Iceland Volcano Marathon Tour | Five Night Package | August 9 - 14, 2023
Wednesday, August 9: Welcome to Iceland!
Arrival at Keflavik International Airport (KEF) in Reykjavík. There is no set arrival time, so you can book the flight that is most suitable for you. Note that transfer from Keflavík to Reykjavík is not included in the package. Once you've reached the arrivals hall, please make your way to the airport shuttle desk or take a taxi to reach your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure. With almost 24 hours of daylight during the summer months, Reykjavík is often described as the city that never sleeps... so take this opportunity to discover the world's northernmost capital city at your own speed! Consider booking a tour to the Golden Circle with Tingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss. Please see "
optional day excursions" for additional details. (
No meals included today)
Thursday, August 10: Iceland's Scenic West Coast & Race Briefing
After an early breakfast, we will board our bus and begin a scenic drive with an informative guide along the west coast of Iceland. In the afternoon, we reach Akureyri, known as "The Capital of the North," which lies just 100 km (62 miles) away from the Arctic Circle. Here, race officials will provide a race briefing and distribute your race bags while we enjoy a snack meal. After the briefing, our journey will continue to Mývatn where you will get settled into your hotel. (Breakfast, lunch box, and a stand-up snack meal included)
Friday, August 11: Myvatn Route Highlights
On today’s tour you will visit some of the places on the marathon route.
- Dimmuborgir (Dark Castles) a spectacular maze of strange lava structures covered with surprisingly lush vegetation. The area is composed of various volcanic caves and rock formations.
- Hverfjall – a tephra cone, which erupted 2500 years ago in the southern part of the Kraflo fissure swarm. The crater is approximately 1km in diameter.
- Hverir solfatarars (boiling sulphur mud pits) at Namaskard, these being some of the most spectacular in the country. Stroll around the bubbling gray puddles and the ethereal steam loudly escaping from the conical fumaroles. If you’ve never smelled a rotten egg this is a good chance to fill this gap! But please – mind your step.
(Breakfast, lunch and pre-race dinner included)
Saturday, August 12: Race Day!
Today is the big day - the Iceland Volcano Marathon is on! Runners will have the rare opportunity to run the dirt and gravel roads around the majestic Hverfjall crater. While the route will be demanding, the weather is likely to pose the biggest challenge. Although this event is held in August in the late Icelandic summer, it's unlikely temperatures will rise above 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit) and rain is not uncommon here. The scenery, however, is equally dramatic in both sun and rain! At the finish line, a pizza lunch will be served to participants. Shuttle buses will take all participants back to their hotels.
After dinner on your own, you have the chance to join our optional excursion to Jardbodin Nature Baths in Myvatn. The perfect way to give your muscles a treat while soaking in the restorative natural waters. Another option is the optional extension to explore the Lofthellir Ice Cave, a lava tunnel filled with permafrost ice. (Breakfast and pizza lunch included)
Sunday, August 13: Relaxation, Optional Excursions, & Celebration Dinner
Spend the day on an excursion or take in the stunning nature surrounding Mývatn at your own pace. We will meet in the late afternoon to celebrate yesterday’s achievements with a festive dinner. (Breakfast and dinner included. Lunch included in optional excursions)
Monday, August 14: Farewell Iceland or Hello Extension
After an early breakfast, we will board shuttle buses that will drive us through Reykjavík to Keflavik International Airport (KEF). Expected arrival at Keflavik Airport is 2:30 PM. Knowing this, it is not advisable to book your flight out of Iceland earlier than 4:30 PM.
If you are not ready for the adventure to end, join the optional extension (Aug 14-18) and explore East Iceland Highlights – you will venture beneath waterfalls, see the famous glacier lagoon, and drive along black sand beaches while exploring Skaftafell & Pingvellir National Parks.
It is also possible to book a post-night in Reykjavik if you desire more time in the Icelandic capital or your connecting flight is the next day. (Breakfast and lunch box included)
Finally, consider signing up for the Iceland Challenge and run Reykjavik with us on August 19! Details coming soon.
