Iceland – Inn Trip
Exploring the Land of Fire and Ice
...by sea, by land, and by horseback...

Detailed itinerary

Sculpted by the forces of nature, Iceland is a land of active volcanoes, slow-moving glaciers, and cascading falls. Its people are resourceful harnessing energy through careful management of hot water conduits from geothermal depths of the earth, rather than relying heavily on the use of fossil fuels.  This is evident as you breathe in the fresh clean air and enjoy the distinct dramatic landscape that embodies this unique country.  During our eight day adventure, you’ll have the opportunity to experience not only the fantastic kayaking in the West fjords, but also have the chance to appreciate this outdoor playground with some hiking, bird-watching, horseback riding, and general sight-seeing!  You’ll be treated to some of the freshest and tastiest of foods from Icelandic lamb to fruits of the sea, caught fresh each day, and prepared with the greatest attention in the Icelandic way.  And, most importantly, you will meet the generous Icelandic people, who are eager to share not only a cup of coffee with you on the spur of the moment but also share tales of the great sagas and epics  of this island nation.  Come join us for some Serious Fun in the land of the midnight sun!



Itinerary Snapshot
Day 1 -  Overnight flight from US
Day 2 – Arrive early morning at Keflavik airport, begin journey to the West fjords with a stay on the Snaefellsnes peninsula.
Day 3 – Explore the Snaefellsnes glacier and then continue on to Stykkisholmur where we will catch a ferry over to Flatey Island for our second night stay.
Day 4 – Continue on the ferry to the Brjanslaekur, enjoy a hike out to the dramatic cliffs to see the large bird colonies, and then continue on to our base in the West fjords.
Day 5 – Paddling day in the fjords.
Day 6 – Paddling day exploring a new area of the fjords.
Day 7 – Hike in the nature preserve.
Day 8 – Paddle most of the day; take a late afternoon flight back to Reykjavik.
Day 9 – Enjoy a ride on the Icelandic horse and spend some time exploring Reykjavik.
Day 10 – Soothe your muscles and mind in the geothermal waters of the famous Blue Lagoon before departing for the US


The Detailed Picture
Day 1
Overnight flight from US

Day 2
It’ll be early morning when you arrive in Iceland and a great time to start your adventure.  After picking up your luggage at baggage claim, you’ll be transported by private coach to our first night’s accommodation, Hotel Hellnar on the Snæfellsnes peninsula. However, before we arrive at our destination, we will stop at the Settlement Center in picturesque town of Borgarnes on the west coast to learn about the fascinating Icelandic sagas surrounding the birth of this island nation. Learn how Iceland was discovered, how the Vikings navigated the open ocean and why so many of them left their homeland of Norway.  Pumped with this new information we’ll continue our journey along the Snaefellsnes peninsula, marveling at the incredible landscape of lava fields, mountains, waterfalls and unique rock formations that provided the backdrop for so many of these legends. Looming in the distance near the tip of the peninsula is the famous Snaefellsjokull volcano and glacier, rising 4, 743 ft. The Snaefellsjokull area is believed by many to hold mystical healing powers and is frequented often by those looking to be rejuvenated and re-energized.  Hotel Hellnar is situated at the base of Snaefellsjokull and has breath-taking views of the Atlantic from just about every window.  They are the first business in Iceland to be certified by Green Globe 21, the global benchmark, certification and improvement system assisting the international travel and tourism industry to attain sustainability.  They are committed to protecting the environment and providing their guests with a quality experience.  So, kick back, relax and enjoy the view.  (L, D)

Day 3  
It’s time to stretch your legs, breathe in the fresh air and get up close and personal with the glacier.  After breakfast, we’ll head off to do a little hiking on the glacier.  After enjoying a picnic lunch, we’ll continue on our way around the peninsula, driving through small fishing villages on our way to the charming fishing community of Stykkisholmur, for centuries the center of trade, service and transport for this area.  From here will depart via ferry to the timeless island of Flatey, located about halfway between the Snaefellsnes peninsula and the south shore of the West fjords.  You’ll have a chance to stroll around the village of 19th century timber houses and see for yourself why this area is a birder’s paradise.  We’ll be staying at the Hotel Flatey, a converted warehouse flanking the old market square, providing a unique ambience with its cozy rooms and locale fare. (B, L, D)


Day 4  
After a leisurely breakfast, we’ll catch the morning ferry for the hour crossing to Brjanslaekur, the south shore of the Western fjords.  From here we will drive to Latrabjarg, the nine-mile long bird cliff, rising 1,456 feet at its highest point, and home to Iceland’s greatest concentration of seabirds.  We’ll hike along the cliff top, riddled with as nesting sites for the Atlantic puffin.  Having spent part of the day exploring this area, we’ll continue onward to our guesthouse in Isafjadur, the capitol of the West Fjords and our base for the next several days.  (B, L, D)

