Iceland Volcano Marathon

24 Aug 2024

Iceland Volcano Marathon 2024 6-day package

Run through one of Earth’s geological hot spots, on the rim of a volcanic crater and over black lava rock.
21-26 Aug
6 days
2 495 EUR

Book package

The Iceland Volcano Marathon takes place in Mývatn in northern Iceland, where the North Volcanic Zone splits the American and Eurasian continental plates. Still an active volcano area, this area is replete with volcano craters and steaming geysers.

Entry is in combination with a package offering one night in Reykjavík and four nights in Mývatn, giving you ample opportunity to explore this otherworldly landscape - you can visit Europe’s largest waterfall, embark on a whale safari, hike through the castle-like lava formations of Dimmuborgir, and relax in an geothermally heated lagoon.

English

Itinerary

The itinerary is detailed below. This is what you'll be doing during your stay!

21 Aug 2024Welcome 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.

Participants arriving in the morning or afternoon have the opportunity to book a tour to the Golden Circle with Tingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss. Please see Package Add-ons for more details.

Kindly note that we also offer a pre-night in Reykjavik if you would like a little more time to explore this northern capital.

Meals: Not included.

22 Aug 2024Iceland'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.

23 Aug 2024Mývatn Route Highlights

On today's 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 have never smelled a rotten egg before, this is a good chance to cross that off your bucket list! But please - mind your steps!

In the evening we can carbo load from the pasta dinner served by our hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and pasta dinner.

24 Aug 2024Race Day

Today is the big day - the Iceland Volcano Marathon is on!

Please read more about the race course and route logistics here.

Runners will have the rare opportunity to run in the volcanic sand 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 during the Icelandic summer, it's unlikely temperatures will rise above 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit) and rain is not uncommon in this country. 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 or nearby restaurants you have the chance to join our optional excursion to Jardbödin Nature Baths in Mývatn. The perfect way to give your muscles a treat and take a soak in the restorative natural waters. 

Meals: Breakfast and pizza lunch included.

25 Aug 2024Relaxation, 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.

26 Aug 2024Farewell Iceland

After an early breakfast, we will board shuttle busses that will drive us back south 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.

It is also possible to book a post-night in Reykjavik if you want to have more time in the Icelandic capital or your flight connection doesn't match today.
If you have booked a post-night the bus will drop you off in Reykjavík.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch box included. 

Excursions

Golden Circle Tour

21 Aug | 6 hours | 175 EUR
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An afternoon excursion to the famous sights of Thingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss - known as the Golden Circle, Iceland's most famous tourist route.

  • 21 Aug 2024 - Golden Circle Tour

    The bus will pick us up at our hotel in Reykjavik and take us east for a visit to the Golden Circle.

    Our first stop will be at the Thingvellir National Park - the only place on Earth where the mid-Atlantic rift, dividing the American and Eurasian Continental Plates, is visible above sea-level.

    Next we will visit Geysir - Iceland's famous geyser which can hurl up boiling water to heights reaching 70 meters. Even if the famous Geysir is not so active itself anymore, the entire area of Haukadalur Valley is full of geothermal activity and hot pools - including the much more active Strokkur geyser that regularly shoots up water to heights between 20 and 40 meters.

    Our last stop is the massive waterfall Gullfoss. Although it's neither the largest or tallest it is arguably one of Iceland most beautiful waterfalls with its two plateaus of which the lower has a drop of 21 meters.

    We will be back in Reykjavik in the evening, but being summer in the arctic the nights are light, so there's still ample opportunity to explore the capital of Iceland on your own.

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Geothermal Nature Baths

24 Aug | 3-4 hours | 115 EUR
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After your race (or a tiring day spent cheering), give your muscles a treat and take a soak in the restorative natural waters. The mineral-rich waters will soothe your skin while the warmth relaxes you. At this time of year, the sun still sets quite late, so you can savor a slow sunset as you bask in the water and enjoy the views. 

 

Mývatn participants: 

The area around Mývatn is a hotspot for geological activity. One of the byproducts of this is geothermal water - some of which has been used to form the Jardbödin Nature Baths. While the Nature Baths' lagoon is manmade, the water is drawn up from a hot spring with a depth of 2.500 meters and is about 130 degrees C when it reaches the surface. This hot spring forms a basin which is then used to fill the lagoon. The lagoon itself averages between 36-40 degrees C, and the water is rich with minerals that are considered to have a positive effect on skin. 

