Explore at your pace, capture mesmerizing waterfalls, and discover Iceland's untamed beauty.
In the summer, Skógar comes alive, turning into a lush green wonderland under the towering Eyjafjöll mountains. The area is home to one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls, Skógafoss, a pearl of the south coast. The drive to Skógar is a scenic ride through the picturesque south of Iceland, passing by small farms and charming villages with astounding views of the surrounding mountains and volcanoes on clear days. Whether you are planning a day trip to the region or a multi-day hike, leave the driving to us!
Skógar is one of the most scenic stops along the south coast and marks the start (or finish) of the popular Fimmvörðuháls hiking trail, frequented by Icelanders and travellers alike. This 1-2-day hike between Skógar and Þórsmörk is between the world-famous Eyjafjallajökull Glacier and the giant Mýrdalsjökull Glacier, and the views are diverse and spectacular. You may remember Eyjafjallajökull from the 2010 eruption that stopped air traffic!
The route is just over 20 km, and the hike takes about 9 hours, but if you prefer to take your time, accommodation in a mountain hut can be pre-booked. If hiking isn’t your thing, there is still a lot to do, like visiting the interesting Folk Museum at Skógar, marvelling at the epic Skógafoss waterfall, or simply enjoying the area's beautiful surroundings.
Icelandic highland roads are often dirt tracks or gravel roads and can be pretty tricky to navigate. Reykjavik Excursions operates specialised highland buses with professional drivers who easily navigate these roads. The Highland Bus runs daily* between Reykjavik and Skógar during the summer to serve the nature-loving hikers and travellers that frequent these parts. Let us drop you off and pick you up so you can explore Iceland on your own.
- Availability
- Summer & Fall
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Minimum age
- 1
- Meeting Point
- BSÍ Bus Terminal - City center
TourID: HB03
Activity provider: Reykjavik Excursions by Icelandia
BSÍ Bus Terminal - City center
Need to know
One way and return tickets are available. See the Highland Bus Schedule - Summer 2025.
Tour itinerary
What’s included and what to bring on this tour
It’s important to always be prepared for your next adventure in Iceland. See our list of what’s included, and what you should bring or add to your trip
Included
- Bus fare
Not included
- Pick up and drop off is not included
Tour highlights
Are you wondering about something?
If you're planning a trip to Iceland, it's important to be prepared with the right information. Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help you plan your trip
The Highland Bus – formerly known as "Iceland On Your Own" – is Reykjavik Excursions' scheduled summer bus service, designed to connect independent travelers with Iceland’s most iconic hiking routes.
Iceland’s vast, untouched wilderness make it a paradise for hikers, and the Highland Bus offers a seamless way to experience this natural beauty. For those eager to explore the Highlands at their own pace but also in a sustainable way, the Highland Bus provides transport from Reykjavík to three main destinations: Skógar, Þórsmörk, and Landmannalaugar. This service is an affordable, eco-friendly alternative to self-driving on rugged highland roads.
No, the Highland Bus operates as a scheduled transport service without guides. This bus is designed for independent travelers who prefer to explore Iceland’s Highlands at their own pace.
While there are no guides on board, the service offers reliable and convenient access to some of Iceland’s most stunning hiking areas, allowing you to plan your adventure and experience the natural beauty on your own terms.
We offer baggage transfer services to Þórsmörk, with delivery available to three areas: Húsadalur (Volcano Huts), Langidalur, and Básar. The price per item is 2000 ISK, and payment can be processed on-site at the BSÍ bus terminal or directly with your bus driver if departing from Hvolsvöllur, Hella, or any other stop along the route.
The baggage transfer allows for one backpack, box, or cabin-size bag with maximum dimensions of 55x40x20 cm and a maximum weight of 10 kg, plus one sleeping bag. Items must be waterproof and properly labeled.
Please note that depending on the delivery location, baggage may be placed in an unattended room or trailer until collected.
Reykjavik Excursions assumes no responsibility for baggage after drop-off, but in the Icelandic Highlands, this is rarely a concern. You do not need to book baggage transfer for items you bring with you on the hike—this service is only for sending bags to a different location than the one you are traveling to.
For travelers finishing their hike in Þórsmörk or Landmannalaugar, we offer baggage transfer for a small fee. In Þórsmörk, you can choose between three delivery locations: Húsadalur (Volcano Huts), Langidalur, or Básar. There is no need to make a reservation for baggage delivery – payment can be made at the BSÍ bus terminal, Hvolsvöllur, or Hella before departure.
The baggage transfer is limited to one backpack, box, or cabin-size bag, plus a sleeping bag. The maximum luggage size, excluding the sleeping bag, is 55x40x20 cm, with a maximum weight of 10 kg. Please ensure all items are placed in a waterproof bag and properly labeled.
Depending on the delivery location, baggage may be left in an unattended room or trailer until collected. Reykjavik Excursions assumes no responsibility for baggage after drop-off, but in the Icelandic Highlands, this is rarely a concern.
Baggage transfer is not required for items you carry with you during the hike – the service is only necessary if you are sending bags to a different location from where you are traveling.
Direct pick-up and drop-off at hotels are not included. Most of our departures from Reykjavík stop at Reykjavík City Hostel/Campsite and the BSÍ Bus Terminal. Travelers can easily join the bus from these convenient locations.
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