15 Best Hikes in Iceland + Hiking Trail Map

Hiking in Iceland is one of the most incredible activities one can partake in, especially for those who love being in nature.

There exists numerous aesthetically pleasing sights to behold on the island, and many of which can only be accessed by foot, which is why there are a lot of walking trails in Iceland. Additionally, the routes here vary in length and degree of difficulty, so you will surely discover one that suits your physical capability and interests.

If you want to enjoy a daylong excursion in Iceland without preliminary planning, in this guide you will find the best paths. I’ll also provide you with all the necessary information so you can organize your trip and fully appreciate your adventure.

1. Laugavegur, the most famous hike in Iceland

Of all the most prominent hiking trails in Iceland, Laugavegur, also known as the Landmannalaugar Trek, is one of the most well-known and longest routes. The trail connects Landmannalaugar to Thórsmörk in the Highlands, and is renowned for showcasing a variety of breathtaking landscapes along the way.

In addition to seeing the famous and colorfully Brennisteinsalda mountain, you’ll pass through the geothermal area of Stórihver and the black volcanic ash desert of Mælifellssandur. You can also admire the Markarfljótsgljúfur canyon before reaching Thórsmörk, the incredible and remote valley where the route ends.

Along the trail, numerous mountain refuges and camping areas will be encountered in Landmannalaugar,Hrafntinnusker,Álftavatn,Hvanngil,Emstrur, and Thorsmörk, but beds must be reserved months in advance since facilities are quite constrained. If camping is chosen, it should only occur in designated areas, as explained in our guide on camping in Iceland.

Given the distance of approximately 21 miles, this solitary route may demand between three to four days to complete, so obtaining an Iceland On Your Own Hiking Pass is advised to arrange transportation between the beginning and end points of the trail.

Some hikers connect this route to the Fimmvörðuháls trail, extending the trip by 2 additional days and taking travelers from Thórsmörk to Skógar.

• Duration: 3-4 days
• Distance: 34 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• When to go: May-September
• Route type: One-way
• Challenges: Weather, the elevation gain at Hrafntinnusker and Álftavatn (4,200 ft)
• Elevation: Up to 4,265 feet

The following text was an interactive element linking to a downloadable route file: “

2. Fimmvörðuháls, one of the most popular hiking trails in Iceland

Another popular hiking trail in Iceland is the Fimmvörðuháls, which traverses from Thórsmörk to Skógar. Many travelers cover it along with Laugavegur, although it can also be done separately, and this offers an ideal option for those who enjoy extended routes but have limited time.

The trail lies between the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers and culminates at the Skógafoss waterfall, considered one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Iceland. Throughout the hike, you’ll view multiple other cascades and the Magni and Móði craters, as well as impressive landscapes with geology appearing otherworldly.

One of the most fascinating portions of this route is the ascent to Fimmvörðuháls. Here, you’ll see the green moss disappear, gradually being replaced with snow. I assure you it’s one of the best hiking trails in Iceland and one of the most popular ones.

My recommendation is to lodge at Lee Vining,June Lake, or Mammoth Lakes, close to the eastern entrance of Tioga Pass. These are a few of the best lodgings near Yosemite Tioga Pass:

• Duration: 1-2 days
• Distance: 15.5 miles
• Difficulty: Difficult
• When to go: May-September
• Route type: One-way
• Challenges: Climb to Fimmvörðuháls.
• Elevation: Up to 4,230 ft

3. Brennisteinsalda-Bláhnúkur, the best one-day hike in Landmannalaugar

If you have limited time and want to enjoy hiking in Iceland, you can do the Brennisteinsalda-Bláhnúkur loop trail.

The route starts at Landmannalaugar heading towards Bláhnúkur, whose name signifies a blue mountain. It is 3,080 feet tall and from its peak, you get incredible views of the surrounding area. When you leave this volcano behind, you’ll head towards Brennisteinslada.

