Iceland’s landscape is unlike anywhere else in Europe. Instead of dense forests or rolling hills, hikers encounter volcanic plateaus, glacier valleys, black sand deserts, and steaming geothermal basins.
What makes hiking in Iceland especially memorable is the sense of isolation. Many trails feel completely untouched, allowing hikers to experience raw wilderness that has changed very little for centuries.
From the legendary Laugavegur Trek to remote Westfjords adventures, Iceland offers some of the most dramatic and unique hiking routes on the planet.
Quick Picks: Best Hikes in Iceland
If you want a quick snapshot before diving into the trail details, these hikes highlight some of the most spectacular landscapes Iceland has to offer.
Best multi-day trek – Laugavegur Trail (Iceland’s legendary hut-to-hut highland route)
Best waterfall hike – Fimmvörðuháls Trail (dramatic waterfalls between two glaciers)
Best geothermal hike – Reykjadalur Hot Springs Hike (steam-filled valley with a natural hot river)
Best volcanic landscape – Askja Volcano & Víti Crater Trek (lunar terrain and crater lakes in the highlands)
Best remote wilderness hike – Hornstrandir Wilderness Hike (secluded coastal cliffs and Arctic wildlife)
Best geothermal reserve trek – Hveravellir Nature Reserve Trek (hot springs and highland geothermal fields)
Why Hike in Iceland
Have you ever dreamed of stepping into a world so raw and untouched that it feels like another planet?
Welcome to Iceland’s backcountry! This is a place where every trail will invite you to wander through surreal lava fields, massive glaciers, and serene volcanic landscapes that seem straight out of a fantasy novel.
It’s very different from other Scandinavian countries like Sweden or Norway, but in this case, different is good.
Regardless of whether you’re a seasoned trekker or a curious wanderer ready for your next great escape, the Icelandic trails will offer you a wild and off-the-beaten-path adventure that’s as breathtaking as it is unpredictable.
In this article, we’ll be taking you on a journey through some of Iceland’s most spectacular trails. Get ready to ditch the familiar and embrace the extraordinary.
Icelands official tourism site can be found here.
Companion Article: Ultimate Guide to Hiking in Iceland
Before heading into Iceland’s backcountry, it’s important to understand weather conditions, seasonal access, and trail logistics.
Our Ultimate Guide to Hiking in Iceland covers everything you need to know, including when to visit, how to prepare for unpredictable weather, and the best regions for hiking across the island.
“Every hiker starts somewhere — grab your free Hiking for Beginners guide.”
The Best Hikes in Iceland
Now let’s dive into the top six hikes that Iceland offers:
Fimmvörðuháls Trail
Fimmvörðuháls Trail is an epic journey that will take you through Iceland’s raw backcountry. You will find yourself face-to-face with dramatic volcanic landscapes, roaring waterfalls, and sweeping glacier views. This trail offers a real taste of Iceland’s untamed spirit.
Trail Snapshot
Difficulty: Challenging
Distance: 25 km one way
Elevation Gain: ~1,000 m
Start / End: Skógar → Þórsmörk Valley
Highlights: waterfalls, volcanic craters, glacier views
Difficulty/Recommended Fitness Level
Overall, Fimmvörðuháls is best suited for experienced hikers who have a good level of fitness. The trail involves a mix of rugged terrain, steep ascents, and changing weather conditions.
Distance
Covering approximately 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) round trip, this hike typically takes about 10 to 12 hours to complete. It’s a long hike, but it gives you more than enough time to truly absorb the breathtaking scenery along the way.
Elevation Gain
The hike features a significant elevation gain of around 1,000 meters (3,280 feet), which ensures a steady climb that gradually reveals stunning panoramic vistas of Iceland’s diverse landscapes.
Start and End Point
The adventure begins near Skógar and culminates in the stunning Þórsmörk valley. The trails here are well-marked so you won’t get lost.
Get to the Trailhead
Skógar lies along Iceland’s South Coast and is accessible by car or bus from Reykjavík.
Highlights & Landmarks
A standout feature of Fimmvörðuháls is its incredible setting between the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers.
This is where you can witness firsthand the power of Iceland’s volcanic activity.