Day 5  
Put on your paddling gear and warm up those muscles as we prepare ourselves for our first day of kayaking in the fjords.  Protected from the rough seas of the open ocean the fjords provide wonderful opportunities to explore Iceland’s volcanic coastline from the seat of a kayak.  Unlike other fjords with limited shoreline access, Iceland’s fjords are surrounded by mountain ranges that gradually taper down to the shoreline providing easy access at almost any spot. In fact, along many of the fjords we will spot farmland with Icelandic sheep and horses grazing near the water’s edge.

Day 6
The West fjords, practically severed from the rest of Iceland are the oldest part of Iceland that was deeply indented by the intense erosion of the ice age.  In its wake, the glaciers left a land mass so penetrated by deep narrow bays that it made travel over land extremely time-consuming until recent improvements were made to the road system.  These deep narrow bays, however, offer boaters delightful territories to explore under the protection of the mountain ranges that border them.  So, today, we’ll set off to explore another one of these fjords, passing old fishing villages, many of which have been abandoned after the quota system was put in place during the last century.  (B, L, D)

Day 7  
We’ll enjoy the fjords from a different perspective today with a hike in the Hornstrandir nature preserve, accessible only  by boat or on foot.  We’ll be transported by boat to this region visiting Hesteyri, an abandoned fishing village along the way.  If we’re lucky we’ll catch a glimpse of the arctic fox, a regular inhabitant of the West fjords, prancing across the flat mountain tops.  Throughout the day you will experience the tranquility that has dominated this region since it was formed and the magnificent views in every and all directions.  (B, L, D)

Day 8
A short drive from Isafjadur in another fjord sits the small village of Flateyri, once home to a thriving whale processing station.  Flateyri is considered to be the oldest part of the west and offers its visitors a look at a newly constructed berm situated between the village and the volcanic mountains that in 1995 erupted wiping out a portion of the village and killing 30 people.  Today, the village survives on its fishing industry and tourism.  We’ll be sure to stop in to the local pub for some local fare. Later in the day, we’ll catch a flight to Reykjavik, enjoying the aerial view of the fjords as we take off. (B, L, D)

Day 9  
Reykjavik is the northernmost capitol in the world and is home to 60% of Iceland’s population.  It is a thriving city, growing rapidly in the past ten years.  It offers stylish shops, restaurants and a vibrant nightlife and many museums, galleries and parks waiting to be explored.  The city also hosts many indoor and outdoor thermal swimming pools to soak away the aches and pains so feel free to indulge in some relaxation too.  Late afternoon, you’ll be treated to the wonderful experience of riding an Icelandic horse through lava fields and maybe even across some streams experiencing the unique gait called the tolt.  These sure-footed creatures are very gentle and hardy and remain today an important means of transport over this rugged terrain.  It’s an experience you won’t forget.  When we return to Reykjavik, we’ll enjoy our finale dinner at one of the many fine establishments in the heart of the city. (B, L, D)

Day 10  
Our last day in Iceland will be another to remember with a visit to the famous Blue Lagoon, a unique bathing experience in a surreal setting of lava fields and a geothermal plant. The water is so rich in silica that it forms a sticky mud on the floor of the lagoon, which is said to be good for the skin.  The constant year-round water temperature of 90-110 degrees makes this a necessary stop each and every time you visit Iceland.  You’ll be totally relaxed for your flight back to the states – a great way to end your adventure!  (B, L)

What is Included
•    Transportation once you arrive in Iceland including domestic airfare.
•    Accommodations for 8 nights at hotels or guesthouses.
•    Meals as noted on the itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner).
•    Kayaking equipment
•    Horseback riding
•    Entrance fees to Blue Lagoon
•    H2Outfitters’ guide(s) and an Icelandic guide for various activities

What’s Not Provided
•    International airfare
•     Meals not specified on the itinerary
•    Excess baggage charges or insurance of any kind
•    Alcoholic beverages
•    Items of a personal nature (snacks, laundry, etc.)
•    Fees for any optional activities
•    Airport departure taxes; additional hotel nights that may be incurred due to airport schedule changes or other factors.

NOTE: We try to be as accurate as we can with our itineraries but certain factors out of our control can casue the itinerary to change.  We appreciate your flexibility and trust in us to provide you with a safe, enjoyable, and memorable experience.