From short walks to hot rivers to multi-day treks across the highlands, Iceland has hikes for every level. Here are the best trails by region, when to go and how to stay safe.
You walk for an hour through a green valley, cross a stream on stepping stones and climb a ridge. At the top, the view opens up across a canyon to a waterfall that drops almost 200 meters into the mist. You have passed only a handful of other hikers all morning. That is what hiking in Iceland feels like: short trails with huge rewards, long treks through landscapes that look like another planet, and very few people once you leave the main roads.
Is Iceland good for hiking?
Yes. Iceland is one of the best hiking destinations in Europe, with trails for every level, from easy walks to waterfalls and hot rivers to multi-day treks through the highlands. Some of the best hikes in Iceland are the Laugavegur trail, Fimmvörðuháls, Glymur and Reykjadalur. Skaftafell and the Hornstrandir nature reserve are also top choices. The main hiking season runs from June to September, when the snow has melted and the highland roads are open.
Trails are usually well marked, but the weather changes quickly and many routes are remote. Plan carefully, check the forecast and tell someone where you are going.
When is the hiking season in Iceland?
The hiking season depends on where you want to go:
Lowland trails near the coast are usually walkable from May to October, and some are open all year
Highland trails, including the Laugavegur, are usually open from late June to early September, once the snow has melted and the roads and huts are open
The best months for most hikes are July and August, with the warmest weather, the longest days and the most services
Shoulder months such as June and September can be excellent, with fewer people, but expect snow on higher passes and changing conditions
In winter, many trails are covered in snow and ice, and daylight is short. Winter hiking is possible on lower routes, but you need crampons or microspikes, good navigation skills and local knowledge, or a guide.
Best hikes in Iceland
Laugavegur trail
The Laugavegur is Iceland's most famous long-distance hike. It runs about 55 kilometers (34 miles) from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk. Along the way, you pass colorful rhyolite mountains, steaming hot springs, black lava fields and green valleys below the glaciers. Most hikers take four days, staying in mountain huts or campsites along the way.
The trail is usually open from late June to early September. Huts are run by the Iceland Touring Association and others, and they need to be booked well in advance. Some rivers must be waded, so bring sandals or water shoes.
Our day-by-day Laugavegur trek guide covers the stages, huts and packing list.
Fimmvörðuháls
Fimmvörðuháls is a challenging day hike of about 23 to 25 kilometers (14 to 16 miles) between Skógar on the South Coast and Þórsmörk. It starts at Skógafoss and climbs past more than 20 waterfalls, then crosses a high pass between the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers. Near the top, you walk past the craters Magni and Móði, formed during the 2010 eruption.
The hike takes 8 to 10 hours and includes about 1,000 meters (3,300 feet) of climbing. Snow often remains on the pass into July, and weather on the top can be harsh, so many people hike it with a guide.
Þórsmörk
Þórsmörk is a green valley surrounded by glaciers, rivers and mountains, at the end of both the Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls. It has short and long trails, including the climb up Valahnúkur for views across the valley. Reaching Þórsmörk requires crossing several rivers, so most visitors arrive by highland bus or on a guided tour. A Þórsmörk valley trek with a guide handles the transport and the river crossings.
Glymur
Glymur is one of Iceland's tallest waterfalls, dropping about 198 meters (650 feet) into a narrow canyon in Hvalfjörður, about an hour from Reykjavík. The round-trip hike is about 7 kilometers (4 miles) and takes 3 to 4 hours. The trail passes through a cave, crosses a river on a log and stones in summer, and climbs along the canyon edge with views of the falls.
The log is usually removed in winter, and the path can be slippery, so Glymur is best hiked between late May and September.
Reykjadalur hot river
Reykjadalur, near the town of Hveragerði, is one of the most popular hikes near Reykjavík. A trail of about 3 kilometers (2 miles) each way climbs through a geothermal valley with steaming vents to a warm river where you can bathe. Wooden boardwalks and changing screens line the river. The hike takes about 1 hour each way and is suitable for most people.
Mount Esja
Esja is the mountain you see across the bay from Reykjavík. The most popular trail climbs to Steinn, a large rock at about 600 meters, or continues to Þverfellshorn at about 780 meters. The round trip takes 3 to 4 hours, and the views over the capital and the bay are excellent on a clear day.
Skaftafell
Skaftafell, part of Vatnajökull National Park, has some of the best day hikes on the South Coast. The short walk to Svartifoss, a waterfall framed by black basalt columns, takes about 1.5 hours round trip. Longer routes climb to viewpoints over the Skaftafellsjökull glacier, including the Sjónarnípa trail and the full-day hike to Krístínartindar. Guided glacier walks also start here.
Landmannalaugar
Landmannalaugar is the starting point of the Laugavegur and a destination in its own right. Short hikes include Brennisteinsalda, a colorful mountain with steaming vents, and Bláhnúkur, a blue-gray peak with wide views. After hiking, you can soak in the natural hot spring next to the hut. A guided trip to the Landmannalaugar trails is the easiest way to get there in summer without driving the F-roads.
Kerlingarfjöll
Kerlingarfjöll is a mountain range in the central highlands, between the Langjökull and Hofsjökull glaciers. Its geothermal area, Hveradalir, is full of steaming vents, hot springs and red and yellow slopes. Trails range from short walks to multi-day hikes. A hot spring hike in Kerlingarfjöll combines the trails with a soak in a natural pool.
