Expedition Iceland

10 Days

Join us for a true experience of a lifetime as we embark on a ski expedition across Europe’s largest Ice Cap – Vatnajökull. To top the expedition off we will also summit Hvannadalshnúkur, Iceland’s highest peak. Hvannadalshnúkur sits on the northwestern rim of the summit crater of Öræfajökull volcano at 2,110 meters (6,920ft).

Overview

Duration: 10 Days
Trip Dates: 12th – 21st April 2024

Join us for a true experience of a lifetime as we embark on a ski expedition across Europe’s largest Ice Cap – Vatnajökull. To top the expedition off we will also summit Hvannadalshnúkur, Iceland’s highest peak. Hvannadalshnúkur sits on the northwestern rim of the summit crater of Öræfajökull volcano at 2,110 meters (6,920ft).

For those looking for a more adventurous, expedition style challenge, this is sure to tick all the boxes.

By day you will ski across the icecap while pulling all your expedition kit behind you on your ‘Pulka’ (sled). By night you will camp under the incredible Icelandic sky. As the expedition is in April there is still a small chance of catching the magic of the Northern Lights.

Description

Once we arrive in Reykjavik, we will stop in the city to get fitted for our ski equipment. We will then make our way to the beautiful 4 Star Foss Hotel situated in the heart of the city. After a relaxing evening exploring the city and a good nights sleep we will depart Reykjavik and begin our journey to Skaftafell at the foot of the Vatnajökull National Park.

This is a 5-hour journey however, it will be nicely broken up with lots of sightseeing to be done along the way. Once we reach Skaftafell we will spend the night in a guest house preparing for our expedition.

After breakfast we will be transported onto the Ice cap and from here, it is down with the sleds and away we go!

Once we have reached the snowline of the icecap we will then transition onto our skis. We will spend a total of 5 nights on the ice cap and on day 4 of our expedition we will make a push for the highest point in Iceland, Hvannadalshnúkur.

On the morning of expedition day 5 we will begin our descent, making our way off the ice cap via the Breiðarmerkujökull glacier. This part of the journey will be on hard ice and require the use of crampons and ice axes.

After a celebratory dinner and a good night sleep at base, we will travel back to Reykjavik where we will spend our last night, once again in the Foss Hotel. There will also be plenty of sightseeing opportunities along the way, including the famous Skógafoss waterfall.

Expedition Notes:

Skiing per day ranges from 14km-30+km depending on conditions. (6-8 Hours)

Skiing experience is not required to join this trip however, a good level of fitness is highly recommended.

Hiking on the Glacier will be done in the specialist ski boots provided so there is no need for any additional or special boots to be brought with you.

PRICE: €2950 per person sharing

FLIGHT DETAILS
Airline: IcelandAir
Dublin-Reykjavik TBC
Reykjavik-Dublin TBC

Included

  • All transport while in Iceland
  • 6 Day Fully Guided Expedition
  • 2 Nights Guesthouse - Skaftafell
  • All Expedition Equipment (Tents, Cookware, Sleds etc.)
  • Ski Equipment
  • Full Board during expedition & at Base Camp
  • Celebratory Dinner & Drinks at Base Camp
  • 2 Nights Foss Hotel in Reykjavik (Twin Sharing-Single Supplement option available)
  • Training Day Hike in Ireland

Not included

  • Return Flights to Reykjavik
  • Meals in Reykjavik or during transfers
  • Travel Insurance

Location

CLOTHING

Thermal base layers top and bottom, wool or synthetic (Merino is ideal)
Thin fleece jacket – second layer
Soft shell jacket (optional)
Down or Primaloft jacket
Waterproof and breathable jacket with a hood (outer shell). (e.g. Gore-Tex) with a hood
Waterproof and breathable trousers (e.g. Gore-Tex) Salopettes are recommended
Pants – softshell
Finger gloves – Wool or synthetic
Mittens or ski gloves (Waterproof is recommended)
Socks – Wool (2-3 pairs)
Hat – Wool or synthetic.
Pants – softshell
Base Ball Cap

OTHER EQUIPMENT
Sleeping Bag rated to –around -15°C.
Mattress – self inflating with a high R-value.
Water bottles (enough for 1,5L – 2L total) – Nalgene or similar. Two 0,5L plastic bottles can be useful for drying leather boots during the night.
Water Bladder (e.g CamelPak or Platypus)
Thermos (1L).
Headlamp.
Backpack (40-50L).
Dry bags – 3x 20-30L. To protect and sort your equipment.
Sunglasses rated for glacier travel.
Ski goggles – bigger is better.
Pocket knife.
Sun block for face and lips (SPF 30 or higher).
Travel Towel (light and packable microfiber), toothbrush, ear plugs and other personal belongings.
Small personal first aid and toiletry kit. Pain killers and subscription medicine as needed. Lip balm, foot cream, Vaseline.
Wet wipes.
Zip-lock bags for rubbish etc.

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Expedition Iceland
From €2,950
/ Adult

Trip Info

  • Hotel 2 Nights
    Guest House 2 Nights
    Camping 5 Nights
  • Included
  • Flights must be booked by each individual trip member. However, we will provide recommended flight details.
    Airline: IcelandAir
    Dublin-Reykjavik TBC
    Reykjavik-Dublin TBC
  • Each trip member MUST have their own Travel Insurance. Go Beyond Adventure will require a copy of each members insurance policy prior to departure.
  • 10 days: 12th – 21st April 2024