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Fiery volcanoes, icy glaciers, and dramatic landscapes

Iceland Hike

An adventurous journey of discovery: Descend into an actual magma chamber, visit multiple geothermal spectacles, and sample authentic local cuisine in Reykjavík.

Overview

An active exploration in the great outdoors

For travelers looking for equal parts thrills and geological education, this trip is not to be missed. We hike landscapes unlike any found anywhere else on the planet, engage with and learn from locals, and, yes, descend 400 feet into the Three Peaks Magma Chamber, the only accessible volcano chamber on Earth.

Other trip highlights include visits to Thingvellir National Park (where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet), the stunning Thorsmörk Nature Reserve, and Mount Hekla, one of Iceland’s most famous and active volcanoes. We also get a private, in-depth look at the Hellisheiði Power Station, the eighth-largest geothermal power plant in the world and the harness for the country’s abundant geothermal energy.

Dates

June 19–28, 2026

Duration

10 days

Price

From $15,495 per person

Trip size

22 participants
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Faculty leader

A different kind of classroom

With renowned Stanford faculty and scholars leading the way, every Travel/Study trip is a one-of-a-kind educational experience.

Ayla Pamukçu

Earth and Planetary Sciences

Professor Pamukçu works on unlocking the history of volcanoes through observations and data spanning a wide range of scales and perspectives.

Learn more about Ayla

“Professor Ayla's knowledge was wide-ranging, and her presentations were entertaining, relevant, and educational.”

—Bernardette Arellano

Itinerary

Chart your course of discovery

From Reykjavík to South Iceland's Thorsmörk and Kerlingarfjöll in the Highlands, we cover a vast range of landscapes. Hike through green valleys and along volcanic ridges, stand before stunning waterfalls, and soak up stunning views of glaciers, lava fields, herds of reindeer, and unearthly barren landscapes.

  • Reykjavík, Iceland

    Upon arrival, transfer to our hotel. After checking in and getting settled, set out on a walking tour of the city, stopping at various local establishments to sample authentic Icelandic food. Enjoy a welcome dinner this evening.

    Accommodations:

    Hotel Exeter

    Included meals: Lunch and dinner

  • Reykjavík

    Today, we tour the Hellisheiði Power Station, one of the largest geothermal power plants in the world. Learn how Hellisheiði harnesses the country's abundant geothermal energy to provide electricity and hot water to the capital and surrounding areas. After lunch, journey to the center of the earth as we descend 400 feet into the Three Peaks Magma Chamber of the Thrihnukagigur volcano. Discovered in 1974 by cave explorer Árni Stefánsson, Thrihnukagigur is the only volcano in the world where visitors can take an elevator safely into the chamber. Later this afternoon, transfer to the Landhótel, which serves as our jumping off point for exploring South Iceland and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

    Accommodations:

    Landhótel

    Included meals: Lunch, dinner and breakfast

  • Thorsmörk Nature Reserve

    Spend today in Thjorsmörk Nature Reserve, where we hike the Tindfjöll Circle through lush valleys and along volcanic ridges, taking in stunning glacier views. We may see colorful wildflowers, Arctic foxes, and herds of reindeer, while also looking out for ptarmigans, golden plovers, and the strikingly patterned redwing.

    Accommodations:

    Landhótel

    Included meals: Lunch, dinner and breakfast

  • Fjallabak Nature Reserve

    Today, explore the Fjallabak Nature Reserve, home to Mount Hekla, which is known for its explosive eruptions throughout the centuries. As we hike through the barren landscape, enjoy views of lava fields, Valahnúkur mountain, Valagjá crater, and the stunning Rauðufossar waterfall.

    Accommodations:

    Landhótel

    Included meals: Lunch, dinner and breakfast

  • Gjáin / Haukadalur Valley

    Start today in Gjáin, a picturesque canyon of cascading streams and splendid Arctic flora. Hike upstream of the Fossá River towards Iceland’s highest waterfall, Háifoss. Continue to the Haukadalur Valley and check in to our family-run hotel enjoying the rest of the day at leisure to visit the nearby hot springs.

