Welcome to Iceland, where a small crew of strangers turns into real friends fast. Twice the Ice is our Iceland 2.0 route, built from scouting missions and designed for people who want to move through a country, not watch it through a window.
We kick things off at Keflavík International Airport and head straight into the first reset: Sky Lagoon. Cold plunge, steam, sauna, and suddenly jetlag is gone and the crew is already bonding. Then we settle into Reykjavík for our welcome night, great food, and a proper first turn up.
From there, we go expedition mode. West into the Snæfellsnes Peninsula for huge landscapes packed into one wild coastline. Technical hikes, coastal scrambles, and the kind of viewpoints that make you stop mid sentence. One of the signature missions is Kirkjufell, followed by a midnight sun beach bonfire and yoga that feels like a movie scene.
Then we head North. More remote, more rugged, more “how is this real.” We base out near Akureyri and stack big nature days with earned recovery. Think legendary waterfalls like Goðafoss and Dettifoss, plus geothermal resets at Mývatn Nature Baths. The rhythm is simple: move hard, recover hard, laugh harder.
We finish by returning south for one last reset at Hamsvík Hot Springs, then back to Reykjavík for a final dinner and the kind of last night that makes nobody want to leave.
This is not just a trip. It is Iceland in full SYB style. Big terrain, big days, real connection, and a crew that feels like you have known them for years by the time you fly home.
Plan to fly into Keflavík International Airport (KEF).
Arrival day (included transfer):
We recommend landing by late morning (ideally by ~10:30am) so you can meet the crew and roll out with the leaders for our first stop. The trip starts fast, and we don’t want you playing catch-up.
How we move on this trip:
This is a true road mission through the West + North. We travel in two 9-passenger expedition vans, which lets us move efficiently, stop whenever something looks unreal, and get to trailheads without the “bus tour” vibe.
What’s included vs not included:
- Included: All group transportation once the trip begins (including the arrival-day group transfer).
- Not included: Your ride to the airport on departure day. We’ll help coordinate shared taxis/rides from Reykjavík based on flight times, but you’ll book and pay separately.
Your adventure starts the moment you land. We’ll handle the logistics on the ground so you can focus on moving, exploring, and bonding with the crew.
Plans change, we get it. Cancel more than 45 days before the trip starts and 100% of what you've paid, deposit included, becomes trip credit you can use toward any SYB trip within 12 months.
To reserve your spot, a 20% deposit is required. It goes toward your total, and the remaining balance is due six weeks before the trip starts.
If you cancel within 45 days of departure, your payment is non-refundable and non-transferable. No exceptions, and we do not offer cash refunds for any reason.
Travel and medical insurance is required, and you must secure it before joining the program. It's the best way to protect your investment if life happens. Worth it.
Twice the Ice (Iceland 2.0) is a two region expedition through the West and the North of Iceland, with Reykjavík as our bookends.
We hit four main zones:
- Reykjavík - Our start and finish. Crew connection, great food, and the send off night.
- Snæfellsnes Peninsula - Coastal cliffs, volcanic landscapes, and some of the most dramatic scenery in the country.
- North Iceland (Akureyri and Myvatn region) - Bigger, wilder, more remote. This is where the unreal days live.
- Geothermal reset zones - Hot springs and baths built into the route for recovery.
In short, you are not staying in one place and doing day trips. You are moving through Iceland the way it is meant to be experienced, by road, by trail, and with a crew.
Dates: Tuesday, June 22 – Monday, June 28, 2027.
- Arrive: Tuesday, June 22 at Keflavík (KEF) (aim for late morning so you can join the first group plans).
- Final night: Sunday, June 27 in Reykjavík for our last dinner + send-off.
- Fly out: Monday, June 28.
All meals are included during the trip, which means 4 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 5 dinners. We will also have two dinners in town where you can choose your own restaurant and pay separately. Our team and local chefs keep everyone fueled with hearty breakfasts, energizing lunches, and delicious group dinners after full days of adventure.
Alcohol is not included, but there will be plenty of opportunities to grab your own drinks along the way, from a cold bus beer after a hike to a glass of wine at dinner.
Icelandic food is simple, fresh, and full of flavor. Expect local fish like cod, salmon, and haddock, along with langoustines, lamb, and fresh baked rye bread. And do not miss Skyr, Iceland’s signature thick and creamy dairy treat that lands somewhere between yogurt and cottage cheese.
Bring your appetite and your curiosity because the food is part of the adventure.
For Twice the Ice (Iceland 2.0), we are not doing one single “home base” all week. This trip is built like an expedition, so we stay in a few strategic spots that keep us close to the best terrain in the West and the North.
Reykjavík (start + finish)
We kick off in downtown Reykjavík so the crew can land, reset, and connect right away. Expect an easy, central setup that keeps us walking distance from food, coffee, and nightlife for our welcome night and our final send-off.
Snæfellsnes Peninsula (Ólafsvík area, 2 nights)
For the West, we stay up on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula (Ólafsvík area) so we are close to our best hikes, coastal scrambles, and big waterfall missions. This is where the “Iceland is unreal” moments really start stacking up.