In addition to the lagoon, the Mývatn Nature Baths offer two steam baths that are built directly on top of the geothermal area. There are windows in the steam baths so guests can enjoy the magnificent view, and cool showers right outside to relieve the heat. There is also a café in the facilities where guests can purchase a variety of food, sweets, and drinks. 

This excursion includes bus travel to and from the Nature Baths as well as the entrance fee. The excursion will begin around 19:30, and the bus will bring you back to your hotel after 2-3 hours have been spent in the Nature Baths. The Baths do not close until 23:00. 

About the Tour: 

Duration: 3-4 Hours 

Departures: Saturday at 19:30

Minimum number of participants*: 20

*please note that if the min. number is not reached, we reserve the right to cancel the excursion. If the excursion is canceled, you will be refunded. 

What should I bring with me? Bring your bathing suit and a towel. If you prefer, you can rent a towel at the reception. Lockers are also included. 

Inclusions: 

- Bus transfer from hotel to baths 
- Entrance to the baths 

    • Jardbödin Nature Baths
    • Jardbödin Nature Baths
    • Jardbödin Nature Baths
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    Majestic Waterfalls

    25 Aug | 5 hours | 160 EUR
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    In a canyon known as Jökulsárgljúfur, visitors can witness many of these magnificent waterfalls - including one of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe: Dettifoss. This waterfall is 45 meters high and an incredible 100 meters wide, and is the largest waterfall in Iceland in terms of water volume. Although you will have plenty of time to take photographs of Dettifoss, your first glimpse of this beastly wonder will be the best memory.

    Within walking distance (around 1km) lies another breathtaking scene: the Selfoss waterfall, which cascades 11 meters down. Although Selfoss is not as tall, it is very wide and thus poses an awe-inspiring sight. The scenery around both these waterfalls is picture-perfect - they have, in fact, been featured in various Hollywood productions. 

    The third waterfall that we will visit is called Hafragilsfoss, and is a true hidden gem in Iceland. Although most tourists overlook this spot, it provides a breathtaking view of the canyon and the mighty river that forms it - with the additional perk of being less crowded! We'll drive about 2 km up a dirt road and then take a short hike to an amazing view above the 27-meter high falls. 

     

    About the Tour: 

    Duration: 5 hours

    Departure: Sunday at 08:00 

    Minimum number of participants*: 20 

    *please note that if the min. number is not reached, we reserve the right to cancel the excursion. If the excursion is canceled, you will be refunded. 

    Inclusions: 

    - Return transfers from the hotel to the falls 
    - Guide
    - Boxed lunch

    • Dettifoss
    • Selfoss
    • Hafragilsfoss
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    Whale Safari

    25 Aug | 7 hours | 175 EUR
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    Húsavík is often called the capital of whale watching in Iceland, and a day spent looking for these magnificent animals is an unforgettable experience. There are 12 species that can be considered common visitors, including, among others, the minke whale, humpback whale, orca, and even harbour porpoises! Hopefully, we'll also spot some Icelandic puffins flocking around. 

    The original Húsavík Whale Watching Tour is run in a traditional Icelandic oak boat and is operated by one of the pioneers of whale watching in Iceland. The professional crews on the whale watching boats are specifically trained in responsible conduct with the whales and will guide and inform you the whole way. They even offer you hot cocoa and cinnamon buns! 

    Participants that are staying in Mývatn will have 2 hours either before or after the trip (depending on departure time) to explore the picturesque town of Húsavík and purchase lunch. Húsavík has a variety of lovely restaurants on the harbour, a whale watching museum, a NASA museum, and plenty of shops. 

     

    About the Tour: 

    Duration: 7 hours (3.5 hours sailing) 

    Departures: Sunday at 08:00 

    Minimum number of participants*: 20 

    *Please note that if the min. number is not reached, we reserve the right to cancel the excursion. If the excursion is cancelled, you will be refunded. 

