Bright Night Hikes (BNH-1) on Reykjanes Peninsula

A five night walk on lava fields, craters and volcanoes

The Reykjanes peninsula is around 1700 sq. kilometers in size and was formed due to volcanic activity just like the rest of Iceland. Reykjanes peninsula is a part of the volcanic row that runs through Iceland and is the emerged part of the Atlantic ridge. The landscape of the Reykjanes peninsula is both young and exciting to look upon and there you can see central volcanoes, craters, lava fields, lava tubes, rifts and geothermal activity, all in one place. Lava fields from historic age covers most of the peninsula and there was a lot of volcanic activity in the area around the settlement age.

Extreme Iceland offers a number of hikes around the Reykjanes peninsula, both during the winter as during the summer time, both night and day. We tailor our tours to the needs and wishes of everyone, even Eco-friendly hikes where the respect for the environment plays the most important role, while we study the geology of the area.

This five night lava hike around the Reykjanes peninsula is a summer hike. We rest during the day and walk during the night, when the Icelandic midsummer's night is in its glory and the sun shines all night long.

A vehicle will carry our luggage, tents, food and other gear, while we will let our provisions and our cameras be our only burden of the day.

Night 1

Distance: about 25km
Estimated travelling time: about 10 hours

Hotel pickup starts at 09:00 and from there we start by spending the day in Reykjavik. It's only about a half an hour drive from Reykjavik to the parking lot to the skiing area in Blafjoll mountains where our hike will start. We will walk upon Strompa and from there to the crater Kistufell in Brennisteinsfjoll mountains. The crater is around 400 meters wide and from it streamed lava to 3 different directions about 4000 years ago. Kistuhraun lava field and the crater Kista are our next object, but from that crater a river of lava ran around the year 1000 a.c. From there on we will head upon Eldborg in Brennisteinsfjoll mountains(570 m.o.s.l.), from there we have a astonishing scenery to the Vestmann Islands in the south and to Eyjafjallajokull glacier in the east. The lava field originated in Eldborg covers around 36 sq. kilometers. We will also take a look at the volcano Vordufellsborgir but not far from there our tents and luggage awaits us and a hot dinner to go with it, while we sit by a beautiful serene pond away from the busyness of the city-life.

Night 2

Distance: about 18km
Estimated travelling time: about 7 hours

Early the night after we will head on again and this time due west over lava fields and mountain ridges. We will stop over by the hot well of Austurengjahver, but it's one of the largest and most powerful of all hot geysers in Iceland. The explosive crater Graenavatn along with its namesake lake are at our next stop. The lake is located in the crater and it's 45 meters deep and it has a peculiar green color to itself. In Krisuvik we will witness geothermal activity in abundance, where multitude of hot wells and pools can be found. And when we get down to the Vigdisarvellir, our tents and sleeping bags wait for our tired bodies to lie down and the sizzling barbecue brings pleasant aroma to our wits.

Night 3

Distance: about 12km
Estimated travelling time: about 6 hours

On the third night of the hike we will take a look at the mountain lakes of the peninsula. Djupavatn, Graenavatn and Spakonuvatn lakes will all be in our path. We will also walk to the "Hverinn eini" and from there to Hoskuldarvellir. There we will have a sleep over with games and folk tales will be told.

Night 4

Distance: about 25km
Estimated travelling time: about 10 hours
After a hearty breakfast at Hoskuldarvellir, we will walk to and upon the mountain Keilir (378 m.o.s.l.) and from there to the crater of Thrainsskjoldur, which is one of the largest shield volcanoes on the Reykjanes peninsula. From there we will head west towards the Blue Lagoon but on our way there we will see a number of craters, lava, rifts, tubes and other geological wonders of the nature. We will spend a quality time in the Blue Lagoon, where we will soak our bodies in the cleansing and mineral rich water and when the evening falls.

Night 5

Distance: about 18km
Estimated travelling time: about 7 hours

During the fifth night we will walk over lava fields. We will visit Tvigigahellir lava tube and look at rows of craters from the inside. We will visit Sandfell and Sandfellshaed and from there to the toe of Reykjanes, where we will look at a fantastic hot spring area where the North Atlantic ridge comes ashore. In the morning we head back to Reykjavik. Accommodation in Reykjavik not included.

Included in price:
Guiding, transfer from/to Reykjavík by bus, jeep transfer for food and equipment between campsites, food for 6 days (except breakfast on day one and dinner the last day), tents & cooking gear.

Bring with you:
Warm outdoor clothing, waterproof jacket and pants, headwear and gloves. Good hiking boots are a vital!
Sleeping bag and mattress can be rented from us if you let us know in advance.

Available : During summer, every year.

Duration: 6 days 5 nights

Minimum participants:  10

Maximum participants:  30

Price per Person:  EUR 900

Accommodation: Tents

For booking please contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it