Northern Lights Trek
30km approx.
Approx. Distance
Tough (2)
Challenge Grading
5 Days
Challenge Duration
Iceland
Challenge Location
Challenge Highlights
Explore the beautiful rift valley lake of Þingvallavatn
Trek through the fascinating Geothermal Valley
Take a dip in the natural thermal rivers
A chance to see the awe-inspiring Northern Lights
Celebrate your achievements in Reykjavík
The Challenge
Join us on this breathtaking adventure as we explore Iceland, and possibly experience the spectacular Northern Lights! We’ll spend 3 days trekking through beautiful mountain scenery, geothermal valleys and via picture-perfect lakes. The trek will be challenging; hiking across snow-covered landscapes and conquering local mountain passes. However, the chance of witnessing the dancing lights of the Aurora Borealis will hopefully make our efforts all worthwhile. We’ll then celebrate our achievements in the bright lights of Reykjavík! Join us in the land of fire and ice on this memorable long weekend adventure!
Challenge Itinerary
Day 1 - Depart UK
We depart the UK on our flight to Reykjavík where we are met by our guides and transferred to our hut in Úlfljótsvatn in southern Iceland. Tonight we will hear all about the wonderful challenge ahead and have our first opportunity to look out for the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights). Appearing in many colours, most commonly pale green and pink as ripples or clouds of light, they can be vividly bright.
Day 2 - Lake Þingvallavatn
Today we head to the shores of Þingvallavatn, the largest natural lake in Iceland. This area is well-known for its hiking. Today’s trek follows horse tracks and old sheep trails, passing numerous geothermal hotspots. Lake Þingvallavatn is a beautiful area, made even more dramatic in winter. Our exact route will depend on the conditions of the path, but whichever route we take, today is a wonderful introduction to the land of fire and ice!
Trekking distance – approx. 10km
Day 3 - Hengill to Vörðuskeggi
Today we will hike from Hengill to the Vörðuskeggi mountain pass (depending on conditions). Iceland is notoriously hard to predict weather wise so our guide will determine where we take you today. Today’s trek will be more challenging than yesterday, conquering a local mountain pass with an elevation of 400 – 600 metres. Afterwards we return to our hut to relax and enjoy our beautiful surroundings, and possibly even catch sight of the Northern Lights!
Trekking distance – approx. 10km
Day 4 - The Geothermal Valley
A fantastic day of trekking awaits, as we set off from Reykjadalur and climb up into the hills of Iceland. The smell of sulphur is apparent before we see the steam vents, hot springs and bubbling mud pools of the Geothermal Valley – surrounded by colourful minerals. It’s an impressive sight, and we have plenty of time to explore this dramatic and otherworldly valley. There may be a chance for a dip in a natural pool before continuing on through the valley, where we meet our awaiting transport and head to Reykjavík.
Tonight we enjoy a celebratory dinner, where we’ll reflect on our achievements!
Trekking distance – approx. 10km
Day 5 - Arrive UK
In the morning you we’ll have the opportunity to visit the Blue Lagoon (the entry fee is not included in the price of your challenge). In the afternoon we return to the airport for our flight back to the UK.
Please note this is a complex itinerary and subject to change, including the timings and distances detailed. As a natural phenomena the Northern Lights are difficult to predict, and unfortunately we are not able to guarantee that they will be visible during the trek.
Challenge Inclusions
What's Included
- Return flights from London to Keflavik
- All accommodation
- All meals on the trek, starting with dinner on Day 1 through to breakfast on Day 5, including a celebratory evening meal in Reykjavik on Day 4
- Luggage transfers
- Local English-speaking guide/s
- Global Adventure Challenges leader from the UK
- Comprehensive first aid/medical kit
- Challenge Medal
What's Not Included
- Personal trekking kit (trekking boots, poles, etc)
- Personal travel insurance
- Alcoholic drinks
- Tips and gratuities
- Entrance to the Blue Lagoon (we recommend budgeting £85 – £90)
- Please note that for bespoke challenges, inclusions and exclusions may differ
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m interested... What do I do now?
You can register online below – payment of the registration fee is due at time of booking. All payment options and costs are explained below.
Once your registration is received we will get in touch with further information on what to expect from this awesome adventure! Your charity will also be in contact to discuss your fundraising.
Is this trip for me?
Absolutely! The trek is suitable for all abilities with the correct training. The minimum age for this trek is 18 years old (if you are aged between 14 – 17 years you must be accompanied by a parent or guardian). The one thing everyone will have in common is a great sense of adventure and the desire to help a charity. Whether you are taking part as an individual or as a team with friends, team spirit will be flying high on the challenge.
How fit do I need to be?
This trek has been graded as Tough (2) on our challenge grading scale, and is designed to be challenging but achievable by anyone, as long as you fitness train beforehand. Remember, you are trekking for 3 consecutive days, covering approximately 30km – the fitter you are, the more you will enjoy this challenge. Training tips can be found on the Global Adventure Challenges website to point you in the right direction and why not join one of our training weekends – it’s a great opportunity for you to meet our team and fellow participants!