    Inclusions: 

    - 45-minute (each way) hotel transfers to Húsavík 
    - Boat trip 
    - 2 hours in Húsavík 
    - Guide 

    • Húsavík Harbour
    • Atlantic Puffin
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    Lofthellir Ice Cave

    25 Aug | 5 hours | 325 EUR
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    The Lofthellir Ice Cave is a lava tunnel filled with permafrost ice. The cave boasts incredible ice formations, some of which are hundreds of years old, that have been formed by dripping water over the course of time. The tour will start from the Lake Mývatn area, and we will drive past some incredible geology, including the volcano Mt. Hverfjall, and along the Lúdentarborgir crater row. Once we reach the base of Mt. Hvannfell, there will be a 30-minute guided hike across lava fields to the entrance of the Lofthellir cave. There you will be provided with equipment to safely navigate the cave. 

    We will travel slowly into the cave in a single line. Your cave guide will help you to move safely through the cave. The entrance is the narrowest part of the cave and participants will need to crawl on all fours to pass through. Past that point, every step you take into the cave it just gets bigger! A lost world of ice and magic awaits, frozen in time and in space.  

    The Lofthellir Ice Cave is a protected area and is privately owned by local landowners. Only a limited number of tours are allowed in, and all tours are operated by certified cave guides. The goal of the cave protection is to operate sustainable cave tours and preserve this incredible sight for future generations to explore - thus, in every ticket a fee is included for the protection program and local landowners. 

    IMPORTANT NOTE: This tour is not for people with claustraphobia, young children, or people that are not in reasonable physical condition. To reach the cave, we will hike for 30 min across a relatively smooth lava field. The short entry (approximately 1,5 meters) into the cave is narrow, and guests need to crawl on all fours to enter. Temperature in the cave ranges from 0 to -2 degrees C, so please make sure you have good gloves and preferably waterproof pants. 

     

    About the Tour: 

    Duration: 5 hours

    Departures: Sunday at 08:00 or 10:30 

    Minimum number of participants per departure*: 6

    Maximum number of participants per departure: 10 

    *Please note that if the min. number is not reached, we reserve the right to either move participants to another departure or cancel the excursion. If the excursion is cancelled, you will be refunded. 

    Inclusions: 

    - Return transfers from the hotel to the cave
    - Guide 
    - 1 hour of cave exploration 
    - Packed lunch 
    - Required safety equipment: helmet, head lamp, and studded boots. 

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    Gems of Mývatn - Buggy Adventure

    25 Aug | 2 hours | 250 EUR
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    Have fun while driving on some lesser visited tracks - including some from the marathon route - to see the incredible nature around Lake Mývatn.

    • 25 August 2024 - Mývatn Buggy Adventure

      You will depart from the picturesque Hella Farm, nestled within the Mývatn Nature Reserve, and venture into the untouched beauty of the north of Lake Mývatn. You get the exclusive opportunity to traverse private lands and embark on a journey through black sand deserts, volcanic areas, and hidden trails.

      Our local guides are storytellers at heart. During your tour you will learn about the rich history and vibrant culture of Mývatn as you explore off-the-beaten-path locations, gaining insights that make each stop a captivating experience.

      Our user-friendly Buggies or UTVs are very easy to drive, providing a comfortable and safe ride. A lesson on operating the UTV buggy is included, but bare in mind a drivers licence is required. Throughout the journey you will have the support and knowledge needed to make the most of your off-road adventure.

      Embark on an unforgettable off-road escapade with our Mývatn Buggy Tour!

      Highlights:

      • Visit locations off the beaten path,
      • Explore Mývatn Nature reserve
      • 4×4 Offroad experience
      • Storytelling by trained guides 
      • Hólasandur Wilderness 
      • Black Lava Fields 
      • Lunar Landscapes 
      • Mývatn Nature Reserves 

      Inclusions:

      • Fully guided tour
      • Lesson on operating a UTV buggy
      • Helmet and warm overall to keep you comfortable in the varying terrains

      Exclusions:

      • Personal insurance

      Important information: 

      • Departure 08:00, 10:00 and 12:00. A specific departure time cannot be guaranteed in advance.
      • Minimum 6 persons and maximum 10 persons pr. departure. If the minimum requirement isn't reached the tour will be cancelled and payment refunded.
      • A drivers license is required to drive the buggy.
      • Non-driving passengers have to be minimum 8 years old.

      NB: 2 persons pr. buggy. If you travel solo and want a buggy to yourself an additional fee of EUR 110 is added.

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    Price information

    Have a look at package prices below. Please note that prices do not include the race package.

