What is the highest mountain in Iceland?

Hvannadalshnjúkur, a peak on the Öræfajökull volcano within Vatnajökull glacier, is Iceland's highest point at 2,110 meters (6,923 ft). The highest freestanding mountain is Snæfell in East Iceland at 1,833 meters.

When is the best time to climb mountains in Iceland?

The main hiking and climbing season is June through September, with July and August offering the best conditions. Many highland areas are only accessible mid-June to early September due to snow. Winter climbing is possible but requires specialized equipment and experience.

Do I need a guide to climb Icelandic mountains?

For glacier peaks like Snæfellsjökull and Öræfajökull, a certified guide is essential due to crevasse danger. Many non-glaciated peaks like Esja or Kirkjufell can be hiked independently with proper preparation. Technical climbs like Herðubreið require mountaineering experience.

What equipment do I need for hiking in Iceland?

Essential gear includes waterproof jacket and pants, sturdy hiking boots, warm layers (wool/fleece), hat and gloves, sunglasses, map and compass/GPS, food and water, and a fully charged phone. For glacier travel, add crampons, ice axe, harness, and ropes.

How does weather affect mountain hiking in Iceland?

Icelandic weather is notoriously unpredictable. Conditions can change from sunshine to blizzard within hours. Always check vedur.is before hiking, tell someone your plans, and be prepared to turn back. Wind is often the biggest hazard; gusts over 25 m/s are dangerous.

Are any of Iceland's mountains active volcanoes?

Yes, several are active or recently active. Snæfellsjökull last erupted ~1,800 years ago. Öræfajökull (Iceland's highest) erupted in 1727. The volcanic system under Katla and Eyjafjallajökull remain active. Always check volcano.is for current alerts.

What do the difficulty ratings mean?

Easy: Well-marked trails, minimal elevation gain, suitable for beginners. Moderate: Steeper terrain, some scrambling, basic fitness required. Difficult: Significant elevation, exposed sections, experience needed. Very Difficult: Technical climbing, mountaineering skills and equipment required.

Can I hike during the midnight sun?

Yes. From late May to mid-July, the sun barely sets, allowing extended hiking hours. Many locals hike through the 'night' during summer. Esja, Bolafjall, and Spákonufell are popular midnight-sun viewpoints. Bring an eye mask for sleeping afterward.

Mountains of Iceland

From accessible peaks near Reykjavik to remote highland volcanoes, Iceland has mountain hiking at every level: glaciated summits, table-top tuyas, and sea cliffs, each with its own geology.

Last reviewed March 3, 2026By the Iceland.org travel deskEditorial policy

Sources and last reviewed

Last reviewed: 2026-03-03

This guide is a travel-planning summary, not emergency guidance. Conditions in Iceland can change quickly; check official alerts, roads, and weather before driving, hiking, or booking around volatile conditions.

Pages are reviewed for practical usefulness, source quality, and volatile claims before publication.

Official sources to check

Mountains Featured

Highest Peak

1,833 m

Snæfell (East)

Regions Covered

Mountain Safety in Iceland

Icelandic mountains are serious terrain. Weather changes rapidly, mobile coverage is limited, and rescue can take hours. Always check conditions at vedur.is, register your trip at safetravel.is, and never hike alone in remote areas.

Capital Region

The Greater Reykjavik Area has mountain hiking within easy reach of the city.

Esja

914 m (2,999 ft)Mountain

Easy to ModerateMay to September

Esja is the mountain backdrop to Reykjavik and the most popular hiking destination in Iceland. Multiple trails, from easy to hard, lead to various peaks. The main summit, Þverfellshorn, has panoramic views of the capital, Faxaflói Bay, and surrounding highlands.

Panoramic city viewsMultiple trail optionsAccessible from ReykjavikYear-round hiking possible

Safety: Weather can change rapidly. The upper trails become icy in winter; bring crampons and poles.

West Iceland

Home to glacier-capped volcanoes and one of the world's most photographed mountains.

Snæfellsjökull

1,446 m (4,744 ft)Glacier-capped stratovolcano

ChallengingJune to August

This glacier-capped volcano inspired Jules Verne's 'Journey to the Center of the Earth.' Located at the tip of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, it's visible from Reykjavik on clear days (120 km away). The glacier has been rapidly retreating due to climate change.

Literary historyGlacier hikingVisible from ReykjavikSnæfellsjökull National Park

Safety: Glacier travel requires proper equipment and an experienced guide. Crevasse danger exists year-round.

Kirkjufell

463 m (1,519 ft)Mountain

Moderate to DifficultJune to August

Iceland's most photographed mountain, Kirkjufell ('Church Mountain') rises steeply near Grundarfjörður on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Its arrow-shaped peak and the nearby Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall appear together in countless photographs. Featured in Game of Thrones as 'Arrowhead Mountain.'

