What Are the Best Hikes in Iceland? 13 Trails You Need to Explore!

Over the past decade, I’ve hiked all over this incredible country, exploring some of the best hikes in Iceland. 

And trust me, I’m still blown away every time I set foot in this wild landscape!

Iceland is an absolute dream for hikers…. and photographers… and nature lovers!

*Raises hand*

There are waterfalls, glaciers, dramatic canyons, colorful mountains, and even hot spring rivers where you can soak your sore muscles after your hike. 

The best hikes in Iceland aren’t always those epic multi-day adventures – although you’ll find plenty of those! You’ll also find quick and easy trails that’ll take only an hour – but still deliver on breathtaking views. 😍

The bottom line is no matter your age or fitness level, there’s a hike for everyone.

I’m sharing my top 13 hikes, from those short and sweet routes to challenging treks, because I so badly want you to experience Iceland’s magic for yourself!

Are you ready to discover the top hikes in Iceland?

Grab your walking poles…

Lace-up those hiking boots… 

And let’s get into it!

Table of Contents:

• 13 of the Best Hikes in Iceland
• South Iceland Hiking Trails
  • Reykjadalur Hot Spring Hike
  • Hikes in Skaftafell National Park
  • Múlagljúfur
• East Iceland Hiking
  • Hengifoss
• The Highlands: The Best Place for Multi Day Hikes in Iceland
  • Thorsmork Hike
  • Landmannalaugar
  • Kerlingarfjöll
• West Iceland Hikes
  • Glymur Hike
  • Dynjandi
• Best Hikes in North Iceland
  • Dettifoss Waterfall Loop
  • Askja + Víti Volcanic Crater
• Capital Region: Best Hikes Near Reykjavík
  • Mt. Vífilsfell
  • Mt. Esja
• What to Wear Hiking in Iceland
• Iceland Hiking Maps + Guidebooks

13 of the Best Hikes in Iceland

With so many places to hike in Iceland, it can be hard to choose where to start.

I’ve broken it down by region to make it easier, so you’ll know exactly where to go!

South Iceland Hiking Trails

Let’s kick things off with South Iceland. It’s the most visited region in the country, and for good reason! 

This area is packed with some of the best places to hike in Iceland, from glacier walks to waterfall trails and even a hot spring river where you can take a dip.

1. Reykjadalur Hot Spring Hike

There are plenty of hiking trails in this area, so it’s very hard to narrow down a favorite! 

But if you had to twist my arm, I’d say Reykjadalur is one of the best hikes in South Iceland.

The Reykjadalur Valley is located in Hveragerði which translates to “steamy valley.” 

What I absolutely love about this hike is that you’re not only surrounded by stunning nature, but your reward at the end is a hot spring river tucked away in the mountains.

Is there anything better than soaking in a natural hot spring after a nice long hike? 

This place is absolutely incredible! 

I’d rate the hike as moderate since the beginning is a bit of a steep climb. 

But I’ve seen hikers of all skill levels tackle this trail, so it’s nothing that you can’t do. You may just need to take it slow in some parts.

Rating: 4/5

Hike difficulty: Moderate.

➡️ READ: Reykjadalur Hot Springs: The Perfect Day Hike & Hot Spring Experience! 

2. Hikes in Skaftafell National Park

Located in Southeast Iceland, Skaftafell is home to some of the best glacier hikes in Iceland.

Glacier hikes: Skaftafellsjökull glacier is only a couple of miles away, while Svínafellsjökull (slightly farther) is another popular option.

Just remember, if you plan to hike on a glacier, you must be accompanied by an experienced guide.

➡️ TAKE A TOUR: Ice Cave and Glacier Walk – Skaftafell

Svartifoss: This is a very popular hike in Skaftafell and another one I highly recommend. Svartifoss happens to be one of my personal favorite waterfalls in Iceland. And in a country with an estimated 10,000 waterfalls, that’s saying something!

Svartifoss hike rating: 4.7/5

Svartifoss hike difficulty: Moderately challenging.

