Your Guide to Our Iceland Northern Lights Trek!

Your Guide to Our Iceland Northern Lights Trek!

Witnessing the awesome Northern Lights is a truly incredible experience and one that many people dream of seeing at least once in their lifetime, which is why we were so excited to introduce our Northern Lights Trek! Our challenge gives us a great chance of seeing this natural phenomenon – and when we’re not in search of the Aurora we’ll be spending our days exploring the breathtaking scenery that Iceland has to offer.

We know you’ll have lots of questions before you take the plunge and secure your space – so here’s everything you need to know before you get your adventure underway!

 

The Northern Lights over Southern Iceland

What causes the Northern Lights?

The Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) occur when electrically charged particles from the Sun collide with the particles in the Earth’s magnetic field. This collision releases huge amounts of energy, resulting in an incredible display of light!

 

When can you see the Northern Lights in Iceland?

The best time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland is between September and April – so our Northern Lights Trek, departing in early March, gives us a great chance to catch a glimpse!

 

Northern Lights over Thingvellir National Park

What should I wear to see the Northern Lights?

When you sign up for our Northern Lights Trek we will provide you with a kit list so you can ensure you have everything you need for the adventure ahead. Don’t worry though - other than warm clothing, some broken in trekking boots and some waterproofs you do not need any specialist kit.

 

What else will we do in Iceland?

Our Northern Lights Trek is packed with awesome sights and experiences. Lead by expert guides, we’ll spend 3 days trekking through beautiful mountain scenery, geothermal valleys and past picture-perfect lakes. The trek will be challenging; hiking across snow-covered landscapes and conquering local mountain passes, but the awesome scenery will make it all worthwhile – plus when our trek is complete, we’ll head to Reykjavík for a relaxing dip in the famous Blue Lagoon, before enjoying a celebratory dinner!

 

A group of people in the Blue Lagoon, Iceland

How do I plan a trip to the Northern Lights?

Joining our Northern Lights Trek means there’s no need to plan your own trip! Once you sign up, you’re on a fully supported journey to the adventure of a lifetime.

Our Northern Lights trip departs from the UK for Keflavik on Day 1, before transferring to Úlfljótsvatn for our overnight stay – and potentially our first sight of the Northern Lights!

Here’s what you can look forward to on the rest of the trip:

 

Lake Thingvallavatn

 

Hakið to Lake Þingvallavatn

Today we head to the shores of Þingvallavatn, the largest natural lake in Iceland. This area is well-known for its hiking.

Today’s trek follows horse tracks and old sheep trails, passing numerous geothermal hotspots. Lake Þingvallavatn is a beautiful area, made even more dramatic in winter. Our exact route will depend on the conditions of the path, but whichever route we take, today is a wonderful introduction to the land of fire and ice!

10km     |               250m Ascent                      |               4 – 5 Hours

 

Hengill to Vörðuskeggi

Today we will hike from Hengill to the Vörðuskeggi mountain pass (depending on conditions). Iceland is notoriously hard to predict weather wise so our guide will determine where we take you today. Today’s trek will be more challenging than yesterday, conquering a local mountain pass with an elevation of 400 - 600 metres. Afterwards we return to our hut to relax and enjoy our beautiful surroundings, and possibly even catch sight of the Northern Lights!

10km     |               600m Ascent                      |               5 Hours

 

Geothermal Valley

We set off from Reykjadalur and climb up into the hills of Iceland. The smell of sulphur is apparent before we see the steam vents, hot springs and bubbling mud pools of the Geothermal Valley – surrounded by colourful minerals. It’s an impressive sight, and we have plenty of time to explore this dramatic and otherworldly valley. There may be a chance for a dip in a natural pool before continuing on through the valley, where we meet our awaiting transport and head to Reykjavík. Tonight we head into the exciting city of Reykjavík to celebrate our achievements with a relaxing dip in the famous Blue Lagoon, before enjoying a celebratory dinner and reflecting on our achievements!

10km     |               350m Ascent                      |               4 - 5 Hours

 

A group of people hiking up a snowy hill

What's included on the Northern Lights Trek?

  • Return flights from London to Keflavik
  • All accommodation
  • All meals on the trek, starting with dinner on Day 1 through to breakfast on Day 5, including a celebratory evening meal in Reykjavik on Day 4
  • Luggage transfers
  • Local English-speaking guide/s
  • Global Adventure Challenges leader from the UK
  • Comprehensive first aid/medical kit
  • Entrance to the Blue Lagoon
  • Challenge Medal

 

Ready to secure your space? Click the button below to sign up and get your Icelandic adventure underway!

 

  Sign Up For The Northern Lights Trek  

 

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