Hornstrandir
Hornstrandir is a remote nature reserve at the northern tip of the Westfjords, with no roads and no permanent residents. Hikers arrive by boat from Ísafjörður in summer and walk between abandoned farms, bird cliffs and wild coves, often seeing arctic foxes. Hornstrandir is for experienced hikers who are comfortable camping and navigating in wild terrain.
Hikes in East Iceland
East Iceland has quieter trails with striking scenery. Hengifoss, one of Iceland's tallest waterfalls, is about 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) uphill from the parking area and passes the smaller Litlanesfoss with its basalt columns. Stórurð, a valley of giant boulders and blue-green ponds near Borgarfjörður eystri, is a popular full-day hike. Around Seyðisfjörður, trails climb above the town for views of the fjord.
If you arrive by cruise ship, the Hengifoss trek from Seyðisfjörður is a good way to see the area in a single day.
Short hikes near the Ring Road
If you are road-tripping and want short walks, there are many options right off the Ring Road:
Þingvellir National Park, with trails through the rift valley and to Öxarárfoss waterfall
Hengill, near Hveragerði, with geothermal trails and colorful hills
Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon, with a path along the rim
Stuðlagil canyon in the east, with tall basalt columns and a turquoise river
Ásbyrgi, a horseshoe-shaped canyon in the north
Kirkjufell area on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, with short walks around the waterfall
Do you need a guide to hike in Iceland?
Not for most popular trails. Short hikes such as Reykjadalur, Glymur, Esja, Svartifoss and the trails at Þingvellir are well marked and suitable for independent hikers in summer.
A guide is a good idea, and sometimes required, for:
Glacier hikes, which always require a certified guide and safety equipment
Highland routes with river crossings, such as Þórsmörk and parts of the Laugavegur
Fimmvörðuháls, especially early in the season or in poor weather
Winter hiking, when trails are icy and daylight is short
Remote areas such as Hornstrandir, if you are not experienced with wilderness hiking
How to get to the trailheads
Many lowland trailheads can be reached by car on paved roads. Highland trailheads such as Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk require a suitable 4x4 on the F-roads, or a bus. Many rental agreements restrict river crossings. The summer hiker shuttle to Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk runs from Reykjavík during the hiking season and lets you start and finish at different points.
Hiking safety in Iceland
Iceland's nature is beautiful but unforgiving. Follow these safety tips:
Check the weather forecast from the Icelandic Met Office before every hike
Leave a travel plan on SafeTravel.is, so rescue teams know your route if something goes wrong
Download the 112 Iceland app, which lets you send your location in an emergency
Stay on marked trails to protect fragile moss and avoid hidden hazards
Never cross rivers alone, and cross early in the day when water levels are lower
Turn back if the weather worsens, the visibility drops or the trail becomes unsafe
Carry enough food and water, as there are no shops on most routes
In an emergency, call 112. Iceland's volunteer rescue teams, known as ICE-SAR, respond to calls across the country.
What to wear for hiking in Iceland
Dress in layers, even in summer, and pack for wind, rain and cold. Bring:
Waterproof, broken-in hiking boots with good ankle support
A waterproof and windproof jacket and pants
A base layer and a warm fleece or wool mid layer
A hat and gloves, even in July
Sandals or water shoes for river crossings
Hiking poles for steep or uneven sections
A map, a charged phone and a power bank
Sunscreen and sunglasses for long summer days
For glacier hikes, guides provide crampons, harnesses, helmets and ice axes. Our guide to glacier hiking tours and what to wear explains the extra layers you need on the ice.
Hiking rules and etiquette
Iceland has a strong tradition of public access, but a few rules help protect the land:
Stay on marked paths, as moss can take decades to recover from footprints
Camp only at official campsites unless you are on a remote multi-day trek where wild camping is allowed
Do not build cairns or move rocks
Take all your trash with you
Close gates behind you and leave livestock alone
Respect closures, which are often put in place to protect nature or for safety
Frequently asked questions
When is hiking season in Iceland?
Lowland trails are usually hikeable from May to October. Highland trails, including the Laugavegur, are typically open from late June to early September.
Do you need a guide to hike in Iceland?
Not for most marked day hikes in summer. Guides are required for glacier hikes and recommended for highland routes with river crossings, winter hikes and remote areas.
What should I wear for hiking in Iceland?
Wear waterproof boots, a waterproof jacket and pants, warm layers, a hat and gloves. Bring sandals for river crossings and hiking poles for steep sections.
Are there day hikes near Reykjavík?
Yes. Popular day hikes near Reykjavík include Mount Esja, Reykjadalur hot river, Glymur waterfall and the trails around Þingvellir National Park.
What is the most famous hike in Iceland?
The Laugavegur trail, a four-day trek of about 55 kilometers (34 miles) from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk, is Iceland's most famous hike.
Is it safe to hike alone in Iceland?
It can be, on popular, well-marked trails in good weather. Leave a travel plan on SafeTravel.is, check the forecast and avoid river crossings and remote routes on your own.
Can you hike in Iceland in winter?
Yes, on lower trails, but you need crampons or microspikes, warm gear and good navigation. Many routes are icy, and daylight is short, so a guide is often the safest option.
