Iceland
Hiking in South Iceland: The Drama of Nature
Program No. 10537RJ
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Hiking in South Iceland: The Drama of Nature
Hiking in South Iceland: The Drama of Nature
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Participant Reviews
Based on 53 Reviews
SHOWING
Fantastic trip, nonstop fun and interesting things to do. Fun and interesting people in our group, which exceeded the "Small Group" category, and wonderful guides. Asdis is incredibly knowledgeable about Iceland, its history, geology and much more. Sara is an awesome story teller, full of fun facts, a talented artist, and very creative, a great pair. I felt the group was too large for hiking all together. Some hiking clubs require no more than 12 in a group so as not to impact trails or hold up other groups met along the trail. With 2 leaders, it would be easy to split into two smaller groups, with planned meeting spots along the way. So much to see and do, and more to discover, so I'm hoping for another hiking trip to Iceland as soon as Road Scholar can develop it! Thank you for the opportunity to "discover" and experience Iceland. (Oh, and thank you for "arranging" the good weather we had for most of our trip, plus
"scheduling" the Northern Lights for us to see!)
— Review left September 28, 2025
Hiking southern Iceland is a great way to see the landscape up close and personal while getting a good workout with fellow hikers. The group leaders were excellent and entertaining.
— Review left September 25, 2025
Iceland weather, terrain, culture, beliefs, rainbows, and waterfalls are dramatic. We were on the go from 7:00am until 9:00pm every day. We hiked mountains, with the help of an all terrain bus, visited historical places, explored geothermal technology, including spas and outdoor river spas, even visited a greenhouse. We learned more about Iceland than most tourists ever learn. Be prepared for dramatic changes in weather constantly.
— Review left September 15, 2025
A country with a proud and distinct culture and a unique volcanic and glaciated landscape. If you are looking for something very different, take a tour of this country. The mountain hikes were magical. The climate is wet and cool.
— Review left September 11, 2025
The trip was everything I expected--vigorous hikes in spectacular landscapes coupled with visits to interesting sites such as geothermal power plants, industrial scale greenhouses, and educational geologic exhibits. The many waterfalls and extensive glaciers were impressive. The hotels were comfortable and the meals very good. Our two Icelandic guides and our skilled bus driver (who forded dozens of rivers in the highlands over rough volcanic rock) were knowledgeable, attentive, and in every way superb. Although we experienced intermittent rain and high winds, they were part of the overall Iceland experience. I highly recommend the trip for anyone who loves to hike.
— Review left August 7, 2025
Trip of a lifetime! Hiking in Iceland with Road Scholar was more than I could have imagined. Our Road Scholar leaders, Gunner and Raga, were extremely knowledgeable, they happily shared information on current customs, history, folklore and natural landscapes. Their vast knowledge on hiking trails in the many areas we visited was unparalleled. They adjusted hikes both in length and demand, created two routes for participants to embark on, led us to amazing views, a variety of terrains and flora. An unexpected surprise was the delicious meals provided, simple over the top, as a solo traveler eating meals with the group was welcomed. Our accommodations were comfortable, varied in location and provided opportunities to explore. Prior to departure Road Scholar’s communication was spot on, recommendations for clothing, packing and reading were helpful. Road Scholar’s travel team secured my air travel, when airlines changed schedules I was alerted and Road Scholar handled all the flight adjustments. I highly recommend the Iceland Hiking trip.
— Review left July 9, 2025
This trip was awesome! Iceland is a beautiful varied country and the geology was fascinating. Our leaders were knowledgeable, efficient, welcoming, fun. I learned a lot about lava and geothermal uses. It exceeded my expectations. I'd go back!
— Review left July 8, 2025
TREMENDOUS!
