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Guided hut-to-hut trail running across Iceland’s Highlands

If Iceland’s been on your list—this is the way to do it. In one unforgettable week we’ll run the country’s most iconic line: Landmannalaugar → Þórsmörk → Skógar. Rhyolite mountains painted in impossible colors, warm steam drifting across singletrack, birch-lined valleys, braided rivers, and the waterfall parade into Skógafoss. It’s the best of the Highlands—without the guesswork.

This isn’t a race. It’s a guided hut-to-hut adventure for strong hikers/runners who love moving through big landscapes with good people. Daily mileage sits ~15–17 miles (5-8 hours) with A/B options most days so you can push or savor. We regroup, we eat, we laugh, we soak tired legs, and we finish as a team.

What Makes It Special

• The route: Landmannalaugar’s rainbow ridges – the quiet of Álftavatn – the green hug of Þórsmörk – the famed Fimmvörðuháls ridge into Skógar.
• The logistics: Huts reserved, porter for one duffel, lunch sandwiches each hiking day, hut breakfasts and dinners, and a final hotel night in Skógar. You bring your personal trail snacks; we handle the rest.
• The crew: Small group (10–12) with HardWin guides who keep the day smooth and the group together. We carry GPS emergency devices and minimal first-aid, brief every morning, and adapt for weather—safely.

Choose Your Package

Option A – Full Guided Package (Everything but flights)

Price: $3,200 per person

What’s Included

• Airport shuttle transfers on arrival and departure (KEF ↔ Reykjavík)
• Highland bus Reykjavík → Landmannalaugar (Day 2) and Skógar → Reykjavík (Day 6
• 3 hotel nights (Reykjavík + Hotel Skógafoss) & 3 hut nights (Álftavatn, Volcano Huts, etc.) Double Occupancy. If you want your own room we can add this in for an additional cost.
• Meals during the hut segment: breakfasts, lunch sandwiches each hiking day, and hut dinners (runners bring personal on-trail snacks/calories)
• Porter service for luggage to remote huts
• Daily guided trail runs (~15–17 miles main option); guides have GPS emergency devices and minimal first-aid gear
• Welcome group dinner, park/trail fees, on-trip logistical support

Not Included

• Flights
• Required travel insurance
• Reykjavík restaurant meals (1–2 dinners when returning from the trail
• Any meals outside the hut segment
• Personal on-trail snacks/calories
• Personal gear/clothing
• Any private vehicle rental or fuel (optional add-on upon request)

Option B – Hike, Hut, and Meals Only Package (You handle transport)

Price: $2,200 per person

What’s Included

• 3 hut nights on the route (Álftavatn, Þórsmörk/Volcano Huts, etc.)
• 1 hotel night in Skógar (double occupancy)
• Meals during the hut segment: breakfasts, lunch sandwiches each hiking day, and hut dinners (runners bring personal on-trail snacks/calories)
• Porter service for one soft duffel to huts
• Daily guided trail runs (~15–17 miles main option); guides carry GPS emergency devices and minimal first-aid gear
• Park/trail fees, hut reservations, on-trip logistical support

You Arrange (Option B)

• Transport to Landmannalaugar (meet-up on Day 2)
• Transport from Skógar at trip end
• Any Reykjavík hotels/meals before/after the trek
• Flights, required travel insurance, personal gear/clothing, on-trail snacks

EMAIL US HERE  john.hardin@hardwinadventures.com

Dates & Daily Flow (Both Options)

• Fri, Aug 1 — Reykjavík arrivals, hotel check-in, evening welcome + safety brief
• Sat, Aug 2 — Transfer to Landmannalaugar (hot-spring soak optional)
• Sun, Aug 3 — Run to Álftavatn Hut (~15–17 mi; shorter option available)
• Run to Þórsmörk / Volcano Huts (~15 mi; river fords, birch groves)
• Fimmvörðuháls pass to Skógar (~15–16 mi; waterfall descent) ? Skógar hotel
• Wed, Aug 6 — Option A: bus to Reykjavík + recovery + farewell dinner • Option B: depart on your own from Skógar (or add personal days)
• Thu, Aug 7 — Option A: airport shuttle to KEF • Option B: free day / flights on your own
• Weather gates & alternates: If Highlands access or river levels are unsafe, we pivot to South Coast classics on the same dates. Safety first.

