Iceland Volcano Marathon

28 June 2025

Iceland Volcano Marathon 2025 6-day package

Run through one of Earth’s geological hot spots, on the rim of a volcanic crater and over black lava rock.
25-30 Jun
6 days
2 490 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!

25 June 2025Welcome 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 early 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.

26 June 2025Iceland'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.

27 June 2025Mývatn 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!

IMPORTANT: The Mývatn Highlights excursion is included in the price for package A, B, C & D. If booking package E the Mývatn Hightlights tour is an optional excursion that can be added when booking.

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

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and pasta dinner.

28 June 2025Race 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.

29 June 2025Relaxation, Optional Excursions & Celebration Dinner

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

IMPORTANT: Excursions this day are optional for package A, B, C & D and must be added to the booking. Note that it is only possible to do one excursion this day.
Package E have the Whale Safari included in the price and are not able to choose another excursion this day.

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

Meals: Breakfast and dinner.

30 June 2025Farewell Iceland

This morning our bus will drive us back south to Reykjavík and 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 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.

Participants flying home this afternoon/evening will depart from Mývatn at 06:00 in the morning and drive straight to Keflavik Airport.
Participants who have a post-night in Reykjavik will depart from Mývatn at 08:30 in the morning and drive to Reykjavik city with stops at Hotel Cabin and Fosshotel Raudara.
Note that participants on Package E staying in Húsavík will depart at 06:00 in the morning and drive to Keflavik Airport and then back to Reykjavik city.

Meals: Breakfast. 

Excursions

Golden Circle Tour

25 Jun | 6 hours | 195 EUR
More
Less

An afternoon excursion to the famous sights of Thingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss - known as the Golden Circle, Iceland's most famous tourist route.

  • 25 June 2025 - 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.

    NOTE:
    This excursions starts at 16:00. If your flight arrives at 13:30 or later this day, you should not count on being at the hotel in time to join this tour.

Less

Geothermal Nature Baths

28 Jun | 3-4 hours | 125 EUR
More
Less

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. Towel and locker are included. 

Inclusions: 

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

NOTE:
This excursion is not available for Group E participants staying in Húsavík. In Húsavík it is possible to visit the Geo Sea Spa.

    • Jardbödin Nature Baths
    • Jardbödin Nature Baths
    • Jardbödin Nature Baths
    Less

    Mývatn Highlights

    27 Jun | 6.5 hours | 195 EUR
    More
    Less

    See the most famous places and incredible nature around Lake Mývatn - including parts of the marathon route.

    • 27 June 2025 - Mývatn 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!

      IMPORTANT: The Mývatn Highlights excursion is included in the price for groups A, B, C & D.
      Group E participants staying in Húsavík can book the Mývatn Hightlights tour as an optional excursion Friday.

    Less

    Majestic Waterfalls

    29 Jun | 5 hours | 175 EUR
    More
    Less

    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 09:00 

    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

    NOTE:
    This excursion is not availble for participants in Group E staying in Húsavík.

    • Dettifoss
    • Selfoss
    • Hafragilsfoss
    Less

    Whale Safari

    29 Jun | 7 hours | 195 EUR
    More
    Less

    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 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.

    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 07:30 

    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 cancelled, you will be refunded. 

    Inclusions: 

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

    NOTE:
    This tour is already included in the price for Group E participants and thus only apply to participants in Groups A, B, C & D.

    • Húsavík Harbour
    • Atlantic Puffin
    Less

    Lofthellir Ice Cave

    29 Jun | 5 hours | 375 EUR
    More
    Less

    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. 

    NOTE:
    This excursion is not available for participants in Group E staying in Húsavík.

    Less

    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. 

    Group Hotel in Reykjavik  Hotel in Mývatn Shared double/twin Single room supplement
    A - Standard Hotel Cabin Standard Vogar Ferdathjónusta EUR 2490 EUR 500
    B - Comfort Hotel Cabin Superior Vogafjós Farm Resort EUR 2990 EUR 1090
    C - Comfort+ Fosshotel Raudara Fosshotel Mývatn EUR 3090 EUR 1090
    D - Deluxe Reykjavik Grand Berjaya Mývatn EUR 3290 EUR 1490
    Group Hotel in Reykjavik Hotel in Húsavík Shared double/twin Single room supplement
    E - Comfort+ Fosshotel Raudara Fosshotel Húsavík EUR 2890 EUR 890

    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 (only groups A, B, C & D. Group E has Whale Safari included instead)
    • Meals as stated in the itinerary
    • Transportation to the start and from 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 295

    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 30th 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 175
    Hotel Cabin Standard - single room supplement: EUR 125

    Hotel Cabin Superior - shared double room: EUR 225
    Hotel Cabin Superior - single room supplement: EUR 175

    Fosshotel Raudara - shared double room: EUR 225
    Fosshotel Raudara - single room supplement: EUR 175

    Hotel Reykjavik Grand - shared double room: EUR 275
    Hotel Reykjavik Grand - single room supplement: EUR 250

    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 30 June

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

    If your return flight is on the 30th of June 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. The promo code for 2025 will be published soon.

    The promo code is valid for airport shuttle services in the period of June 20th until July 5th 2025.

    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.