    Prices

    All prices are per person in euros.

    The 6-day tour package has a selection of accommodation combinations as shown in the list below. The prices are per person - runner or non-runner. The race entry is additional for runners. 

    Package Hotel in Reykjavik Hotel in Mývatn Shared double/twin Single room supplement
    A - Standard  Hotel Cabin Standard Vogar Ferdathjonusta EUR 2495 EUR 450
    B - Comfort+ Hotel Cabin Superior Vogafjós Farm Resort  SOLD OUT SOLD OUT
    C - Comfort Fosshotel Lind SEL Hotel EUR 2895 EUR 950

    Please note that it is not possible to combine the hotels in other ways than as shown above.

    Inclusions

    • 1 night accommodation  in Reykjavik
    • 4 nights accommodation in Mývatn
    • Transportation Reykjavik - Mývatn - Reykjavík/airport
    • Mývatn Highlights excursion 
    • Meals as stated in the itinerary
    • Transportation to/from start and finish area
    • Celebration dinner incl. transportation
    • English speaking tour leader

    Exclusions

    • Flights to/from Iceland
    • Arrival transport from Keflavík-Reykjavík
    • Optional excursions
    • Travel insurance
    • Meals not stated in the itinerary
    • Beverages
    • Personal expenses
    • Anything not mentioned under "Inclusions"

    Race Entry

    Marathon or Half Marathon - EUR 275

    Quarter Marathon - EUR 150 

    Race entry includes:

    • English-speaking race officials
    • English-speaking medical team from Denmark and Iceland
    • Timing and results
    • Medal
    • Exclusive Iceland Volcano Marathon T-shirt
    • Manned water and supply stations along the route
    • Collapsable cup for hydration

    Pre- and Post Nights in Reykjavik

    Pre-nights and post-nights in Reykjavík are available to be booked. The hotel of your pre-/post night will be the same Reykjavik hotel as chosen for your 6-day package.
    Booking a post-night the bus on the 26th of August will drop you off at your hotel and it will be your own responsibility to make your way to Keflavik Airport when it's time for your flight home.

    PRICES per person per night:

    Hotel Cabin Standard - shared double room: EUR 150
    Hotel Cabin Standard - single room supplement: EUR 100

    Hotel Cabin Superior - shared double room: EUR 195
    Hotel Cabin Superior - single room supplement: EUR 150

    Fosshotel Lind - shared double room: EUR 195
    Fosshotel Lind - single room supplement: EUR 150

    Booking and Payment

    The booking of a trip is binding for both customer and travel agency once the deposit (25% of the total trip price) has been paid at the time of booking on the booking.albatros-adventure.com website. The remaining amount must be paid 75 days prior to departure. A payment link will be sent 7 days before due date. If the deadline for the remaining payment is exceeded, there is no guarantee against otherwise unnecessary changes. Bookings made later than 75 days prior will require full payment immediately.

    The email sent to the customer upon booking a trip acts as the booking confirmation. It is therefore of vital importance that the customer provides a valid email address.

    Refer to our Terms & Conditions for further information.

    Important Info

    Arriving back in Keflavík Airport on 26 August

    Unless you're extending your stay, the tour will end on the 26th of August at Keflavík Airport. Busses that morning will bring participants from their hotels in Mývatn to the airport with an expected arrival at 14:30 in the afternoon.

    If your return flight is on the 26th of August you should not book a flight departing earlier than 16:30.

    Airport Shuttle discount code

    Getting from Keflevik Airport to Reykjavik city is roughly a 45 minutes' drive. The Airport Direct shuttle is an easy and convenient serivce and drop off at your hotel can be added when booking your seat.
    As an Iceland Volcano Marathon participant we have negotiated a 10% discount pr. person, which you can get, when booking online, by using the promo code: "NT2024".

    The promo code is valid for airport shuttle services in the period of August 18th until August 30th 2024 and can be used anytime from now until the 30th of August 2024.

    Questions about Iceland?

    For information on currency, electricity, and more, please check our Destination Guide page. 

    For information on weather and clothing, please check the our Climate & Weather page. 

    If you're curious about the destinations that we'll be visiting or other background information on Iceland, you can read all about it on our Travel Destination page. 

    Book this package

    You will be taken to our booking site where you can complete your booking.