Ultimate Guide to Iceland Hiking [20 Best Hikes in Iceland]
Iceland is a country that offers endless adventure, and Iceland hiking is absolutely one of the best ways to explore the magical landscapes.
From enormous glaciers to active volcanoes, black sand beaches to lush green nature reserves, hikers can experience it all on an Iceland hike. The country also has many hiking trails to match fitness and experience levels.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Iceland hiking, including some of the best trails around the country.
What’s Iceland Hiking Like?
If you’re planning an Iceland road trip, you must include hiking!
Hiking in Iceland is an unforgettable experience. It offers a unique blend of otherworldly landscapes that will leave you in awe.
When you go Iceland hiking, you’ll find yourself trekking through lush green valleys, past powerful waterfalls, and across black sand beaches dotted with mini icebergs.
The country’s diverse terrain also includes volcanic fields and glacier-covered areas, making every hike in Iceland a dramatic adventure.
Don’t let its name fool you - Iceland is not covered in ice year-round.
Only 11% of the country is glacial (compared to 80% in Greenland). For most of the year, Iceland’s hiking routes take you through vibrant green landscapes with the occasional snow-capped peak in the distance.
Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just looking for a scenic walk, there’s an Iceland hiking trail for you.
Wherever you explore this beautiful country, its natural beauty will always impress.
When is the Best Time for Iceland Hiking?
The best time to hike in Iceland is during the summer months of June, July, and August. These months offer long daylight hours, warmer weather, and the chance to experience the unique midnight sun.
Iceland hiking in July is particularly magical, as you can enjoy the stunning landscape at any hour of the day.
We recommend avoiding winter hiking as the daylight hours are short and the weather is freezing. However, it’s an excellent time for glacier hikes and northern lights tours.
Pro tip: Check out our guide on How To travel Around Iceland to get a taste of true adventure.
Considerations for Iceland Hikes
Any Iceland hiking trip requires careful preparation and a bit of courage. If you’ve never done a hike in Iceland before, we 100% recommend going with a local guide.
A guide helps you enjoy a safe hiking experience. They provide expert local knowledge and insights to make the experience more enjoyable.
Before heading out on your Iceland hike, always consider the length of your hike, inform someone of your plans, and know the Icelandic emergency services number (112).
Pack essentials like a phone, water, snacks, and a first aid kit.
Pro tip: Grab this Iceland packing checklist to keep track of everything you must pack.
Research the hike and understand the distance, expected elevation, and terrain type. Make sure you bring the right gear, including sturdy hiking boots, warm layers, and a waterproof jacket.
Iceland’s weather is always unpredictable, so check the forecast and be ready for sudden changes.
To avoid getting lost, carry a physical or digital Iceland hiking map, and consider using an emergency tracking app.
Dehydration and exhaustion can also be issues, so stay hydrated and bring energy-boosting snacks.
Lastly, know your fitness level and don’t overestimate your abilities - enjoy the breathtaking scenery at a pace that suits you.
Best Iceland Hiking Trails
Hiking in Iceland is possible in many ways, from exploring icy glaciers to active volcanoes and everything in between.
Here are the best hiking trails Iceland offers for all kinds of adventures.
Best Day Hikes in Iceland
If you’ve got a tight schedule, you can enjoy some fantastic day hikes across Iceland. Let's help you plan a trip to Iceland. Here are some of the most rewarding hiking routes you can finish in a few hours.
Oxararfoss Waterfall Hike in Thingvellir National Park
Distance: 4.2 kilometers
Duration: 1-2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
This hike is a walk through the historic Almannagja Gorge, offering stunning views of Iceland’s largest lake, Thingvallavatn, and the Oxararfoss waterfall.
The paths are wide and accessible, with wooden slats in some areas, making it a straightforward and enjoyable hike.
Arnarstapi to Hellnar Hike in Snaefellsjokull National Park
Distance: 1.9 miles (3.1 kilometers)
Duration: 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
A scenic coastal hike between the hamlets of Arnarstapi and Hellnar, this trail offers views of the Snaefellsjokull glacier, basalt columns, and natural rock formations.
The path is mostly flat, making it accessible for most hikers.
Svartifoss Waterfall Hike in Vatnajokull National Park
Distance: 3.2 kilometers
Duration: 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
This hike starts at the Skaftafell Visitor Center and takes you uphill to the striking Svartifoss waterfall, known for its black basalt columns.
The trail is well-maintained and offers additional routes for those seeking longer hikes.