Learn more about visiting Skaftafell National Park here.👇

➡️ READ: Skaftafell National Park: Expert Tips on Where to Hike, Amazing Sites & More

3. Best Hikes in Iceland: Múlagljúfur Canyon

If you’re looking for a hike with panoramic views that really delivers on the wow factor, this is it!

You’ll find this 3-hour round-trip hiking trail in Southeast Iceland near Fjallsárlón. 

Despite the jaw-dropping views the entire way and a stunning waterfall waiting at the end, this hike is seriously underrated.

It’s not the easiest spot to find if you don’t know what you’re looking for, but if you’re exploring the south, this hike is 100% worth it. 

Do you want the exact details on how to find this and other hidden gems? Check out my 👉 Iceland Ring Road Map + Guide for all the insider tips!

Rating: 4.9/5

Hike difficulty: Moderate-challenging.

Check out these incredible views! 👇

East Iceland Hiking 

This is definitely one of the most overlooked parts of the country. So, if you’re looking to escape the crowds, East Iceland is a great option! 

4. Hengifoss

My favorite hike in this area is the hike to Hengifoss.

It’s located near Egilsstaðir in the eastern part of the country, just a little bit off the main Ring Road. 

What I love about this hike is that it leads to a stunning waterfall.

In my opinion, some of the best hikes in Iceland include a waterfall, so if a trail ends with one, count me in! 

Hengifoss is especially unique because there’s a nice stream surrounded by striking red and black lava rock.

Plus, there are far fewer crowds here compared to the more tourist-heavy spots in South Iceland, which means you’ll have a more peaceful experience.

The hike itself is not that exciting, but the waterfall at the end makes it all worth it, which is why I rate it as one of the best hikes in Iceland!

Rating: 4/5

Difficulty: Moderately challenging.

If you love waterfalls as much as I do, you don’t want to miss this post.👇

➡️ READ: Chasing Waterfalls in Iceland: Discover The Top 10 Breathtaking Waterfalls In Iceland

The Highlands: The Best Place for Multi-Day Hikes in Iceland

I cannot speak highly enough about the Highlands. 🙌

You’ll notice that the Ring Road encircles the entire country. 

On the exterior of the Ring Road, you’ll find populated areas, while the interior remains remote and mostly uninhabited.

This is where the Highlands are located.

What I enjoy about hiking in this region is the spectacular scenery.

I’m obsessed!

Picking one favorite hike is impossible. So, I’ll break it down into three locations that people typically go to when hiking in the Highlands.

From there you can do a one-hour easy route or a multiple-day trek.

You can find routes that are rated between easy to extremely difficult depending on: 

👉What you’re looking for.

👉How much time you have.

👉And how experienced you are. 

If you’ve already done a Google search for ‘Iceland multi-day hikes,’ I’m sure some of these will look familiar. Let’s check them out, shall we…

5. Thorsmork Hike (Þórsmörk)

Þórsmörk (Thorsmork) is a nature reserve located between three glaciers.

Here, you’ll find lush forests and vibrant vegetation. Its picturesque and unique landscape (featuring glaciers, waterfalls, and dramatic ravines) makes it a perfect hiking destination. 

Once you’re here, there are many hiking trails to choose from.

Find out more about Thorsmork here.👇

➡️ READ: Thorsmork Iceland: Expert Tips on How to Craft Your Dream Hiking Trip 

Fimmvörðuháls (Fimmvorduhals hike): I’ve hiked a lot of beautiful trails, but nothing comes close to this!  The hike starts at Skógafoss waterfall and ends in Thorsmork. It’s around 18.6 miles long and only suggested for experienced hikers! I’ve done it and would rate it as one of the best hikes in Iceland. 

Check out what you can expect in this video.👇

If you’re looking for one of the best day hikes in Iceland, consider a guided Thorsmork tour. This 5-mile long hike is rated moderately difficult – take a look.👇

➡️ TAKE A TOUR: Private Þórsmörk Day Hike

6. Best Hikes in Iceland: Landmannalaugar

On the flip side, Landmannalaugar is totally different from Thorsmork. 

You can expect to see colorful rhyolite mountains, lava fields and geothermal steam vents. And really cool hot springs!

