Heinabergslón Kayak and Hike

If you’re craving an adventure that takes you beyond the crowds and into Iceland’s untouched wilderness, the Heinabergslón Kayak and Hike tour might just be your ideal escape. This experience offers a unique blend of paddling among ancient icebergs on a secluded glacier lake and hiking across unspoiled terrain, all orchestrated with an emphasis on “slow travel”—taking your time to soak in the raw beauty of the landscape.

What we love about this tour is how it combines intimate group size—a maximum of six travelers—with a carefully curated itinerary that balances exhilarating moments on the water with peaceful hikes. Plus, the use of lightweight packrafts makes the journey not only flexible but also more immersive, giving you a sense of freedom that traditional kayaking can’t match.

One thing to keep in mind is that this tour involves moderate physical activity, so it’s best suited for travelers comfortable with some hiking and paddling. If you’re looking for a quiet, authentic experience with stunning views of Europe’s largest glacier, this tour delivers that in spades. It’s perfect for those who value personalized adventure and are eager to see Iceland’s less-traveled corners.

Key Points

• Secluded location: Perfect for avoiding tourist crowds and enjoying untouched nature.
• Balanced itinerary: Combines kayaking on a glacier lake with hikes to panoramic viewpoints.
• Small group size: Up to six travelers for a more personal and flexible experience.
• Use of packrafts: Offers greater agility and access to remote areas.
• Focus on slow travel: Ample time to enjoy the scenery and environment.
• Moderate physical activity: Suitable for those with average fitness levels who enjoy outdoor adventures.

Location and Setting: A Hidden Gem in East Iceland

The tour takes place in East Iceland, an area less visited than the famous Golden Circle or South Coast, making it ideal for travelers seeking authentic solitude. Starting at Hotel Smyrlabjörg, about halfway between Jökulsárlón and Höfn, you’re immediately set on a journey away from crowds. The 20-minute 4×4 drive that follows introduces you to the remote landscape that will become your playground—an untouched patch of Icelandic wilderness framed by towering mountains and ice.

The area around Heinabergslón is characterized by its iceberg-filled glacier lake and inaccessible neighboring mountains—areas you won’t find crowded or easily reachable by road. This makes the experience both exclusive and exceptionally scenic.

The Itinerary: A Thoughtful Balance of Land and Water

The tour begins with a friendly introduction to equipment and safety considerations, which is particularly helpful for those new to kayaking or outdoor gear. The use of lightweight packrafts gives a significant advantage—they’re easy to carry, inflate quickly, and allow for a more intimate connection to the environment compared to traditional plastic kayaks.

Paddling around ancient icebergs in the glacier lake lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours, providing ample time to marvel at the surreal sight of floating ice formations, some of which are likely centuries old. One reviewer noted: “It couldn’t go any better, we had a beautiful kayak tour over the glacier lake,” highlighting how smoothly and enjoyably the experience unfolds.

After the paddling segment, you’ll land and hike through a remote landscape to reach a breathtaking viewpoint overlooking the glacier. This hike offers a chance to stand in silence in nature and enjoy panoramic views of the ice and mountains. The trail is described as seldom visited, meaning you’ll likely have the landscape almost to yourself—ideal for reflection and photos.

Post-hike, you’ll put on drysuits again to paddle along a short stretch of the lake before hiking back to the starting point. This combination of activities creates a diverse day—relying on both land and water to showcase the area’s stunning features.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour provides all necessary kayaking equipment, including boats, paddles, drysuits, PFDs, and shoes, ensuring you’re well-prepared. It’s worth noting that snacks are not included, so bringing some tasty energy bars or local treats is advisable to keep your energy up during the hike and paddle.

The meeting point is conveniently located at Hotel Smyrlabjörg, with the tour starting at 11:30 am, giving you enough time to settle in and prepare for the adventure. Since the tour is designed for a small group—just six people—you’ll receive personalized attention, and the experience remains flexible and relaxed.

