Imagine landscapes so dramatic they feel otherworldly. Think vast glaciers calving into sapphire lagoons, volcanic mountains painted in impossible colors, steaming geothermal valleys, and coastlines pounded by the relentless North Atlantic. This is the backdrop for hiking in Iceland, an experience that consistently ranks among the world’s most unique and rewarding outdoor adventures.
Are you ready to trade familiar forests for terrain forged by fire and ice? Do you dream of multi-day treks through remote highlands or stunning day hikes ending at thundering waterfalls? If the call of the wild, raw, and unbelievably scenic beckons, then hiking in Iceland needs to be on your list. This guide will equip you with the essential knowledge to plan your unforgettable Icelandic hiking journey.
Why Hike in Iceland? The Allure of Fire and Ice
What makes hiking in Iceland so captivating? It’s a combination of factors found nowhere else quite like this:
- Unreal Landscapes: Iceland’s position on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and over a volcanic hotspot creates scenery that looks like it belongs on another planet. Glaciers, volcanoes, lava fields, geothermal areas, fjords, black sand beaches – you’ll encounter staggering diversity.
- The Midnight Sun & Northern Lights: Hike under the ethereal glow of the midnight sun in summer, offering seemingly endless daylight hours. In late summer and fall, you might even catch the aurora borealis dancing overhead after a day on the trail – an truly magical bonus.
- World-Renowned Treks: Iceland is home to legendary multi-day hikes like the Laugavegur Trail, consistently ranked among the best treks globally. These routes offer hut-to-hut convenience through incredibly varied terrain.
- Accessible Wilderness: While incredibly wild, many of Iceland’s most stunning hiking areas are surprisingly accessible, especially during the summer months when highland roads open. Numerous day hikes start near the main Ring Road.
- A Challenge Worth Taking: Icelandic weather is notoriously fickle, and the terrain can be demanding. Successfully navigating these challenges brings an immense sense of accomplishment and deepens your connection to this powerful landscape.
Legendary Multi-Day Treks in Iceland
For the truly immersive hiking in Iceland experience, consider tackling one of its famous multi-day treks. These require planning, booking huts or campsites well in advance, and proper preparation.
The Laugavegur Trail (Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk)
- Duration: Typically 4 days (approx. 34 miles / 55 km)
- Difficulty: Challenging (significant elevation changes, river crossings, unpredictable weather)
- Highlights: This is Iceland’s most famous trek for a reason. Starting in the colorful rhyolite mountains and geothermal hotspots of Landmannalaugar, the trail traverses obsidian lava fields, black sand deserts, glacial rivers, and ends in the surprisingly green valley of Þórsmörk (“Thor’s Valley”), nestled beneath glaciers. Each day offers drastically different scenery.
- Logistics: Requires booking mountain huts (operated by Ferðafélag Íslands – FÍ) months, sometimes even a year, in advance. Camping is possible near huts. Requires bus transport to the start (Landmannalaugar) and from the end (Þórsmörk). Usually hiked north to south.
The Fimmvörðuháls Trail (Þórsmörk to Skógar)
- Duration: 1-2 days (approx. 15 miles / 25 km)
- Difficulty: Very Challenging (steep ascents/descents, snowfields possible even in summer, exposed sections, long hiking day if done in one go)
- Highlights: Often combined with the Laugavegur Trail (making a 5-6 day trek total), this hike crosses the pass between the glaciers Eyjafjallajökull (famous for its 2010 eruption) and Mýrdalsjökull. You’ll hike past newly formed volcanic craters (Magni and Móði), traverse snowfields, and descend along the Skógá river, passing over 20 stunning waterfalls, culminating in the mighty Skógafoss.
- Logistics: Can be hiked in either direction, but south (Þórsmörk to Skógar) is slightly less elevation gain overall. A mountain hut (Fimmvörðuháls Hut) exists near the pass but offers basic shelter. Many hike it as a long, strenuous single day. Requires transport coordination.
Hornstrandir Nature Reserve (Westfjords)
Image Source Google
- Duration: Varies (3-7+ days, depending on chosen route)
- Difficulty: Very Challenging to Extreme (remote wilderness, self-sufficiency required, potentially difficult navigation, boat access only)
- Highlights: Iceland’s ultimate wilderness experience. This uninhabited peninsula in the Westfjords offers dramatic cliffs teeming with seabirds (including puffins), arctic foxes with little fear of humans, pristine valleys, and absolute solitude. There are no roads, shops, or permanent settlements.
- Logistics: Requires boat transport to/from Ísafjörður or nearby towns. No huts; hikers must be entirely self-sufficient with tents, food, fuel, and navigation gear. Weather can be severe and change rapidly. Only suitable for experienced, well-prepared backpackers.