While remote and tricky to access, it has some of the best hikes in Iceland and is an absolute must for hiking enthusiasts.

Laugavegurinn trek:  Landmannalaugar is the kick-off point for many hiking trails, including the 4-day Laugavegurinn trek from Landmannalaugar to Thorsmork. 

It’s also one of the top hikes in Iceland. (Definitely for experienced hikers, though!). 

Learn more about Landmannalaugar and the different trails here.👇

➡️ READ: Landmannalaugar: What You Need To Know For An Epic Highlands Adventure

7. Kerlingarfjöll

Kerlingarfjöll is where you’ll find the orange dusty mountains and geothermal areas with steaming vents. 

The landscape looks like something you’ll find in a sci-fi flick, making it a popular location for avid hikers and photographers.

Find out more about Kerlingarfjöll here.👇

➡️ READ: Kerlingarfjöll: Explore A Hiker’s Paradise in The Highlands Of Iceland 

The roads to the Highlands, known as the F-Roads, are rugged mountain roads filled with potholes and river crossings which require a special vehicle. 

Reaching this remote area takes careful planning. If you want in-depth details, check out my  Highlands Map + Guide, 

It includes everything you need to plan your trip, from insider tips you won’t find anywhere else to a digital map with pinned locations that are hard to find.

Highlands Rating: 5/5

Difficulty: Easy to extremely difficult depending on the trail.

West Iceland Hikes

When it comes to my favorite hikes in West Iceland, I couldn’t resist choosing trails that lead to some of the region’s most stunning waterfalls. 😍

8. Glymur Hike

Glymur is a waterfall hike located in Hvalfjörður – which, fun fact, translates to ‘whale fjord’.

One of my favorite things about this hike is that it feels like a true adventure. 

Think river crossings, clinging to a wire for balance, and scaling steep inclines.

And then…

BAM!

One of the country’s tallest waterfalls is your reward at the end. This truly is one of the best hikes in Iceland. 

If you’re feeling really adventurous you can even cross over the waterfall at the top and hike down on the other side.

Being so close to the capital, it’s a perfect day trip from Reykjavík.

I wouldn’t try it over winter, but if you’re looking for one of the best hikes in Iceland in June or July through to September, Glymur is a must!

Rating 4.5/5

Difficulty: Moderate.

💥If you prefer a more guided experience, with local guides that’ll give you more information on the places you’re visiting, then check out my Tours page for the 👉 best hiking tours in Iceland.

9. Dynjandi 

I just had to add this as one of the best hikes in the Westfjords, Iceland, because Dynjandi is my favorite waterfall in all the land!

The Dynjandi/Fjallfoss trail is considered moderate and is a very popular hiking destination. As a bonus, you’ll get to see seven waterfalls!

Rating: 4.8/5

Difficulty: Easy to moderate.

Find out more about visiting Dynjandi here.👇

➡️ READ: Dynjandi Waterfall: How to Explore the Hidden Jewel of the Westfjörds 

Best Hikes in North Iceland

Now, many locals might disagree, but I found North Iceland much more challenging when it came to choosing a hike. There aren’t as many hiking trails here in the traditional sense. But these are the ones I’ve chosen to explore.

10. Dettifoss Waterfall Loop

The Dettifoss/Selfoss waterfall Loop is located near the Mývatn area in Vatnajökull National Park. 

The level of difficulty is very easy, anyone can do it.

First, there’s the main attraction which is Dettifosss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe. 

It’s an ideal option for one of the best short hikes in Iceland.

Then, just a short walk down the path, you’ll find Selfoss, a hidden gem that many people don’t even know about, let alone take the time to visit. So, it’s like a two-for-one waterfall experience!

Rating: 3/5

Difficulty: Very Easy

11. Askja + Víti Volcanic Crater

If you’ve ever wanted to do a volcano hike in Iceland, don’t miss Askja and Víti volcanic craters.

You’ll be able to see a lava field that was created by the Bárðarbunga eruption. And the best part? 

You can actually climb down into Víti crater and take a dip in the geothermal water. Talk about a bucket list experience!

