Settle into the slow rhythm of life in Bakkagerdi, a charming village nestled in East Iceland’s remote beauty. Over six days, you’ll get to know the land and its legends like a true local — wandering coastal trails, relaxing in steaming geothermal pools, and meeting the quirky wildlife and warm-hearted residents that make this place so special. From turf-roofed cottages and seabird spotting to Icelandic cooking classes and tales of elven queens, this trip is all about connection — to the land, the locals, and a lifestyle that’s refreshingly simple.
Travel Style
Local Living
Service Level
Standard
Physical Grading
3 - Average
What's Included
Your Foodie Moment: Icelandic Cooking Class, Bakkagerdi
Your Wellness Moment: Vök Baths Visit, Egilsstaðir. Arrival transfer. Borgarfjörður eystri Village Walk. Borgarfjörður Valley Nature Walk. Visit to the historic Lindarbakki Turfhouse. Fish factory visit to learn about the industry. Visit to a traditional eiderdown company. Scenic birdwatching walk at a nesting cliff. Hike from Stapavík along the Selfljót river. Horse farm visit with the chance to ride. Gufufoss waterfall visit. Departure transfer. Transport to/from all included activities and between all destinations.
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Savour delicious home-cooked meals from fresh local ingredients prepared by our hosts, Walk through the village of Borgarfjörður eystri with your CEO and hear stories of Icelandic folklore, Try your hand at local cuisine in an Icelandic cooking class, Hike along scenic coastlines and peaceful meadows, Soak and unwind at the Vök Baths with hot and cold pools floating on a serene lake
How large will the group be?
Max 16, avg 14
What meals are included in this trip?
5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Private Vehicle, walking.
Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Where will we stay during the trip?
Guesthouse (5 nts).
Itinerary
Egilsstaðir/Bakkagerdi
Arrive at the Egilsstaðir airport in the morning and transfer to our local guest house, home for the next 5 nights. Visit the fishing village of Borgarfjörður eystri which offers a glimpse into daily life and enjoy lunch at a local fish soup restaurant. Settle into the accommodations and get to know your fellow travellers at a welcome meeting followed by a delicious farm-to-table dinner prepared by our host. This centre–based trip offers a chance to connect with our local hosts in a family-run guest house. In their words, this is your home away from home and their warmth and hospitality will make it hard to leave. Here we enjoy our included breakfasts and dinners which offer a true immersion into local cuisine. Our hosts focus on fresh, local ingredients and support their neighbours; small-scale farmers and fishermen, much to the delight of our palate.
While difficult to see, the "hidden people" make Borgarfjörður eystri their home and the area is thought (according to folklore) to hold a large population of elves. The elves make their home in the many interesting rock formations and they have no concern with hikers walking by, so long as you respect their homes and nature. On occasion, they are known to help humans, in particular those being bullied, so be kind to each other.
Bakkagerdi
Set off into Borgarfjörður Valley this morning for a nature walk with your CEO. Wander through the Icelandic wilderness, taking it all in before returning to Borgarfjörður Eystri for lunch. Enjoy a free afternoon with the opportunity to visit the local microbrewery or take time for yourself and wash away the stress of travel with a spa and wellness experience. Cap off a perfect day with a home-cooked dinner of fresh and traditional flavours.
Bakkagerdi
Today is about culture and tradition with a hands-on flair. Begin by visiting the Lindarbakki turfhouse, a historic, grass covered cottage, then continue onward to a local fish factory to learn about the industry. Join a cooking class to try your hand at creating some traditional staples, using fresh and local ingredients. Next, visit an eiderdown company to learn about one of Iceland's beloved sea birds before taking a scenic walk for the opportunity to see them in their natural habitat.
Bakkagerdi
Stretch your legs on a hike from Stapavík, along the Selfljót river before a scenic drive back to Borgarfjörður Eystri where you'll refuel with a lunch of home-style Icelandic dishes. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to relax or choose to check out a nearby working farm - an opportunity to experience the daily life in the picturesque Icelandic community, before another delicious home-cooked dinner in the evening from our hosts.
Bakkagerdi
Head out to a local Icelandic horse farm this morning and learn about what makes the horses so unique. Choose to take part in a ride through the countryside or take some free time to explore on foot or relax. Next, stop at the Gufufoss waterfall for incredible photo opportunities before lunch in the charming village of Seyðisfjörður. Finish up the day at Vök Baths, a geothermal spa where you can soak any lingering real life stress away before returning to our guesthouse for the evening.
Bakkagerdi/Egilsstaðir
Enjoy one last breakfast at the guesthouse before a 6 AM transfer to the Egilsstaðir airport where the tour ends.
Is travel insurance required for my trip?
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.