The Experience: Why Travelers Love It

The sole review available so far echoes the sentiment of many who enjoy quieter, more personal adventures: “It was a beautiful kayak tour over the glacier lake and a nice hike on the mountain ridge. Would definitely recommend this to anyone that wants to combine a nice and easy tour with a little more challenging hike.” This highlights the tour’s appeal for those wanting a blend of ease and challenge—without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

Travelers appreciated the stunning views and the feeling of being in a truly remote part of Iceland. The focus on slow travel means you’ll have plenty of time to absorb the scenery, take photos, and quietly enjoy the environment without the pressure of a packed schedule.

Pricing and Value

At $251.61 per person, this tour is a worthwhile investment if you’re looking for an authentic Icelandic experience that combines adventure, solitude, and natural beauty. While it may seem pricier than typical day tours, remember that it includes all gear and a personalized experience limited to six participants. You’re paying for quality, exclusivity, and the chance to explore a less-visited corner of Vatnajökull National Park.

Compared to other adventure activities in Iceland, such as glacier hiking or snowmobiling, this tour offers a more intimate and environmentally friendly way to connect with nature, making it a strong value for the experience it provides.

Why This Tour Works

This adventure thrives on its small group size and flexibility—both crucial for a personal and memorable outing. The use of packrafts allows access to areas that larger boats or traditional kayaks can’t reach, offering a more immersive and intimate experience. The combination of paddling and hiking ensures you see a variety of landscapes and get a comprehensive taste of Vatnajökull’s surroundings.

The moderate physical challenge is suited for travelers with a reasonable fitness level who enjoy outdoor activities. The experience is crafted to slow down, giving you time to appreciate the stunning vistas and silence of this remote environment—something many Iceland travelers find particularly rewarding.

This experience is best suited for nature lovers who enjoy quiet, off-the-beaten-path adventures. It’s ideal for those comfortable with a bit of paddling and hiking but not seeking high-adrenaline activities. If you’re eager to see glaciers, icebergs, and mountain panoramas away from crowded tour buses, Heinabergslón Kayak and Hike offers a deeply personal connection to Iceland’s wilderness.

Travelers looking for a balanced day that combines adventure with tranquility will find this tour especially meaningful. It’s perfect for photographers, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone wanting to pause and soak in the landscape rather than rush through it.

The Heinabergslón Kayak and Hike tour offers a truly authentic Icelandic experience—a chance to paddle among ancient icebergs, hike to breathtaking viewpoints, and enjoy the peace of a seldom-visited landscape. Its focus on slow travel and small group size ensures you won’t just see the scenery but connect with it on a deeper level.

While the physical effort is moderate, the reward is high: stunning vistas, a sense of solitude, and a memorable adventure that balances land and water explorations. It’s an excellent choice for those who value personalized experiences, natural beauty, and a bit of quiet reflection amidst Iceland’s wild landscapes.

If you’re after a peaceful, immersive outdoor day that combines adventure and tranquility, this tour is well worth considering. It’s especially suited for travelers who want to escape the crowds and see a side of Iceland that few get to experience.

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, the tour begins with a 20-minute 4×4 transfer from Hotel Smyrlabjörg to the glacier area, ensuring a comfortable journey into the remote landscape.

What should I bring for the tour?
The tour provides all necessary kayaking equipment and drysuits, but it’s wise to bring snacks, water, and perhaps a camera for capturing the scenery. Comfortable outdoor clothing suited for weather changes is also recommended.

How physically demanding is the tour?
The experience involves some paddling and hiking, so a moderate level of fitness is recommended. The activities are designed to be accessible but still require comfort with outdoor pursuits.

What happens if the weather is bad?
As with most outdoor activities in Iceland, the tour depends on good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How long does the tour last?
The total experience is approximately 5 hours 30 minutes, including transfers, paddling, hiking, and breaks. The paddle and hike segments are flexible depending on the group’s pace.

Is this tour suitable for children or non-swimmers?
While the tour is limited to a small group with professional safety measures, it’s best suited for travelers with moderate physical fitness. Non-swimmers should inform the guide beforehand; safety gear is provided, but confidence in water is beneficial.

This in-depth look at the Heinabergslón Kayak and Hike tour reveals it as a carefully designed, intimate adventure into Iceland’s quieter, stunning landscapes—perfect for travelers seeking genuine connection and visual awe.