Iceland Volcano Marathon
If you have questions regarding Marathon Tours & Travel’s Iceland Volcano Marathon Package please: EMAIL OUR TRIP DESIGNER or CALL 617-242-7845
Join us for this epic race in one of Earth’s geological hotspots! Set near Lake Mývatn, at the divergent boundaries of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, the Iceland Volcano Marathon route will be run directly in the North Volcanic Zone. It’s a hot bed of geothermal activity with geysers, hot springs, and lava rock – what’s more, the volcanic zone is still very much active.
With the massive Hverfjall crater as the focus of the route, runners will pass through soft, black volcanic sand as they run the rim of the crater, as well as pass through the ethereal lava fields known as Dimmuborgir, or “Dark Fortress,” and under a wild natural arch. The route traverses single-track trail, plains of lava rock, and several minor volcano craters.
Your five-night package includes one night in Reykjavík and four nights in Mývatn, giving you ample opportunity to explore this otherworldly landscape – visit Europe’s largest waterfall, hike through the castle-like lava formations of Dimmuborgir, relax in an underground heated lagoon or go whale watching in the pristine waters. Traveling to Mývatn is a bit like traveling back billions of years to the origins of Earth.
We look forward to having you join us on this adventure!
Meals Included
Breakfast, lunch & dinner included (per Itinerary)
Guide
English speaking tour guides
Transfers
Transportation Reykjavik hotel - Mývatn & return to KEF airport
Accommodation
Choose from deluxe and comfort accommodation
Entry
Guaranteed marathon, half-marathon or 10K entry at additional cost
Celebration Party
Celebration pizza party after the race
Excursions
Optional tours offered daily at additional cost
Medal Bling
Medal for all runners who finish within the time limit
Travel Package Information
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Itinerary
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Wednesday, June 30
Arrive to Keflavik International Airport (KEF) in Reykjavík. There is no set arrival time, book the flight that is most suitable for you. Consider arriving before 13:30 and book our optional Golden Circle Tour with stops in Tingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss waterfall. Please see “Excursions” for additional details.
Transfer from Keflavík International Airport (KEF) to Reykjavík is not included in the package. Self-transfer to your hotel by airport shuttle or taxi. Getting from Keflevik International Airport to Reykjavik city is roughly a 45-minute drive.
The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure.
(No meals included today)
Thursday, July 1
After breakfast, we will board our bus* and begin a scenic drive with an informative guide along the west coast of Iceland. In the afternoon, we reach Akureyri, known as “The Capital of the North,” which lies just 100 km (62 miles) away from the Arctic Circle. We will have a couple of hours to explore the city center before we continue to Mývatn where you can settle into your hotel.
*Option to de-select the bus transfer from Reykjavik to Mývatn and return if you prefer to rent your own car in Iceland, contact trip designer for more information
(Breakfast included)
Friday, July 2
Today you will visit some of the places on the marathon route during the Mývatn Highlights Tour. Taking you to spots such as: Dimmuborgir a spectacular maze of strange lava structures covered with surprisingly lush vegetation. Hverfjall – a tephra cone, which erupted 2500 years ago in the southern part of the Kraflo fissure swarm. The crater is approximately one kilometer in diameter. Hverir solfatarars (boiling sulphur mud pits) at Namaskard – these are some of the most spectacular in the country. Stroll around the bubbling gray puddles and experience the sounds and smells of the ethereal steam escaping from the conical fumaroles.
During the tour we stop for the race briefing delivered by our race officials. Here you will receive your race pack, meet the other runners, and be able to ask questions to the officials team.
In the evening, at the hotel there will be a pasta dinner for carb loading the night before the race.
(Breakfast, lunch and pre-race dinner included)
Saturday, July 3
The Iceland Volcano Marathon Race Day!
Today is the big day! While the route will be demanding, the weather is likely to pose the biggest challenge. With average temperatures consistently around 50°F, you should prepare for sun, wind, rain and cool temps! The scenery, equally dramatic in both sun and rain, will have you in awe every step of the race!