Rating: 3.5/5

Difficulty: Easy

Take a look! 👇

Capital Region: Best Hikes Near Reykjavík 

Now I’ve already mentioned Glymur and Reykjadalur, they’re perfect because of their proximity to the capital. But if you’re looking for more day hikes from Reykjavík, here are a couple of more options. 

12. Mt. Vífilsfell

Only 20 minutes from Reykjavík, this is a popular hiking trail amongst locals. This loop trail will take about 3 hours to complete. Although it is considered easy, there are places where it is a bit steeper.

Rating: 3.5/5 

Difficulty: Easy.

13. Mt. Esja

This mountain is Reykjavík’s famous backdrop.

It’s located just outside Reykjavík, and there are a few different routes to choose from. 

Þverfellshorn’s intermediate summit is one of the go-to hikes for many in Reykjavík.

The shortest route will take you about an hour, while the longest will take up to 5 hours. Either way, you’ll be treated to the most incredible views of the city.

It’s best to tackle this hike in the summer months. 

Rating: 3/5

Difficulty: Easy to moderate depending on the trail.

What to Wear Hiking in Iceland

One thing to keep in mind when hiking in Iceland is that the weather is very unpredictable.

Make sure you’re properly geared up for your hike as this can make or break your experience. 

Here are a few things you should consider regarding your gear. 

Hiking boots: If you plan on being outdoors in Iceland, you’re going to be doing A LOT of walking. You absolutely need to get some great-quality hiking boots. The company KEEN makes some of the best hiking boots for Iceland.

Snacks: Some hikes are longer and more strenuous than others, so you’ll likely work up a big appetite! Make sure you bring some trail mix or energy bars to keep your strength up (and as a little reward for all your effort!).😉

Water bottle: You’re gonna get thirsty! Bring a reusable water bottle with you.

Day bag: This bag is perfect for holding your snacks and camera gear!

Weatherproof outer shell: A lot of these hikes are to waterfalls, and some allow you to get pretty close. You don’t want to get wet. Plus, having a wind and waterproof outer layer is key for any outdoor activity in Iceland.

Long-sleeved shirts and layers. Put on and take off as needed depending on the weather.

Best hiking pants for Iceland: I recommend these Halle pants or these insulated snow pants for colder weather.

Sunglasses: Always bring a pair along. Snow plus the sun’s reflection are a powerful combo!

Walking poles: If you’re going to attempt hiking those longer and tougher trails, these are going to be SUPER helpful!

Not having the correct gear and clothes can quickly turn even the best hikes in Iceland into a pretty crummy experience!

And we don’t want that now, do we? 

If you’re not sure what to pack for your trip to Iceland, I’ve put together an 💥 Iceland Packing Guide to help!

It includes monthly weather averages, essential packing lists (from documents to must-have electronics), and a layer guide so you know exactly how to dress.

Download the FREE PDF right here.👇

Iceland Hiking Maps + Guidebooks

Now that you know the best hikes in Iceland, you’re probably itching to hit the trails! 

But a trip to Iceland takes a lot of planning.

From figuring out the best time to visit, what to pack, and where to find those hidden gems – there’s a lot to think about.

But don’t stress!

That’s exactly why I created my 💥 Iceland Maps + Guidebooks.

These aren’t just any travel guides, they’re packed with the best hikes, even those secret waterfall hikes that are difficult to find. I’ve also included must-visit hot springs, along with practical tips you won’t find anywhere else. 

Every location is pinned on a digital map, so whether you’re searching for a trailhead, a scenic detour, or even the nearest gas station on those remote F-roads, you’ll have everything at your fingertips.

If you’re hiking in multiple regions, consider getting a bundle for further savings, like this 👉 Bundle B: Ring Road, South+West, Reykjavík, Westfjords 

Take a look at what Jonathan had to say about it:

“These guides are amazing! Thorough and clearly crafted with a passion for Iceland, travel, and sharing. The discounts are helpful as is the straightforward advice that will help anyone plan a trip at any time of year.”

Get all the planning tools you’ll need to make your trip as smooth as possible right here 👉 Iceland Maps + Guidebooks.

Happy Planning!

Pin it for later! 👇🏼