ICELAND – Jochen Mattern

ICELAND 2024

Please Note

All activities in the itinerary are subject to change based on weather conditions.

No person is obligated to follow the itinerary. This is a suggestion, and it is flexible to what the group desires.

You are also welcome to plan activities for yourself or as a couple as you see fit. If you would like support in doing so, please contact Natalie and Jochen.

Important information

Northern Lights

The northern lights should be considered an exciting plus if we are to see them on this vacation. They should not be considered a must see. This is because there is a lot of luck involved in getting to see them. If you are only interested in coming to Iceland to see the lights, we kindly request that you reconsider this destination.

In order to see the northern lights, the following conditions are required:

Solar Activity
- We have an app that will track and alert us of high solar activity.
Clear Skies
- This is more likely to occur in the North.
Dark Skies
- 9pm-5am
Be Awake!
- We will alert you if there is solar activity in the middle of the night.
Use a Camera
- Cameras have better sensitivities to these lights than our eyes.

Transportation

Iceland boasts amazing natural sights, including waterfalls, mountains, gorges, hot springs, and sometimes even lava fields. Unfortunately, these sights are not all located close to each other. The fastest way to travel between them is by car. Due to the vast size of Iceland, you can expect to spend an average of about 3 to 4 hours per day sitting in or driving the car. This is something you should be aware of, and if this pace doesn’t align with your expectations for the trip, we kindly suggest reconsidering this destination.

Driving on the island should be relatively safe aside from sheep, rain and snow.

Please note that in Iceland the headlights of the car must be kept on while driving whether or not it is day or night. The use of mobile phones while driving is also completely prohibited.

Weather

Late September is a good time to visit Iceland as there is still the chance for sun and warmer temperatures, but the crowds have begun to disappear for the off season. The days will be darker earlier, which improves our chances of seeing the nothern lights.

Average day temperature: 45 F
Average rainfall: 1.6 inches
Rainfall Days: 23
Sunshine hours: 4 per day

It is possible that it will rain or sleet every day that we are in Iceland.

Just remember, there is no bad weather, only bad clothes!

Cost estimates

Total price per person: $1,576

Packing list

Hiking Gear

Hiking backpack with adjustable straps at the hips and chest. Ideally includes metal bars in the back to provide extra support with the weight

Hiking pants

Good quality hiking shoes, which are water resistant and cover the ankle

Rain coat

Rain pants

Reuseable water bottle
First aid kit
Optional: Hiking poles

Warm Clothing

Warm thermal layers for top and bottom
Beanie, winter hat, or other head and ear protection
Insulated Jacket (we recommend a puffer jacket to be worn under the rain coat)
Fleece, lopi sweater, or pullover
Gloves
Buff, scarf or other neck protection
Many pairs of warm, sweat resistant socks (wool is a good option)
Optional: Hand and feet warmers

Swimwear

Two swimsuits
Fast-drying towel
Water shoes
Sunglasses
Sunscreen

iceland itinerary

Day I: Arrival

Arrive in Reykjavik

Fly into Keflavik International Airport and pick up the rental car to drive into the capital city.

Once in Reykjavik, we will check into our AirBnb. Those who feel jetlagged from the journey are welcome to stay home, nap and relax. Those who feel invigorated are welcome to explore the capital city for food, beer and live music.

Must Haves: Passport, No visa required for entry for US citizens.

Day II: lava fields and hot river

Lava Fields – If Still Active

Following breakfast at the Airbnb in Reykjavík, we will pack our lunches, grab our gear and get going! We will drive 1hr out to the lava fields, where we may experience some volcanic activity. Optionally, we can also explore the lava caves.

Must Haves: Good hiking shoes with ankle protection. Warm clothing. Rain coat.

Optional Haves: Hiking poles. Head lamp for those wishing to explore the lava caves. Camera. Snacks and water.

Hot River

After the lava fields, we will drive 50 minutes to the thermal river. Here, we will commence a small hike as outlined below. The further up the river we move, the warmer the river will become. Once, we arrive at our destination, we will reward ourslves with a riverside picnic and beer. Then, we will soak in the natural hot spring. Afterwards, we will return to the car and drive another 50 minutes back to our Airbnb in Reykjavík, where we can begin happy hour and prepare dinner.

Must Haves: Swimsuit. Towel. Packed lunch. Good hiking shoes with ankle protection. First aid kit.

Optional Haves: Water shoes. Hiking poles. Camera. Snacks and water. Beer for the picnic.

Duration: 2hrs 34mins

Length: 5 mi

Difficulty: Easy

Type: In and Out

hot river trail

Route for day II

Day III: Golden circle

Thingvellier National Park

After breakfast, we will head out on our next adventure to Thingvellir, which is a 45 minute drive from Reykjavik. This is where the European and North American tectonic plates divide, creating a small canyon in the island. Entrance to the park costs $5.50. Once we have entered, we are free to walk the length of the canyon and explore the area.

Must Haves: Good hiking shoes with ankle protection. Warm clothing. Rain coat.

