The 3 Peaks Challenge in Iceland
An otherworldly summit-bagging expedition amidst epic scenery in the land of fire and ice
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with local, expert mountaineering guidesHotel
5 nights in cosy 3-star hotelsMeals
All breakfasts are includedTransfers
Pick up and drop off at your accommodation in Reykjavik, and everything in betweenEquipment
All your climbing equipmentSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 12 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
What's it like?
Learn how to use ice axes, ropes and crampons as you clamber to Vörðuskeggi Peak (805m) and climb the infamous Eyjafjallajökull volcano (1651m)
Tackle a lung-busting ascent in the Vatnajökull National Park to the snow-encrusted summit of Iceland's highest peak, Hvannadalshnúkur (2110m)
Wonder at Iceland's classic sights between summits - spectacular geysers, thundering waterfalls and the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon
Deemed 'a perfect introduction to mountaineering' by The Independent
Key Information
Day 1
Welcome to Reykjavik
Head to Iceland’s capital Reykjavik. After checking into your guesthouse, set off and explore the city’s huge array of quaint bars, cafes, art museums and churches.
Day 2
Vörðuskeggi Peak and classic Iceland sights
Hiking
Your guides will pick you up at your accommodation in Reykjavik at 08:00 and drive you east, to the Hengill volcano massif. Get stuck into the challenge straight away with a climb up Vörðuskeggi Peak (805m). From the top you can see Lake Þingvellir and Langjökull to the north, as well as Eyjafjallajökull and the distant Westman Islands. Later in the day, you'll catch some of Iceland's famous sights - the geothermal area at Geysir and the waterfall of Gullfoss - before driving to your hotel in the area of Flúðir.
Day 3
Summit Eyjafjallajökull
Hiking
Fuel up on breakfast at the hotel before setting off to climb the infamous Eyjafjallajökull – best known for erupting in 2010 and causing enormous disruption to air travel across western and northern Europe for several days. It is a 1651m high stratovolcano with a magnificent view from the top. The ascent is a doozy – expect around 1600m of elevation and 9-12 hours of pure Icelandic wilderness hiking and climbing.
Day 4
Explore Iceland's south coast
Take a day away from the peaks and rest the legs a little, as you explore the beautiful south coast. Head to the black beach of Reynisfjara, the picturesque village of Vík and into Skaftafell National Park to see the stunning glacier lagoon at Jökulsárlón. Enjoy dinner and an early night at your hotel – the trip's biggest challenge awaits you tomorrow...
Day 5
Iceland's highest peak
Hiking
Today is the big one as you make the ascent of Hvannadalshnúkur (2110m) – Iceland’s highest peak. Make no mistake, this is a seriously tough summit: with 2000m of ascent, it can take 12-14 hours (though there are plenty of daylight hours this far north in summer). Your guides will assist with the technical sections and show you how to safely use ice axes and ropes when needed – you will have had ample tuition and preparation on the previous days. The peak of Hvannadalshnúkur is on the north-western rim of the Öræfajökull volcano and promises an unforgettable ascent, with breathtaking panoramic views. Celebrate your achievement back at the hotel with a well-earned beer and dinner, before you collapse into bed.
Day 6
Back to Reykjavik
With three successful ascents under your belt, make your way back westward along the scenic south coast of Iceland, passing beneath Eyjafjallajökull and stopping to visit the Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon, as well as the waterfalls at Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss. You'll arrive back in Reykjavík in the late afternoon, where you'll bid your guides farewell.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 3 – Day 5
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 6
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
You'll fuel up each morning with breakfast buffets at the hotels, where cereals, fruit, pastries, bread, cheese, meats, jams, tea and coffee are on offer.
You'll need to buy a packed lunch each day to take out on the summits with you - your host will arrange this either at local shops/cafes/bakeries, or from the hotels. You'll need to budget £15-20 ($18-25) for a good-sized lunch. Dinners will be taken at each of the hotels on the trip, where there are various options on the menu. Hotel Flúðir has particularly good food, with traditional Icelandic dishes made using organic produce. You should budget £20-25 ($25-31) for dinners.
Due to the tough nature of this trip, we recommend you bring a good supply of your favourite hiking snacks, protein or energy bars to supplement your meals.
Vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for - please just request this on your passenger info form.
What is the accommodation like?
Reykjavik
On your first night of the trip you'll stay in one of a selection of 3* star hotels dotted around the centre of Reykjavik. Depending on availability it'll be either the Hotel Leifur Eiriksson, or one of the Fosshotel Baron, Fosshotel Lind or Fosshotel Raudará. They are all similarly located, a stone's throw from bars and cafes in the heart of Reykjavik. You'll stay in twin-share rooms as standard, with private bathrooms.
Hotel Flúðir
You'll spend one night at Hotel Flúðir, a short drive away from Geysir and Gulfoss Waterfall. This modern Icelandic hotel has comfortable twin-share rooms with ensuite bathrooms. It has a restaurant which serves traditional Icelandic food made from organic produce, as well as a lobby bar to relax in.
Hotel Skógafoss
You'll spend one night at Hotel Skógafoss, right next to the iconic waterfall of the same name and at the foot of the Eyjafjallajökull glacier, which you'll have summited earlier in the day. The hotel has a restaurant, lounge and bar where you can rest and refuel after your summit exploits. You'll stay in twin-share rooms with en-suite bathrooms.
Hotel Skaftafell
Your base for nights four and five is the Hotel Skaftafell. Located in an incredible spot, the hotel has stunning views of Hvannadalshnjukur as well as the largest glacier in Europe - Vatnajökull. You'll stay in twin-share rooms with en-suite bathrooms.