Brennisteinslada, even though it does not stand out for its height, is an easily identifiable mountain due to its colorful appearance: sulfuric yellows, mossy greens, and blacks and blues from the volcanic ash. So, if you’re seeking a day hike in Iceland, I recommend this one, which will introduce you to an unbelievable part of the Icelandic Highlands.

In addition to Bláhnúkur and Brennisteinslada, you’ll find rivers, lava fields, and spectacular scenery along this route. Also, spending the night in Landmannalaugar allows enjoying its many hot springs.

• Duration: 4-5 hours
• Distance: 6 miles
• Difficulty: Difficult
• When to go: May-September
• Route type: Loop
• Challenges: Ascent and descent to Bláhnúkur
• Elevation: Up to 2,080 ft

The following paragraph contains a hyperlink to download a hiking route: “

4. Kristínartindar via Svartifoss, one of the best hiking routes in Iceland

Kristínartindar via Svartifoss is another highly suggested hiking route in Iceland, as it takes just 6 hours to finish and passes through some of the best places to visit in Iceland.

The route is in close proximity to Skaftárhreppur and passes through the Skaftafell National Park, where sights of the Svartifoss waterfall can be seen. It is known as the black waterfall of Iceland because it cascades over basalt columns. Along the route, glimpses of the Morsárfoss waterfall in the distance may also be appreciated, which is the tallest in the country.

Another great thing about this Icelandic hiking trail is that it offers spectacular views of the Skaftafellsjökull glacial tongue and the Vatnajökull glacier, which is the largest in Iceland. Plus, you can enjoy beautiful mountainous and natural landscapes, where both vegetation and snow cover the terrain.

• Duration: 1 day
• Distance: 11 miles
• Difficulty: Difficult
• When to go: Year-round
• Route type: Loop
• Obstacles: Uneven terrain
• Elevation: 3,280 ft

5. Reykjadalur, the most rewarding hike in Iceland

If you’re searching for an easy hike in Iceland that combines beautiful scenery with relaxing hot springs, I suggest Reykjadalur.

A good starting point is to photograph in Raw mode, deactivate the camera/lens stabilization to prevent vibrations (your camera should be stable on the tripod to increase the sharpness), lower the screen brightness if you’re shooting at night, and set the White Balance to manual if you’re shooting Bracketing or Panoramas.

While soaking in these hot waters in winter seems very appealing, I advise you to be very careful because ice often forms along the route.

Additionally, the Reykjadalur route is also an ideal way to enjoy the Northern Lights, so it`s a must-hike if you travel to Iceland between late August and mid-April. Also, I recommend checking out our guide on the best time and locations to see the Northern Lights in Iceland.

• Duration: 2-3 hours
• Distance: 4 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• When to go: Year-round
• Route type: Out & Back
• Obstacles: Ice in winter
• Elevation: 985 ft

6. Glymur Waterfall, a beautiful and easy hike in Iceland

The Glymur waterfall stands as one of the tallest waterfalls in Iceland at over 650 feet, so taking the walking trail to it is quite a experience. However, this is one of the Icelandic hiking trails that you can’t do in the winter because you need to cross the river.

The most interesting parts of this route involve the scenic views it offers of the waterfall and surrounding landscape as well as the challenges encountered along the way. One such obstacle requires utilizing a log as a makeshift bridge to cross the river, while another necessitates climbing a fairly steep section using a thick rope fixed firmly into the ground for support.

Once you get over these two obstacles, it’s time to enjoy the incredible views from the Hellupalur viewpoint, where you can see the Glymur waterfall. This Iceland hiking route is worth undertaking because once you reach the point where the waterfall begins, you can see the majestic cascading water from different perspectives.

• Duration: 4 hours
• Distance: 4 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• When to go: Spring/summer
• Route type: Loop
• Obstacles: River crossing
• Elevation: 1,312 ft

7. Mount Esja, one of the best hikes near Reykjavík

Mount Esja is approximately 6 miles from Reykjavík, within the Kjalarnes district. Around Mount Esja, which is in fact a volcano, there are several hiking paths, although one of the most popular is the 5-mile loop trail that offers beautiful views of the city and the surrounding area.

