8 Best Iceland Hikes: All You Need to Know
Ready to explore Iceland?
Hiking is the best way to experience the country, engage with locals, discover ancient history, and more.
All Iceland hiking trails lead you through some of the most breathtaking scenery on Earth.
In this article, we share the 8 best hiking trails in Iceland—some multi-day hikes and others one-day hikes.
At Skyhook, we recommend you hike in Iceland in summer - from June to September.
Also, book your accommodation well in advance if you're not on a guided tour. If you're camping in Iceland, prepare for all weather conditions that can change in the blink of an eye!
Let's dive in!
1. Hornstrandir Nature Reserve
At Skyhook, we take you right into the northwest of Iceland on our moderate-rated Hornstrandir Traverse trip.
We follow trails into the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve in the Westfjords for one of Iceland's most remote and rewarding trips.
Accessible only by boat and with no roads or permanent inhabitants, Hornstrandir is a haven for wildlife and a paradise for experienced hikers. You will enjoy the dramatic sea cliffs, wildflower-strewn meadows, and the Arctic tundra. Look out for Arctic foxes, seals, and a wealth of birdlife.
The local guide picks you up in Ísafjörður for the final preparations before taking a scenic ferry ride to Veiðileysufjörður - keep your eyes peeled for whales!
You then start the hike on the same day, climbing some 520 metres to Hornvík via Hafnarskarð Pass for the most amazing views of the Bay.
On the second day, you hike over Kýrskard Pass to Látravík lighthouse and eventually pass the Almenningar Pass.
You might be lucky to spot some Arctic Foxes and polar bears swimming from Greenland!
On the final day, you hike from Látravík to the Hornbjarg bird cliffs and spot unique birdlife (in summer), then descend to Miðdalur Valley and enjoy even more unique experiences before returning to Ísafjörður.
2. Laugavegur Trail
The Laugavegur Trail is a moderate to challenging 55 km trek through the southern highlands.
Starting in the colourful rhyolite mountains of Landmannalaugar and ending in the lush valley of Þórsmörk, the Laugavegur takes you on a journey through an ever-changing landscape.
One day, you're traversing obsidian lava fields; the next, you're skirting the edge of gleaming glaciers.
You cross black sand deserts, ford glacial rivers and camp beside steaming hot springs at some of the most scenic campsites in Iceland.
The trail typically takes 4-5 days to complete, though seasoned hikers can do it in 3.
Most people hike from north to south, starting in Landmannalaugar and ending in Þórsmörk, but you can do it in either direction.
3. Fimmvörðuháls Pass
If you're short on time but still want to experience the dramatic landscapes of the Icelandic highlands, the Fimmvörðuháls Pass is an excellent choice.
You can complete this 25 km trail as a challenging day hike or a more leisurely overnight trek.
It takes you between two glaciers, Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull, and past the site of the 2010 volcanic eruption that famously disrupted air travel across Europe.
You climb past numerous waterfalls, including the stunning 60-metre Skógafoss at the start of the trail, before ascending into a moonscape of recent lava flows and steaming vents.
Quick tip: Visit the newly formed craters Magni and Móði, named after the sons of Thor.
Get the genuine experience
4. Landmannalaugar Day Hikes
Even if you're not up for the entire Laugavegur trail, the area around Landmannalaugar is well worth a visit for easy to moderate day hiking opportunities.
This geothermal wonderland is famous for its multi-hued rhyolite mountains, which create a landscape that looks like it's been painted by a notably imaginative artist.
The area has several excellent day hikes, ranging from easy 1-2 hour walks to more challenging full-day treks.
One of the most popular is the Bláhnúkur (Blue Peak) hike, which offers panoramic views over the colourful mountains and black lava fields.
5. Þórsmörk Hiking Trails
Þórsmörk, named after the Norse god Thor, is a lush valley between three glaciers.
It's the endpoint of the Laugavegur trail but also a fantastic hiking destination, with a network of trails to suit all abilities.
One of the best hikes in the area is the Valahnúkur trail. This short but steep climb rewards you with stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding glaciers, mountains, and braided glacier rivers.
For a longer day hike, consider the trek to Réttarfell Peak, which offers views of the Eyjafjallajökull glacier.
6. Skaftafell
Part of the vast Vatnajökull National Park, Skaftafell's trails take you from lush birch forests to the edge of mighty glaciers.
It's also one of the more accessible hiking areas in Iceland, with a range of trails starting right from the visitor centre.
You can hike to Svartifoss, a stunning waterfall framed by dark basalt columns, for an easy hike.
For a longer day hike, consider the trail to Kristínartindar, which offers breathtaking views over the Skaftafellsjökull glacier and the vast sand plains of Skeiðarársandur.
Fun Tip: The view of Svartifoss is said to have inspired the design of Hallgrímskirkja church in Reykjavík!
7. Hverfjall Crater Hike
For a shorter hike with a big impact, consider the trek up Hverfjall, a near-perfect tephra cone crater in the Lake Mývatn area.
The hike to the rim takes only about 15-20 minutes, but once there, you're rewarded with otherworldly views of the surrounding lava fields and pseudo-craters.
You can walk around the entire one km-diameter rim of the crater, taking in the lunar-like landscape and panoramic views of Lake Mývatn and its surroundings.
Pro tip: Combine this hike with a visit to the nearby Dimmuborgir lava formations for a full day of geological wonders.
8. Glymur Waterfall Hike
Just a short drive from Reykjavík, the hike to Glymur waterfall is a perfect day trip if you're short on time.
At 198 metres, Glymur is Iceland's second-highest waterfall, and the hike to reach it is an adventure.
The moderate to challenging trail takes you through a cave, across a river (via a log in summer or a ford in other seasons), and up steep slopes with rope assists. But the effort is worth it for the stunning views of the waterfall and the Hvalfjörður fjord.
Bring water shoes for the river crossing, and remember your camera - the views are spectacular throughout the hike.
How to Prepare for Your Iceland Hike
Before you set off on your Icelandic hiking adventure, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Weather: Always check the forecast before setting out, and be prepared for conditions to change rapidly. Bring layers, including a waterproof outer layer, even on sunny days.
Equipment: Good hiking boots, warm layers, waterproofs, and a sturdy backpack are essential. You'll need camping gear for longer treks to suit cold and wet conditions.
Safety: Always let someone know your hiking plans. For remote hikes, register your travel plans at safetravel.is. Carry a map and compass (and learn how to use them), and consider renting a GPS device.
Leave No Trace: Stick to marked trails, pack out all your rubbish, and respect wildlife and vegetation.
Seasons: The primary hiking season is from June to September. Many highland roads and trails are inaccessible outside these months. Winter hiking requires specialist equipment and experience.
In Conclusion
There you have it: eight superb Iceland hiking trails to explore in the country. They offer everything from serene landscapes to dramatic vistas, perfect for connecting with nature and pushing your limits.
So, when you plan a trip to Iceland, pick your ideal hiking season and bring a few essentials for a hike.
With some of the options above, you can even make it a one-day hike before trying other activities like kayaking and wild camping with Skyhook!
