Thórsmörk with Elisa in Iceland

Dates

Aug 14–20, 2024

Group Size

8–14 Travelers

Duration

7 days, 6 nights

Activity Level

Challenge

About This Trip

After traveling through Iceland for over seven years, there are still some places I have not explored yet. Thórsmörk is one of them. This magical area is one of the best hiking destinations in the world. But it is only accessible in summer and because I usually work in the north during that time, I've never been able to enjoy the beauty of this place. So this year I would love to explore it with you during this 7-day trip! Please Note: This is a participatory camping trip, in which all travellers will be assisting in setting up camp and cooking meals. Guides will teach us the best methods for quick set up and take down of tents, and will lead the cooking, providing clear instructions and oversight. If you’ve never set up camp or cooked outdoors before, this is the perfect opportunity to learn under expert supervision!
$2,495USD
$2,595USD
Aug 14–20, 2024
7 days
Trip Closed

Meet Your Host

Elisa in Iceland
Elisa in Iceland

After a holiday in Iceland in 2015 I fell head over heels in love with the country. So, as any normal person would do after that: I sold my stuff, booked a one way ticket to Iceland and never left. I worked as a horse riding guide for years (a childhood dream come true). Other passions I discovered: photography, knitting, SUP-ing and solo travel!

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Trip Activities

  • Thingvellir National Park

  • The Great Geysir Viewing

  • Gullfoss Waterfall Visit

  • Half Day Hiking in Thorsmork

  • First Full Day Hiking in Thorsmork

  • Second Full Day Hiking in Thorsmork

Included in Your Trip

  • Double occupancy in tents

  • Local guide throughout trip

  • All city transfers

  • All camping equipment (except sleeping bag and pillow)

Not Included

  • Flights (except as noted)

  • Food & Alcohol (except as noted)

  • Visas & Travel Insurance

  • Airport Transfers

  • Sleeping Bag & Pillow

  • Tips & Gratuity

Itinerary

*All durations are approximate

Day 1

Info

Welcome! Please be prepared to meet in the lobby at 5:30pm to depart for your welcome dinner. The dinner reservation time will be finalized closer to your trip date. If you plan on arriving today, we recommend flying into KEF.

dinner

Get to know the group! Included welcome dinner at local restaurant. Toast to an exciting trip ahead! Your meal tonight will either be a set menu or a la carte. Only water is included.

Hveragerdi Camping Site (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 1/1

Overnight camping in Hveragerdi

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Day 2

Info

After breakfast, leave your campsite behind and head out to the most famous route in the country, Golden Circle. Your first stop of the day will be Thingvellir Park. From there you’ll continue on the road until you reach the water erupting from the ground up to 100ft in the sky, better known as Strokkur Geyser. Your final destination of the day will be the powerful Gullfoss Waterfall. After the waterfall you will continue to your new campsite where you will spend the remainder of the evening setting up camp and then preparing and cooking dinner as a group. Be sure to wear comfortable hiking shoes and appropriate hiking clothes. Please pack a windproof/waterproof jacket and your preferred hiking gear.

breakfast

Breakfast is included. You will have 3 options: 1. Breakfast will be served at Hotel Ork; 2. You will visit a bakery and pick out breakfast; 3. In a group effort, you will prepare and cook breakfast together at the cooking facility at the campsite. You will decide with your guide which option the group prefers.

Thingvellir National Park

1 Hour

Your first stop will be in Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here you will be able to look down a volcanic rift and straddle two tectonic plates. Fun fact: This is the only place where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet and can be seen on dry land. Thingvellir is recognized as the place in which Iceland’s identity as a nation began as it was the site the Viking settlers chose as their parliament back in the 10th century. Upon entering the park you will stop at the welcome center and have the opportunity to explore there. You will then get back in the vehicle to continue driving.

The Great Geysir Viewing

40 Mins

Visit the spouting hot springs of the Great Geysir and Strokkur where you’ll be able to walk around the geothermal area. The lively Strokkur spouts water 100 feet into the air every few minutes, so have your camera ready and enjoy the show! It will be a short walk on an unpaved, gravel path so please wear comfortable walking shoes. Due to the weather in Iceland changing constantly, please be prepared for mud.

Gullfoss Waterfall Visit

45 Mins

Travel to where the milky Hvita river drops into a volcanic fissure, forming one of Iceland's most beautiful waterfalls, Gullfoss. You will have some time to walk around the area and take some epic photos. It will be a short walk on an unpaved, gravel path so please wear comfortable walking shoes. Due to the weather in Iceland changing constantly, please be prepared for mud.

dinner

Dinner at the campsite is included. In a group effort, you will prepare and cook your meal together at the cooking facility at the campsite. As a group you will then share the responsibilities of cleaning up together.

