10 Best Hikes in Iceland, from Highland Treks to Coastal Trails

Iceland's best hikes leave the roadside viewpoints behind and cross terrain shaped by lava, glaciers, geothermal heat and the North Atlantic. Popular trails can still mean unbridged rivers, snow, fog and violent wind. Check today's conditions before setting out, whatever a route's reputation.

Before each departure, check SafeTravel, the weather and road conditions. Book designated huts or campsites for highland treks. On remote routes, carry communication equipment and make an emergency plan that does not depend on mobile coverage.

Iceland hikes at a glance

The 10 best hikes in Iceland

Trek the Laugavegur

The 54-kilometre Laugavegur runs between Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk through rhyolite mountains, obsidian, geothermal ground and black sand. Most walkers take four days, sleeping in reserved huts or designated campsites.

Several rivers have no bridges. Ask wardens about conditions, cross only when it is safe and wait if the water is high. Bring full waterproof shelter, and confirm your overnight arrangements before starting.

Cross Fimmvörðuháls

The long trail from Skógar passes numerous waterfalls, climbs between two ice caps and descends into Þórsmörk. Snow or fog can make the high pass hazardous, even with calm weather on the coast.

Go only when the forecast is stable, and bring navigation equipment. Arrange transport at both ends. Allow ten to twelve hours or more; conditions on the lower waterfall walk do not tell you whether the full traverse is suitable.

Trek Hornstrandir

Hornstrandir's roadless reserve has abandoned settlements, steep passes, Arctic fox habitat and sea cliffs. Access is by boat, landings are exposed and services are almost nonexistent. Plan for an expedition.

Bring shelter and emergency communication. Plan around tides and rivers. If you lack remote-trekking experience, use a local guide. Follow the reserve's camping and wildlife rules.

Hike to Glymur

The Glymur route climbs through a canyon above the waterfall. In the usual summer setup, the circuit may include a river crossing and steep paths on both sides.

Check that the seasonal crossing aid is in place and that the river is safe. Keep away from the edges. If the loop is unsuitable, return along the same side. Outside summer, ice changes the route completely.

Walk Reykjadalur

From Hveragerði, the trail climbs through steaming ground to a managed bathing area in a warm river. In good conditions the walk is accessible, though rain, wind and winter ice can make it difficult.

Near geothermal ground, stay on the boardwalk. Bathe only in the designated area. Protect your dry clothes and follow closures if trail damage or dangerous conditions make access unsafe.

Hike from Askja to Víti

From the usual access area, the highland route crosses open volcanic ground toward Öskjuvatn and Víti. The F-roads must be open. You'll need a suitable vehicle or an organized tour to reach it.

Bring layers and navigation equipment; fog can hide landmarks. Check current crater restrictions. Do not descend toward the water based on old travel accounts.

Climb Kristínartindar

From Skaftafell, the Kristínartindar route climbs above glacier valleys to a high ridge with broad views of Vatnajökull. It is a much longer day than the usual Svartifoss circuit.

Check current park route information and start early. Turn back from the high ridge if visibility is poor or the wind picks up. Snow may remain; a lower loop to a glacier viewpoint is another option.

Hike to Stórurð

In the Eastfjords, trails lead to Stórurð's giant boulders and blue-green pools beneath Dyrfjöll. Routes start at several trailheads and vary in length, but all cross exposed mountain ground.

Use current local information to choose a route, and allow extra time. Snow and bog can linger into the season. Avoid unstable boulders and stay out of the cold pools.

Walk Arnarstapi to Hellnar

This short Snæfellsnes trail follows lava past arches, cliffs and nesting seabirds. You can see the coast's geology without committing to a mountain hike.

Stay on the marked path and behind seasonal nesting barriers. The cliffs are undercut, and waves can reach the lower rock shelves. Arrange a return walk or a transfer; the road edge is not a walking route.

Circle Hverfjall

Above Mývatn, a steep marked path climbs to Hverfjall's rim. From there, a circuit takes in the crater's near-symmetrical scale. Shortcuts through loose black tephra cause particular damage.

Use the authorized ascent and descent, stay on the rim trail and check the wind. You can pair the hike with Dimmuborgir or the Leirhnjúkur lava fields for a longer volcanic day.

Choosing an Iceland hike

For multi-day trekking, head to the southern highlands. Skaftafell has mountain routes with glacier views, Mývatn has volcanic circuits, and the Eastfjords have quieter day hikes. Go to Hornstrandir only if you're prepared for remote travel.

Continue with Iceland's best adventure activities, waterfalls and volcano experiences.

Before setting out

• Check SafeTravel, weather and roads on the day.
• Reserve highland huts or campsites before starting.
• Submit a travel plan and carry emergency communication remotely.
• Never cross a river because another group did.
• Stay on trails across moss, tephra and geothermal ground.