Iceland Hiking Guide

Iceland offers some of the most dramatic hiking on Earth. From multi-day highland treks through rhyolite mountains and volcanic deserts to short coastal walks past waterfalls and black sand beaches, the variety of terrain is unmatched. This guide covers the best trails, difficulty ratings, seasonal timing, safety essentials, and trail etiquette so you can plan your Iceland hiking trip with confidence.

Best Hikes in Iceland

Laugavegur Trail

55km | 4 days | Landmannalaugar to Thorsmork

Iceland's most celebrated trek and one of the world's great long-distance hikes. The Laugavegur Trail takes you through an extraordinary range of landscapes in just four days: steaming geothermal vents and colorful rhyolite mountains at Landmannalaugar, vast black obsidian deserts at Hrafntinnusker, glacier views from Emstrur, and the lush green valley of Thorsmork. Mountain huts and campsites are spaced along the route. The trail is typically open from late June through early September.

Fimmvorduhals

25km | 1 day | Glacier-to-coast

This epic day hike (or overnight) connects Thorsmork to Skogar, crossing the pass between Eyjafjallajokull and Myrdalsjokull glaciers. You walk between two glaciers, past the craters formed during the 2010 Eyjafjallajokull eruption, and descend alongside dozens of waterfalls before finishing at Skogafoss. Many hikers combine Fimmvorduhals with the Laugavegur Trail for a 5-6 day through-hike. The trail is steep and exposed, requiring good fitness and stable weather.

Landmannalaugar Day Hikes

The Landmannalaugar area offers a network of shorter trails ideal for day hiking. The Brennisteinsalda loop (around 4km) circles a colorful volcano with fumaroles and mineral deposits. The Blahnukur summit hike (around 6km) rewards with panoramic views of the rhyolite mountains. After hiking, soak in the natural hot spring at the Landmannalaugar campsite. Access requires a highland bus or 4WD vehicle, usually from late June.

Skaftafell (Vatnajokull National Park)

Skaftafell is a highland oasis at the edge of Europe's largest glacier. The most popular route leads to Svartifoss, a waterfall framed by dark hexagonal basalt columns. Longer trails climb to glacier viewpoints overlooking Skaftafellsjokull and Svinafellsjokull. The area is accessible year-round, though winter conditions require crampons and careful planning. Trail distances range from 5km to 20km depending on the route.

Hornstrandir

The most remote hiking area in Iceland, Hornstrandir is a nature reserve in the far northwest Westfjords accessible only by boat from Isafjordur. There are no roads, no services, and no permanent residents. The reward is pristine Arctic wilderness: dramatic sea cliffs, Arctic fox sightings, and absolute solitude. Most visitors hike for 3-5 days, camping or staying in basic shelters. The season runs from late June to mid-August.

Glymur

At 198 meters, Glymur is one of Iceland's tallest waterfalls. The hike to the viewpoint is roughly 7km round trip and involves crossing a river on a log, climbing through a cave, and ascending steep terrain with ropes. It is a thrilling half-day outing just over an hour from Reykjavik. The trail is best hiked from June through September when the river crossing is manageable.

Reykjadalur Hot River

A 7km round-trip hike from the town of Hveragerdi leads to a geothermally heated river where you can soak in warm water surrounded by steaming hillsides. The trail passes bubbling mud pots and fumaroles. It is one of Iceland's most accessible and rewarding short hikes, suitable for most fitness levels. Wooden boardwalks and changing screens are provided at the bathing area. Avoid in heavy rain when the trail becomes slippery.

Difficulty Ratings

Iceland's trails range from flat coastal paths to unmarked highland routes across glacial rivers. Understanding the rating system helps you choose trails that match your experience.

Easy

Well-marked, relatively flat paths with minimal elevation gain. No special equipment beyond good walking shoes. Examples: Reykjadalur hot river, Skaftafell to Svartifoss, Thingvellir rift walk. Suitable for families and casual walkers.

Moderate

Longer distances, some elevation gain, and variable terrain. Requires hiking boots, waterproof layers, and reasonable fitness. River crossings may be involved. Examples: Laugavegur Trail, Landmannalaugar day loops, Esja summit. Most fit adults can handle moderate trails with proper preparation.

Challenging

Steep terrain, significant elevation changes, exposed ridges, and potentially difficult river crossings. Navigation skills and full hiking gear are essential. Examples: Fimmvorduhals, Glymur, Blahnukur summit. Best for experienced hikers comfortable with long days in unpredictable weather.