Smaratun Camping Site (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 1/1

Overnight camping in Smaratun

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Day 3

Info

Leave your campsite this morning and head out to the town of Hella. In town, you will pick up some supplies with your Guide before swapping to a bus to travel across the river to Thorsmork. Named after the Norse god Thor, the Icelandic ridge is situated between two impressive glaciers. On arrival take some time to set up your tents as you’ll be staying here for the next few days. Depending on your mood and energy you can take some time to relax and enjoy nature, or start with a short hike in the area. Be sure to wear comfortable hiking shoes and appropriate hiking clothes. Please pack a windproof/waterproof jacket and your preferred hiking gear.

breakfast

Breakfast is included. You will have 2 options: 1. Breakfast will be served at Guesthouse Smaratun; 2. In a group effort, you will prepare and cook breakfast together at the cooking facility at the campsite. You will decide with your guide which option the group prefers.

Bus to Thorsmork

1 Hour 30 Mins

A public coach will transfer you into Thorsmork. Your luggage and camping gear will go in the storage below the bus. Upon arrival you will be dropped off at your campsite and begin to set up for the next few nights.

Half Day Hiking in Thorsmork

3 Hours

After arriving in Thorsmork, you will spend the remainder of the afternoon hiking in the park. The specific trail will be decided by the local guide based on trail conditions, weather, and group physical ability. Rest assured, trails will have no shortage of breathtaking scenery and Icelandic beauty. Some of the hikes include: Réttarfell, a moderate 2.5 mile hike taking approximately 3-4 hours to complete. Activity level intermediate to advanced. Útigönguhöfði, a hard 6 mile hike taking approximately 6-7 hours to complete. Activity level advanced. Valahnúkur, a moderately easy 1.5 mile hike taking approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Activity level beginner. Tindfjöll Circle, a moderate to difficult 5 mile hike taking approximately 5-7 hours to complete. Activity level intermediate. Rjúpnafell, a moderate to difficult 3.8 mile hike taking approximately 4 hours to complete. Activity level advanced.

dinner

Dinner at the campsite is included. In a group effort, you will prepare and cook your meal together at the cooking facility at the campsite. As a group you will then share the responsibilities of cleaning up together.

Basar Camping Site (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 1/3

Overnight camping in Thorsmork

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Day 4

Info

The Thorsmork Nature Reserve has some of the most beautiful and varied hiking terrain in all of Iceland. Offering unrivaled views of glaciers, rivers, and mountains, with the sprawling valley below. Since your camp will be in the heart of the mountain ridge, today your group will have many options to choose from. Depending on the conditions on the ground, the Guide will decide with the group which hikes to tackle for today. After returning to your campsite you will have the remainder of the evening to begin preparing and cooking dinner as a group. Be sure to wear comfortable hiking shoes and appropriate hiking clothes. Please pack a windproof/waterproof jacket and your preferred hiking gear.

breakfast

Breakfast is included. Breakfast will be served in the restaurant at Basar campground. The meal will be basic with breads, spreads, cereals and yogurt.

First Full Day Hiking in Thorsmork

7 Hours

Today you will spend the full day hiking in Thorsmork. The specific trail will be decided by the local guide based on trail conditions, weather, and group physical ability. Rest assured, trails will have no shortage of breathtaking scenery and Icelandic beauty. Some of the hikes include: Réttarfell, a moderate 2.5 mile hike taking approximately 3-4 hours to complete. Activity level intermediate to advanced. Útigönguhöfði, a hard 6 mile hike taking approximately 6-7 hours to complete. Activity level advanced. Valahnúkur, a moderately easy 1.5 mile hike taking approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Activity level beginner. Tindfjöll Circle, a moderate to difficult 5 mile hike taking approximately 5-7 hours to complete. Activity level intermediate. Rjúpnafell, a moderate to difficult 3.8 mile hike taking approximately 4 hours to complete. Activity level advanced.

lunch

Packed lunch is included. Your meal may consist of a sandwich, yogurt and fruit.

dinner

Dinner at the campsite is included. In a group effort, you will prepare and cook your meal together at the cooking facility at the campsite. As a group you will then share the responsibilities of cleaning up together.

Basar Camping Site (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 2/3

Overnight camping in Thorsmork

Show DetailsHide Details
Day 5

Info

Today you will have another opportunity to spend a full day hiking in Thorsmork. At breakfast your local guide will discuss the hikes available for the day and as a group will make a decision based on activity level and weather. After returning to your campsite you will have the remainder of the evening to begin preparing and cooking dinner as a group. Be sure to wear comfortable hiking shoes and appropriate hiking clothes. Please pack a windproof/waterproof jacket and your preferred hiking gear.

breakfast

Breakfast is included. Breakfast will be served in the restaurant at Basar campground. The meal will be basic with breads, spreads, cereals and yogurt.