Our policy is to encourage and support as many people as possible to take part in our challenges. But they may not be suitable for all people due to restriction posed by limitation in mobility, physical or cognitive disability, pregnancy or other various medical conditions. If you have any doubts regarding your suitability for your challenge please contact our office to speak to one of the team.
What is the challenge grading scheme?
All our challenges are graded on a scale from 1 to 3 to indicate the level of difficulty, 1 being the lowest challenge grade and 3 being the most challenging. (1 = Challenging, 2 = Tough and 3 = Extreme).
Do I need specialist kit?
We will supply you with a kit list of what to
take once you register to take part. Apart from some broken in trekking boots and some waterproofs you do not need any specialist kit.
Do I have to carry my own luggage?
No – all you will need is a small day pack while trekking to carry items such as a camera, sunscreen, energy snacks, waterproofs, warm clothing etc.
Food Matters...
All meals will be provided from dinner on Day 1 through to breakfast on Day 5. We cater for most dietary requirements as long as we know in advance – just fill in the appropriate section on your registration form.
What support is there on the challenge?
There will be a strong support team with a professional Global Adventure Challenges leader from the UK, as well as local guides. Full, comprehensive first aid kits will be taken and mobile telephones will be used to ensure your safety and security at all times.
Can I stay in Iceland after the challenge?
Yes you can, but this is subject to us being able to amend your booking from our flights inclusive package to our ground only package. For further information on how our ground only packages work, please visit our guide to ground only challenges.
If you have already registered and would like to request a change to our ground only package, please contact customer.care@globaladventurechallenges.com.
What happens if I get tired?
There will be regular rest stops for drinks and snacks – there is no problem if you need to take more rest stops.
How do I go about raising the sponsorship?
Once you have signed up you will receive a fundraising pack from your charity in order to make your fundraising as easy as possible. You will also receive a few tips and ideas from Global Adventure Challenges to help you on your way.
Request a Call Back
We understand that booking your challenge is a big step, and you may have some questions before you take the plunge! If you'd like to talk to our Customer Care team before you book your space, just click the button below to request a call.
Request a Call Back
Need more information before you book your space? Just enter your details and our friendly team will give you a call back!
If you have any particular questions or would like to request a specific time for your call, please include this in the message section.
Please note, our office hours are 9am - 5:15pm Monday - Thursday, and 9am - 4:15pm on Fridays.
Request a Call Back
Need more information before you book your space? Just enter your details and our friendly team will give you a call back!
If you have any particular questions or would like to request a specific time for your call, please include this in the message section.
Please note, our office hours are 9am - 5:15pm Monday - Thursday, and 9am - 4:15pm on Fridays.
Dates and Costs
Payment Option A - Minimum Sponsorship
You pay the non-refundable Registration Fee to Global Adventure Challenges. This is used to administer the challenge, and to secure relevant permits. You then commit to raising the minimum sponsorship and send it to your chosen charity as you raise it - 80% of the minimum sponsorship MUST be received by the charity no later than 12 weeks* before departure. Failure to do so may mean non-participation in the challenge. Your chosen charity will decide when the remaining 20% should be received - this is a normally a couple of weeks after your return to the UK - proof of pledges may be required. The Challenge Costs will be paid for you by your charity out of the sponsorship raised. Do try and raise as much as you can, as every penny you raise over the minimum sponsorship will be retained by your charity too!
*For the challenges listed below, 80% of your minimum sponsorship must be received by your charity no later than 6 weeks before departure:
• Snowdon at Night Trek
• Hadrian’s Wall 25KM Trek
• Peak District Trek 25KM
• Ben Nevis at Night Trek
• Yorkshire 3 Peaks Trek
• Hadrian’s Wall Trek
Payment Option B - Self-Funding
This option enables you to fund the entire challenge yourself, which means you do not have to commit to raising a set sponsorship. You pay the non-refundable Registration Fee to Global Adventure Challenges. You will then be required to pay the challenge balance no later than 12* weeks before the challenge date. Although no fundraising is required, we do strongly encourage you to support a charity of your choice and raise as much as you possibly can.
*For the challenges listed below, the challenge balance invoice is to be paid no later than 6 weeks before departure:
• Snowdon at Night Trek
• Hadrian’s Wall 25KM Trek
• Peak District Trek 25KM
• Ben Nevis at Night Trek
• Yorkshire 3 Peaks Trek
• Hadrian’s Wall Trek
2024
Registration Fee
£199
Option A - Minimum Sponsorship
£3,590
Option B - Self-Funding
£1,795
When?
2025
Registration Fee
£199
Option A - Minimum Sponsorship
£3,450
Option B - Self-Funding
£1,725
When?
2026
£199
Option A - Minimum Sponsorship
£3,590
Option B - Self-Funding
£1,795
When?