At the finish line, a pizza lunch will be served to participants. Shuttle buses will take all participants back to their hotels after the race. Enjoy dinner on your own and afterwards in the evening consider, joining our optional excursion to Mývatn Nature Baths. Soaking in the mineral rich naturally heated water is the perfect way to treat your muscles after a challenging day.
(Breakfast and pizza lunch included)
Sunday, July 4
Today is your day to celebrate your victory! Take the day to relax at your leisure or consider signing up for one of our two optional day excursions to Lofthellir Cave or Majestic Waterfalls optional evening tour to Mývatn Beer Brewery Visit can be combined with Lofthellir Ice Cave or Majestic Waterfalls.
In the evening, we will come together—runners, supporters, and organizers—to celebrate your achievements with a festive dinner.
(Breakfast and Dinner included)
Monday, July 5
We are reaching the end of our adventure today, the morning bus drives us back south to Reykjavík for Keflavík International Airport (KEF). The expected arrival time is 14:30. Hence, it isnotadvisable to book your flight out of Iceland earlier than 16:30. The bus going to Keflavik Airport departs from Mývatn at 06:00. Another bus departs from Mývatn at 08:30 for those who have a post-night or wish to be dropped off in Reykjavik city instead of Keflavik International Airport.It is possible to book a post-night in Reykjavík if your flight connection doesn’t match, or you would like to further explore Iceland on your own.
(Breakfast included)
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Extensions
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Optional Day Excursions
June 30 – The Golden Circle Tour
Start time: 16:00
The bus will pick us up at our hotel in Reykjavik and take us east for a visit to the Golden Circle. Our first stop will be at Thingvellir National Park – the only place on Earth where the mid-Atlantic rift, dividing the American and Eurasian Continental Plates, is visible above sea-level. Next, we will visit Strokkur Geyser – Iceland’s famous geyser which can hurl up boiling water to heights reaching 70 meters. Even if the famous geyser is not currently active, the entire area of the Haukadalur Valley is full of geothermal activity and hot pools – including the much more active Strokkur geyser that regularly shoots water to heights between 20 and 40 meters. Our last stop is the massive waterfall Gullfoss, arguably one of Iceland’s most beautiful waterfalls. We will be back in Reykjavik in the evening, and you can explore the capital of Iceland on your own.
If your flight arrives at 13:30 or later this day, you should not count on being at the hotel in time to join this tour.
July 3 – Mývatn Nature Baths
After the race, give your muscles a treat and take a soak in the naturally heated waters. The mineral-rich water will soothe your skin while the warmth relaxes you. At this time of year, you can savor a slow sunset as you bask in the water and enjoy the views. While the Nature Baths’ lagoon is manmade, the water is drawn up from a hot spring with a depth of 2.500 meters the lagoon itself averages between 36-40 degrees C, and the water is rich with minerals that are considered to have a positive effect on skin.
In addition to the lagoon, the Mývatn Nature Baths offer two steam baths that are built directly on top of the geothermal area. There are windows in the steam baths so guests can enjoy the magnificent view, and cool showers right outside to relieve the heat. There is also a café in the facilities where guests can purchase a variety of food, sweets, and drinks.
Please bring a bathing suit.
July 4 – Majestic Waterfalls
Travel with us to the canyon known as Jökulsárgljúfur and see magnificent waterfalls – including one of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe: Dettifoss. This waterfall is 45 meters high and an incredible 100 meters wide and is the largest waterfall in Iceland in terms of water volume. Within walking distance (approx .75 mile) lies another breathtaking scene: the Selfoss waterfall, which cascades 11 meters down. These waterfalls and the landscape surrounding them have been featured in various Hollywood productions. The third waterfall that we will visit is Hafragilsfoss; a true hidden gem in Iceland. Although often overlooked, it provides a breathtaking view of the canyon and the mighty river that forms it – with the additional perk of being less crowded! We’ll drive about 1.3 miles up a dirt road and then take a short hike to an amazing view above the 27-meter-high falls.
