Hiking
From highland multi-day treks across rhyolite mountains and black sand deserts to coastal day hikes ending in hot rivers. Iceland's trails reward preparation and respect for the weather.
Iceland's hiking trails run from the 55 km Laugavegur trek to day hikes at Landmannalaugar, Skaftafell, and Reykjadalur, with difficulty and season notes for each.
This guide is for trip planning, not emergency guidance. Weather in the Icelandic highlands changes rapidly, so always file a travel plan at safetravel.is and carry appropriate gear for all conditions.
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Iceland's most famous trek connecting Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk over 2–4 days. Passes through colorful rhyolite mountains, obsidian fields, glacial rivers, and vast black sand deserts. Hut and campsite reservations required by FÍ.
High ridge walk between Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers. Passes the 2010 eruption craters Magni and Móði. Often combined with Laugavegur for a 4–6 day thru-hike.
Remote nature reserve at the northernmost tip of the Westfjords. Accessible only by boat. Home to Arctic foxes and the Hornbjarg sea cliffs, with no permanent inhabitants since the 1950s.
Gateway to Vatnajökull National Park with trails ranging from easy walks to Svartifoss waterfall to challenging ascents of Kristínartindar ridge. Glacier tongue views and birch woodlands.
Colorful rhyolite mountains with trails through steaming vents, obsidian lava fields, and geothermal hot springs for soaking after your hike. Accessible mid-June through September by F-road.
Hike to Iceland's second tallest waterfall (198 m) in Hvalfjörður. Involves a river crossing via log bridge and a cave passage. Steep and exposed near the top; not for those with vertigo.
Reykjavík's local mountain, visible from across the city. Multiple routes from easy lower slopes to a lower turnaround at Steinn and a steeper continuation to Þverfellshorn. Hábunga is a separate objective.
Popular hike from the village of Hveragerði to a geothermally heated river warm enough for bathing. The trail passes steaming vents, mud pots, and hot springs before reaching the bathing area.
Network of trails in the valley of Thor, wedged between Eyjafjallajökull, Mýrdalsjökull, and Tindfjallajökull glaciers. Lush vegetation, river crossings, and canyon views. Requires 4WD or bus to reach.
Remote coastal trail network around Borgarfjörður eystri in East Iceland. Passes deserted inlets, colorful rhyolite mountains, and rich birdlife including puffin colonies. Uncrowded alternative to Laugavegur.
As checked on 10 September 2026, SafeTravel advises against hiking Fimmvörðuháls in the current conditions. Do not assume a summer itinerary remains suitable in September.
At Skaftafell, Austurbrekkur is closed from 1–30 September for maintenance; this is a particular trail closure. For Reykjadalur, allow 3.5 km each way and check that the trail is open. Choose a walk whose complete return route and transport you can manage, rather than relying on the destination name alone.
Planning help
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
The main hiking season runs from mid-June through mid-September. Highland trails like Laugavegur and Landmannalaugar typically open in late June or early July depending on snow conditions. Lowland trails like Esja and Reykjadalur are accessible year-round but can be icy in winter. Always check trail conditions at safetravel.is before setting out.
Highland trailheads are reached via F-roads (mountain roads), which require a 4WD vehicle and are only open in summer, usually from late June. Major river crossings can be dangerous. Alternatively, scheduled buses run to Landmannalaugar, Þórsmörk, and the Laugavegur trailheads from Reykjavík during the hiking season.
Book the accommodation on your exact route with its operator. Ferðafélag Íslands requires advance bookings for both huts and campsites on Laugavegur. A tent does not remove the need to check booking rules. Use the specific trail guide for hut locations and transport connections.
Glacial river crossings are one of the most serious hazards in the Icelandic highlands. Rivers swell with glacial melt in warm afternoons and after rain. Never cross alone, unbuckle your pack's chest strap, face upstream, and use trekking poles. If the water is above knee height or flowing fast, wait or find another route.
Waterproof jacket and trousers are essential; weather changes rapidly. Bring layers (base, mid, wind/rain shell), sturdy waterproof hiking boots, gaiters for river crossings, sun protection, a map and GPS, and food for extra days in case of weather delays. Mobile phone coverage is unreliable in the highlands.
Country reference: Iceland statistics.
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