— Review left June 27, 2025
The trip was wonderful. No time to be bored. The hikes were fun with beautiful vistas and not difficult.I had a fluke knee pain on the first hike, I was fine the next day, thanks to the help of Ásdís during the hike. I didn't miss anything the rest of the trip. The guide were very knowledgeable, interesting and fun. I loved to hear about the history throughout the centuries, folks tales, way of of life, climate, etc I was amazed to see the sides of the roads being bare due to the eruptions of the volcanoes. I loved the lupins in the landscape. lol
The accomodations were very good.The food was delicious throughout the trip and excellent at the hotel Skaftafell. Breakfasts, lunch and dinner were incredible. The pack lunch had so much food, I left some of it at the reception and I was not the only one! Big difference with the Stracta hotel, and the dinner there, I think, was so crowded, which we didn't encouter anywhere else. But it didn't upset me. Actually, it was interesting to watch the people. Favorite passtime of french people Lol. The dinners at the Kaftafell were gourmet meals. And also the last meal downtown Rekjavik.
I enjoyed all the activities. The flowers, the tour of Rekjavik, The visit to the Central Electric, the ruins of the vikings, the Lava Center, the boat trip on the lagoon with the seals, the hot water bath at a lagoon and in the river. Quite an experience! The trip in a special bus through incredible landscape and the hike. And of course the numerous falls! The black sand, the birds nesting in the rocks on the side of the cliff.
I am sorry not to know exactly how to write the name of the other guide Okli? He and Ásdís were both wonderful and laid back. I have recommended the trip to friends.
The weather was beautiful the whole trip.
I am sorry it took me so long to write a review but I am in the middle of restoring my house that was completely flooded during the hurricanes. Being gone for 10 days was not ideal, but it was worth it. Thank you.
— Review left June 20, 2025
Hello Road Scholar:
I was on the August 8-14 Iceland trip. It's a bit late to write this but here goes. I was glad we did not go to Blue Lagoon. The lagoon we did go to was good!!
The group was 16 folks, too big for my taste (and four folks did not show up). The bus driver was good, no lead foot and cautious driving. Asdis, the tour guide was good. She is the right person for that that kind of trip and group. She answered questions and explained her answers, At times the explaining was overkill. There were days It felt like "if this Tuesday, this must be Belgium". On/off the bus several times those days. One day there were several stops, two of which Golfas and Geysers. We only got 30 minutes at each spot, but an hour at a green house listening to how they grow flowers in Iceland.
I really felt ripped off/cheated on the water fall and geysers. The day we went to Black Sand beach, again 30 minutes. I learned later there are trails to the bluff above the beach and views and puffins flying overhead. The boat ride on the glacier lake was a pain. Where we had lunch after that boat ride would be the better place to stop and see the ice close up. Asdis said that other place was too expensive. I'd gladly pay the extra fee and skip the ice on the beach and crowded glacier lake tour boat. What was, at times, very boring was Asdis reading a script on Iceland history, Icelandic diet, where they are building sceond homes, the Reformation. Ideally if you use that personal headphone instead the microphone Asdis used, it would have been more comfortable on the long bus rides. With the personal headphones you listen or not to what was being talked about. I did a Road Scholar trip and it was well organized, nice places to stay and meals, but it is not my style of trip.. Smaller group size, more time for hiking. I can do without the mushroom buffet at one lunch and have a nice box lunch and watch the geysers while having lunch. Richard Dabal
— Review left October 14, 2024
This is an active program which will keep you going nonstop from morning to evening. If you like to be active and are able to keep up and handle transitions from place to place this program is an excellent introduction to Iceland. I liked the chance to see and hike the interior as well as learn about the climate and geology of this marvelous island.
— Review left October 7, 2024
An outstanding holistic experience learning about the geology, history, culture and ecology of Iceland.
— Review left October 5, 2024
I felt privileged and blessed to have experienced this immersive hiking program into the pristine, spectacular, diverse beauty of Iceland. As a participant in 9 Road Scholar programs, this one was a special pleasure. To see such diversity in the landscape such as mountain ranges, glaciers, lakes, waterfalls, lava flows, icebergs, lakes, sea coast etc. from the point of view of hiking created an exceptional unique experience. All of this wondrous experience was enhanced by our exceptional guides Dagur and Eyglo and our bus driver, August, whose dedicated leadership, humor and knowledge helped us appreciate their beloved country.