Fitness, Terrain & Gear

• Expect 5–7 hours/day on volcanic singletrack: climbs, technical footing, and cold creek crossings.
• Not a race—A/B route options most days; smart regroup points and conservative river criteria.
• Required essentials: waterproof jacket and pants, warm midlayer (fleece/puffy), wicking base, hat/beanie, gloves; trail shoes with real lugs (bring 2 pairs if possible); neoprene socks recommended; running vest (1.5–2L), soft flasks, electrolytes, personal trail snacks; headlamp, foil blanket, whistle, blister kit/first aid, phone in waterproof pouch. Will go over the exact materials you need on future calls and in documents.
• Hut kit: lightweight sleeping bag, earplugs, towel/sandals, EU plug adapter (Type F), power bank.

Refund Policy

• Fully refundable within 30 days of booking if your trip start is >90 days away. After 30 days, deposits are non-refundable. If you book within 90 days of departure, full payment is due and the 30-day full-refund grace doesn’t apply.

• Refund timeline (you cancel):
  • 61–90 days before departure: 50% of total trip cost refunded.
  • 60 days or fewer: No refunds.

Registration & Evaluation Process

Step-by-Step Registration & Evaluation Process for the Patagonia Adventure

This is not your average vacation—our Patagonia trip is intense, remote, and physically demanding. Because safety is our top priority, all participants must complete an evaluation process before being officially accepted.

Step 1: Express Your Interest
You have two ways to take the first step:

• Email: john.hardin@hardwinadventures.com

• Waitlist: ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=128323

Step 2: Evaluation Questionnaire
Once we hear from you, we’ll send you a brief questionnaire to learn more about your:
– Hiking and backcountry experience
– Physical and mental preparedness
– Medical background
– Are you cool?
This helps us ensure the trip is a safe and realistic fit for you.

Step 3: Optional Phone Call
If we have any follow-up questions, we may reach out to schedule a short phone or video call. It’s also a chance for you to ask us anything about the trip before fully committing.

Step 4: Final Approval & Confirmation
Once approved:
– Your spot is officially confirmed
– You’ll receive all onboarding materials, including a packing list, travel notes, gear requirements, and training tips

If for any reason we determine the trip isn’t the right fit for you at this time, we will issue a full refund—even if it’s past the standard 60-day UltraSignup refund window.
Why This Process Matters
This trip involves:
– Multi-day trekking in remote terrain
– Physically and mentally challenging conditions
– Limited access to emergency resources

We want to make sure every participant is not only prepared, but will thrive in this environment—for their safety and for the good of the group.
Contact & Waitlist Info
If you have questions or are ready to begin the process:
– Email: john.hardin@hardwinadventures.com
– Waitlist: https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=128323

We can’t wait to explore Patagonia with the right team. Let’s see if this trip is the right fit for you.

About HardWin

My name is John Hardin, and I’m the founder of HardWin Adventures, an established outdoor event company based in the Nashville, TN area. HardWin has a rich history of orchestrating a variety of outdoor events and local outings, leveraging my 20 years of expertise in the event production field. While running vacations abroad are a newer endeavor, organizing adventures is what I excel at.

Beyond HardWin, I’ve accomplished and also failed on numerous ambitious Fastest Known Times (FKTs), including a notable recent attempt at the Appalachian Trail FKT. During this attempt, I maintained a record pace for 779 miles until a minor quad tear curtailed my progress. The footage featured on the Maine Event vacation page highlights parts of this journey. I’m always pushing the boundaries for myself when time permits. I am equally passionate about outdoor adventures and deeply committed to the running community, always striving to enhance and expand it.