Run ICELAND: running THe land of ICE & FIRE
Experience the raw beauty of Iceland on foot, where volcanic landscapes meet glacial wonders. This 8-day adventure combines invigorating trail runs, geothermal relaxation, and otherworldly scenery that will leave you breathless.
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2025 Trips
Run iceland: Trip Highlights for our popular iceland running tour
“Rogue delivers once again! This company thoughtfully plans trips so you can have the amount of trail running you are looking for, along with fun exciting cultural experiences to really feel part of the country you are visiting. Iceland was no different. Some of the best scenery we have ever experienced, and that is because of the extra effort Rogue puts in to get us to interesting trailheads! And to top that off, great food, great accommodations, and great guide team! All our Rogue trips to date have been fantastic, including our recent trip to Iceland! ”
Iceland beckons with its mythical allure, a land where nature's extremes collide in spectacular fashion.
Join us for an unforgettable journey through a landscape that defies imagination, where every step brings you closer to the heart of the Land of Fire and Ice.
Volcanic Playground - Run across crushed lava fields and around ancient craters, feeling the raw power of Iceland's geological wonders beneath your feet.
Thermal Spring Recovery - Soothe your muscles in steaming hot rivers and world-famous thermal baths, including the iconic Blue Lagoon.
Glacial Adventure - Trade running shoes for snowmobiles in a thrilling expedition across the vast Langjokull glacier.
Highland Odyssey - Traverse the otherworldly landscape of Landmannalaugur, where rainbow-colored mountains and billowing steam vents create an almost alien terrain.
Coastal Cliff Expedition - Run along the emerald slopes of the Westmann Islands, sharing trails with puffins and sheep while enjoying sweeping ocean views.
Waterfall Wonders - Witness the thundering power of Gullfoss and other iconic Icelandic waterfalls, experiencing firsthand the country's nickname: "Land of Fire and Ice."
Midnight Sun Magic - Embrace the rhythm of perpetual daylight, allowing for extended explorations and runs under the enchanting glow of the summer sky.
Ready? Let’s go!
A Few Moments From OUR Most recent Run iceland TOURS
I want to run iceland!
Run iceland - running ITINERARY
Over eight days, you'll experience the wonders of Iceland's southern region. Each day brings a new landscape to explore, from volcanic craters to glacial valleys, coastal cliffs to geothermal wonderlands.
Your journey begins near Reykjavik, where you'll get your first taste of volcanic terrain. As the week progresses, you'll head into the highlands, run alongside hot rivers, and even sail to the Westmann Islands for a coastal adventure.
The running is just where the fun starts, however. You'll also snowmobile on a glacier, soak in numerous hot springs and public pools (a quintessential Icelandic experience), and witness geological marvels like geysers and rainbow-colored mountains.
Throughout the adventure, you'll stay in cozy guesthouses, savor Icelandic cuisine, and stay up past your bedtime to experience the unique rhythm of Icelandic summer, where the sun barely sets and nature's wonders are on full display.
Click the days below to get all the details.
Please note that the itinerary is subject to adjustments due to weather, logistical considerations, etc.
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Welcome to Iceland! For the first two nights we will be based at a cozy lakeside guesthouse on the outskirts of Reykjavik, giving you a chance to settle in, recover from the flight and begin to appreciate the unique aspects that make Iceland so special. From volcanoes and lava flows, to natural hot springs and rivers, to stark and stunning landscapes - it is all in the week ahead! Once everyone has arrived we will take care of introductions, head out for an optional evening shakeout run and enjoy the first of many wonderful dinners together before turning in for a good night of sleep.
Running: Optional 3-8 mile evening shakeout
Meals: Dinner (D) included (grab lunch anywhere in the city before we meet up!) -
We will shake off the travel and get straight into volcanic action at the Búrfell crater, situated in the Heiðmörk Natural Park! This local run is the perfect introduction to the Icelandic landscape, rewarding runners with sweeping views and the satisfying crunch of crushed volcanic rock under your shoes.
We will have a picnic lunch at the finish line before indulging in a recovery session in the famous Blue Lagoon for the afternoon. Between the steaming water, silica face masks, and cold beer, all of your post-run needs will be taken care of! After a lengthy soak, we will head back to the guesthouse for a hearty, home-cooked dinner.
Running: 6-10 miles (600-1500ft gain) single track gravel, dirt road, lava (really!)