— Review left October 3, 2024
A truly wonderful trip. Every aspect of the planning and hosting of this trip was outstanding. This is a truly beautiful and enchanting country, and the trip was a powerful and inspirational introduction to Iceland for us. We could not recommend this trip more highly!
— Review left October 3, 2024
Hiking is the best way to experience unique and spectacular Iceland. Although we visited the sites most visitors see, we also got inland and off the beaten track. Our time in the Highlands was particularly special. Most of the group did all the daily 6-8-or-so mile hikes, as well as the 12 mile finale in the Highlands! Our guides were great shepherds, and we learned much about Iceland's folklore, energy production and use, politics, and geology. Also, I recommend visiting Iceland in September: we had great weather, and though busy in some spots, I imagine summer crowds are over-whelming this small country.
— Review left October 2, 2024
I loved this trip! The itinerary provided a perfect variety of experiences including great hiking, views of glaciers, geysers and stunning waterfalls and education on the geology of Iceland. The 2 guides were excellent. Their knowledge on the geology and cultural aspects of Iceland enhanced the whole experience. The hotels were nice. Meals were above average.
I highly recommend this trip!
— Review left September 27, 2024
Beautiful landscape, great leaders with amazing knowledge. Enjoyed the trip. It is a trip of lifetime!
— Review left September 23, 2024
Our trip was AMAZING! The guides, Asdis and Anna, were very professional, passionate about Iceland and informative. Kept us engaged throughout the tour. Our driver, Morten, is a very kind man and engaging, he took very good care of us. Would love to go on another tour with this group.
We found the country landscapes to be very dramatic in every location. Asdis lead us on the hikes that took us to some very unique and spectacular places...as well as some well-deserved thermal pools, and cooling streams. Whereas Anna, being the good "shepherd" kept the group together from the rear.
Here are a few suggestions that we feel would improve the experience for all, and a couple personal suggestions as well:
*Maybe add a day to the trip. The first day wasn't even spent in Iceland, it was an overnight (red eye) flight to Keflavik. Several days were quite busy, making several short stops and not allowing us to really soak up the experience...at times it felt rushed. Would also like to have stayed an additional night at one of the single night hotels, especially Hotel Laki.
*More Seafood
*Better communication with hotels and resteraunts regarding dietary needs. We noted on the dietary needs as requiring Gluten Free meals. There were a few locations that were confused in this regard.
*Suggest that RS acknowledge special events reported by the travelers. We had an anniversary during the trip that was noted in our personal information.
*Better communication with Airport Transfers to Hotel when deviating from the original flight. We flew in the day before via RS and expected RS to take care of the transfer to hotel.
These are NOT major issues, and none of them affected our experience negatively. We had a wonderful time!
We are also considering another RS trip to Iceland to see more of the country.
— Review left August 29, 2024
One of the things I enjoyed so much about my trip with Road Scholar is that most (if not all) of the other participants were also interested in learning and sharing. It's fun to be with folks who also like to learn! Also, most folks have also done some or a lot of international travel. It was good to compare stories and to get ideas for future travel.
— Review left August 16, 2024
Wonderful program! I would strongly recommend this. Excellent guides, delicious meals, stunning views and good activity. Hiking was not very difficult, but the program and the scenery/views were spectacular.
— Review left August 9, 2024
The trip was excellent. Group leaders, Asdis and Sara were exceptional. The driver, Jon, was wonderful as well. I learned a lot. The hiking was lovely. Iceland was great. I'm an experienced hiker, so I didn't find the hiking challenging, but very enjoyable. Getting to go in the natural hot thermal rivers was a lot of fun. We experienced things you don't normally get to do. It would've been nice to have a little bit more downtime before dinner.
— Review left August 2, 2024
A fabulous trip that includes both hiking and learning about geothermal greenhouses, Icelandic history and geology. It also includes unique experiences like bathing in a river fed by a hot spring during and/or after a hike.
Both group leaders (Asdis and Sara) were very knowledgeable about Iceland, enthusiastic about sharing the history and culture of Iceland as well as creating a friendly and cohesive group.