Upgrades
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room can be booked for an extra charge, see Optional Extras for the price. Please request this at the time of booking (this is subject to availability).
If you'd like to extend your stay in Iceland your host can also help to arrange extra nights' accommodation in Reykjavik before or after the tour (subject to availability). Prices are available on request from your host.
This trip has been rated as Tough
You'll need to be very fit with some experience of big trekking days with elevation gain and loss in the thousands of metres. You won't need any technical mountaineering or climbing experience, as your guides will lead you through any sections that require ice axes, ropes and harnesses. There will be crevasses to deal with and steep inclines over icy ground. Bring along a keen love of adventure as well as strong fitness levels and trekking experience. Iceland's weather is notoriously fickle, so the conditions will play a part.
What will I need to carry?
During the summit hikes you'll only need to carry a small day rucksack containing personal items, extra clothing layers, snacks, water etc. Your larger main luggage will be transported for you.
As the old Icelandic saying goes, “If you don’t like the weather, wait 5 minutes.” Icelandic weather is famously fickle so you’ll need to prepare for anything - from balmy all-day sunshine in the mid-twenties, to wind, rain - and everything in between! This is all part of the adventure, but be sure to pack good waterproofs in case the rain gods come calling. At the higher altitudes you'll be reaching on this trip, the temperatures drop down to near freezing at times and the snow cover increases.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Reykjavik accommodation
Flexible - arrive any time on Day 1
Ends
Reykjavik (your accommodation or the bus station)
17:00 on Day 6
Transfers
Your adventure starts at your hotel in downtown Reykjavik. When you arrive at Keflavik Airport you'll need to hop on one of the frequent Flybus services operated in connection with all arriving flights at Keflavik Airport. You can buy a ticket in advance on the Flybus website or at the Flybus desk in the Keflavik terminal - tickets cost £20/€24/$27 each way. The bus is very easy to find right outside the arrival terminal - just look for signs for Flybus. Your host will provide details on where you need to get off the bus and how to find your hotel in the pre-departure information you are sent prior to travelling to Iceland.
On Day 6 your host will drop you at your Reykjavik accommodation if you are staying on in Iceland, or at the central bus station if you are taking the Flybus straight to the airport (for any late evening flights departing after 8pm).
Travel options
There are regular flights to Iceland from airports across the UK, Europe and North America.
Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear
In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 12.5% discount to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.
What's included?
- Ice axes
- Harness
- Ropes
- Crampons
What do I need to bring?
BAGS
- Soft overnight duffel bag or rucksack
- Day backpack for extra clothes and lunch pack during the day, 30 – 40L
- Waterproof liner for daypack
CLOTHES
- Down jacket with hood
- Waterproof and windproof jacket with hood
- Waterproof and windproof trousers
- Breathable wicking layers
- Fleece jacket or similar
- Thermals (merino best)
- Warm hat
- Gloves - 2 pairs, waterproof
- Gaiters – calf or knee height and wide enough for your boots
- Socks, woollen or synthetic, 4-5 pairs
- Buff or neckscarf
- Lightweight trousers/shorts/skirts
- T-shirts
- Underwear
- Sunglasses
- Sunhat
- Something to sleep in
- Hiking boots (worn-in) with good ankle support and water resistance, i.e Goretex
- Sandals
OTHER
- Hiking poles
- Universal travel plug adapter
- Power bank or solar charger
- Passports (and visas)
- Travel insurance documents
- Ear plugs
- Suncream
- Thermal mat (for lunch breaks on the snow)
- Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
- Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
- Quick-dry towel
- Alcohol hand-gel
- Reusable water bottle x2 litre and/or bladder x2 litre
- Lunch box
- Biodegradable wet-wipes
- Energy bars and snacks - read our article on Best Hiking Snacks
Double/Twin Room in Reykjavik: 2024 Prices starting from...
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Double/Twin Room in Reykjavik: 2024 Prices starting from...
… Per Night
Double/Twin Room in Reykjavik: 2025 Prices starting from...
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Double/Twin Room in Reykjavik: 2025 Prices starting from...
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Single Room in Reykjavik: 2024 Prices starting from...
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Single Room in Reykjavik: 2024 Prices starting from...
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Single Room in Reykjavik: 2025 Prices starting from...
Payable Before Departure
Single Room in Reykjavik: 2025 Prices starting from...
… Per Night
Optional Private Room Upgrade
Payable Before Departure
Optional Private Room Upgrade
… Per Person
Once in a lifetime experience!
Wonderful itinerary for the trip; however, unfortunately we were not able to climb the highest peak due to weather. Though, our guide Jon more than made up for the loss and we did two wonderful alternative hikes. Jon was excellent as a guide--kind, caring, and very informative.
Iceland is one of the most beautiful countries--would highly recommend
Highlight after Highlight
This trip was simply unreal, covering a large portion of the south coast of Iceland. Its difficult to pick out a single highlight on this trip as it was simply highlight after highlight with a packed out itinerary. Its rated as tough with long mountaineering days but if you've done the training you'll really enjoy this adventure, but if you're unsure and are only starting to get into mountaineering the Summit Ben Nevis & Lean Winter Skills is a great option to prepare for this.
We got excellent weather conditions when climbing Hvannadalshnjúkur and standing on-top of the highest point of Iceland was such an accomplishment.
Our main guide Jon, support guides Kaspar & Soffia were very professional and are such a great team to have on the mountains. Also, the accommodation, food and transport was some of the best I've experienced.
So glad I booked this one, new mountaineering friends and great memories! :)
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