Second Full Day Hiking in Thorsmork

7 Hours

Today you will spend the full day hiking in Thorsmork. The specific trail will be decided by the local guide based on trail conditions, weather, and group physical ability. Rest assured, trails will have no shortage of breathtaking scenery and Icelandic beauty. Some of the hikes include: Réttarfell, a moderate 2.5 mile hike taking approximately 3-4 hours to complete. Activity level intermediate to advanced. Útigönguhöfði, a hard 6 mile hike taking approximately 6-7 hours to complete. Activity level advanced. Valahnúkur, a moderately easy 1.5 mile hike taking approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Activity level beginner. Tindfjöll Circle, a moderate to difficult 5 mile hike taking approximately 5-7 hours to complete. Activity level intermediate. Rjúpnafell, a moderate to difficult 3.8 mile hike taking approximately 4 hours to complete. Activity level advanced.

lunch

Packed lunch is included. Your meal may consist of a sandwich, yogurt and fruit.

dinner

Dinner at the campsite is included. In a group effort, you will prepare and cook your meal together at the cooking facility at the campsite. As a group you will then share the responsibilities of cleaning up together.

Basar Camping Site (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 3/3

Overnight camping in Thorsmork

Show DetailsHide Details
Day 6

Info

After breakfast today you’ll leave the mountain ridge and return to the town of Hella via public bus. From there, you will be privately transferred in a coach to Hveragerði to set up camp. After setting up camp, you’ll enjoy a farewell dinner as a group.

breakfast

Breakfast is included. Breakfast will be served in the restaurant at Basar campground. The meal will be basic with breads, spreads, cereals and yogurt.

Bus to Hella

1 Hour

A public bus will transfer you from your campsite back to the parking lot in Hella, where your private vehicle will be. Once the group is settled into their private vehicle, you will be transferred to your new campsite for the evening.

dinner

Included farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Toast to an exciting trip ahead! Your meal tonight will either be a set menu or a la carte. Only water is included.

Hveragerdi Camping Site (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 6/1

Overnight in Hveragerdi

Show DetailsHide Details
Day 7

Info

All good things must come to an end, but only until your next adventure! Enjoy a final breakfast and then make your own way onward. If departing directly from the hotel, we recommend flying out of KEF.

breakfast

Breakfast is included. You will have 3 options: 1. Breakfast will be served at Hotel Ork; 2. You will visit a bakery and pick out breakfast; 3. In a group effort, you will prepare and cook breakfast together at the cooking facility at the campsite. You will decide with your guide which option the group prefers.

Show DetailsHide Details

Physical Activity Level:Challenge

These trips are designed to increase your heart rate. You can expect daily hikes or swims, long-distance bike rides and a good amount of sweat. These itineraries are meant for adventure and are perfect for those with a higher level of physical fitness. Some training may be required to prepare for these trips.

Cancellation Policy

We get it—life happens. Here's how cancellations work depending on where you're at in the process:

Spot Pending

100% refundable
Not confirmed yet? No worries. You can cancel at any time for a full refund.

Spot Confirmed With 91 or More Days Before Your Trip

Partially refundable + credit towards a future trip
You'll receive a future trip credit for the amount of your down payment (minus a $100 cancellation fee per Traveler). This trip credit is valid for one year from the date it is issued. Additionally, any payments made beyond the original 25% down payment will be refunded to your original form of payment.

Spot Confirmed With 90 or Fewer Days Before Your Trip

Non-refundable
At this point, all payments are non-refundable because your experience is already in motion behind the scenes. By this time, our operating partners will be working with local businesses to secure your accommodations and finalize your activities.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Protect Your Adventure-Invest in Peace of Mind

We strongly encourage purchasing travel insurance with trip cancellation coverage to safeguard your investment. With travel insurance, you're covered in case of unexpected events—from illness to emergencies—that could affect your plans. Life is unpredictable, but your dream trip doesn't have to be.

After booking, you'll receive a personalized recommendation for coverage tailored to your trip. For full details on our cancellation policy, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.

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Traveling with TrovaTrip

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In short: The Host brings the vibe, the Operator runs the trip, and we make it all happen. Read more about who does what here.

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We know it takes trust to book a trip with new people, and we're here to make sure you feel ready, supported, and excited!”

Can I book solo?

Absolutely! As of 2025, almost 84% of TrovaTrip Travelers go solo. (And yes, we may be a little biased, but we think group travel is one of the best ways to meet new people!) You'll have your own bed and the option to book a private room on most trips. Plus you'll be traveling with others who are just as excited to explore and connect.