July 4 – Lofthellir Ice Cave
The Lofthellir Ice Cave is a lava tunnel filled with permafrost ice. The cave boasts incredible ice formations, some of which are hundreds of years old, that have been formed by over the course of time by dripping water The tour will start from the Lake Mývatn area, and we will drive past some incredible geology, including the volcano Mt. Hverfjall, and along the Lúdentarborgir crater row. Once we reach the base of Mt. Hvannfell, there will be a 30-minute guided hike across lava fields to the entrance of the Lofthellir cave. There you will be provided with equipment to safely navigate the cave. We will travel slowly into the cave in a single line. Your cave guide will help you to move safely through the cave. The entrance is the narrowest part of the cave and participants will need to crawl on all fours to pass through. Past that point, every step you take into the cave will open to more and more space! A lost world of ice and magic awaits, frozen in time and in space. The Lofthellir Ice Cave is a protected area and is privately owned by local landowners. Only a limited number of tours are allowed in, and all tours are operated by certified cave guides.
Please note: This tour is not for people with claustrophobia, young children, or people that are not in reasonable physical condition. As temperature in the cave ranges from 0-2 degrees Celsius, warm clothing, gloves and waterproof pants are a must. Participants will need to crawl on all fours to pass through the entrance.
July 4 – Mývatn Beer Brewery Visit
Learn the story behind the family owned brewery Mývatn Öl and enjoy a guided tasting of four unique Icelandic craft beers! Whether you’re a beer lover or simply curious to experience Icelandic brewing culture, this tour offers the perfect mix of local storytelling, craftsmanship, and great taste. During the guided tour you’ll be taken behind the scenes to show how the beer is brewed, from selecting the finest ingredients to the final pour. Along the way, you’ll get to taste four unique beers, each with its own character and story, and learn a bit about the flavor profile, brewing process, and inspiration.
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Packages & Rates
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Iceland Volcano Marathon Tour | Five-Night Package | June 30 – July 5, 2027
Features:
- Five nights at selected property (1 night in Reykjavik/4 nights in Mývatn)
- Transportation Reykjavik-Mývatn – Reykjavik/ KEF airport
- Mývatn Highlights excursion
- Meals as listed on the itinerary
- Sightseeing as listed on the itinerary
- Transportation to/from start and finish area
- All hotel taxes
- Pre-race briefing
- Celebration dinner including transportation
- Services of Albatros Adventure Marathons Staff
Not Included:
- Flights to/from Iceland
- Arrival transport from Keflavik Internation Airport-Reykjavik
- Race entry fee
- All activities listed as optional excursions
- Meals not listed on the itinerary
- Gratuities and tips
- Incidentals
- Travel Insurance
Note: Getting from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik city is roughly a 45 minutes’ drive. The Airport Direct shuttle is an easy and convenient service and drop off at your hotel can be added when booking your seat.
Airfare: Roundtrip airfare is the responsibility of each client. Your passport should be valid for six (6) months after your last expected day in Iceland. You should have at least two full pages
Rates (all prices are per person and in US dollars)
Note: Only one optional day activity can be chosen on July 4
Iceland Volcano Marathon Tour | Five Night Package Double Occupancy Single Occupancy Comfort Package: Cabin Hotel Superior/Vogafjos Farm Resort $4245 per person $6080 Additional Nights $330 per person $585 Deluxe Package: Fosshotel Reykjavik/ Fosshotel Mývatn $4370 per person $6335 Additional Nights $460 per person $975 Optional Day Excursions Rates Golden Circle Tour (from Reykjavik) | June 30 $330 per person Mývatn Nature Baths | July 3 $255 per person Majestic Waterfalls | July 4 $330 per person Lofthellier Ice Cave | July 4 $735 per person Mývatn Beer Brewery Tour | July 4 $105 per person Race Entry Fees Rates Marathon $460 per entry Half-Marathon $460 per entry Quarter-Marathon $265 per entry
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Hotels
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Reykjavík Hotels
Below are the hotels used for the first night in Reykjavik. Please note that the hotel combinations in the accommodation packages are fixed and cannot be amended.
Hotel Cabin Superior (Comfort)
The room is simple, but will be able to give you a good rest for your week of adventure! The rooms are fully equipped with all necessary amenities, including bed linens and towels. You will be staying in a Superior Room.
Bus line 12 stops 100 meters down the road, which takes passengers to the city centre within ten minutes.