The Vatnajokull National Park is one of the best places in Iceland for hiking, so if hiking is a top priority on your Iceland trip, we recommend staying for at least two days in this area.
Skogafoss Waterfall Hike
Distance: 4.2 miles (6.8 kilometers)
Duration: 45 minutes
Difficulty: Moderate
Part of the Fimmvorduhals Trail, the Skogafoss hike is a popular choice for those wanting to see this impressive 197-foot (60-meter) waterfall up close.
The hike isn’t too challenging, and you can extend the hike if you’re looking for a longer adventure. However, the waterfall can get pretty crowded during peak times, so we’d recommend visiting early.
Dettifoss to Selfoss Waterfalls Hike
Distance: 3.5 kilometers
Duration: 1-2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
When it comes to Iceland hiking, waterfall hikes are everywhere. If you’re interested in chasing waterfalls, this is one of the easier hikes in Iceland.
Located in Vatnajokull National Park, this hike takes you between two stunning waterfalls, Dettifoss and Selfoss.
The east side of the trail provides the best views of Selfoss, while the west side offers a shorter hike.
Brennisteinsalda – Bláhnúkur Loop
Distance: 10 kilometers
Duration: 5-6 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
This loop hike in Landmannalaugar is perfect for those who want to experience the best parts of the Laugavegur Trail but don’t have time for the entire trek.
The hike offers panoramic views, multicoloured mountains, geothermal valleys, and, at the end, a natural hot spring to soak in.
You’ll experience some of Iceland’s finest landscapes and scenery in a relatively short hike.
Seljalandsfoss to Gljufrafoss Waterfalls Hike
Distance: 1.9 kilometres
Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
This trail is an easy hike near Thorsmerkurvegur in South Iceland. It takes you between the picturesque Seljalandsfoss waterfall, which you can walk behind, and the hidden Gljufrafoss waterfall.
The hike is short and easy but offers stunning views. It’s a must-do if you’re in the area.
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Gullfoss Waterfall Hike
Distance: 2.1 kilometers
Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
Part of the Golden Circle route, the Gullfoss waterfall hike is a short, easy trail that offers breathtaking views of this vast, powerful waterfall.
Again, we recommend you visit early to avoid the crowds.
Hvannadalshnúkur Summit
Distance: 24 kilometers
Duration: 12-15 hours
Difficulty: Extremely Challenging
For the ultimate challenge, the hike to Hvannadalshnúkur, Iceland’s highest peak, is a strenuous trek across the Vatnajökull glacier.
It’s a once-in-a-lifetime hike reserved only for fit and experienced hikers.
This hike is physically and mentally demanding, but reaching the summit is an enormous reward.
The hike up is also beautiful, so we recommend taking it slow and enjoying the scenery along the way.
You’ll need to plan this summit carefully, as weather can make climbing the mountain challenging. We’d absolutely recommend going with a guide if this is your first major Iceland hiking experience.
Best Glacier Hiking Iceland
Being the land of fire and ice, some of the best hikes in Iceland take you past magnificent glaciers.
We’d highly recommend experiencing a glacier hike while you’re in Iceland.
Remember that these hikes require specialised equipment and local knowledge, so you must do them with a guide.
Are you looking for the best glacier hike in Iceland? Here are our recommended trails.
Vatnajokull Glacier Hike
Distance: Varies
Duration: 3-4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Vatnajokull is Europe’s largest glacier. It offers incredible hiking opportunities.
Guided glacier hikes allow you to explore ice caves, crevasses, and stunning ice formations. Due to the challenging terrain and unpredictable conditions, safety gear and guidance are essential.
Solheimajokull Glacier Hike
Distance: Varies
Duration: 3-4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
This glacier hike takes you onto the Solheimajokull glacier, offering incredible views of crevasses, moulins, and other glacial features.
You’ll need to take a guided tour, which provides safety equipment and expert knowledge about the glacier’s geology and dynamics.
Skaftafell Glacier Hike
Distance: Varies
Duration: 3-5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Part of Vatnajokull National Park, Skaftafell offers guided glacier hikes suitable for various skill levels.
The hike includes spectacular views of the ice cap, and the guides provide all necessary equipment and safety instructions.
Trekking in Iceland: Iceland Multi-Day Hikes
There are various multi-day hikes in Iceland for anyone wanting to experience more than just a few hours on the trail.
A multi-day trek is highly recommended if you want to immerse yourself in Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes.
Here are some of the best options.