Meals: Breakfast (B) Lunch (L) and dinner (D) included -
Today we will hit the road to Reykjadalur, an amazing valley cut down the middle by a hot, steamy river. There are several excellent run options available, and all of them finish with a dip in one of Iceland’s famous public swimming pools complete with hot tubs and steam baths. After lunch at a local restaurant we will drive to see the incredible Gullfoss waterfall and the Geysir hot water spout - the original one after which all others geysers are named! This is the heart of the ‘Lord of the Rings meets Game of Thrones’ landscape that you’ve been imagining! To round off the day we will head to a cozy, nearby guesthouse for dinner and a good night’s sleep.
Running: 5-11 miles, 1200-1800ft elevation gain, single track & dirt road
Meals: Breakfast (B) Lunch (L) and dinner (D) included -
We kick off today not with running, but with snowmobiling! The off-road adventure opportunities in Iceland are incredible, so we will swap the bus for huge 4x4 superjeeps to the Langjokull glacier, transfer onto snowmobiles and enjoy an incredible experience up on the ice. Afterward we’ll change out gear and stretch our legs with a cruise-y dirt road run through a remote Icelandic landscape, finishing with lunch at a unique restaurant supplied by a geothermally heated greenhouse. And after that? You guessed it - we’ll dip into in yet another hot spring before heading back to the lodge for the evening.
Running: 5-10 miles, 200ft-500ft elevation gain, mostly dirt road
Meals: Breakfast (B) Lunch (L) and dinner (D) included -
We will cover a lot of ground today as we head into the highlands to reach the astounding valley of Landmannalaugur, where rainbow colored mountains meet ancient lava flows and billowing geothermal steam vents make the whole place look almost alien. We’ll take our time running this otherworldly landscape, followed by a now-routine dip in the hot spring and a picnic lunch - expect this day to be a big favorite! Afterwards we descend out of the highlands and towards our next lodge set amongst the pristine Icelandic countryside.
Running: 5-10 miles, 1200ft-1800ft elevation gain, single track
Meals: Breakfast (B) Lunch (L) and dinner (D) included -
After breakfast we’ll catch a ferry headed for the emerald green slopes of the windswept Westmann Islands. This run will take us along stunning cliff top trails amongst puffins, shaggy sheep and sweeping coastal views - don’t forget your camera! After lunch you can rejuvenate the legs in the local public swimming pool (this is an extra special one!) and then check out the town; there is both a small museum and a local brewery which tend to be popular choices! We will catch the afternoon ferry back to the mainland and then head back to the lodge for another farm-to-table dinner experience.
Running: 6-12 miles, 1200ft-3000ft elevation gain, single track, dirt road & some lava
Meals: Breakfast (B) Lunch (L) and dinner (D) included -
Just reaching the start of this run is an adventure, and it only gets better once our feet hit the ground! Thorsmörk, also known as the Valley of Thor, is a magnificent protected area surrounded by glaciers and full of birch forest, meandering rivers and more jaw-dropping views than you’ll know what to do with! It is a grand finale of a run in every sense, one that finishes with a scenic lunch before the reluctant return to Reykjavik. We’ll stretch out our final day as long as possible with a celebratory dinner and our infamous awards ceremony.
Running: 5-9 miles, 600-1500 ft. elevation gain; mix of double/single track trails
Meals: BLD included -
That’s it! Breakfast will be served at the hotel and we’ll arrange airport taxis for flights departing after 9:30am.
Running: No scheduled run
Meals: B
RUN iceland: 2025 TRIPS
TRIP REVIEWS for our iceland running tour
Run iceland: PRICING & LOGISTICS
UPCOMING 2025 DATES
WEEK 1: July 31-Aug 7, 2025
COST
A $600 deposit holds your spot, and balances are due 3 months prior to departure. The total cost depends upon your sign-up date:
Trip Price: *Pricing TBA when registration opens
Balances are due three months prior to departure. Please refer to the FAQs for our cancellation & refund policy.
COST INCLUDES
Pre-trip guidance + communication
On-trip transportation and drivers
Seven nights in comfortable, unique three and four-star hotels or guesthouses (double occupancy)
Seven organized runs and hikes with flexible distance options
Experienced team of Rogue Expeditions + local Icelandic trip leaders & run guides
All meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 8
All drinking water + coffee/tea with breakfast
Boat trip the Westman Islands, glacier tour with snowmobiling, visit to the Blue Lagoon and all sightseeing fees/permits (museum entries, waterfalls and geysirs etc)
Airport transfer on departure day
Rogue Expeditions swag
Experiences that you'll remember forever!