Best Day Hikes for Hiking in Iceland
Don’t have time for a multi-day trek? Iceland offers countless spectacular day hikes, many easily accessible. Here are some top picks:
Skaftafell National Park (South Iceland)
- Svartifoss Waterfall Trail: (Approx. 1 hour round trip, Easy-Moderate) A relatively short hike to one of Iceland’s most unique waterfalls, framed by dark basalt columns resembling organ pipes.
- Skaftafellsjökull Glacier View: (Approx. 1.5 hours round trip, Easy) An easy walk to a viewpoint overlooking the Skaftafellsjökull glacier tongue, offering a stark reminder of glacial power and recession.
- Sjónarnípa Viewpoint: (Approx. 2-3 hours round trip, Moderate) A longer hike offering breathtaking panoramic views over Skaftafellsjökull glacier and the surrounding peaks.
Reykjadalur Steam Valley (South Iceland, near Hveragerði)
- Duration: Approx. 2-3 hours round trip hike
- Difficulty: Moderate (uphill climb initially)
- Highlights: Hike through a geothermally active valley with bubbling mud pots and steaming vents to reach a naturally warm river where you can bathe! A unique Icelandic experience. Bring your swimsuit and towel. Be cautious and stay on marked paths – the ground can be dangerously hot off-trail.
Glymur Waterfall (West Iceland)
- Duration: Approx. 3-4 hours round trip loop
- Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging (steep sections, river crossing via log/wire, exposure)
- Highlights: Hike to Iceland’s second-tallest waterfall (650 ft / 198 m). The trail involves varied terrain, including a cave, river crossings (seasonal log bridge), and steep ascents offering stunning views into the deep canyon. Not recommended for those with a strong fear of heights.
Múlagljúfur Canyon (South Iceland)
- Duration: Approx. 2-3 hours round trip
- Difficulty: Moderate (unmarked trail, requires some navigation, potentially muddy)
- Highlights: A “hidden gem” canyon hike leading to breathtaking views of multiple waterfalls cascading down lush green cliffs. Less crowded than other South Coast spots, offering a more adventurous feel. Requires careful footing and route finding.
Stuðlagil Canyon (East Iceland)
- Duration: Varies (Short walk to viewpoint, or longer hike ~2-3 hours round trip along the canyon floor)
- Difficulty: Easy (viewpoint) to Moderate (canyon floor hike)
- Highlights: Stunning canyon famed for its incredible basalt column formations lining the turquoise glacial river. Access to the canyon floor offers the best views but requires a longer walk/hike. Check conditions as river levels vary.
Mt. Esja (Near Reykjavík)
- Duration: Approx. 2-4 hours round trip (depending on route)
- Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging (well-maintained lower trails, steeper/rockier near the top)
- Highlights: Reykjavík’s “city mountain” offers accessible hiking with rewarding views over the capital area, Faxaflói Bay, and surrounding mountains. Multiple routes cater to different fitness levels. Popular with locals.
Essential Gear for Hiking in Iceland
Packing correctly is non-negotiable for hiking in Iceland. The key is layering and waterproofing. Never underestimate Icelandic weather.
- Base Layer: Moisture-wicking merino wool or synthetic tops and bottoms. Avoid cotton.
- Mid Layer: Fleece jacket or vest, lightweight insulated jacket (down or synthetic). Bring options.
- Outer Layer: High-quality waterproof and windproof jacket and pants (Gore-Tex or similar). Absolutely essential.
- Footwear: Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support, broken in before your trip.
- Socks: Several pairs of wool or synthetic hiking socks.
- Headwear: Warm hat (beanie), sun hat/cap, buff/neck gaiter.
- Gloves: Waterproof gloves or mittens, plus lighter liner gloves.
- Backpack: Comfortable daypack (20-35L) for day hikes, larger backpacking pack (50-70L) for multi-day treks. Rain cover for your pack is crucial.
- Navigation: Map (physical, detailed), compass, GPS device or phone app with downloaded offline maps (e.g., Gaia GPS, maps.me). Power bank for electronics.
- Water: Reusable water bottle or hydration reservoir. Icelandic stream water away from agriculture/livestock is generally safe to drink (check local advice), but a filter is good backup.
- Food: High-energy snacks for day hikes. Full meal planning for multi-day treks.
- First-Aid Kit: Comprehensive kit tailored to potential hiking injuries (blisters, sprains, cuts) plus personal medications.
- Sun Protection: Sunglasses (essential even on cloudy days, especially on snow/ice), high-SPF sunscreen.
- Headlamp: Even with the midnight sun, useful for huts, cloudy days, or unexpected delays. Essential outside of high summer.
- Trekking Poles: Highly recommended for stability on uneven terrain, river crossings, and steep sections.
