Iceland hiking & swimming vacation

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

As part of our 'Making it More Meaningful Sustainable Travel Policy' we aim to record and reduce our operational carbon emissions for this trip. Our North Iceland Hike & Swim Adventure has the following features embedded to help with our carbon reduction:
• The itinerary includes 4 days of human powered activity ie. hiking & swimming allowing you to reconnect with nature
• We use local services. We engage locally owned and operated businesses, thereby supporting local people and avoiding the use of long, carbon-intensive supply chains
• We use local transport where safe, reliable and feasible, and when this is not feasible, we use private, locally owned transport suitable for the group size to reduce fuel usage per traveler
• We stay in locally owned and simpler styles of accommodation which are located closest to swimming areas to reduce mileage and emmissions eg. guesthouse in Varmahlíð
• Eat at at locally owned eateries where the food has been locally sourced wherever possible, therefore reducing food mile emissions.
• Vegetarian and vegan options are available on this trip as well.

ENVIRONMENT & WILDLIFE

We care deeply about traveling in a way to minimise and mitigate our negative impacts on Iceland’s natural environment and by being an active positive contributor to the local communities and natural heritage that we’re so fortunate to visit. Some of the positive features embedded in our North Iceland Hike & Swim are:

• Issue all our travelers with a free Water-to-Go bottle to eliminate our single use plastic footprint in such a pristine wilderness environment
• Minimise plastic waste wherever possible
• Operate with a 'pack in, pack out' ethos with this trip. By minimising waste generation and practising responsible waste management.
• Operate a ‘leave no trace’ ethos – take only memories, leave only footprints.
• We believe wildlife should be wild, and nature should be natural and have such created our Animal Protection Policy.
• Our Local Guides are expert nature & cultural guides and from the area.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

We are inherently a responsible travel operator. Small group sizes allow us to visit a destination and local communities, not invade, and to be welcomed back time and time again. We pride ourselves on this commitment.

Small groups only. We focus on small groups with low guide ratio as we value the personal relationships highly. You’ll not only witness extraordinary landscapes on this trip, but also forge long-lasting friendships and gain a profound understanding of the culture and people of the destinations you explore.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

Our local guides are at the center of this trip and come from the local area ie. our main Guide is from Reykjavik. We believe that local guides are the key to unlocking the true essence of a destination. The deep-rooted understanding of the terrain, culture, history and hidden gems allow us to curate unforgettable journeys that go beyond the ordinary. When you embark on this trip, you won’t just be shown around — you’ll be guided by experienced locals who are passionate about sharing their rich knowledge and love for their homeland. 100% of our local guides are from Iceland.

Rest assured, our commitment to responsible and sustainable tourism extends to our partnership with local communities. By engaging local guides, we provide economic opportunities that support the welfare of the regions we visit, ensuring a positive impact on both the environment and the people who call Iceland home. Embrace the transformative power of connecting with locals on your adventure.

Our North Iceland Hike & Swim is more than just a trip. It’s the basis where two groups of people become one and human interaction is at its most powerful.
When we hike & swim, the entire group – you as a participant, the energetic & passionate local guides - are one team. Together we trek the landscapes of some of the most incredible landscapes and geologic wonders, making a powerful difference to each other’s experience.

To you as a traveler – you receive the support, care, insight into local life & culture and professional guidance of your local crew.

And to the local crew – they have the opportunity of training & employment, career progression, above minimum wage payment, human interaction and developing language skills.

Together we learn and appreciate each other’s backgrounds, culture, traditions and way of life.

Our North Iceland Hike & Swim is an LGBTQ+ friendly journey, embodying inclusivity, safety, and a celebration of diversity at its core. With a commitment to creating welcoming spaces, the adventure ensures that every traveler, irrespective of their sexual orientation or gender identity, feels respected and valued. Safety, both physical and emotional for all our travelers, is prioritised in our pre-travel 'Essential Info' document outlining our 'Trip Rules' and guidelines for 'Traveling in a group', alongside fostering connections among our travelers.

The people of Iceland have an open and accepting attitude to LGBTQIA+ communities, and Iceland is considered one of the world’s most LGBTQIA+ friendly countries. Since 2006, same-sex couples have had equal access to adoption and IVF, and in 2010 the Icelandic Parliament made a unanimous decision to define marriage as between two individuals, with the Church of Iceland following suit and allowing same-sex marriages in 2015.