Hornstrandir Nature Reserve Hike
Distance: Varies
Duration: 2-5 days
Difficulty: Difficult
Iceland is famous for its incredible natural beauty.
Few places in the country let you experience unspoiled nature, like the Hornstrandir Iceland Nature Reserve.
Located in the Westfjords, the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve offers a remote and rugged multi-day hiking experience. We recommend a three-day Hornstrandir traverse, which lets you soak up some of Iceland’s most magnificent natural scenery.
The hike includes towering bird cliffs, Arctic fox sightings, and breathtaking fjord views.
As there are no facilities in the reserve, this trek requires self-sufficiency. However, it also means you can experience some of the best camping in Iceland during this hike.
Check out our 3-day Hornstrandir Traverse guided hike, which takes you on an epic adventure through this untouched wilderness. Luxury camping is included for a completely comfortable adventure.
Laugavegur Trail
Distance: 55 kilometers
Duration: 4 days
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
If you’re after the best hikes in Iceland, then you have to consider the Laugavegur Trail.
The Laugavegur Trail is one of Iceland’s most famous multi-day hikes, stretching from Landmannalaugar to Thorsmork.
The trail passes through colourful mountains, hot springs, and valleys. Although the hike is not too extensive, it covers a wide range of scenery. It lets you soak up some of Iceland’s best landscapes and natural sights.
Hikers typically take 2-4 days to complete the trail, staying in mountain huts along the way. Of course, you can also hike short sections of this trail if you’re pressed for time.
Fimmvorduhals Trail
Distance: 25.7 kilometers
Duration: 1-2 days
Difficulty: Difficult
An extension of the Laugavegur Trail, the Fimmvorduhals Trail runs from Thorsmork to Skogar, passing between the Eyjafjallajokull and Myrdalsjokull glaciers.
This hike includes stunning views of waterfalls, ice sheets, and volcanic landscapes.
If you want to experience the absolute best of Icelandic nature, we recommend adding this section to your Laugavegur Trail hike. It’s long but worth the effort!
Viknaslodir Hiking Trails
Distance: 150 kilometers
Duration: 5-10 days
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Known as the “Trails of the Inlets,” Viknaslodir in East Iceland offers a network of trails you can explore over 5-10 days.
There’s no specific route, so you can hike whichever section best matches your Iceland itinerary.
The trails pass through dramatic mountains, fjords, and coastal scenery, offering a diverse hiking experience. Just ensure you have a reliable Iceland hiking map before heading out here, as the trails can get pretty remote.
Iceland Volcano Hiking
Some spectacular hiking trails in Iceland take you up fiery volcanoes. You’ll love these volcanic hikes if you’re interested in unique geological formations.
Mount Hekla Hike
Distance: 8 kilometers
Duration: 4-5 hours
Difficulty: Difficult
Mount Hekla, one of Iceland’s most active volcanoes, offers a challenging hike to its summit.
The hike provides stunning views of the surrounding highlands and the opportunity to see recent lava flows. The view from the top makes the steep ascent well worth the effort.
Fagradalsfjall Volcano Hike
Distance: Varies
Duration: 2-4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
This hike takes you to the Fagradalsfjall volcano, which erupted fairly recently, creating new lava fields.
The hike offers an up-close look at the fresh volcanic landscape, with steaming vents and cooling lava flows. It’s a fascinating hike to experience a genuinely unique volcanic landscape.
Askja Caldera Hike
Distance: 32 kilometers
Duration: 1-2 days
Difficulty: Difficult
The Askja Caldera hike, in the remote central highlands, takes you to a large volcanic crater filled with a geothermal lake.
The hike crosses rugged terrain and offers stunning views of the caldera and surrounding landscapes.
It’s a very remote hike that lets you experience the kind of landscapes that only Iceland could offer.
Thrihnukagigur Volcano Hike
Distance: 4.2 kilometers
Duration: 3-4 hours
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
This unique hike takes you inside the dormant Thrihnukagigur volcano, where you can descend into the magma chamber.
The hike to the volcano is relatively easy, but the descent requires a guided tour with specialised equipment.
Conclusion
Iceland’s diverse hiking trails offer a unique way to experience the country’s stunning natural beauty, from waterfalls and glaciers to volcanoes and fjords. Whether you’re looking for a day hike or a multi-day trek, Iceland has something for every hiker.
Ready to experience the best of Icelandic nature with a fun guided tour?
Check out our adventurous Iceland experiences for some of the best things to do before you plan a trip to Iceland.
