be a force of nature!

Volcano Iceland Marathon Itinerary 2023

6-day / 5 nights tour package:

 

Day 1 – 09 August 2023: Welcome to Iceland

Arrival at Keflavík 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.

We offer participants the opportunity to book a sightseeing tour to the famous Golden Circle. 

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!

Meals: Not included

 

Day 2 – 10 August 2023: Iceland’s Scenic West Coast & Race Briefing

After an early breakfast, we will board our bus and begin a scenic drive up along the west coast of Iceland. Along the way, our guide will tell us about 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 goodie bags while we enjoy a snack meal. After the briefing, our journey will continue to Mývatn, where you will get settled into your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch box, and a stand-up snack meal included

 

Day 3 – 11 August 2023: Mývatn Route Highlights

On todays tour you will visit some of the places that are 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 Krafla fissure swarm. The crater is approximately 1 km in diameter.
  • Hverir solfataras (boiling sulphur mud pits) at Námaskarð, 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 change to fill this gap! But please - mind your steps!

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and pasta dinner.

 

Day 4 – 12 August 2023: 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 September in the late Icelandic summer, it's unlikely temperatures will rise above 11 degrees Celsius (52 degrees Fahrenheit) and rain is not uncommon during the north Icelandic late summer. The scenery, however, is equally dramatic in both sun and rain!

At the finish line, a pizza lunch will be served to participants. Shuttle busses will then take all participants back to their hotels.

After dinner at your hotel, you have the chance to join our optional excursion to Jardbödin Nature Baths in Mývatn or GeoSea Húsavík. The perfect way to give your muscles a treat and take a soak in the restorative natural waters. 

Meals: Breakfast pizza lunch and dinner included

 

Day 5 – 13 August 2023: Relaxation, Optional Excursions & Celebration Dinner

Spend the day on an excursion, or take in the stunning nature surrounding Mývatn at your own pace.

In the late afternoon, we will meet to celebrate yesterday’s achievements with a festive dinner.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner.

 

Day 6 – 14 August 2023: Farewell Iceland or Hello Extension

After an early breakfast, we will board shuttle busses that will drive us through Reykjavík to Keflavik International Airport (KEF). Expected arrival at Keflavik Airport is 14:30. Knowing this, it is not advisable to book your flight out of Iceland earlier than 16:30 on this day.

Not ready for the adventure to end? Join our optional extension!

If you have booked a post-night or an extension, the bus will drop you off in Reykjavík.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch box included.