In winter, trekkers typically conclude the route on the Steinn, a large rock, while in summer they usually complete the loop and reach the summit of the Þverfellshorn. The surrounding region is a mountain range overlooking the capital and the ocean, so it’s one of the most beautiful Iceland hikes near Reykjavík.

• Duration: 5-6 hours
• Distance: 5 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• When to go: Year-round
• Route type: Loop
• Challenges: Climb to Þverfellshorn.
• Elevation: 2,370 ft

The following text was an interactive element linking to a downloadable route file: “

8. Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, the best Iceland Westfjords hiking trail

If one wishes to become acquainted with the Westfjords region, I certainly recommend traversing the hiking path through the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, which covers around 6,245 square feet. Access is solely permitted during the summer months, by booking a boat ride here or here. Keep in mind that there are no accessible roadways penetrating to this place since it lies in an isolated area, so hikers will need to bring adequate provisions of food and water to safely accomplish this Iceland hike.

That said, I can assure you that it’s one of the best areas for hiking since there is nothing more natural and wilder than the fjords of northwest Iceland. Here you can spot birds, arctic foxes, whales, and other animal species.

While there is much to perceive in this nature reserve and numerous hiking tracks, some of the most fascinating areas are Hornbjarg and the Kálfatindar cliffs. The most popular path is the one that passes through Hesteyri,Hornvík, and Lónhorn, which have several naturally warm springs and a spectacular landscape. The route through Tjaldsvæði Látrum and Reykjarfjörður offers some of the finest Icelandic Westfjords hiking, although it’s a bit more complex.

There are some campsites within Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, and you can check all the campgrounds and routes on this map.

• Duration: 6 days
• Distance: 50 miles
• Difficulty: Difficult
• When to go: Summer
• Route type: One-way
• Obstacles: Uneven terrain
• Elevation: 11,685 ft

9. Hveradalir (Kerlingarfjöll), one of the best hikes in the Highlands of Iceland

The mountainous regions of Iceland are among the most remote and untamed areas, so they encompass some of the nation`s most spectacular scenery. Following reading our guide to the Icelandic Highlands, I suggest undertaking the Hveradalshnukur hiking route, which extends from the Kerlingarfjöll mountain hut to the Hveradalir geothermal region. It is undoubtedly one of Iceland’s finest hiking trails, and a popular self-guided path.

While accessing Hveradalir by 4×4 vehicle is an option, I suggest taking the hiking trail if you enjoy walking outdoors. The path is approximately 10.5 miles if starting at the resort, allowing exploration of the beautiful mountain range Kerlingarfjöll with snowcapped peaks visible throughout the year. There is also glacial scenery and significant geothermal activity, permitting views of fumaroles, heated rivers, and bubbling mud pools. The geothermal area of Hveradalir where the route ends is one of Iceland`s most spectacular.

I advise spending the night in the Icelandic hiking shelters at Kerlingarfjöll, from which you can enjoy additional hiking routes in the area, some even longer, for example the one to the Austurfjöll peaks. While this is only about 4 miles long, it’s quite difficult as it ascends to various mountain tops, such as Snaekollur, which is the highest in Kerlingarfjöll. There is also the path that surrounds Kerlingarfjöll, but you’ll need approximately 3 days to complete it since it’s nearly 30 miles.

• Duration: 5-6 hours
• Distance: 16.8 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• When to go: Summer
• Route type: Loop
• Obstacles: Uneven terrain
• Elevation: 1,885 ft

10. Stuðlagil Canyon, one of the most popular hiking trails in Iceland

Another hiking trail well worth exploring in Iceland is Stuðlagil Canyon, found inside the Jökuldalur valley. This canyon is created by basaltic rock columns, forming one of the most stunning landscapes on the island. Interestingly, the columns were hidden beneath the grandiose azure waters of the Jökla glacial river until 2006, when construction of a hydroelectric power station and reservoir lowered the water level.