North Iceland (Akureyri / Myvatn region, 2 nights)
Then we head north and set up near Akureyri and the Myvatn area so we can chase waterfalls, trails, and geothermal recovery without wasting time commuting. This part of the trip feels wilder, more remote, and more earned.
Room style and vibe
Rooms are shared in doubles and small group setups, designed for a tight crew, easy connection, and that classic SYB energy. After big days, we come back, shower up, eat well, and actually hang together. This is not luxury, but it is intentional, comfortable, and perfectly placed for the adventure.
Final note
Hotels and exact properties can shift based on availability, but the regions and the experience do not. Wherever we stay, the goal is the same: a strong home base, good sleep, and the crew together.
Here are the three core spa experiences on this route:
- Sky Lagoon - The perfect first day reset. Cold plunge, steam, sauna, and the full recharge ritual that wipes out jetlag fast.
- Mývatn Nature Baths - The Blue Lagoon of the North energy. Unreal views, geothermal water, and the best kind of recovery after waterfall missions.
- Hamsvík Hot Springs - A final deep soak with the crew before we roll back into Reykjavík for the send off.
Expect a simple rhythm: move hard, soak hard, repeat.
This trip is built for people who want to earn the views. Expect a mix of hiking, trail running, and scrambling across wild terrain in the West and the North.
What it looks like
- Technical hikes across wild terrain
- Coastal scrambles and ridge traverses
- Canyon hidden waterfalls and big viewpoint missions
- Optional trail runs for anyone who wants to push the pace
- Routes scaled for the group so nobody gets left behind
How hard is it?
You do not need to be an ultra runner. You do need a decent baseline of fitness and a good attitude. Most days have a main route plus options, and our leaders keep the crew moving together while still giving faster movers room to send it.
The SYB way
We move as a crew, we take breaks, we hype each other up, and we finish the day with recovery. This is not a race. It is an adventure you will remember forever.
Twice the Ice is not just hiking. It is a full sensory sweep through Iceland’s wildest landscapes, with geothermal recovery built right into the route.
You will experience
- Glacier carved valleys and big volcanic terrain
- Lava fields and mossy plains that look like another planet
- Waterfalls tucked deep into canyons
- Black sand beaches and basalt cliffs
- National park style scenery, viewpoints, and remote trailheads
- Hot springs and geothermal baths that reset you after big days
The rhythm
Explore hard during the day, recover hard at night. You will come home feeling stronger, clearer, and wildly alive.
Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world, and the communities we visit are friendly, welcoming, and used to travelers from around the globe. The people here take pride in their country and love sharing it with visitors who come to experience its beauty.
Our SYB leaders and local guides know the terrain, the trails, and the weather patterns inside and out. Safety is always the top priority, and we plan each day around the best and most comfortable conditions.
When hiking or exploring, we move as a group and stay connected. The Icelandic weather can change quickly, but our team is prepared for every situation. You can relax knowing you are in good hands every step of the way.
Iceland’s currency is the Icelandic króna (ISK), but credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere, even at small cafés and gas stations. You will not need much cash during the trip, but we recommend bringing around 300 euros for small purchases, coffee breaks, or souvenirs. ATMs are easy to find in Reykjavík and in the main towns we visit.
Most of your trip costs are already covered, including transportation, meals, and activities. You will only need extra money for personal spending or drinks when we go out in town.
Tipping is not expected in Icelandic culture, but it is always appreciated for exceptional service. Once you arrive, everything else is handled, so you can focus on exploring, connecting, and enjoying the adventure.
Iceland has some of the cleanest and purest water in the world, straight from glaciers and natural springs. Tap water is completely safe to drink everywhere we go, so there is no need to buy bottled water during the trip. Bring a reusable bottle and fill it up as often as you like.
When we are out on hikes or exploring, our guides will make sure there are refill spots along the way. Many of our hotels and restaurants also offer still and sparkling water free of charge.
Between workouts, cold plunges, and hot springs, staying hydrated is key. You will quickly understand why Icelandic water is often called liquid gold.
Yes. In fact we recommend it. Most of our guests arrive on their own and leave with a whole new crew of friends. The biggest takeaway from this trip is always the people you meet, the perspectives you gain, and the moments you share.
It may feel scary at first, but the second you arrive you will be welcomed by our leaders and by an amazing group of likeminded adventurers who are ready to connect. This is one of the best parts of SYB and why so many people return year after year.
Yes. You can leave your phone in your bag and stay present while a professional photographer capture every moment. From sunrise workouts to beach adventures and late-night laughs, you’ll get high-quality content without lifting a finger.
And yes, it’s all included in your trip. Your post-trip photo dump is going to break the group chat.
This trip is not a chill retreat, and it is not a bus tour. It is a small crew moving through big terrain with early mornings, long days, and a lot of earned adventure.
You can handle it if
- You are up for 6 to 15 km days on your feet, sometimes on uneven terrain
- You can handle wind, rain, and weather changes that come out of nowhere
- You like early starts, big missions, and the feeling of earning your recovery
- You want to meet people fast and actually be part of a crew
You might not love it if
- You want slow mornings and minimal movement
- You hate getting a little uncomfortable for something epic
- You prefer a structured tour with lots of downtime
If you are the type who reads this and thinks “perfect,” you are exactly who this is for.
