This year marks Midgard’s 15th birthday – 15 years of adventure, laughter, muddy boots, and memories that last a lifetime. To celebrate, we’ve crafted a new hiking experience. This multi-day package is the result of everything we’ve learned over the past decade and a half: the best routes, the best gear, the best way to connect you with the wild heart of Iceland. You just bring your good mood, a light daypack each day, and a sense of curiosity – we’ll handle the rest. We plan the routes, prep your meals, adapt to the weather, and take care of all logistics so you can focus on the experience. It’s hiking made easy, but still full of wonderful challenges.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to spend days trekking through Iceland’s highlands – sleeping in tents or huts, and waking up to wild beauty – you’re in for a treat.

We caught up with Addi, one of Midgard Adventure’s owners and lead hiking guides, to talk about his lifelong love of hiking, what makes multi-day hikes so special, and why they’re the ultimate way to experience Iceland this summer.

Spoiler: it involves cheese, dried fish, and the occasional personal breakthrough.

So Addi—how did you fall in love with hiking?

“I started early—like, really early,” he laughs. “My family loved multi-day hikes, and we’d just head out into nature  and stop whenever we felt like it. Some days we’d walk just a few kilometers, other days more. But it was never about pushing too hard—it was about enjoying it. That’s what hooked me.”

Growing up in Iceland, Addi says nature was always part of the routine. “You don’t think about it as hiking – it’s just living.”

You’ve been leading Midgard’s multi-day hikes for years now. What keeps you coming back?

“It’s the highlight of my summer. Every year. The trails stay the same but everything else changes—the weather, the wind, the smell of the moss, and most importantly, the people. They shape the experience. Every trip is different because every group is different.

I am also in the lucky position to combine work, nature and family life – as I often get to bring my family to join the trip. Hildur, my wife as guide, Hekla and Askja (our two labradors) as loyal hiking companions and sometimes even our kids to keep the guests entertained during the dinners.”

What’s your favorite part about leading multi-day hikes?

“I love seeing people surprise themselves. Day one is usually a shock—they’re tired, unsure if they can handle it. But by day three or four? They’re different people. They’ve found their rhythm. They realize they’re stronger than they thought. It happens every time.”

And how does it feel to be out in the Icelandic highlands for days on end?

“Honestly? It feels like slowing down in the best way. You leave behind routines, screens, pressure. You just walk, eat, laugh, and sleep. Of course, weather plays a role – it’s Iceland, after all – but that’s part of the adventure.

As a guide, preparation is everything. There’s a great feeling when you realize, after day one, that everything’s running smoothly. We always have plan A, B, and C. Safety is priority. And at Midgard we are of course in the lucky position to have a whole team behind the scenes that can jump in whenever needed, that can help us with weather update, bring more food into the highlands or helps us adapt itineraries, etc.”

Are your guests usually hardcore hikers?

“Far from it. Sure, they need to be able to walk for 8 to 12 hours a day, and be open to sleeping in different conditions—different pillow, different blanket—but you don’t need to be an ultra-athlete. What helps is coming with the right mindset and a bit of training beforehand.

And many people end up discovering they can do way more than they thought. That sense of challenge and accomplishment is part of what makes these trips so memorable.”

How do people usually change over the course of a hike?

“The first two days are the hardest—physically and mentally. You’re adjusting to life outdoors, the rhythm of the trail, the elements. But once you settle in, it clicks. People realize they can do this. They become confident, connected, lighter somehow.”

What’s a typical day like on the trail?

“We start with a solid breakfast—oats, chia, dried fruits. Then we prep our lunch—usually sandwiches and the world’s best trail mix. After that, it’s pack-up time, maybe some stretches, and we hit the trail.

We hike at a steady pace with regular breaks to enjoy the views, refill our energy, and just be present. We’re never in a rush—this is slow travel at its finest. Sometimes we even take time to stretch during the day. Once we reach our destination, usually a cozy mountain hut, we (the guides) prepare a hearty dinner for everyone.

Evenings are a special part of the journey. We enjoy good conversations, maybe a card game, a refreshing dip in a nearby waterfall to cool off tired legs, or just some quiet time with a book. Everyone is free to end the day their own way—but always surrounded by the most stunning nature imaginable.”

What would you say to someone who’s on the fence about booking a multi-day hike?

“DO IT! Seriously—it’s by far the best way to experience Iceland. And, let’s be honest, we’re super fun to hang out with. You’ll see things you can’t reach by car, and make memories you’ll never forget.”

If I don’t feel up for the multi-day hike challenge, but I still want to experience Iceland far off the main road and on foot, what can I do?

“Midgard has you covered there too—and trust me, even a single day can feel like a true adventure. Our Þórsmörk Hike runs almost daily throughout summer. Each trip is customized based on weather and conditions, so no two hikes are ever the same. Expect 6 to 12 km of hiking, 3 to 4 hours on foot, and elevation gains between 350 and 800 meters. It’s the perfect mix of wild landscapes and manageable challenge.

If you’re craving something even more demanding, there’s the Fimmvörðuháls Day Tour – a 24 km trek from Skógar over volcanic passes and past dramatic waterfalls, ending in the beauty of Þórsmörk. It’s a full day of adventure, views that will blow your mind, and a real sense of achievement.

Both options give you a taste of Iceland on foot—off the main road, off the grid, and deep into nature. It’s slow travel at its finest.”

What gear or mindset should people bring—besides hiking boots?

”Midgard has got you covered. We send a detailed packing list and host an online preparation meeting with your guides before the hike. That way you’re ready—mentally and physically.”

If I don’t feel up for the multi-day hike challenge, but I still want to experience Iceland far off the main road and on foot, what should I do?

”Midgard has you covered there too and you are definitely in for a treat for that day. We offer several hiking options: 1. Thórsmörk Hike, which we operate almost daily during the summer months. Each hike is tailored to the day’s conditions, making every day tour unique. The routes range from 6 to 12km with 3 to 4 hours of hiking and various elevation gains between 350 and 800 meters. If you want to challenge yourself even more we also offer longer hikes, such as 2. Fimmvörðuháls Hike Day Tour: you can expect: breathtaking landscapes, exhilarating challenges and endless views along the 24km route from Skógar all the way into Thórsmörk. Both options are amazing, if you want to experience a day out in the wild in Iceland, slow travelling on foot…”

Final question—what’s your go-to trail snack?

Addi grins: “Cheese, liver sausage—kind of like haggis—dried fish, and trail mix. The classics.”