Expert

Remote, unmarked, or glacier routes demanding advanced navigation, technical equipment (crampons, ice axes), and wilderness survival skills. Examples: Hornstrandir multi-day treks, glacier traverses, Askja to Herdubreid. Guided trips or extensive expedition experience recommended.

When to Hike

Timing is critical for hiking in Iceland. The hiking season is short, and conditions vary dramatically depending on altitude and location.

Peak Season: Mid-June to Mid-September

The main hiking season offers the longest daylight, warmest temperatures (8-15C), and access to highland trails. July and August provide the most stable weather, though rain and wind can arrive at any time. Trails are busiest in late July and early August, so book mountain huts well in advance.

Highland Road Openings

Highland roads (F-roads) typically open between mid-June and early July depending on snow melt. The Laugavegur Trail and Landmannalaugar are inaccessible until highland roads open. Check road.is for real-time highland road status before planning your trip.

Shoulder Season: May and Late September

Lowland trails near the coast can be hiked in May and into late September. Days are shorter and temperatures cooler, but trails are far less crowded. Highland routes are closed. Snow can appear at any elevation.

Daylight Considerations

In late June, Iceland has near 24-hour daylight, giving you flexibility to hike at any time. By early September, you have roughly 14 hours of daylight. Plan your start time and pace accordingly. Carry a headlamp regardless of the season.

Winter Hiking

Winter hiking is limited to low-level coastal trails and town-adjacent paths. Highland routes are completely closed. Short daylight (4-6 hours in December), ice, snow, and severe wind make conditions hazardous. Crampons, microspikes, and navigation equipment are essential. Only attempt winter hiking if you have cold-weather experience.

Safety & Gear

Iceland's weather is the single biggest safety factor for hikers. Conditions can change from sunshine to whiteout blizzard in under an hour, even in summer. Proper preparation is not optional.

Weather Changes

Always check vedur.is (the Icelandic Meteorological Office) before setting out. Wind speeds above 15 m/s make exposed ridges dangerous. Rain is horizontal in Iceland, not vertical. Fog can reduce visibility to a few meters in the highlands. If conditions deteriorate, turn back. The mountain will still be there tomorrow.

River Crossings

Glacial rivers are one of the most dangerous hazards on Iceland's trails. Water levels rise in the afternoon as glaciers melt. Cross early in the day when levels are lowest. Unbuckle your pack's chest strap so you can shed it if you fall. Use trekking poles for stability. Never cross a river above knee height unless you are experienced and have partners. Some rivers on the Laugavegur Trail require wading through cold water up to mid-thigh.

Essential Gear Checklist

• Waterproof jacket and pants: Sealed seams, hood, minimum 10,000mm rating
• Hiking boots: Waterproof, ankle support, broken in before your trip
• Layered clothing: Merino base layer, fleece mid layer, shell outer layer
• GPS device or detailed map: Phone GPS can fail in cold and wet conditions
• Food and water: Carry more than you think you need; highland water is drinkable from streams
• Emergency shelter: Bivvy bag or lightweight emergency tent
• Warm hat, gloves, and buff: Wind chill is severe at altitude
• Headlamp: Even in summer, for emergencies and hut use
• First aid kit: Blister care, pain relief, bandages
• Trekking poles: Essential for river crossings and steep descents

Leave Your Itinerary

Always tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. Register your trip at safetravel.is, Iceland's official travel safety site. If you do not check in by your expected return time, search and rescue teams can be alerted. In an emergency, call 112 (Iceland's emergency number).

Trail Etiquette

Iceland's fragile landscapes take decades to recover from damage. Responsible hiking protects the environment for future visitors and respects the communities that maintain these trails.

Stay on Marked Paths

Iceland's moss and vegetation grow extremely slowly. A single footprint on moss can leave a scar visible for years. Always walk on marked trails and established paths. If a trail is muddy, walk through the mud rather than creating a wider path around it.

No Off-Trail Driving

Driving off-road is illegal in Iceland and carries heavy fines. Off-road tire tracks destroy vegetation and cause erosion that lasts for decades. Park only in designated areas and stick to established roads and tracks.

Pack Out All Waste

There are no rubbish bins on most trails. Carry out everything you bring in, including food waste, tissues, and hygiene products. Use designated toilet facilities at huts where available. If no facilities exist, bury human waste at least 50 meters from water sources and trails.

Respect Closures

If a trail or area is closed, it is closed for a reason: nesting birds, unstable ground, volcanic activity, or revegetation efforts. Never cross closure barriers. Check safetravel.is and local information boards for current closures.