Although the northern rim of this canyon is easily accessible by roadway, if you want to see the southern rim, which in my view is the most scenic, you’ll need to take a walking track. It`s completely worthwhile since along the route you’ll see the Stuðlafoss waterfall, one of the best waterfalls in Iceland that shouldn`t be missed. This waterfall is found midway along the route and stands out against the basalt pillars.

• Duration: 4-5 hours
• Distance: 5.5 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• When to go: Year-round
• Route type: Out & Back
• Obstacles: Uneven terrain
• Elevation: 155 ft

11. Brúarfoss, one of the best hiking tours in Iceland

Bruarfoss is among the most stunning waterfalls in Iceland and a mandatory stop for anybody exploring the renowned attractions of Iceland’s Golden Circle.

Access to the waterfall used to be available by vehicle, but since the road closed, travelers must trek approximately 2 miles on foot, considerably decreasing the number of visitors. On the bright side, this has made it one of the best day hikes in Iceland because it maintains a peaceful atmosphere.

You can leave your car in the designated parking lot on Road 37, then walk about 2 miles along the Brúarà stream, which leads to the waterfall. If Bruarfoss is considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland, it’s because of its stunning turquoise color., which earned it the moniker Blue Falls of Iceland.

It is easy to get lost, so I suggest keeping this map of waterfalls found in Iceland handy.

• Duration: 4 hours
• Distance: 2 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• When to go: May-September
• Route type: Out & Back
• Obstacles: It’s easy to become lost
• Elevation: 1,490 ft

12. Vití & Askja volcano hiking in Iceland

The Askja volcanic caldera is situated within Iceland`s interior highlands, so all-terrain vehicles will be required to reach the beginning of the hiking path. This walking route across Iceland`s upland region has developed into one of the most popular trails in the elevated zones.

The volcano sits in one of the most geothermally active areas in Iceland, but visitors can safely tour it without any concerns since an eruption is not anticipated in the near future.

Additionally, the Vití thermal lake resides in this region, inside a volcanic caldera. Year-round, the lake`s waters maintain an average temperature of 77° F, though bathing is discouraged until late July when thawing ends and avalanche risk diminishes.

To arrive at this place, you`ll necessitate a 4×4 given that the F28 road is in poor condition and there are multiple rivers to ford. Once you achieve the parking lot, you`ll have to walk somewhat to attain the volcano and the lake. Undoubtedly, this Iceland hike is well worth it because the scenery is magnificent.

• Duration: 5 hours
• Distance: 4 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• When to go: Summer
• Route type: Out & Back
• Obstacles: Reaching the starting point requires using a four-wheel-drive vehicle to pass through some rivers
• Elevation: 540 ft

13. Leirhnjúkur Lava Field, a short-trafficked trail in Iceland

The lava fields showcase one of the most impressive landscapes on the island, so I recommend undertaking the hiking trail in Iceland that runs along the base of the Leirhnjúkur volcano.

This location isn’t crowded with vacationers, so it’s perfect if you’re hoping for some tranquility in nature. Following a series of volcanic activities, components of the ground cracked open and oozed lava, producing the lava fields that can be seen here today.

During this Icelandic hike, steam will be noticed emerging from cracks, resulting in an impressive scene. It bears noting that a small sulfuric lake is located nearby releasing an rather unpleasant odor of rotten eggs, so sensitivity to this type of smell warrants care.

Depending on the time available, you can follow the trail to the summit of the Leirhnjúkur volcano.

• Duration: 4-5 hours
• Distance: 3 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• When to go: Year-round
• Route type: Loop
• Obstacles: River crossing
• Elevation: 330 ft

14. Latrabjarg Cliff, a beautiful hike in the Iceland Westfjords

The Látrabjarg cliffs are considered one of the most scenic spots in the Westfjords, making it among the finest locations to enjoy hiking in Iceland.