The hikes are demanding but not impossible if you prepare for them in advance of the trip. Although I had concerns about the length and elevation gain associated with the last hike, both group leaders assured me that I could complete the hike-and they were correct.
— Review left July 29, 2024
This is a trip not to be missed. Hiking is the best way to see this country and the tour chooses them well. Words and pictures do not represent the wildness of this part of the world. You will love Icelanders and leave wanting to come back.
— Review left July 25, 2024
Hiking in Southern Iceland is a very rich experience in the culture and natural wonders of Iceland as well as a collection of fun and diverse hikes.
— Review left October 2, 2023
A fantastic trip, a gorgeous country, lovely guides. It was all so delightful. I would definitely go anywhere with Road Scholar in the future.
— Review left September 29, 2023
Excellent trip made so by our fantastic group leaders. They gave us a comprehensive taste of Icelandic lifestyle and culture.
Cautionary Note: 6 out of 24 in the group tested positive for Covid upon returning home. Lesson learn-continue to wear mask when indoors during the trip. Suspect that Covid was contracted at either a hotel or restaurant.
— Review left September 17, 2023
This trip was an outstanding hiking, sightseeing, and learning adventure. The scenery is other-worldly in many places and in others just plain outstanding. The guides were truly remarkable in their knowledge and skill and the bus driver made you feel safe on whatever road you traveled. The fact that our 2 guides came from different backgrounds was complementary. Our fellow travelers were all very nice and had much to share.
— Review left September 14, 2023
Iceland is an amazing place with beautiful and diverse scenery. I enjoyed every outing to some place new.
— Review left September 14, 2023
Incredible program. Fabulously beautiful hiking and excellent and experienced guides (Harpa and Ragga). A lot of variety. Accommodations were good and food was wonderful. Would highly recommend.
— Review left August 25, 2023
Nothing less than awesome! I loved it all. Thx!!
— Review left August 19, 2023
This is a well balanced and paced program which provides an excellent sampling of the amazing country of Iceland. The day hikes varied from flat to more challenging terrain, but quite manageable for most folks of reasonable fitness and hiking experience. If possible, I suggest adding extra days for independent travel. So much to see, so little time. Don’t forget your swimming suit for geothermal soaking!
— Review left August 19, 2023
This was such an amazing trip, my first Road Scholar. Starting with the amazing guides we had - Garðar Vilhjálmsson. His general knowledge of the history of Iceland and ability to teach the rest of us through his love of Iceland was priceless. Really loved him! Then Soffia Sigurðardóttir, she was so knowledgeable about so many different subjects. They were both caring and a pleasure to have. The group was cohesive and just great group of people. The sites we visited each one different and diverse from the last. I am still dreaming of Iceland and wishing I was back on my wonderful adventure/vacation. I was also pleasantly surprised that my vegan diet was not an issue on this trip. Really cannot say enough good things about this trip. Ready for my next trip. Thank you for the best experience ever!!
— Review left July 29, 2023
For experienced hikers, Iceland is a wonderland! The varied terrains, from glaciers and volcanoes to lava fields and geothermal pools, make for interesting and challenging hiking. It was also fun to learn a bit about Icelandic history, language, and culture. And the trip leaders were both wonderful.
— Review left July 7, 2023
Amazing is the only way to describe that adventure! Such an incredible experience all made possible by our fabulous guides, Harpa and Milla. They made the trip so much better than I expected because of their knowledge and experiences. The scenery was beyond beautiful, from the lava to the waterfalls to the glaciers and rainbows. I highly recommend this trip for people who are in good shape and want to truly experience South Iceland!
— Review left October 19, 2022
What an adventure! This was a fantastic experience that was challenging for me, but the group was so supportive and the leaders did a wonderful job accommodating the varied levels of fitness. We saw things we would not have been able to in a regular tour. Surprises were found around every mountain and stream.
— Review left October 5, 2022
Another 5-star trip thanks to RS. Iceland is an amazing country, so very different. This program could easily have been longer, there is just so much to see and enjoy.
