, where you’ll discover this underwater ridge with water visibility of up to 120 metres. If you would like to extend your stay in Reykjavik, we’ll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
Optional Activities
  • Laugarvatn - Fontana Geothermal Baths - ISK3950
  • Nauthólsvík - Thermal Beach - Free
  • Reykjavik - Perlan Museum - ISK4990
  • Reykjavik - Silfra Fissure Snorkelling Day Trip - ISK21900
  • Reykjavik - Lava Tunnel Tour - ISK11400
  • Reykjavik - Volcano House - ISK1790
  • Reykjavik - Settlement Exhibition - ISK2500
  • Reykjanes Peninsula - Blue Lagoon - ISK18980
  • Whale Watching (Seasonal) - ISK11000
  • Reykjavik - Saga Museum - ISK3000
  • Reykjavik - Harpa Concert Hall - Free
  • Reykjavik - Maritime Museum - ISK2050
  • Reykjavik - Whales of Iceland Museum - ISK3400
  • Reykjanes Peninsula - Fagradsfjall Active Volcano - ISK10990
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Please note that the Blue Lagoon has limited availability, and during peak times tickets sell out far in advance. We recommend you book your time slot online in advance if you would like to be sure of a certain time/date for your visit: bluelagoon.com.

Meals

2 breakfasts, 1 dinner

Transport

Private minibus with free Wi-Fi, 4x4 bus

Accommodation

Camping (4 nights), Guesthouse (2 nights)

Included activities

  • Golden Circle - Strokkur Geyser & Gullfoss Waterfalll
  • Þingvellir National Park - Parliament Plains
  • Thorsmork Valley - Icelandic Hot Dog Barbeque
  • South Coast - Dyrholaey Viewpoint
  • Seljalandsfoss - Waterfall Visit
  • South Coast - Skogafoss Waterfall
  • Reykjavik - Reykjavik Walking Tour
  • Vik - Solheimasandur Plane Wreck

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our One Week Camping in Iceland trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

1. Participatory camping means that you are expected to chip in with chores such as cooking, washing dishes, setting up and dismantling camp, etc.
2. A single tent supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a tent on this trip. The single tent supplement excludes Days 1 & 6 (Guesthouses) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
3. In Reykjavik accommodation will be at a centrally located guesthouse, with triple share rooms. Out in the countryside you will be camping near local farmhouses, and all amenities (such as showers) are provided. We will provide the tents and sleeping mats, however you will have to bring your own sleeping bag and pillow.
4. At the start of the trip the leader will suggest for you to participate in a voluntary camping meal kitty system. The kitty is an on-ground payment system overseen by the travellers and the leader, designed to fund food shopping at the start of the trip for meals while camping. The recommended amount is ISK 20,000 (approx EUR 160). Please note that this kitty is voluntary, and if you decide not to take part in it you will have the option to eat at the guesthouses instead, and cater for yourself on days when we are on the road. In the event that the group chooses not to proceed with a tipping kitty, your leader will still be on hand for some self-catering tips! Please be aware that dining at guesthouses and restaurants in Iceland can be relatively expensive.

Essential trip information

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