One-Day Wilderness Waterfall Trail Hike

Top Attractions:

Iceland Wilderness Center

Overview

Hike a remote trail in East Iceland where waterfalls tumble into glacier-fed rivers. On this guided tour, you will cross the Jökulsá River on a cableway, visit the old Kleif farm, and trek through quiet birch woods. At the end of the trip, relax and soak in a natural hot spring!

Tour Snapshot

Duration

9-10 hours

Level

Moderate

Availability

june - september

Group

Small (15)

Starting point

Iceland Wilderness Center

End point

Iceland Wilderness Center

Languages

English

Trip style

One-day tours

Minimum age

10 years

What to Expect

On Tour

Guided hiking tour
Admission to the Wilderness Exhibition
Access to the natural hot spring

Transportation

Meet on location
Pick-up & drop-off in Reykjavik

Accommodation & Meals

Meals
Packed lunch and refreshments
Accommodation

Itinerary

9-10 hours

Tour Itinerary Overview

You’ll start your hike at the Wilderness Center located in East Iceland, near the edge of the Icelandic Highlands. Your journey will take you first to the museum’s Wilderness Exhibition, where you’ll have the chance to learn about Iceland’s history and culture!

After that, you’ll hike along the Waterfall Trail that goes right alongside Jökulsá River. The stream drops 600 meters (1968 feet), and stretches over 30 kilometers (18.6 miles). In turn, this results in a series of at least 15 wonderful waterfalls for you to see! The lowest waterfall is located at the abandoned Kleif farm, where your path will take you. Once you soak in the views, you’ll cross the Jökulsá River on an old-fashioned cable cart.

This hiking trip lasts about 6 hours and takes you through some of the most remote landscapes Iceland has to show. Your final stop will be at the Laugarfell Highland Hostel, where you’ll kick back in a natural hot spring.

Pick-up Information

Pick-up starts 60 minutes before departure and is offered from the following locations:

Custom pick-up
Birta Guesthouse
Egilsstaðir Airport
Hótel 1001 Nótt
Hotel Valaskjálf
Icelandair Hotel Hérað
Lake Hotel Egilsstaðir (Gistihúsið Egilsstöðum)
Laufás Guesthouse
Lyngás Guesthouse
Olga Guesthouse
Tehúsið Hostel

Notable Information

Since the Wilderness Center is nestled deep in East Iceland, consider staying a night before or after your hike—with cozy lodging and a hearty breakfast! Contact us.
Pick-ups and drop-offs from the airport can be arranged for 12,000 ISK.
Plans change—we get it. If you need to cancel, you’ll be charged 50% if it’s within 21 days, 75% within 7 days, and 100% within 4 days of the tour.
The guided hike tour starts at the Wilderness Center, located at 64.964220, -15.157244, Múlavegur í Fljótsdal, Egilsstaðir, Iceland.

Meet your operator

At Adventures.com we love transparency, there are operators involved in your booking, we just stay with those we trust. This tour is operated by:

Arctic Adventures

Arctic Adventures is a top Icelandic tour operator known for its small-group experiences. Since 1983, they’ve specialized in guiding travelers through Iceland’s wild terrains, from glaciers to volcanoes. Their tours are all about adventure and sustainability, led by expert guides who make sure every trip is safe, fun, and memorable. Arctic Adventures combines deep local knowledge with a strong commitment to nature, making them a trusted choice for anyone looking to explore Iceland up close and responsibly.

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Packing List

Get ready for your trip, here are some items, you should not forget

What to bring (Required)

Water & Windproof Jacket and Pants
Good hiking boots with ankle support
Sweater
Gloves
Headwear

We're here to answer your questions

The situation at the eruption site can change. Please check regularly for updates on on accessible areas and safety rules.

The situation at the eruption site can change. Please check the newest information on the volcano eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula.

It's very risky, and not allowed to walk on new lava because it's fragile and can break, leading to possible injuries. One of the biggest risks of walking on new lava is breaking the top layer over an unknown lava tube.

It is important for visitors to leave no traces, such as throwing stones at the lava or making inscriptions on it. Lavas are under special protection according to art. 61 of the Nature Conservation Act.

Authorities in Iceland have taken the necessary steps to ensure everyone's safety. Hiking in the area will only be allowed once they give the go-ahead. Keep an eye on the situation and regular updates.

When exploring volcanic areas, it's crucial to maintain a safe distance, be mindful of gas exposure, and know the direction of the wind to avoid any mishaps.

The best and safest way to visit a volcano is with a guided tour. Expert guides will be able to lead you to the eruption site, choosing the most secure paths and the optimal distance to observe the newly formed lava fields so you can get the best, safest, and most enjoyable experience. You can choose to book the hike to the eruption site or book a helicopter tour and see the volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula from above.

It is not obligatory to be accompanied by a professional guide to visit the site. However, taking a guided tour is safer than visiting the eruption site as fellow travelers will accompany you, and a local professional guide will ensure your safety.

Yes, the weather can make all the difference and determine whether you can reach the eruption site or if you will enjoy the journey or not. You can find Weather information here and a gas forecast here.

The hiking trails can be challenging and condition different day by day and even during the day. If you plan to hike to the volcano it is essential to have good hiking shoes, warm clothing and waterproof outerwear.

There are toilets in the parking lot area that have been set up.

Still not convinced?

Customer Care

For Iceland, Scandinavia & Baltic tour

Open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM GMT

Address

Köllunarklettsvegur 2

104 Reykjavík

+354 562 7000

BOOK YOUR TOUR

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