Hiking in Iceland: The Complete Guide

Iceland's volcanic landscapes and dramatic terrain create some of the world's most spectacular hiking opportunities. From gentle coastal walks to challenging multi-day treks across highland deserts, the island offers routes for every ability level, each revealing the raw power of geological forces that continue to shape this Nordic wilderness.

Why Iceland is a Hiker's Paradise

The island's unique position on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge creates an ever-changing landscape of active volcanoes, glacial valleys, and otherworldly rock formations. Unlike crowded European hiking destinations, Iceland's trails often provide solitude amid pristine wilderness, where you might walk for hours without encountering another soul.

The country's compact size—roughly 103,000 square kilometres—belies the diversity of terrain. Within a single day's drive from Reykjavík, you can transition from moss-covered lava fields to black volcanic beaches, towering waterfalls, and glacier-carved fjords. This accessibility makes Iceland ideal for hikers seeking varied experiences without lengthy travel between regions.

Essential Hiking Gear for Iceland

Iceland's unpredictable weather demands proper preparation. Temperature variations of 15°C within a single day are common, even in summer. Essential items include:

**Layer System**: Base layers of merino wool or synthetic materials, insulating mid-layers (fleece or down), and waterproof outer shells rated for sustained rain and wind. Avoid cotton entirely.

**Footwear**: Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support for rocky terrain. Microspikes (£25-40) prove invaluable on icy trails and near waterfalls, usable from September through May.

**Navigation**: GPS device or smartphone with offline maps. Mobile coverage is excellent along the Ring Road but sparse in highland areas. Download maps from hiking apps like Maps.me or purchase detailed topographical maps (1,500 ISK each) from bookshops in Reykjavík.

**Safety Equipment**: Headtorch with extra batteries, first aid kit, emergency whistle, and high-energy snacks. For highland hikes, carry an emergency shelter or bivvy bag.

Best Time to Hike in Iceland

**June to September** provides optimal hiking conditions, with the warmest temperatures (10-15°C) and up to 20 hours of daylight in midsummer. Highland roads typically open by late June, accessing remote trailheads previously cut off by snow.

**May and October** offer fewer crowds and dramatic lighting, though weather becomes increasingly unpredictable. Highland areas may remain inaccessible, and daylight hours decrease significantly in October.

**November to April** limits hiking to coastal and lowland areas, but rewards hardy walkers with Northern Lights potential and winter landscapes. Ice cleats become essential, and many trails require winter mountaineering experience.

Iconic Day Hikes

Fimmvörðuháls Trail (Partial)

This legendary 25-kilometre trail connects Skógafoss and Þórsmörk, but the first section makes an excellent day hike. The route climbs 1,000 metres alongside Skógá River, passing 20+ waterfalls carved into ancient volcanic rock. The full trail requires two days with overnight accommodation in Þórsmörk (mountain huts from 8,500 ISK per night), but hiking the first 10 kilometres to the highland plateau provides spectacular views without requiring camping gear.

Access via Route 1 to Skógafoss car park (free parking). The trail begins behind the waterfall, following well-marked paths with chains secured to rock faces at steeper sections.

Glymur Waterfall Hike

At 198 metres, Glymur held the title of Iceland's tallest waterfall until recent volcanic activity created higher falls. The 7-kilometre return hike through Hvalfjörður rewards with views into a dramatic canyon carved by glacial floods.

The route includes a thrilling river crossing via fallen log (rope assistance provided) and scrambling over loose volcanic rock. Allow 4-5 hours for the complete circuit. Drive Route 1 to Hvalfjörður, then Route 47 for 15 kilometres to a small car park (coordinates: 64.3939°N, 21.2608°W).

Reykjadalur Hot Springs Valley

This accessible 6-kilometre return hike near Hveragerði leads to geothermally heated rivers where you can bathe year-round. The trail climbs gently through steaming valleys dotted with mud pots and fumaroles, culminating in natural hot pools ranging from 38-42°C.

The hike requires 2-3 hours return and suits families with older children. Bring swimwear and quick-dry towels. Parking costs 750 ISK for the day in Hveragerði town centre, with clear signposting to the trailhead.

Multi-Day Adventures

Laugavegur Trek

Widely considered among the world's finest hiking routes, this 55-kilometre trail traverses the Fjallabak Nature Reserve from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk. The four-day trek (extendable to six days continuing to Skógafoss) showcases rhyolite mountains, obsidian lava fields, glacial valleys, and geothermal areas.

Accommodation in mountain huts (Ferðafélag Íslands operates most facilities) costs 9,500 ISK per night in dormitory-style rooms, with camping options for 2,500 ISK. Book months ahead for July-August dates. The route requires multiple river crossings and navigation skills, as weather can obscure trail markers for hours.

Highland buses (Reykjavík Excursions and Trex) provide access to trailheads from June through September, with services from Reykjavík costing 8,900 ISK each way.

Hornstrandir Nature Reserve

Iceland's most remote hiking destination requires boat transport to reach true wilderness in the Westfjords. This former farming region, abandoned in the 1950s, now protects Arctic foxes, massive seabird colonies, and pristine coastlines.

Multi-day hiking here demands complete self-sufficiency, as no facilities exist. Weather changes rapidly, and rescue would be complicated. However, experienced hikers find unparalleled solitude among 500-metre cliffs and valleys carpeted with Arctic wildflowers.

Boat transport from Ísafjörður operates June-August, costing approximately 15,000 ISK return. West Tours and Borea Adventures offer scheduled services, though private charter provides more flexibility.

Highland Safety and Regulations

Iceland's highland interior presents serious challenges even for experienced hikers. Rivers fed by glacial melt can rise dramatically within hours, making previously safe crossings impassable. Weather systems develop rapidly, bringing visibility down to mere metres and temperatures below freezing, even in summer.

Always file hiking plans with accommodation providers or rental car companies. The Icelandic Association for Search and Rescue (ICE-SAR) coordinates emergency response but emphasises prevention through proper planning and equipment.

River crossings cause most highland emergencies. Never attempt to cross swollen rivers—wait for water levels to drop or turn back. Unbuckle pack waist belts before crossing and use trekking poles for stability.

Many highland areas require 4WD access via F-roads, where rental insurance often becomes invalid. Factor this into trip budgets, as specialised 4WD rentals cost 18,000-25,000 ISK daily compared to 8,000 ISK for standard vehicles.

Leave No Trace Ethics

Iceland's fragile ecosystem requires careful stewardship. Moss and lichen growth occurs extremely slowly in subarctic conditions—footprints can remain visible for decades on vulnerable surfaces.

Stay on marked trails wherever possible. In areas without formal paths, walk on rocky surfaces rather than vegetation. Camp only in designated areas or with landowner permission, as wild camping is restricted near popular destinations and farms.

Pack out all rubbish, including organic waste which decomposes slowly in cold conditions. Human waste should be buried 15cm deep and 70 metres from water sources, or better yet, packed out in alpine environments.

Iceland's hiking trails offer transformative experiences for those who respect the landscape's power and fragility. Proper preparation, realistic expectations, and weather awareness ensure safe enjoyment of one of Europe's last great wilderness areas. Whether seeking gentle day walks or challenging highland traverses, Iceland delivers hiking experiences that will resonate long after returning home.

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