Hike, trek, ascent, climbing, walking. What are these words that confuse everyone? Let us treat them as disciplines within one sport.
Hiking
The activity of walking in nature. It needs little planning: mostly marked or man-made trails, usually within a single day, returning to your starting point or a village.
Trekking
A multi-day journey on foot, often across terrain with no defined path, sleeping in camps, huts or lodges. It demands planning, logistics, gear and physical preparation. Everest Base Camp is trekking; an afternoon in Þingvellir is hiking.
Ascent and climbing
An ascent aims for a summit and usually involves altitude, snow or technique; climbing adds hands, ropes and protection. Different sport, different learning curve.
Which one is for you?
Our catalogue states it clearly: every trip shows physical demand, elevation gain and walking hours per day. There are cultural routes with gentle walks and multi-day high-altitude treks. Both are equally valid; choosing honestly is what matters.
How to prepare
- Train with the backpack and boots you will actually use.
- Add elevation gain, not just flat kilometres.
- Work legs and core strength twice a week.
- If altitude is involved, respect the itinerary's acclimatisation days.