    Accommodations:

    Hotel Geysir

    Included meals: Lunch, dinner and breakfast

  • Gullfoss and Thingvellir National Park

    Set out this morning for a hike along the Hvítá, a glacial river that flows to Iceland’s most famous waterfall, Gullfoss. Next, visit Fridheimar, a family-run geothermal greenhouse. Tour the farm and enjoy lunch featuring their renowned heirloom tomatoes. This afternoon, continue to Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site that lies in the rift valley between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.

    Accommodations:

    Hotel Geysir

    Included meals: Lunch, dinner and breakfast

  • Kerlingarfjöll

    This morning, leave South Iceland behind as we drive to the Kerlingarfjöll mountain range in the Icelandic Highlands. Arrive at Highland Base in time for lunch. Venture out on a guided hike to explore the extreme wilderness surrounding our lodge.

    Accommodations:

    Highland Base

    Included meals: Lunch, dinner and breakfast

  • Kerlingarfjöll

    Today, we take in the open space, mountains, and glaciers of Kerlingarfjöll, which translates to “Old Lady Mountain.” According to local folklore, the name originates from a singular rock pillar named “Kerling,” believed to be the remains of a female troll who roamed these mountains until she was finally caught in the sunlight and turned to stone. Hike to the summit on Snækollur for a magnificent 360° view of this majestic terrain.

    Accommodations:

    Highland Base

    Included meals: Lunch, dinner and breakfast

  • Kerlingarfjöll / Reykavík

    This morning, we return by road to Reykavík, stopping along the way for lunch and to soak up the views and stretch our legs. Gather this evening to toast our journey at a farewell dinner.

    Accommodations:

    Hotel Exeter

    Included meals: Lunch, dinner and breakfast

  • Reykavík / Home

    After breakfast, transfer to the airport to catch flights returning home.

    Included meal: Lunch

Trip details

Start preparing for the trip of a lifetime

From top to bottom, we’ve taken care of all the details, so you can enjoy a no-stress, worry-free travel experience.

Hiking in Iceland

While a few tours and excursions are included in this program, the primary focus of this trip is walking and hiking. This trip should be considered only by people for whom hiking and being in nature are the main goal. Temperatures in Iceland this time of year can vary from the low 40s overnight to the low 60s during the day, and rain is likely over the course of our program. We hike rain or shine!

Highland Base

Activity level

Our walks and hikes are led by experienced hiking guides and range from 6–11 miles a day (approximately 4–6 hours) over rugged and uneven terrain. Paths may be wet and slippery in places and muddy at times. Travelers must be able to navigate rocky paths without the assistance of tour staff. In addition, some days require long ascents and descents lasting from 1–1.5 hours, with a maximum of 2,400 feet of elevation gain/loss in any one day.

Travelers are responsible for carrying their own daypack with rain gear, extra layers, sunscreen, a water bottle, and any other personal items. On some days, we carry our own lunches. There is no support vehicle or other opportunity to deviate from excursions, such that participants must commit to hiking with the group for the entire day. Additionally, our long hikes necessitate making use of a bush, tree, rock, or whatever else the terrain might provide when “nature” is the only restroom available.

Pricing

Secure your spot today

The price of your trip covers a comprehensive educational program in addition to meals, accommodations, tours, and excursions. Continue reading for a full list of what’s included.

Price

Double occupancy:
$15,495 per person

Single occupancy:
$16,995 per person

Stanford Alumni Association nonmembers add $450 per person.

What’s included?

  • Educational program with lecture series and pre-departure materials, including an education resource list and travel information

  • Services of our professional tour manager to assist you throughout the program

  • All meals, tours, and excursions as described in the itinerary

  • Gratuities to guides and drivers for all group activities

  • 9 nights of deluxe hotel accommodations

  • Transfers and baggage handling on program arrival and departure days

  • Minimal medical, accident, and evacuation coverage 

You are responsible for your personal travel expenses, including flights to and from the program.

Deposits, payments, and cancellations

A $2,500-per-person deposit is required to reserve space on this program. Final payment is due 150 days prior to program start. Deposits and any payments are refundable, less a $1,000-per-person cancellation fee, until 150 days prior to program start. After that date, refunds can be made only if the program is sold out and we resell your place(s), in which case a $2,500-per-person cancellation fee will apply.

Join us in Iceland

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