Along the trail, you’ll also encounter historical markers and local folklore that add a rich cultural layer to what will already be an awe-inspiring adventure.
Laugavegur Trail
Laugavegur Trail is Iceland’s legendary multi-day trek that takes you from the geothermal wonderland of Landmannalaugar to the verdant valley of Þórsmörk.
This iconic route offers an ever-changing tapestry of vivid rhyolite mountains, steaming hot springs, black lava fields, and surreal desert landscapes. It’s truly a feast for the eyes!
Trail Snapshot
Difficulty: Moderate–Challenging
Distance: 55 km one way
Elevation Gain: ~2,000 m total
Start / End: Landmannalaugar → Þórsmörk Valley
Highlights: rhyolite mountains, geothermal valleys, black sand deserts, glacier views
Difficulty/Recommended Fitness Level
Overall, the Laugavegur Trail is best suited for experienced hikers who possess a solid level of fitness. This is because the varied terrain and unpredictable weather demand both endurance and adaptability.
Distance
Spanning roughly 55 kilometers (34 miles) one way, this trail typically requires 4 to 6 days of trekking, which allows you to fully immerse yourself in Iceland’s untouched beauty over a series of unforgettable days.
Elevation Gain
The trek accumulates about 2,000 meters (6,562 feet) of elevation gain throughout its course, which presents daily climbs and descents that gradually unveil dramatic panoramic views of the highlands.
Start and End Point
Your adventure begins in Landmannalaugar, which is a geothermal paradise that is marked by otherworldly landscapes and culminates in Þórsmörk, which is a lush valley nestled between glaciers and rugged peaks.
Get to the Trailhead
Landmannalaugar is accessible by highland buses during the summer hiking season.
Highlights & Landmarks
Laugavegur isn’t just about breathtaking vistas. It’s literally a walk through Iceland’s volcanic soul.
Along the way, you’ll encounter ancient lava formations, bubbling hot springs, and even remnants of old volcanic eruptions, all of which are woven into local folklore that you might hear from some of the locals.
Reykjadalur Hot Springs Hike
Reykjadalur Hot Springs Hike is an invigorating journey into Iceland’s geothermal heart, which is where a hidden valley brims with steaming rivers and lush and mossy landscapes.
This trail is perfect for those of you who love the idea of hiking through a natural spa.
Trail Snapshot
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 8 km round trip
Elevation Gain: ~350 m
Start / End: Reykjadalur parking area
Highlights: geothermal valley, hot spring river, scenic hills
Difficulty/Recommended Fitness Level
Overall, this hike is best suited for hikers with a moderate level of fitness and who are also comfortable with a few steady climbs.
The trail offers a mix of well-trodden paths and some more challenging sections.
Distance
Covering roughly 8 kilometers (5 miles) round trip, the Reykjadalur Hot Springs Hike is an ideal day adventure that typically takes about 3 to 4 hours to finish.
Elevation Gain
The trail features an elevation gain of around 350 meters (1,148 feet), and it offers a gradual yet rewarding climb that builds anticipation as you approach the warm and bubbling river valley.
Start and End Point
The adventure begins and ends at the Reykjadalur parking area near Hveragerði, which is where you can stock up on local tips and get ready to embark on this trek into Iceland’s geothermal landscape.
Get to the Trailhead
Hveragerði sits about 45 minutes from Reykjavík and is easily accessible by car.
Highlights & Landmarks
Reykjadalur isn’t just about a great hike. It’s also a nice chance to experience Iceland’s living geology up close.
Along the way, you’ll encounter steaming vents, vibrant mineral deposits, and the inviting hot river where locals have been soaking for centuries.
This blend of natural beauty and ancient geothermal activity gives the hike a magical and almost otherworldly quality that flawlessly captures the essence of Iceland’s backcountry.
Askja Volcano & Víti Crater Trek
Askja Volcano & Víti Crater Trek takes you deep into Iceland’s otherworldly highlands within Vatnajökull National Park, where vast volcanic landscapes, steaming geothermal features, and lunar-like terrain create an unforgettable hiking experience.
