DAY FOUR
What to do?
After a buffet-style breakfast at Lilja Guesthouse, Ryan brings you to perhaps my favorite spot on this tour: Diamond Beach. This beach is where those icebergs from the day before go to “die” – hence the nickname, “iceberg graveyard.” It’s another photographer’s dream! Some of the icebergs wash up on shore polished like large diamonds; others arrive dimpled or frosted or painted in various shades of blue. It’s a stunning spectacle.
But the main adventure of the day is a glacier hike in Vatnajökull National Park. Here’s where you’ll see Ryan in his element. As an experienced glacier guide, Ryan walks you through each step of the process from harnessing up to strapping on your crampons. With a pick axe in hand, you’ll begin the climb through the moraine and up onto the glacier. How far you go will depend on your group’s ability. Safety is the first priority. With Ryan at the helm, we never felt unsafe. He comes prepared for any situation. Just ask to lift his backpack filled with gear and safety ropes plus his giant pick axe as proof! I’d describe the hike as strenuous but completely doable for people with a reasonable level of fitness.
KidTripster Tip: Unlike Ryan, you’ll want to lighten your load as much as possible. Dress in layers. Even though you’re on a glacier, you tend to heat up quickly as you climb.
KidTripster Tip: Know that Hidden Iceland requires all climbers to be at least 10 years old. If your children are younger, you could consider doing a private tour tailored to your kids’ abilities.
KidTripster Tip: You do need to bring a water bottle and snacks, but you don’t need to bring liters of water. You can refill your bottle on the glacier! Yes, the water is perfectly safe to drink.
Where to eat?
After a few hours on the glacier, you’ll most definitely be ready for a nap on the drive back to Reykjavík. Ryan will stop for dinner at Systrakaffi where you can celebrate your accomplishment with your newfound friends.
Cost of the 2-day tour from June to September in a double room: about $452/person. Discounts available October to May. If you go during the winter, the tour includes exploration in an ice cave.
KidTripster Tip: If you plan on doing more than one tour with Hidden Iceland, it’s possible to stay outside of Reykjavík so that you don’t have to backtrack the next day. Your guide will pick you up at your new hotel. Make sure to discuss the possibilities with Hidden Iceland when you book.
If you’d like to stay a full week in Iceland, here’s where I’d add the days. Explore on your own or consider Hidden Iceland’s Westman Islands or Westfjords (think fjords like in Norway) tours. Other passengers on our trip raved about these experiences. In general, we found the farther you go from Reykavík, the wilder and more wonderful Iceland becomes.
You didn’t think we forgot about Icelandic horses, did you? There’s time tomorrow, click below to see where Day 5 takes us. Plus, we’ve posted a pretty gallery. It’s easy to take gorgeous photos in Iceland.
