Iceland Hike and Explore

HIKING: Hikes range from 2 to 6 miles a day and an average of 2-4 hours of physical activity per day. Some hikes are steep. You will carry your day pack with only what you will need for each day hike.

WEATHER: Weather in Iceland changes frequently. Temperatures range from 45F – 60F degrees and you will frequently experience cool temperatures. Be prepared for all types of weather. Rain is likely at some point so a good raincoat is important.

YOUR GROUP: The group size will be up to 7 participants, 1-2 Wilderness Inquiry staff, and 1 local guide. Each group consists of like-minded travelers of various ages, backgrounds, and abilities, including people with disabilities. Our trips are cooperative adventures and people pitch in as they are able.

ACCOMMODATIONS: We will sleep in a variety of guesthouses, bed and breakfasts, and hotels at night. Typically there are 2 people per room. Your group will travel together in a comfortable van.

SINGLE TRAVELERS: If you are traveling alone, you will feel at home with a welcoming group. If you would like to have your own room throughout the trip, you may purchase a single supplement for an additional fee. Please email or call us if you would like this option.

MEALS: We will have breakfasts provided at our accommodations, pack picnic lunches and have dinners at local restaurants in the evenings. There will be snacks provided throughout each day. We’ll enjoy happy hours together, but the purchase of alcoholic beverages is not included in the trip fees. Alcohol is expensive in Iceland, but you can bring your own. Check out this duty free allowance calculator.

EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING: Since weather can vary, you will need layers. We will provide you a suggested the packing list with our confirmation packet.

MEDICATIONS: Please list all of your medications on your registration form. Consider bringing two sets of your medications: one set that can be kept with you, and another set that will be kept by your trip leaders. If you need assistance taking your medications, please explain on your registration form. Wilderness Inquiry will bring a collection of over the counter medications (ibuprofen, Advil, anti-nausea, etc.).

CELL PHONES AND OTHER DEVICES: You are welcome to bring cell phones and other devices like cameras, but they are your responsibility to take care of. You may have spotty cell service, so we’d encourage you to take the opportunity to unplug! Wilderness Inquiry is not responsible for any lost or broken electronic devices.

SAFETY & EMERGENCIES WHILE ON TRAIL: All Wilderness Inquiry guides possess experience in administering First Aid, CPR, and Water Safety, carry fully-stocked first aid kits, GPS communication devices, and are trained on how to respond to emergency situations while on trail. If a loved one is participating in a Wilderness Inquiry experience and you need to get in contact with them due to an emergency, please contact the Wilderness Inquiry main phone line at (612) 676-9400. We will work to get in contact with trip leaders as soon as possible.

COVID POLICY: We continue to monitor and update our COVID-19 policies. Wilderness Inquiry strongly encourages everyone to be fully up to date with their COVID-19 vaccination and take other necessary steps for the health and wellness of all. We ask you to self-screen for any signs of illness prior to your trip’s departure. Please contact Wilderness Inquiry if you are exhibiting signs of illness. We will also continue to follow all guidance and requirements of locations that we travel, keeping in mind some international destinations do require vaccinations and/or negative COVID tests. We will update this policy as new information and guidance becomes available.

GROUP EXPECTATIONS: To facilitate a safe and inclusive environment where we can all come together as our true selves, feel supported, and enjoy the outdoors in community, we have developed community agreements that align with Wilderness Inquiry’s core values and brand promise. We ask that you review these before your adventure so you can help Wilderness Inquiry create an inclusive environment for all.

COMMUNITY AGREEMENTS AS WE ADVENTURE TOGETHER

☐ We are safety conscious so everyone can have fun!

☐ We seek to understand each other and celebrate our differences.

☐ We are curious, open-minded, and communicate respectfully.

☐ We are open to trying new things and pushing outside of our comfort zone.

☐ We support each other and collectively contribute to group tasks.

Iceland is steeped in rich cultural history, as well. The Vikings established the world’s first democratic parliament in Iceland in 930 AD. The ruins of the site sit in Thingvellir National Park, which was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004 to recognize the global importance of that event. Later, Iceland was subject to rule by other countries, including Denmark, until the country gained its independence in 1944 following occupation by the UK during WWII. The Republic of Iceland was established on June 17, 1944.

Formed 20 million years ago by a series of underwater volcanic eruptions, Iceland is situated between two tectonic plates – the North American and the Eurasian. In 2010 the volcano Eyjafjallajokull began erupting, emitting a huge ash plume that halted European air traffic for a week. Due to this eruption, international attention shifted to Iceland and tourism boomed, resulting in much needed economic stability for the nation. It has become the fastest growing travel destination in Europe.

Wildlife in Iceland is few and far between. Aside from sheep, birds and horses, you’ll be hard pressed to garner any animal sightings. The only indigenous land mammal is the elusive Arctic fox found in the Westfjords. Birds are prolific on coastal cliffs often forming massive colonies near the sea. Gannets, kittiewakes, razorbills and puffins are among the most impressive. Iceland also has a thriving marine life including humpback whales, dolphins, porpoises and seals.