- Other Useful Items: Camera, small towel (quick-dry), insect head net (for midges near lakes/rivers in summer), emergency whistle, duct tape (gear repair), basic toiletries. For river crossings: Sandals or water shoes.
Safety First: Navigating Icelandic Trails
Iceland is wild, and safety must be your top priority.
- Weather is Boss: Icelandic weather is notoriously unpredictable and can change dramatically in minutes. Check forecasts frequently using reliable sources like the Icelandic Meteorological Office (vedur.is). Be prepared for wind, rain, fog, sleet, and even snow, any time of the year, especially in the Highlands. Turn back if conditions deteriorate significantly.
- File a Trip Plan: Always inform someone of your hiking plans (route, expected return time). For longer or more remote hikes, submit your plan via SafeTravel.is. This official site is an invaluable resource for travel conditions and safety alerts.
- Navigation is Key: Trails aren’t always perfectly marked, especially less common ones or in fog/snow. Be proficient with map, compass, and/or GPS. Don’t rely solely on your phone.
- River Crossings: Many Highland trails involve crossing rivers without bridges. These can be dangerous. Assess depth and current carefully. Cross early in the morning when water levels are typically lower. Unclip backpack waist/sternum straps. Face upstream, use trekking poles for stability. If in doubt, don’t cross – find another way or wait. Never attempt to cross a glacial river that looks too swift or deep.
- Geothermal Areas: Stay strictly on marked paths. Ground can be unstable and boiling hot just beneath the surface. Mud pots can splash boiling mud.
- Hypothermia: A real risk even in summer due to wind and rain. Wear appropriate layers, stay dry, eat enough food, and recognize early symptoms (shivering, confusion, slurred speech).
- Emergency: Know Iceland’s emergency number: 112. Consider renting a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) for remote treks. Cell service is unreliable outside towns and main roads.
Best Time for Hiking in Iceland
- High Summer (July – August): Best weather odds, midnight sun, most trails (including Highlands) accessible, huts open, bus services running. Also the busiest and most expensive time.
- Shoulder Seasons (June & September): Fewer crowds, potentially lower prices. June offers long daylight; September brings fall colors and northern lights potential. Highland access usually opens mid-late June and closes mid-late September (variable). Weather is more unpredictable than high summer; snow is possible at higher elevations. Fimmvörðuháls often isn’t snow-free until July.
- Winter (October – May): Most highland trails are inaccessible due to snow and road closures. Day hiking near the coast or accessible areas is possible but requires winter gear (microspikes/crampons, snowshoes), knowledge of avalanche risks, and much shorter daylight hours. Only suitable for experienced winter hikers. Northern lights viewing is prime.
Read more: Hiking in Oklahoma: Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Trails
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Hiking in Iceland
Q1: Do I need a guide for hiking in Iceland?
For well-marked day hikes like Svartifoss or Reykjadalur, likely not if you’re prepared and check conditions. For challenging treks like Laugavegur/Fimmvörðuháls, a guide can enhance safety, handle logistics (bookings), and provide insights, especially if you lack experience in similar conditions or navigation. For remote areas like Hornstrandir, a guide is highly recommended unless you are a very experienced, self-sufficient wilderness backpacker.
Q2: How difficult is hiking in Iceland?
It varies massively. You can find easy, paved walks and extremely demanding multi-day expeditions. Factors increasing difficulty include unpredictable weather, river crossings, steep ascents/descents, rocky/uneven terrain, and navigational challenges. Assess trail descriptions honestly against your fitness and experience.
Q3: Can I drink the water from streams?
Generally, water in fast-flowing streams high in the mountains, away from agriculture and livestock, is considered safe and delicious. Use common sense – avoid stagnant water or water downstream from farms/habitations. If unsure, use a water filter or purification tablets.
Q4: Are there dangerous animals in Iceland?
Iceland has no large native predators like bears or wolves. The main “dangers” are potentially aggressive arctic terns protecting nests (wear a hat!), biting midges in some areas during summer (use a head net), and the significant safety considerations related to weather and terrain. Arctic foxes in Hornstrandir are curious but generally harmless.
Q5: How far in advance should I book huts for Laugavegur?
As early as possible! Bookings often open late the previous year or early in the hiking year. Popular dates, especially in July/August, fill up months in advance, sometimes almost immediately after booking opens. Check the Ferðafélag Íslands (FÍ) website for booking details and opening dates.
Hiking in Iceland is more than just a walk; it’s an immersion in a landscape that feels alive, constantly shaped by powerful natural forces. It challenges you, inspires awe, and leaves you with memories etched as vividly as the country’s volcanic peaks. Plan carefully, pack wisely, respect the environment, and prepare for an adventure unlike any other. The trails of fire and ice await.