Trail Snapshot
Difficulty: Moderate–Challenging
Distance: 20 km round trip
Elevation Gain: ~700 m
Start / End: Askja Base Camp → Víti Crater
Highlights: volcanic caldera, Víti crater lake, lunar highland landscapes
Difficulty/Recommended Fitness Level
Overall, this trek is best suited for hikers who have a moderate to good level of fitness and who are also comfortable navigating off-the-beaten-path terrain.
The route features uneven volcanic surfaces and some steep sections, so a bit of endurance (and a spirit for adventure) will be your best friends for this hike.
Distance
Covering approximately 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) round trip, the Askja Volcano & Víti Crater Trek is a full-day adventure that typically takes around 8 to 10 hours to do. Thankfully, that’s ample time to explore the expansive and surreal highland landscapes that you’ll find here.
Elevation Gain
The hike involves an elevation gain of roughly 700 meters (2,297 feet), which offers a steady and challenging climb that gradually rewards you with spectacular views of the volcanic craters and the surrounding barren beauty.
Start and End Point
The adventure begins and ends at the Askja Base Camp, which is a remote starting point where you can gather local insights and prepare for the journey ahead. From here, the well-marked trails will guide you through the volcanic landscape all the way to the rim of Víti Crater, before looping back for the descent.
Get to the Trailhead
Askja lies deep within Iceland’s central highlands and is typically accessed via the F88 or F910 highland roads from Lake Mývatn.
A 4×4 vehicle is required, and access is usually limited to the summer months when the highland roads are open.
Highlights & Landmarks
Askja and Víti Crater are steeped in geological wonder and local lore.
As you traverse this otherworldly terrain, you’ll witness steaming vents, rugged lava fields, and the vivid blue waters of Víti, which is a crater lake formed by volcanic activity.
Hornstrandir Wilderness Hike
Hornstrandir Wilderness Hike offers one of Iceland’s most secluded backcountry adventures, and it’s neatly away in the remote Westfjords.
This trail takes you through pristine landscapes where rugged coastal cliffs, dramatic sea views, and untouched wilderness come together for a truly wild experience.
This place will be absolutely perfect for those of you who crave solitude and raw natural beauty far from the crowds.
Trail Snapshot
Difficulty: Challenging
Distance: 20 km round trip
Elevation Gain: ~600 m
Start / End: Hornvík Base Camp
Highlights: Arctic sea cliffs, seabird colonies, remote wilderness
Difficulty/Recommended Fitness Level
Overall, Hornstrandir is best suited for experienced hikers with a good level of fitness and a spirit of adventure. The terrain is challenging and remote, so you’ll need to be comfortable with self-sufficiency and navigating uneven (and sometimes unpredictable) paths.
Distance
Covering roughly 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) round trip, this hike is a full-day expedition that typically takes about 8 to 10 hours to walk.
Elevation Gain
The hike features an elevation gain of approximately 600 meters (1,969 feet), which offers a steady climb that rewards you with panoramic views of the ocean and dramatic cliff faces as you ascend into the heart of the wilderness.
Start and End Point
The adventure begins and ends at the Hornvík base camp, which is accessible by boat from the Westfjords. From there, the trails will lead you through a mix of coastal paths and rugged inland terrain.
Get to the Trailhead
Hornstrandir is accessible only by boat from Ísafjörður.
Highlights & Landmarks
Hornstrandir isn’t just about breathtaking scenery. It’s also a journey into Iceland’s wild soul.
Along the way, you’ll witness centuries-old bird cliffs, discover remote sheep farms, and hear stories of Viking sagas from some of the locals.
Hveravellir Nature Reserve Trek
Hveravellir Nature Reserve Trek takes you deep into Iceland’s remote highlands. In this place, you’ll find a surreal mix of steaming geothermal vents, rugged lava fields, and where endless vistas await.
This backcountry adventure is perfect for those of you who crave a truly off-the-beaten-path experience.
Trail Snapshot
Difficulty: Challenging
Distance: 20 km round trip
Elevation Gain: ~700 m
Start / End: Hveravellir Visitor Center
Highlights: geothermal vents, glaciers, hot springs
Difficulty/Recommended Fitness Level
Overall, the Hveravellir trek is best suited for experienced hikers who have a good to high level of fitness. The trail traverses uneven and remote terrain in a high-altitude environment, so be prepared for a challenging journey.