What if I need to cancel?

We understand that life happens. Our cancellation policy is designed to provide flexibility while balancing the logistics of group travel:

  • Spot pending100% refundable. Not confirmed yet? No worries. You can cancel at any time for a full refund.
  • Spot confirmed with 91 or more days before your tripPartially refundable + credit towards a future trip. You'll receive a future trip credit for the amount of your down payment (minus a $100 cancellation fee per Traveler). This trip credit is valid for one year from the date it is issued. Additionally, any payments made beyond the original 25% down payment will be refunded to your original form of payment. 
  • Spot confirmed with 90 days or fewer before your tripNon-refundable. At this point, all payments are non-refundable because your experience is already in motion behind the scenes. By this time, our operating partners will be working with local businesses to secure your accommodations and finalize your activities.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Protect Your Adventure–Invest in Peace of Mind
We strongly encourage purchasing travel insurance with trip cancellation coverage to safeguard your investment. With travel insurance, you're covered in case of unexpected events–from illness to emergencies–that could affect your plans. Life is unpredictable, but your dream trip doesn't have to be.

After booking, you'll receive a personalized recommendation for coverage tailored to your trip. For full details on our cancellation policy, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.

What's included in the trip cost?

Most trips include accommodations, daily activities, ground transportation, some meals, and a dedicated local Guide. Because Travelers are coming from all around the world, flights to and from your destination are not included. Each trip page breaks it all down for you.

Will I have free time?

Yes! While we pack in incredible experiences, most itineraries include built-in free time so you can relax, wander, or check out personal must-sees.

What do the activity levels mean?

Every trip has a physical Activity Level from 1 to 5 so you can find the right fit for your travel style:

  • Level 1 – Relax + Unwind: Minimal movement (spa days, beach lounging, local markets)
  • Level 2 – Low-Key Movement: Light, easy-paced activity (snorkeling, boat tours, gentle hikes)
  • Level 3 – Moderate Activity: Ready to move (multi-day hikes, skiing, camping)
  • Level 4 – Get Your Heart Rate Up: More intense movement (long hikes, biking, active days)
  • Level 5 – Extreme Adventure: High-adrenaline travel (challenging hikes, dives, technical climbs – experience may be required)

You'll find the Activity Level clearly listed on each trip page, and a more in-depth explanation of each level here.

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Our support team is here to help! Visit trovatrip.com/company/contact-us to reach out. You can expect to hear back within 2 business days, but probably sooner—our Trova elves are pretty speedy!

Accommodations

What does "or similar" mean next to the accommodations?

When we say “or similar,” it means the hotel listed is an example of what you can expect—not always the exact spot you'll be staying. Sometimes Operators adjust accommodations due to seasonal availability or group size. But rest assured: the quality and comfort will match what's shown.

Why would the accommodations change from time of booking?

Flexibility allows Operators to choose the best-fit accommodations closer to your trip—based on availability, logistics, and what works best for the group (like the number of Travelers and room configurations). This ensures a smooth experience without sacrificing comfort or quality.

Finalized hotel info is typically shared about 30 days before departure in your Traveler Portal, along with your final itinerary.

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Who actually runs my trip, and how does Trova keep things safe?

Your trip is operated by licensed, certified Tour Operators who manage all trip logistics and safety—from accommodations and local Guides and day-to-day logistics. All trips comply with local legal and regulatory standards. We vet each Operating partner carefully so you can travel with confidence.

Who do I talk to if I have questions about safety or compliance?

If you have any questions about safety protocols or trip compliance, reach out to us at safety@trovatrip.com. We're here to help.

General Travel Questions

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It depends on where you're headed. Though it is not a universal requirement, many countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date. This ensures Travelers have sufficient time to return home even if their visas are extended or if unexpected circumstances arise. 

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It's always best to check with your healthcare provider or a travel doctor before your trip. You can also visit the CDC website (or your local government's travel health resource) for destination-specific vaccine guidance. Health and safety first!

Are flights included in the trip cost?

Because our Hosts and Travelers are coming from all around the world, flights to and from your destination are not included. Some trips include internal flights (like a short domestic hop), and those details will always be listed on the trip page if applicable.

Can you accommodate my dietary needs?

We’ll do our very best! Our Operators aim to accommodate dietary restrictions, though availability varies by destination. For example, some places offer plenty of vegan and vegetarian choices, while others might be quite limited. The earlier you let us know—through your trip form or by contacting our support team—the better we can prepare. Once you arrive, be sure to remind your local Guide about any allergies or restrictions so they can help you enjoy your meals safely and comfortably.