These hikes in Iceland show the country’s dramatic landscapes, volcanic activity, glaciers, waterfalls, and fjords, offering some of the most awe-inspiring hiking experiences in the world. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a casual trekker, the diversity of Iceland’s hiking trails caters to all levels of adventurers.
Hikes In Iceland
I’ll introduce you to five of the best hikes in Iceland, detailing the landscapes, difficulty levels, and highlights that make each one unique.
Truly, hiking in Iceland is one of the most magical experiences I have had after visiting, and hiking, in almost 100 countries around the world.
These are the best hikes to do in Iceland if you were to choose one or two to do. Personally, if you had to choose just one, go with the Laugavegur Trail.
Top tip: The Walking and Trekking in Iceland guidebook by Cicerone is one of the best guides for hiking in Iceland you can get.
1. The Laugavegur Trail
Length: 55 km (34 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Duration: 4-6 days
Best Time to Visit: Mid-June to September
The Laugavegur Trail is arguably the most famous hiking trail in Iceland and one of the most renowned in the world. Stretching from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk, it offers an unparalleled journey through Iceland’s diverse landscapes. The trail passes through vibrant rhyolite mountains, hot springs, glaciers, black sand deserts, and lush valleys, all in one trek.
The Laugavegur Trail is undoubtedly one of the best hikes in Iceland you can do, and it was my favourite one. You can hike the entire route in 2 nights and 3 full days, although if you want to take it easier then 3 nights and 4 days would be better for you.
This is a stunning hike where you will see much of the different landscapes of Iceland.
- Landmannalaugar: The starting point is known for its colourful geothermal hills and the natural hot springs where hikers can soak before or after their adventure. The surreal landscape here is dominated by vibrant hues of orange, red, and yellow, a result of volcanic activity beneath the earth.
- Hrafntinnusker: On the first day, hikers ascend to Hrafntinnusker, one of the coldest and most remote parts of the trail, offering stunning views of ice-capped peaks and expansive vistas.
- Álftavatn: From there, the trail moves through verdant valleys and crosses rivers, reaching the beautiful lake Álftavatn (Swan Lake). Here, you can camp by the water with views of the surrounding mountains.
- Mælifellssandur Desert: The black volcanic sands of this desert give the landscape a lunar feel, adding to the otherworldliness of the trek.
- Þórsmörk: The trail ends in the lush valley of Þórsmörk, sheltered by glaciers and dotted with birch forests. It’s a stunning contrast to the previous days’ rugged terrain and an ideal place to rest.
This hike requires preparation and is typically done over several days. While challenging, the rewards of the Laugavegur Trail are unforgettable. You can either camp or stay in mountain huts along the way, with the huts requiring advance booking during the busy summer season.
2. Fimmvörðuháls Trail
Length: 25 km (15.5 miles)
Difficulty: Challenging
Duration: 1-2 days
Best Time to Visit: June to September
If you’re looking for a hike that combines glaciers, volcanoes, and waterfalls in one spectacular package, the Fimmvörðuháls Trail is the perfect choice. This trail connects Skógar to Þórsmörk and is often linked to the Laugavegur Trail for those who want an extended adventure.
- Skógafoss: The hike starts near the iconic Skógafoss waterfall, one of Iceland’s most famous. The trail immediately ascends alongside the Skógar River, passing over two dozen waterfalls within the first few kilometres.
- Glacier Pass: As you continue upward, the trail crosses the dramatic Fimmvörðuháls pass between the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers. These names may sound familiar – Eyjafjallajökull is the infamous volcano that erupted in 2010, causing massive disruptions to air travel.
- New Craters: The Fimmvörðuháls Trail is also home to two relatively new volcanic craters, Magni and Móði, which were formed during the 2010 eruption. Hiking past these craters is a stark reminder of Iceland’s ever-changing volcanic landscape.
- Þórsmörk: After crossing the glacier pass, hikers descend into the lush valley of Þórsmörk. The contrasting scenery here, with its birch forests, rivers, and towering cliffs, provides a dramatic end to the hike.
This is a demanding hike, but it can be done in a single long day for fit hikers or broken into two days with an overnight stay at one of the huts.
3. Hornstrandir Nature Reserve
Length: Varies
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Duration: 1-7 days
Best Time to Visit: June to August
For those seeking solitude and raw nature, Hornstrandir in the Westfjords is one of Iceland’s most remote and pristine wilderness areas. There are no roads, permanent residents, or major infrastructure here, making it an untouched haven for hikers and nature lovers.
- Wildlife: Hornstrandir is renowned for its wildlife, especially the Arctic foxes that roam freely. The lack of human development makes this an ideal place for spotting seabirds like puffins, guillemots, and Arctic terns, as well as seals along the coast.
- Cliffs and Fjords: The hikes here typically take you along towering cliffs, some of the highest in Iceland, providing breathtaking views of the Arctic Ocean and the rugged fjord coastline. The cliffs of Hornbjarg are particularly famous for their dramatic drop-offs.