COST DOES NOT INCLUDE
Flight (please see flight requirements below)
Arrival airport transfer (there is a very reliable and easy to use shuttle bus from Keflavik airport to downtown Reykjavik that is by far the most affordable and convenient option. Guidance will be provided to registered runners.)
Alcohol and beverages other than water (note: coffee is provided with breakfasts)
Travel Insurance (get it!)
Personal purchases/souvenirs
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
*Please do not book flights until you receive confirmation from us that the group size minimum has been met
US citizens will need a passport with at least 6 months validity; no visas are required. Citizens of other countries should check with their consulate for details.
Your flight should arrive in Reykjavik no later than 9am on the first day. This allows time for immigration, baggage claim and the one hour bus journey to downtown Reykjavik, where you’ll meet your guides and transfer to our hotel. If you arrive later than specified you will be responsible for getting yourself to our first hotel. If you arrive earlier, we recommend staying downtown - that will make it very easy to meet up with the group!
Departure flights should be no earlier than 9:30am.
Please note that travel insurance is strongly recommended. Although we hope you never need it, we've seen enough to know that it can be a lifesaver in the event of a medical emergency, flight delays that cause you to miss the start of the trip, lost baggage or cancellation on your part (broke your leg two weeks before departure? Insurance could cover the entire cost of your trip!).
Run iceland: TOUR DETAILS
RUNNING REQUIREMENTS
This Iceland tour caters to a range of running abilities. Daily runs offer flexible distances, typically ranging from 5 to 12 miles (8 to 19 km).
The terrain varies from crushed lava and dirt roads to single-track trails, with elevation gains of 200 to 3000 feet (60 to 900 meters).
While trail running experience is beneficial, it's not required – a sense of adventure is the most important prerequisite!
GROUP SIZE
There will be a minimum of 8 and a maximum of 14 runners.
FAQs | RUN ICELAND
What's the typical daily running distance and terrain like? Runs vary from 5 to 12 miles (8 to 19 km) per day, with elevation gains ranging from 200 to 3000 feet (60 to 900 meters). Terrain includes single-track trails, dirt roads, and even some lava fields! Multiple distance options are offered each day to suit different preferences and abilities.
What level of running experience is needed for this tour? While there's no strict requirement, comfort with trail running and hills is beneficial. The tour is designed to accommodate various levels, with flexible daily options. An adventurous spirit and willingness to embrace varying weather conditions are more important than speed or endurance.
What type of accommodation can I expect? You'll stay in a mix of cozy lakeside guesthouses and boutique lodges. All accommodations offer comfortable rooms, gathering spaces, and hearty breakfasts. Expect modern amenities with a touch of Icelandic charm.
What's the food like on this tour? Icelandic cuisine is a highlight! Expect fresh local seafood, hearty lamb dishes, and farm-to-table experiences. Breakfasts are substantial, lunches range from picnics in remote areas to local restaurants, and dinners showcase the best of Icelandic cooking. Vegetarian and vegan options are always available.
Besides running, what other activities are included? The trip is packed with uniquely Icelandic experiences! You'll snowmobile on a glacier, soak in numerous hot springs (including the famous Blue Lagoon), take a boat trip to the Westmann Islands, and visit iconic sights like Gullfoss waterfall and Geysir. There's also time to explore local towns and even visit a brewery.
What's the weather like in Iceland during the trip? August in Iceland offers long days (16+ hours of daylight) but variable weather. Temperatures can range from 40°F to 70°F (4°C to 21°C), and you should be prepared for both sunshine and rain – sometimes in the same day! Layering is key, and we provide a detailed packing list upon registration.
Additional Run Iceland FAQs
You can find them here.
Other Questions?
Michael at michael@roguexpeditions.com
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2025 TOURS
CUSTOMIZE YOUR Run iceland ADVENTURE: Self-Guided & Private Tours
Self-Guided Run Tours
Love the idea of running in the Land of Ice & Fire, but want to tackle Run Iceland on your schedule? Send us a message about pricing for our Self-Guided Run Iceland itineraries
Private Run Tours
Want to Run Iceland with your crew? Get in touch about reserving your private version of our popular Iceland running tour.