Distance
Covering approximately 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) round trip, this trek is a full-day adventure that typically takes around 8 to 10 hours to complete.
Elevation Gain
The hike features an elevation gain of roughly 700 meters (2,297 feet), and it delivers a steady climb that gradually unveils breathtaking panoramic views of surrounding glaciers, steaming geothermal features, and vast lava fields.
Start and End Point
The adventure begins and ends at the Hveravellir Visitor Center, which is located along the remote highland road. From this rugged outpost, the trails will guide you along and then loop you back to the starting point.
Get to the Trailhead
The site is reachable by 4×4 vehicle during the summer months.
Highlights & Landmarks
Hveravellir is a geothermal oasis that is nestled between Langjökull and Hofsjökull glaciers, and it offers not only a natural spectacle of bubbling mud pools and fumaroles but also a peek into Iceland’s ancient volcanic activity.
Along the trail, you’ll find natural hot springs where you can take a rejuvenating dip to truly enjoy yourself and relax.
What to Bring for Hiking in Iceland
Footwear
Make sure you bring a sturdy pair of waterproof hiking boots with excellent grip.
These are super essential when navigating slippery lava rocks, wet trails, and even icy patches. In Iceland’s unpredictable terrain, your boots are your best friends!
Clothing
Layering is non-negotiable for Iceland. You’ll want to start with a moisture-wicking base layer to keep sweat at bay, and then add an insulating mid-layer like a fleece or down jacket for warmth, and finish with a waterproof, windproof shell to protect you from sudden weather shifts.
Don’t forget a warm hat, gloves, and a scarf as well.
Backpack Essentials
Choose a comfortable and waterproof backpack that can carry your gear without weighing you down.
You’ll also want to pack plenty of water, high-energy snacks, and extra layers, because in Iceland, the weather can change faster than you can say “volcano.”
A small first aid kit, a reliable map or GPS device, and a multi-tool are also wise additions to carry with you.
Other Essentials
Even in the land of ice and fire, the sun can be strong, so pack sunglasses and sunscreen. And if your adventure extends into dusk or dawn, a headlamp or flashlight will come in handy.
🗒️ Free Checklist: “Never forget the essentials — grab your free Ultimate Hiking Packing List.”
Walking Holidays in Iceland
Iceland is one of the world’s best destinations for multi-day trekking adventures. The country’s famous hut-to-hut routes allow hikers to explore vast landscapes while staying in remote mountain shelters along the way.
Popular trekking regions include Landmannalaugar, Þórsmörk, and the remote Westfjords. These areas offer incredible scenery ranging from colorful volcanic mountains to glacier valleys and rugged coastal cliffs.
A walking holiday in Iceland combines dramatic nature with a sense of true wilderness. For adventurous travelers seeking landscapes unlike anywhere else on Earth, Iceland delivers an unforgettable hiking experience.
“Plan less, walk more.” Pick a route, set your pace, and let Europe unfold under your boots: grab your free Walking Holiday ebook today”
Conclusion
Iceland is one of the most wild and rugged places in the world. The hiking trails here truly are unlike anywhere else, and you’ll have to experience it firsthand to believe it.
Are the Icelandic hiking trails calling out to you?
Where to Next?
If Iceland’s volcanic landscapes have sparked your interest in exploring dramatic wilderness destinations, these hiking regions offer even more unforgettable trails across Europe.
More Nordic Hiking Adventures
Best Hikes in Norway (fjords, glacier valleys, and dramatic mountain viewpoints)
Best Hikes in Sweden (vast forests, Arctic wilderness, and remote national parks)
Best Hikes in Finland (peaceful lakeside trails and northern wilderness routes)
Wider European Hiking Inspiration
Best Hikes in Switzerland (Alpine peaks, glacier views, and legendary mountain routes)
Best Hikes in Austria (hut-to-hut Alpine treks and spectacular Tyrol landscapes)
Best Hikes in France (Alpine hikes, Mediterranean trails, and dramatic mountain scenery)
Walking Holidays in Wales (historic coastal paths and scenic countryside routes)