Optional Haves: Hiking poles. Camera. Snacks and Water.

Fees: $5.50 for park entry

Geysir

After Thingvellir, we will drive another 40 minutes to view the active, geothermal geysir.

Must Haves: Good hiking shoes with ankle protection. Warm clothing. Rain coat.

Optional Haves: Hiking poles. Camera. Snacks and Water.

Gullfoss Waterfall

After the geysir, we will drive 10 minutes to Gullfoss. Translated from Icelandic, this means the “golden waterfall.” Here, we will have a picnic by the waterfall and enjoy the stunning views. Afterwards, we will drive 1 hour and 45 minutes back to our Airbnb to have happy hour and prepare dinner.

Must Haves: Good hiking shoes with ankle protection. Warm clothing. Rain coat. Packed lunch.

Optional Haves: Hiking poles. Camera. Rain pants. Snacks and Water.

Route for day iii

day iv: Glymur hike

Glymur Waterfall Hike

Following breakfast at the Airbnb Reykjavík, we will get dressed for the hike, pack lunch bags, snacks and lots of water. We will drive 1 hour and 10 minutes to the trail head where will will begin the hike to Glymur Waterfall pictured above. Please note that this hike can be strenous. We urge everyone to walk at a pace that feels comfortable and sustainable. Please note that this hike also includes a river crossing, which is depicted above. The river will be cold and the rocks may be slippery. Therefore, we highly recommend bringing water shoes and hiking poles for this trek.

At the top of the mountain, we will have a well-earned lunch with beer while enjoying the stunning views from atop the Glymur waterfall.

After lunch, we will hike back down the other side of the mountain. Then, we will drive to the new Airbnb and check in. There, we will hold cocktail party, with drinks made by Jochen and Natalie, and prepare dinner.

Must Haves: Good hiking shoes with ankle protection. Warm clothing in layers which can be removed to adjust for temperature change. Rain coat. Rain pants. 2 Pairs of socks. Water shoes. Towel. Hiking Poles. Packed lunch. Snacks and water. First aid kit.

Optional Haves: Camera. Any medication required for sporting (e.g. inhalers). Beer for the top.

Duration: 1hr 58 mins

Length: 3.7 mi

Difficulty: Moderate

Type: Loop

Day v: To the sea

Kayaking Tour

After breakfast in the new Airbnb, we will prepare for a day of kayaking on the North Eastern side of little Iceland in the Breida Fjord (not pictured). The sea kayaking tour will take approximately two hours during which we will explore a ship wreck and search for seals and puffins. Those wishing to opt for whale watching or another tour are welcome to do so.

Must Haves: Water resistant gloves. Rain Pants. Rain Coat. Warm Clothes. Waterbottle. Sunglasses.

Optional Haves: Camera. Snacks.

Duration: 2 hours

Difficulty: Easy

Cost: $87

Day VI: Little Iceland

Exploring West Iceland

After breakfast, we will visit the famous Kirkjufellfoss Waterfall. Following the waterfall, we will drive 40 minutes west to commence a small crater hike, which includes beautiful views of another waterfall. Following the hike, we will enjoy a packed lunch, and continue our mini-road trip through the natural park, Snaefallsjoekull. Once we reach the southern most point of the pennisula, we will pull over for photos of the coast line and search for puffins. Finally, we will drive to the gorge for a short walk inside. After that, we will return to our Airbnb for hapy hour and cocktails.

Must Haves: Good hiking shoes with ankle protection. Warm clothing in layers which can be removed to adjust for temperature change. Rain coat. Rain paints. 2 Pairs of socks. Water shoes. Hiking Poles. Packed lunch. Snacks and water. First aid kit.

Optional Haves: Camera. Any medication required for sporting (e.g. inhalers).

Duration: 2h 30 min for Kirkjufell or 5h for Snaefellsnejökull

Length:

Difficulty: Easy

Type: In-and-Out

Crater hiking trail

Day VI Route

DAy VII: city day

Reykjavik

In the morning, we will have breakfast, check out of our airbnb in the West and drive 2hours and 20 minutes back to Reykjavik. As it will be our last full day, we felt it was best to head back to base camp to be nearby the airport in preparation for the journey home. On this day, we can take a walking tour to see the many beautiful sights of city including the Hallgrim Church, the opera house, and the indoor glacier, Perlan. We will enjoy beer and live music offered in the many local bars and reserve a spot in a restaurant for one last family dinner.

Must Haves: Comfortable walking shoes. Rain coat.

Optional Haves: Camera. Nicer outfit for the city

Day VIII: SAy Goodbye

Fly Out

On our final day in Iceland we will focus on ensuring that everyone is packed, checked-in to their flight, and ready for the journey home. We hope you enjoyed your time in the beautiful country and we wish you a safe flight!

Must Haves: Passport. E-Boarding pass. Packed suitcase. Comfy clothes.

Optional Haves: Good book. Neck pillow. Snacks and Water.