Fosshotel Reykjavík (Deluxe)
Fosshotel Reykjavík is an extravagant 4-star hotel, only a short walk from the main shopping area. Its convenient location makes it an excellent base for the perfect Reykjavik city holiday.
Here, from the heart of the city, you can easily explore Reykjavík’s magnificent architecture, captivating history, vibrant markets and rich culture – the ideal starting point for experiencing the best of everything the city has to offer.You will stay in the Standard room category at Fosshotel Reykjavík when booking accommodation package D.
Mývatn HotelsVogafjós Farm Resort (Comfort)
Just across from the finishing line, this family-owned guesthouse consists of well-furnished loghouses, carrying 20 rooms all equipped with private bathrooms. Here you will be immersed in the peace and quiet of nordic nature, and the charming details of the wooden lodges.
The guesthouse comes with the stylish Vogafjós Farm Restaurant, convenient for guests who would like to have a taste of the delicious Icelandic cuisine cooked with local produce.
And the cherry on top! You can see the cows being milked every morning and afternoon while dining at the restaurant.
Fosshotel Mývatn (Deluxe)
Less than ten kilometres away from the Start and Finish area, the luxurious Fosshotel overlooks Lake Mývatn from the northeast, providing a picturesque experience for those seeking the wonders of North Iceland.
All rooms are equipped with everything you’ll need, including a satellite TV, a small refrigerator, free WiFi and a private bathroom with a shower or a tub.
Its stylish on-site restaurant, serving delicious Neo-Nordic cuisine, makes it the perfect place to refuel after the race or a day of exploring.
- Only 10km away from the start and finish area
- Fully equipped rooms
- On site sauna
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Event Information
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Race Date: July 3, 2027
Race Time: 7:30 AM. The Marathon and Half-Marathon will start together, with the Quarter Marathon starting shortly after.
Course: The Iceland Volcano Marathon is run on a variety of surfaces, including asphalt, soft volcanic sand, volcanic rock, gravel, and dirt. Although the race can be run in normal running shoes, trail running shoes are recommended if one is hoping for top placement. You can view a course map HERE and the elevation profile HERE.
Entry Fee:
- Marathon – $460
- Half-Marathon – $460
- Quarter Marathon – $265
Temperature: The Icelandic early summer is not known to be warm. Expect temperatures between 48 – 59 degrees F (9-15 degrees Celsius) but also know that temperatures can change unexpectedly. Icelandic weather is notoriously fickle, and rain can be expected at any time.
Eligibility:
- Marathon – 18 years +
- Half-Marathon – 16 years +
- Quarter Marathon – 8 years + (those under 12 years must be accompanied by an adult)
Time Limit:
- Marathon – 7.5 hours (must finish by 3:00 PM). Five-hour & 30 min cut-off point at the 20-mile/32 km marker
- Half-Marathon – 7.5 hours (must finish by 3:00 PM)
- Quarter Marathon (must finish by 3:00 PM)
Awards: Everyone who finishes their running event within the time limit will receive a Finisher Medal and Race shirt.
Difficulty: The course is challenging.
For more information click here
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Registration & Booking
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Rates: All prices are based on current exchange rates may change due to currency fluctuations.
Race Entry: Guaranteed entry is additional and not included in the package cost.
Reservations and Payments: A completed tour application together with an initial non-refundable deposit of 30% per person for the Iceland Volcano Marathon package. Final payment is due before March 15, 2027.
Eligibility: Marathon Tours & Travel, an authorized tour operator, is required to offer travel arrangements in conjunction with guaranteed race entry. Marathon Tours & Travel is authorized to sell to a resident of a country where there is not an existing official Tour Operator.
Cancellations: All payments, including your deposit, are non-refundable and non-transferable. Non-transferable includes applying your balance to another person, another year or another trip. Should you cancel for any reason, you will forfeit your trip investment. Therefore, travel insurance for every trip is highly recommended. All cancellations must be received in writing.
Not included in price: All items not specifically listed under tour features.
Insurance: For your protection, trip cancellation, baggage, health and accident insurance is highly recommended for all participants. However, no representation or description of the insurance made by our staff constitutes a binding assurance or promise about the insurance.