— Review left October 4, 2022
The Road Scholar Guides, Harpa and Milla, were exceptional. The other hikers in my group were great - really nice people and a lot of fun. This is exactly what I needed and I’m so glad I went. Will definitely tour with Road Scholar again.
— Review left October 2, 2022
This trip was amazing. We experienced much that Southern Iceland has to offer. The group participants became like family in a very short time. We developed a cohesion with everyone in the group, making the experience even richer. I highly recommend this trip to those interested in exploring the land of fire and ice.
— Review left October 2, 2022
This is a program delivering hiking and enjoying the natural wonders of Iceland, but we also learned information about many many human endeavors. Highly recommended!
— Review left September 30, 2022
Excellent trip! Traveling in July provided just about 'round the clock light, and, we had a fair amount of rain, drizzle, and wind. The views on the hikes were spectacular, and you will love the Blue Lagoon on the day of arrival. The trip to the geothermal plant and sustainable green house were very interesting. Our guides, Dagur and Helgi were were fun and knowledgeable. And, the group was incredible as well, sharing many laughs and pictures. I thoroughly enjoyed Hiking in South Iceland and I can't imagine that you wouldn't enjoy this trip too; it is five stars!
— Review left July 23, 2022
Trip of a lifetime!
— Review left July 20, 2022
Very fun. I think saving the Blue Lagoon for last would be a nice way to end the trip.
— Review left July 14, 2022
The trip Hiking in South Iceland was an excellent trip. Be prepared to be challenged by the weather and the hikes. Be prepared to be overwhelmed by the beauty of the landscape of Iceland.
— Review left October 10, 2021
It was an excellent hiking trip with a very charming, fun and knowledgeable guide, Asdis. She had the foresight to shift gears when there was forecasted bad weather coming to the Highland area. The alternative plan was great.
Iceland weather was tricky and very unpredictable. I unfortunately did not bring rain pants (bad planning!) but we ended up going to IceWear (shop for ourdoor-sy clothing) and voila! I procured my rain pants.
Hotel accommodations and meals were well thought through. Although, the hotel in Skeftafall could have had better amenities, in particular the Lilliputian shower stall. However, the views made up for it.
Overall, it was a very good trip! I recommend it for hikers.
— Review left October 7, 2021
I wish I could have spent more time on this one. This was a great trip, with lots of hiking, good food, wonderful people, a great guide, and a good group of fellow travelers. Be prepared with good hiking and cold weather gear.
— Review left October 7, 2021
Wild weather but a beautiful country with welcoming people. The hikes were as described, but when they say bring water proof- they mean it!
— Review left October 2, 2021
Learned a great deal about the geology and people of Iceland. Hiking and scenery were spectacular. Highly recommend!
— Review left August 17, 2021
This trip is a wonderful introduction to Iceland if you have some stamina! The activities give you a great taste of the country: scenery, people, food, history, and more.
— Review left August 17, 2021
This program provided stunning hiking opportunities in Iceland. It is the only Road Scholar program which ventures into the Iceland Highlands for an overnight stay and hike. The Highlands, only accessible by 4x4 car or bus able to ford streams and drive on steep gravel roads, was the highlight of my trip. Highly recommended for fit and experienced hikers who want to explore Iceland's beauty.
— Review left August 13, 2021
This was a great trip. We had wonderful weather and the guides were the best.
— Review left August 12, 2021
This was a wonderful trip. I've always wanted to visit Iceland and this trip actually exceeded all my fantasies.
— Review left September 3, 2019
This was an amazing and memorable trip. Everyday, we traveled to and hiked in new terrain while learning a lot about Iceland's history and culture. The guides, Milla and Hrefna, were outstanding and they made the trip as rich and full as possible. While there was time spent on a bus on rough roads, it was well worth it as this allowed us to see so many different landscapes.
— Review left August 29, 2019
Great trip. Our leaders, Tarpa and Svana were terrific. The landscapes and waterfalls were beautiful. The hiking was fun. Best tomato soup ever. If you like to jog in the evening, don't bring your reflector vest - 24 hour daylight!
— Review left June 25, 2019