Iceland Volcano Marathon

Optional Day Excursions

Golden Circle Tour (6 hours) – August 21 (Time TBD)

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 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 water to heights between 20 and 40 meters. Our last stop is the massive waterfall Gullfoss. Although it’s neither the largest nor tallest it is arguably one of Iceland most beautiful waterfalls with its two plateaus. We will be back in Reykjavik in the evening, and being summer in the arctic the nights are light, so there’s still ample opportunity to explore the capital of Iceland on your own.

Majestic Waterfalls (5 – 6 hours) –  August 25 (8:00 AM)

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. Within walking distance (approx .75 mile) lies another breathtaking scene: the Selfoss waterfall, which cascades 11 meters down. 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; 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 1.3 miles up a dirt road and then take a short hike to an amazing view above the 27-meter-high falls. Minimum number of participants per day is 20. (Transportation and boxed lunch included)

Lofthellir Ice Cave (5 hours) – Offered August 25 (8:00 AM or 10:30 AM)

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 will open to more and more space! 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. Minimum number of participants per departure is 6 and Maximum number of participants per departure is 10.

Please note: This tour is not for people with claustrophobia, young children, or people that are not in reasonable physical condition. Gloves and water-proof pants are recommended.

Inclusions:

• Return transfers from the hotel to the cave
• Guide
• (1) hour of cave exploration
• Packed lunch
• Safety equipment: helmet, head lamp and studded boots

Whale Safari (7 hours, including 3.5 hours sailing) – Offered August 25 (8:00 AM)

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 staying in Mývatn will have two (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.

• 45-minute (each way) transfers for Myvatn participants to Husavik
• Boat trip
• (2) hours in Husavik

Geothermal Nature Baths (3 – 4 hours) – August 24 (7:30 PM)

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. Bring your suit & towel (or rent towel at reception). Lockers are included. Minimum number of participants: 20

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 7:30PM, 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 11PM.

Gems of Myvatn Buggy Adventure | August 25, 2024 (2 hours)

Depart from picturesque Hella Farm, nestled within the Mývatn Nature Reserve, and venture into the untouched beauty of the north of Lake Mývatn. Traverse private lands and embark on a journey through black sand deserts, volcanic areas, and hidden trails. 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.

The 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 (a drivers license is required).

Highlights:

• Visit locations off the beaten path 
• Explore Myvatn Nature reserve, Holasandur Wilderness, Black Lava Fields, Lunar Landscapes and the Myvatn Nature Reserve 
• 4×4 Offroad experience with storytelling by trained guides 
• Buggy operation & safety lessons and gear included 
• Please note: personal insurance is not included 

*Please note that if the minimum number of participants is not reached for an excursion, we reserve the right to either move participants to another departure day and/or time or cancel the excursion. If the excursion is canceled, you will be refunded.

Additional details will be shared after you book your tour and excursions.

All itineraries subject to change.

Iceland Volcano Marathon Tour | Five-Night Package | August 21 – 26, 2024

Rates (all prices are per person and in US dollars)

Note: Only one optional activity can be chosen on August 25

Race Date: August 24, 2024

Race Time: 7:00 AM. The Marathon and Half-Marathon will start together, with the Quarter Marathon to start shortly after.

Course: The Iceland Volcano Marathon is run on a variety of surfaces, including asphalt, soft volcanic sand, volcanic rock, gravel, and dirt. Although the race can be run in normal running shoes, trail running shoes are recommended if one is hoping for top placement.  You can view a course map here and the elevation chart here.

Entry Fee:  

• Marathon – $340 USD
• Half-Marathon – $340 USD
• Quarter Marathon – $185 USD

Temperature: The Icelandic late-summer is not known to be warm. Expect temperatures between 41-51 degrees F (5-11 degrees Celsius). If we are lucky, temperatures may rise to 59 degrees Fahrenheit. Icelandic weather is notoriously fickle, and rain can be expected at any time.

Eligibility: 

• Marathon – 18 years +
• Half-Marathon 16 years +
• Quarter Marathon 8 years + (those under 12 years must be accompanied by an adult)

Time Limit:

• Marathon – 7 hours (must finish by 2:00 PM). Five hour cut-off point at the 20 mile marker
• Half-Marathon – 7 hours (must finish by 2:00 PM)
• Quarter Marathon (must finish by 2:00 PM)

Awards: Everyone who finishes their running event within the time limit will receive a Finisher Medal and Race short.

Difficulty: The course difficulty is challenging.

For more information click here