- Isolation: With no roads leading to Hornstrandir, you’ll need to take a boat from Ísafjörður or Hesteyri, and once you arrive, you’re on your own in the wilderness. Hikers need to be well-prepared with supplies and navigational tools, as the weather can change rapidly, and there are no services or facilities along the trails.
- Variety of Routes: Hikes can range from a few hours to multi-day treks. The circular route from Hesteyri to Hlöðuvík and back is a popular multi-day option, taking in some of the reserve’s best scenery.
The challenge and isolation of Hornstrandir make it an unforgettable experience for those seeking true adventure and natural beauty.
4. Glymur Waterfall Hike
Length: 7 km (4.3 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 3-4 hours
Best Time to Visit: May to September
Glymur is Iceland’s second-highest waterfall, plunging 198 meters (650 feet) into a moss-covered canyon. The hike to Glymur offers an easy-to-moderate trek with spectacular views, making it a popular day hike from Reykjavík.
- River Crossing: The trailhead begins at Botnsdalur, and early in the hike, you’ll cross the Botnsá River via a log and cable setup. This adds an adventurous element to the hike but is manageable for most hikers.
- Cave Passage: After crossing the river, the trail ascends through a small cave and up the canyon, providing panoramic views of the waterfall from multiple vantage points.
- Stunning Views: As you approach the top, the views of Glymur cascading into the gorge are breathtaking. The surrounding cliffs and lush green valleys contrast beautifully with the misty waterfall, creating a scene that feels quintessentially Icelandic.
- Loop Hike: You can hike up one side of the canyon and down the other, making it a loop trail that offers different perspectives of the waterfall and canyon.
This hike is relatively close to Reykjavík and can be done as a half-day trip. It’s a great option for those who want a taste of Iceland’s natural beauty without venturing too far into the wilderness.
5. Kristínartindar in Skaftafell
Length: 18 km (11 miles)
Difficulty: Challenging
Duration: 6-8 hours
Best Time to Visit: May to September
Located in Vatnajökull National Park, the hike to Kristínartindar is one of the best ways to experience the park’s glaciers, mountains, and diverse landscapes. The trail takes hikers through Skaftafell, an area of exceptional natural beauty, before ascending to the peak of Kristínartindar.
- Skaftafell Nature Reserve: The trail begins in the lush green landscapes of Skaftafell, where hikers will pass waterfalls, birch forests, and stunning glacier views. The Svartifoss waterfall, with its striking black basalt columns, is one of the highlights of this section.
- Glacier Views: As you ascend, the views of the surrounding glaciers, including the massive Skeiðarárjökull, become increasingly dramatic. You’ll also get panoramic views of the Hvannadalshnúkur, the highest peak in Iceland.
- Summit of Kristínartindar: Reaching the summit offers breathtaking 360-degree views over the Vatnajökull ice cap, Skaftafell, and the surrounding mountains. The sense of accomplishment and the spectacular vistas make this a challenging but incredibly rewarding hike.
This hike is recommended for those with good fitness levels, as the ascent is steep and can be strenuous. However, the beauty of the Skaftafell region and the views from the top make it worth the effort.
Iceland Hiking Gear Guide
I’ve done a separate post about the gear I recommend for hiking so I won’t list all that here, it’s best to read that post separately here: Hiking light gear guide.
One thing I will mention though is that Iceland is a damp country so it’s best to take fleece or synthetic jackets to withstand the weather better. Think Scottish Highlands and you get the idea.
Vedur is the best weather app for Iceland and is run by the Icelandic Meteorological Office. This will help you keep track of the weather conditions for your hike.
Iceland Hiking Tours
If you don’t want to do these hikes in Iceland alone then there are plenty of Iceland hiking tours available that you can join.
Especially if you want to do some glacier hiking in Iceland then going with an experienced local guide is highly recommended for safety reasons.
Iceland Hiking Guidebooks
It’s a good idea to take a guidebook specifically for hiking in Iceland.
Top tip: The Walking and Trekking in Iceland guidebook by Cicerone is one of the best guides for hiking in Iceland you can get.
Although you can get good digital maps of Iceland for your smartphone or GPS unit, taking a normal map with you can be a good idea in case your electronics get damaged. This is a good one to get: Iceland Map (National Geographic Adventure Map, 3302)
Note that a paper map is only really recommended if you’re planning some off-beat hiking away from the main trails as the main trails are well-trodden and there will be other people on them.
Apart from hiking guides, you may want to take an overall guide to the country for planning things when you are not hiking. The Rick Steves Iceland guide comes highly recommended.
Iceland Hiking
Iceland is easily one of the best countries in the world to go hiking. Iceland’s hiking trails are as varied as they are beautiful, offering something for every type of adventurer.
Whether you’re looking for a multi-day trek through volcanic landscapes or a challenging day hike to a stunning glacier peak, Iceland’s trails provide unforgettable experiences. The country’s ever-changing scenery, from vibrant mountains and geothermal areas to remote wilderness and towering waterfalls, ensures that each hike offers its own unique rewards.
For more on Iceland take a look at the 10 best books about Iceland to read.
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