Iceland is one of the youngest landmasses on the planet. Just ask her volcanoes. As the meeting point of the North American and European plates, Iceland is perpetually moving, breathing, expanding and shifting. Settled originally by Irish monks and later by the Vikings, Iceland’s allure is the unknown. And in the summer, twenty-two hours of sunlight might keep you exploring longer than you expected.
One thousand years ago, Iceland’s new Viking population formed the world’s first democratic parliament. The stories of these early settlers, known as the Icelandic Sagas, are a mixture of history, adventure tales, myth and magic. Iceland’s heroes earned their names through their feats and fortunes. As we explore Iceland, we might just discover our own hero stories. Come to enjoy a pilgrimage or missions trip in a place that endures as a mysterious location to most of the world.
Overview
- Hike Thingvelir, the place where the Icelandic Vikings embraced Christianity.
- Take in a Sunday service at Hallgrimskirkja, Iceland’s most iconic church.
- Enjoy an hour of silence on 700-foot cliff overlooking the ocean.
- Climb and picnic on the top of an active volcano.
- Visit Gulfoss, one of the world’s largest and most spectacular waterfalls.
Itinerary
Every Wonder Voyage itinerary (mission trip and/or pilgrimage) is personalized to the desires, direction and personality of each group. This itinerary is only a description of the kind of journey we can create for your unique team.
- Day 1 – Velkomin til Íslands
Velkomin til Íslands (Welcome to Iceland)! After months of preparation, prayer and planning, you will find yourself standing in the mythic and magnificent island country of Iceland. Our home for the next few days is the spa town in the Golden Circle. On our way east we’ll take in sweeping views and the impressive Selfoss Geyser. A hike around the multi-colored Kerid Lake will keep our blood flowing. At Laugvartn we’ll settle in and take the evening to prepare for the week ahead. - Day 2 – The Golden Circle
Entering the Golden Circle is a must when in Iceland. Our first stop will be Thingvelir National Park, a place where the Vikings established the world’s first democratic Parliament. It sits on the northern shores of Lake Thingvallvatn. The afternoon adventure will bring us to Geysir (the most active geyser in the world) and Gulfoss, the Golden Waterfall. There will be no lack for awe and wonder. The evening will provide a new challenge as the Stone Soup competition begins. - Day 3 – Aatn ævintýri
Today we will have the rare opportunity to head into the mountains and engage in a day of hiking hidden valleys filled with natural wonder. We will come to a majestic river and enjoy a rafting adventure (aatn ævintýri) through moonscape landscapes and the elvish realms of the interior. Our evening reflection will focus on our theme for the week. - Day 4 – Foss Dag
Foss Dag (waterfall day) will be our chance to see a different part of Iceland, the southern coast. We will travel east to a coastal town. On the way we will visit a major waterfall: Selijalndoss. One of the coolest aspects of our housing on this leg of the journey is that it is located next to one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls, Skogofass. Get ready for a late night hikes to this massive fall. - Day 5 – Jökullinn Ganga
The time for a jökullinn ganga (glacier walk) will arrive today. We will venture into a glacial wonderland. Ice caves, snow fields, and glacial mysteries will be discovered in the land of fire and ice. This will be a once in a lifetime experience. In the afternoon we will visit coastal icons, such as the Dyrhólaey Arch and Black Sand Beach. As we gather in the evening, there will be no lack for personal stories of the day’s saga. - Day 6 – Hvíldardagur
Today will be hvíldardagur (Sabbath Day), and we’ll gather with other Christians for a time of worship and prayer at Iceland’s most well known church, Hallgrimskirka in Reykjavik. We’ll have someone from the church greet us and teach us about life in Iceland before we gather for worship. In the afternoon you will have some time to explore Reykjavik before walking through a Saga experience. - Day 7 – Eldfjall
Eldfjall is the Icelandic word for volcano. No one can step foot in Iceland without observing and experiencing the geothermic phenomenon that keeps the land in constant motion. We will visit three distinct locations formed by the earth’s pressure. First, Lake Kleifarvatn, a volcanic lake where an ancient monster might dwell. Next, we will climb an active volcano. Our last location will be revealed on the day. In the evening we will spend out last night in Keflavik where we will partake in a celebration meal. - Day 8 – Bless Ísland
Before flying home, we will take a dip in the Blue Lagoon for a natural spa experience that will bring healing to our muscles and mind. This will be a voyage of adventure that will forever leave an imprint on our lives. We will depart under the pilgrim’s blessing: May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face. May God hold you in the palm of His hand. Bless Ísland (Farewell Iceland!)
Legacy Location
Legacy in Iceland
- *This is the base cost of the trip. Your cost may differ depending on housing, activities, etc.
