Snowshoeing on the rift under the northern lights 2024

With Alkemia, initiate yourself for 3 days, to the joys of snowshoes, in the heart of winter, in a magical surrounding, where snow covers and smoothes the usually harsher landscape, composed of rocks and sharp lava.

This 3-day guided small group (8 people max) and snowshoeing trip, takes place in the North of Iceland, in the volcanic region of Mývatn.

Come join us at the origin of the earth, for a thalassotherapy on the edges of Iceland. A stay which mixes natural hot bath, watching of the northern lights, discovery of the inhabitants and their traditions, snowshoeing in the heart of the Icelandic nature. This trip is ideal for photographers, nature lovers and hikers… The immensity of the landscape, the very low population density, the quality of the water, the air, the silence and the light, make Iceland an ideal place to relax.

• Iceland in winter: the dominant colors are white and blue, often accompanied by fairy skies. For those who know Iceland in summer, with its chaos of black lava, winter is an opportunity to discover a landscape “smoothed” by snow, from which only emerge, the most chaotic lava peaks and the main craters. In Myvatn we will walk through the Krafla caldera, the lava castles of Dimmuborgir or the Hverfell crater. The temperature fluctuates between 0°C and -20°C on the surface and several hundred degrees, not far away, under our feet…
• Unique volcanic landscape. All the hikes, depending on the weather and on your guide’s inspiration, will be soft or vigorous, mysterious or enlightening. This snowshoeing adventure is ideal for nature lovers, photographers and hikers. The vastness of this landscape, the very low density of population, the water, air, silence and light quality turn this trip into a perfect opportunity to rejuvenate oneself.
• Snowshoeing and Northern Lights: in winter, snow covers everything in the north of Iceland, to fully enjoy the natural places we will use snowshoes, cross country skis and sometimes on foot. The North of Iceland is a superb region to admire the Northern Lights. If weather conditions are favorable towards it, we will go out in the evening to admire this phenomenon.
• Hot bath.We will enjoy a bath in the hot springs of Myvatn, where the water rich in silica is between 37°C and 42°C (98.6°F and 107.6°F) and also enjoy the hot tub at our guesthouse. Enjoying a bath under the starry sky, our body warm, our head cool, almost alone in an untouched nature, is something unforgettable and often addictive.
• Quality. our priority is to bring as much quality as possible to this stay, whether through food, human relations or awareness of nature encountered so that it is, for everyone, a possibility of rebirth allowing a refocusing in his personal life. This short adventure is for open, contemplative and active minds who like to take the time to discover, to feel, to meet. 

Our commitments

• A selection of partners engaged in more responsible tourism.
• An English speaking guide who knows Iceland and will make every minute of this trip worth it
• The guarantee of working with a local agency.
• We are contributing to the reforestation of Iceland with the planting of around 1 tree for 4 people.

• Small group between 6 to 8 participants.
• Hikes: moderate level, 4 to 6 hours a day on average are merely a way to spend time in nature, they are thus accessible with a normal physical condition. Hikes will be adapted depending on the weather conditions and the level of the group. During the winter time the weather conditions and Iceland’s rough terrain require a specific attention towards the slippery ground.
• Itinerary and safety: the day-by-day program is given as an indication and can be subject to change. Changes can be imposed for safety reasons, due to natural phenomenons: volcanism, bad weather… Your guide knows the terrain perfectly and remains the only person in charge of taking the necessary decisions, when it comes to interpreting the whims of powerful nature on this volcanic land and in these high latitudes.
• Guide: your guide is attentive to the Icelandic nature and need of the group, so that everyone’s can experience this journey to meet the Icelandic magic nature.
• Vehicle: comfortable 4×4 minibus equipped for Icelandic roads. We use a private bus only chartered for the group.
• Accommodation: in guesthouse in double or twin room with made-up bed and private bathroom.
• Participation: Travelers are expected to give a little help and assist the guide in preparing meals and dishes at the accommodation.
• Food: mainly based on vegetarian cuisine, based on tasty and quality organic products. Hearty “Scandinavian” breakfast, picnic for lunches with mixed salads, cookies and hot drinks. In the evening, a hearty and convivial dinner, based on specialties and local products including sometimes meat and fish: lake trout, lamb’s leg, vegetables, potatoes, salad and excellent dairy products including blueberries skyr. If you have a specific diet or food allergy, please clearly indicate this when registering. For the conviviality of the group, but nothing compulsory, we recommend everyone’s to bring a small specialty of their region (cookies, cheese, wine, etc.).
• Extension of your stay: Contact us. You may not be coming back to Iceland anytime soon, and extending your trip with a self-drive tour is the best option for getting the most of your stay. Do decide to extend your stay in advance, as it can be too late, once you already have your flights tickets.