Iceland’s Shadow of Vatnajökull Trek

In the Shadow of Vatnajökull is an off-the-beaten path, 4-day guided trek in one of the most remote hiking areas in Iceland. The landscapes in the Eastfjords are quite different to what you typically see in photographs of one of the world’s most photographed islands, so if you are looking for a different Icelandic hiking experience, this trek will definitely fit the bill.

This is another good option to consider if the self-guided Laugavegur trek and the guided Laugavegur trek are sold out.

From bare rocky plains to deep canyons with glacier tongues, spectacular cliffs to green valleys and multi-coloured mountains, this trek leads you through an area that has been shaped and molded by the enormous Vatnajökull glacier – the largest glacier in Europe.

Hiking the Shadow of Vatnajökull in 2026

A few current planning notes for a 2026 trek:

• Go in July or August. This remote East Iceland trek is only run across the short summer window, typically July and August, when the huts are staffed and the high ground is clear of snow. Plan your 2026 dates inside that window.
• Book the guided departure early. The trek runs as a small guided group with limited departures and hut space, so the 2026 dates fill up well ahead. Reserve as soon as your dates are set.
• Browse more options. If your dates do not line up, you can compare other routes in our self-guided and guided Iceland hiking tours.

The basics of the Shadow of Vatnajökull Trek

Closest Major City: Reykjavik, Iceland.

Start: The guided hike starts in Egilsstaðir, East Iceland.

Accommodations: Mountain huts.

Costs: The cost of this trek includes a wilderness guide, all meals, transportation and accommodation. On top of this, you will need to get yourself to and from Egilsstaðir, either by flying, driving, or bus.

Length: 4 days.

When to Go: Tour companies offer the trip during July and August.

Approaching Geldingefell Hut on Iceland’s Shadow of Vatnajökull Trek

Canyons on Iceland’s Shadow of Vatnajökull Trek

Health

There is little to worry about from a health perspective while hiking in East Iceland. If you are moderately fit and can carry about 10kg in a backpack, you will be fine on this trek.

The most important thing to keep in mind is Iceland’s very changeable weather. It can be raining one minute and then bright sunshine the next – so make sure you come prepared with appropriate clothing to cover all eventualities. Yes, even in Summer, you should hike with a base layer, mid-layer and a quality waterproof/windproof complete outer layer.

Iceland’s Shadow of Vatnajökull Trek rewards with beautiful sunrise views

River valley on Iceland’s Shadow of Vatnajökull Trek

Route of the Shadow of Vatnajökull Trek

Shadow of Vatnajökull Trek Map

After about an hour’s drive from Egilsstaðir, the hike starts seemingly in the middle of nowhere on the side of the road in the Eyjabakkar area, just east of Mt. Snæfell. For the first 2 days, there is no trail, as you make your way over rocky ground, approaching and then following the edge of the mighty Vatnajökull glacier towards the deep canyons and impressive striated cliffs of Tröllakrókar.

From there, a trail appears to lead you past an incredible landscape of mountains, glaciers, and fanciful rock sculptures. This is Tröllakrókahnaus - one of the most impressive areas in East Iceland. Heading further south, you descend into the glacial river valley where the landscape again changes with the appearance of colourful rhyolite mountains, Iceland’s famous moss, and even some trees!

Iceland’s Shadow of Vatnajökull Trek Itinerary

Day 1: Egilsstaðir – Geldingafell. 6-8hrs.

Day 2: Geldingafell – Egilssel. 6-8 hrs.

Day 3: Egilssel – Múlaskáli. 5-7 hrs.

Day 4: Múlaskáli - Eskifell – Höfn. 6-8 hrs.

Route options:

• Depending on the weather, the guide may take a longer (closer to the glacier) or shorter route on Day 2.

Studying the route of Iceland’s Shadow of Vatnajökull Trek

Approaching the ocean on Iceland’s Shadow of Vatnajökull Trek

Accommodation on Shadow of Vatnajökull Trek

This guided tour utilizes rustic but comfortable huts that break the trail into its different sections. These provide dormitory accommodation with mattresses and sleeping bags (you have to bring your own liner), a kitchen, and toilet facilities (the first two huts are dry toilets, the last hut has flush toilets). The hut at Múlaskáli also has showers (for an extra fee), but there is no internet and nowhere to charge devices at any of the huts. Make sure you bring enough batteries!

Hikers approaching the river on Iceland’s Shadow of Vatnajökull Trek

Iceland’s Shadow of Vatnajökull Trek on a trail through trees

Food

Once you leave Egilsstaðir, there is no food available for purchase. You will be required to carry a portion of the fresh food for the trek with you (as well as your personal items), but Icelandic Mountain Guides has more food cached at each of the huts that the guide will use to prepare basic but filling meals.

Breakfast and lunch are a “make your own” affair from a variety of ingredients – mostly bread/crackers, cheese, processed meats, spreads, and cereal/porridge for breakfast. There is always plenty of food so you won’t go hungry. The company also provides snacks, but you may want to bring some extras in case you feel like something different to what they offer.

Iceland Travel Articles

Lisa shares her knowledge in a series of articles for 10Adventures, such as this one on the Laugavegur Trail, and this one about the Volcanic Trails Hike, or this one on the Hornstrandir Nature Preserve.

For more Iceland trekking ideas, see Iceland’s Best Multi-Day Treks, which features this route, or browse the North and East Iceland Self-Guided Walking Tour for an easier-paced trip in the same region.