Most photographed mountainGame of Thrones filming locationKirkjufellsfoss waterfallNorthern lights backdrop

Safety: The hiking trail is steep and exposed. Not recommended for inexperienced hikers. Photography is best from the waterfall viewpoint.

Langjökull

1,450 m (4,757 ft)Ice cap glacier

Varies (tours available)Year-round for ice cave; summer for glacier hiking

Iceland's second-largest glacier covers 953 km² and feeds numerous rivers including Hvítá (which creates Gullfoss waterfall). An artificial ice cave, the world's largest man-made ice tunnel, is open year-round for tours.

Man-made ice cave toursSnowmobile toursSource of Hvítá riverAccessible from Golden Circle

Safety: Never venture onto the glacier without proper equipment and an experienced guide. Crevasse danger is real.

Westfjords

Remote peaks rising from steep fjords, with few visitors and challenging terrain.

Bolafjall

638 m (2,093 ft)Mountain

Easy (drive to summit)June to August

Rising above Bolungarvík in the northern Westfjords, Bolafjall has a drivable road to the summit (summer only) and wide views over Ísafjarðardjúp fjord. A former US radar station sits at the top. One of the best places to see the midnight sun.

Drivable to summitMidnight sun viewsHistoric radar stationÍsafjarðardjúp panorama

Safety: Road is steep and unpaved. Only accessible June-August. Check conditions before driving.

Kaldbakur

998 m (3,274 ft)Mountain

DifficultJuly to August

The highest peak in the Westfjords, Kaldbakur ('Cold Ridge') dominates the landscape between Arnarfjörður and Dýrafjörður. The hike is hard, but the summit looks across the entire Westfjords peninsula. Few tourists venture here.

Highest Westfjords peakRemote wilderness360° fjord viewsChallenging terrain

Safety: This is serious mountain terrain. Experience, proper equipment, and good weather are essential. No marked trails.

Northwest Iceland

Sea cliffs, isolated stacks, and volcanic formations in the Skagafjörður and Húnaflói regions.

Drangey

180 m (590 ft)Sea cliff island

Moderate (requires boat access)June to August

This island rises from Skagafjörður fjord with sheer cliffs on all sides. Famous as the last refuge of the outlaw Grettir from the Icelandic sagas. Home to millions of seabirds including puffins. Accessible by boat from Reykir.

Saga historyPuffin colonySea cliff climbingBoat tours from Reykir

Safety: Access requires a boat tour. Climbing the island involves steep ladders and chains. Not for those afraid of heights.

Spákonufell

604 m (1,982 ft)Mountain

ModerateJune to August

Named after a völva (Norse seeress), this mountain above Skagaströnd is steeped in folklore. According to legend, a prophetess lived here in a cave. The hike offers views over Húnaflói bay and is popular with locals seeking the midnight sun.

Norse folkloreMidnight sun viewsHúnaflói bay panoramaCave of the prophetess

Safety: Trail can be muddy and slippery. Bring proper hiking boots and prepare for changing weather.

Northeast Iceland

Volcanic highlands with Iceland's most distinctive mountain and good hiking territory.

Súlur

1,213 m (3,980 ft)Mountain

Moderate to DifficultJune to September

The prominent twin-peaked mountain overlooking Akureyri, Súlur is a popular day hike for locals and visitors. The trail starts near town and climbs through birch woodland before reaching alpine terrain. Views extend across Eyjafjörður and to distant glaciers.

Akureyri's home mountainBirch forest trailEyjafjörður viewsAlpine flowers

Safety: The upper section is steep and exposed. Snow lingers into July. Bring layers; it's colder at the top.

Herðubreið

1,682 m (5,518 ft)Tuya (table mountain)

Very DifficultJuly to August

Known as the 'Queen of Icelandic Mountains,' Herðubreið is a distinctive flat-topped volcano formed under a glacier during the last ice age. It stands in the remote highland desert of Ódáðahraun. The oasis at its base, Herðubreiðarlindir, is a patch of green in the lava desert.

Queen of MountainsUnique tuya formationHerðubreiðarlindir oasisHighland desert landscape

Safety: This is a serious technical climb requiring experience and equipment. The highland roads require a 4x4 and are only open mid-summer.

East Iceland

Home to Iceland's highest peak outside the glaciers and mountain ranges rising from remote fjords.

Snæfell

1,833 m (6,014 ft)Stratovolcano

Difficult (long day)July to August

Not to be confused with Snæfellsjökull in the west, this is Iceland's highest freestanding peak. Rising from the eastern highlands, Snæfell is a stratovolcano that last erupted around 10,000 years ago. The climb is long but non-technical, with views to Vatnajökull glacier from the top.

Highest freestanding peakVatnajökull viewsRemote wildernessReindeer territory

Safety: This is a long and committing day (8-10 hours). Start early, bring plenty of food and water, and check weather carefully.

Dyrfjöll

1,136 m (3,727 ft)Mountain range