Travel Insurance for U.S. Residents
Travel Insurance for Canadian ResidentsSecurity Policy: Marathon Tours & Travel’s security policy requires that anyone staying in our room block must be registered as part of our package. If a registered client attempts to house a non-registered guest and /or invite them to attend any of our scheduled activities, the registered guest’s tour package will be forfeited, and parties may be denied access to future tours. Please note that no exceptions will be made as this policy will be strictly enforced.
Responsibility: These tours are operated by Marathon Tours, Inc. of Chelsea, MA who acts only as an agent for the passenger to the companies offering such services and assumes no liability for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity caused by any reason whatsoever by any party offering such services. All terms and conditions offered are governed by the laws of Massachusetts. The right is reserved to cancel the tour prior to departure with a refund, less applicable credit card and processing fees, made as full settlement to the passenger. The right is reserved by Marathon Tours, Inc. to deny acceptance of a booking application by any person. Marathon Tours, Inc. may make any changes or alterations in the itinerary as it deems necessary for the proper handling of the tour. The sole responsibility of any airline used is limited to that set out in the passenger contract evidenced by the ticket. The airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time that the passengers are not on board their aircraft.
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Testimonials
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"Excellent tour and the guide was exceptional" - 2025
Excellent tour and the guide was exceptional.
"Very well-planned, route was easy to follow..." - 2025Very well planned, route was easy to follow, note sure it could have been better.
"Multiple times the staff and team went to great efforts to make us comfortable..." - 2025Multiple times the staff and team went to great efforts to make us comfortable and they went above and beyond when it came to necessary dietary restrictions.
"A great experience and one I would highly recommend!" - 2024A great experience and one I would highly recommend!
"Marcie did a great job..." - 2024Marcie did a great job of responding to our last minute questions and was able to inform us of options for my non-running wife regarding transportation from the start line to the finish. Race information/details were complete.
"Remarkable and memorable!" - 2024Remarkable and memorable!
"Wonderful! The boat to see the icebergs was unbelievable..." - 2023Wonderful! The boat to see the icebergs was unbelievable despite the wind. Always jaw dropping. Some added opportunities were dog sledding, which I loved, and also another northern lights opportunity. We saw them, but basically too windy to hold the camera still. Oh well. Afterwards, the trip included a Greenlandic coffee accompanied with folk lore each added liquor represented. It was warm and welcome and quite ceremonial.
"The Pre-trip was excellent..." - 2023The Pre-trip was excellent. The description of key issues was always right on. I felt that I understood not only the hazards of race day, but what to expect on the other days as well. It was a fabulous trip. The area is so beautiful, I didn’t want to leave.
"Always wonderful trips..." - 2023Always wonderful trips. This one was especially remote, which I love. Great experience overall. Wonderful and well informed staff. Always good humored and fun.
"I appreciated having the opportunity to try the ice sheet prior..." - 2023I appreciated having the opportunity to try the ice sheet prior to the run days. We were all a bit nervous about it. The help we got at the critical junctures was superb. And I loved Bjorn’s talks about the culture and area.
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Recommended Resources
Meet the Reps
Julia Sheehan
Administrative Assistant
Julia Sheehan
Administrative Assistant
Julia is a dedicated back of the pack charity runner with a strong foundation in hospitality and administrative support. Since her first marathon, The Boston Marathon in 2022 she has raised over $22,000 for nonprofit organizations pursuing The Abbott World Marathon Majors, earning her 6th Star in the 2025 Tokyo Marathon. A Guilford College graduate with a degree in Sociology there is nothing more rewarding than combining her passions with profession helping other runners achieve their goals.
In parallel with their athletic and philanthropic pursuits, Julia has cultivated a dynamic professional background. As a line cook and bartender in award winning restaurants in Boston, her time in the kitchen and behind the bar sharpened her ability to stay composed under pressure and deliver exceptional guest experience with consistency and care. Complementing their hands-on service experience, Julia also brings strong organizational and communication skills from her role as an Executive Assistant.
In her free time, she is a Committee Chair for the Emerging Leaders of the Boston Public Library, Volunteers with Waypoint Adventure and works on maintaining her Duolingo French streak.