While visiting, take a stroll through the Mall, check out the Great Lawn, or rent a rowboat on the Lake. Depending on the time of year, you can admire the autumn foliage in NYC, relax in the grass, or go ice skating during New York in winter.

Offering magnificent outlooks, the precipices also are noticeable for their dark shading against the mossy greens and marine blues. No uncertainty, it`s one of the most enchanting spots where you can appreciate the best hiking in the Icelandic Westfjords.

• Duration: 5 hours
• Distance: 3 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Preferred period: May-August (puffin season)
• Route type: Out & Back
• Obstacles: Uneven terrain
• Elevation: 1,705 ft

15. Thorsmork Highlights Loop, one of the best hikes in Iceland

I’ve already discussed the two main hiking routes passing through Thórsmörk known as Laugavegur and Fimmvorduhals. However, if you’re seeking a quieter, lower-key trail in this region traversing some remote areas of the Icelandic Highlands, I suggest the Thórsmörk Highlights Loop.

This circular path connects seamlessly with other routes and passes through woodlands while offering gorgeous valley and mountain views, including Valahnúkur. If you dare to climb to the peak, you’ll be rewarded with incredible far-reaching panoramas.

Despite the natural splendor along this hiking trail in Iceland, it remains less crowded than routes like Laugavegur and Fimmvorduhals, providing a more serene experience. Furthermore, completing it in a single day allows exploration of Thórsmörk.

• Duration: 9-10 hours
• Distance: 6 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• When to go: May-September
• Route type: Loop
• Obstacles: Uneven terrain
• Elevation: 1,690 ft

Tips for hiking in Iceland

Now that you comprehend the best hiking paths in Iceland, here are some things you should bear in mind to completely enjoy your adventure without any troubles. We travel to Iceland each year and have been able to enjoy many hiking tracks in this incredible country, so from our experience I recommend the following:

• The weather in Iceland is unpredictable and alters throughout the day, so dress in layers and prepare for snowstorms, even in summer. I always suggest checking Vedur.is before hiking in Iceland.

• Bring suitable hiking boots, and try wearing them before you travel to Iceland so you can break them in. I don’t advise wearing completely new boots on an extended hike!

• Download a map of the hiking tour on your smartphone and keep it with you. We use the Maps.me app, one of our favored applications for traveling since you can us it offline.

• No matter which strongIceland hiking route/strong you do, always carry a first aid kit with sterile gauze, wound dressings, blister protectors, elastic bandages, cloth tape, scissors, tweezers, adhesive stitches, disposable gloves, instant cold pack, instant heat gel bag, sanitizer, and a needle and thread. I also recommend bringing a thermal blanket.

• If the route takes various days, bring adequate food and water to last the whole trip, plus one extra day.

• I also recommend bringing a GPS satellite communicator for multi-day hikes. We use the Garmin inReach, which is very beneficial for reporting emergencies, even in areas without cell coverage.

• Be sure you have the suitable vehicle to get to the trail’s starting point. We have a complete article on suggestions for renting an automobile in Iceland.

• Travelers should verify details like the best time of year, difficulty, duration, and obstacles before embarking on any Iceland hiking trail, to understand its general attributes.

By following these straightforward tips, you’ll have no trouble completing the routes in Iceland outlined in this guide. Do not worry; merely because you`re packing a first aid kit and GPS satellite communicator doesn`t signify you`ll require their usage. It`s preferable to be secure than regretful!

Hiking map of Iceland

Here is the Iceland trail map that I mentioned, which will make it easy for you to locate all the hikes you want to do. Remember to download it in the Maps.me app so you can look at it whenever you need it, even if you don’t have cell service.

Now that you`re acquainted with the best hiking trails in Iceland, all that remains is choosing those fitting your travel dates and trip duration, as well as your physical abilities. I hope I’ve helped provide guidance, and if you have any questions, you can leave a comment below.

Enjoy your hike through Iceland!