Canonical URL: https://www.iceland.org/valleys

Content updated: 2026-09-10

This is the Markdown representation of the page. Interactive tools and forms are available on the [HTML page](<https://www.iceland.org/valleys>). Source-check and review dates retain the meanings stated in the article.

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# Iceland’s valleys: compare 28 destination guides

Compare 28 destination guides by the kind of day they need: a local walk, an inland drive, a booked visit or a highland journey.

Updated September 10, 2026 · [Published by Iceland.org](<https://www.iceland.org/about-us>) · [Writing & review](<https://www.iceland.org/editorial-policy#credits>)

## Choose the kind of day you want

For a museum and a walk near Reykjavík, compare [Mosfellsdalur](<https://www.iceland.org/valleys/mosfellsdalur>) with the urban paths of [Elliðaárdalur](<https://www.iceland.org/valleys/ellidaardalur>). For an East Iceland driving day, distinguish the current Ring Road through Fagridalur from Route 95 through Breiðdalur. A highland stay at Nýidalur needs both a reservation and an open, suitable approach.

## Avoid the place-name traps

Reykjadalur near Hveragerði is the hot-river hiking destination; Reykjadalur around Laugar is in North Iceland. Borgarfjörður in the west is different from Borgarfjörður eystri. The Vesturdalur guide here covers Skagafjörður’s inland valley, not the namesake in Jökulsárgljúfur. Select the region as well as the name when searching a map.

## South Iceland

[### Þórsmörk

Hiking routes and transport into a valley with river crossings.](<https://www.iceland.org/highlands/thorsmork>)[### Þjórsárdalur

Original Stöng remains, a separate reconstructed farm and waterfall approaches.](<https://www.iceland.org/valleys/thjorsardalur>)[### Reykjadalur

The hot-river hike above Hveragerði; check trail closures first.](<https://www.iceland.org/valleys/reykjadalur>)[### Hvannadalur

Separate the Literary Walk from the longer valley extension.](<https://www.iceland.org/valleys/hvannadalur>)[### Landmannalaugar

Highland access, walking routes and the bathing area.](<https://www.iceland.org/highlands/landmannalaugar>)

## Capital area

[### Elliðaárdalur

A river corridor within Reykjavík for an urban outing.](<https://www.iceland.org/valleys/ellidaardalur>)[### Mosfellsdalur

Gljúfrasteinn museum hours and the Kaldakvísl walk toward Helgufoss.](<https://www.iceland.org/valleys/mosfellsdalur>)

## West Iceland

[### Borgarfjörður

Build an inland West Iceland day around Reykholt and the Húsafell approach.](<https://www.iceland.org/valleys/borgarfjordur-valley>)[### Hvalfjörður

Choose a fjord drive, Glymur hike or timed bathing visit.](<https://www.iceland.org/valleys/hvalfjordur>)[### Skorradalur

Forest entrances, lakeside scenery and a separate mountain crossing.](<https://www.iceland.org/valleys/skorradalur>)[### Reykholtsdalur

Reykholt history, seasonal Snorrastofa hours and Krauma costs.](<https://www.iceland.org/valleys/reykholtsdalur>)

## North Iceland

[### Skagafjörður

Glaumbær’s opening calendar and specific riding or coastal outings.](<https://www.iceland.org/valleys/skagafjordur-valley>)[### Öxnadalur

Ring Road views or the longer Hraunsvatn walk from Hraun.](<https://www.iceland.org/valleys/oxnadalur>)[### Vesturdalur

The inland Skagafjörður valley; distinguish it from the northeastern namesake.](<https://www.iceland.org/valleys/vesturdalur>)[### Svarfaðardalur

Wetland walks from Dalvík or Húsabakki.](<https://www.iceland.org/valleys/svarfadardalur>)[### Bárðardalur

Separate Goðafoss, the Aldeyjarfoss detour and an F26 crossing.](<https://www.iceland.org/valleys/bardardalur>)[### Fnjóskadalur

Vaglaskógur woodland and the river valley east of Akureyri.](<https://www.iceland.org/valleys/fnjoskadalur>)[### Laxárdalur

The Laxá river valley near Mývatn; check individual fishing arrangements.](<https://www.iceland.org/valleys/laxardalur>)[### Aðaldalur

Lowland countryside, lava landscapes and heritage stops.](<https://www.iceland.org/valleys/adaldalur>)[### Flateyjardalur

A remote northern side trip with separate approach requirements.](<https://www.iceland.org/valleys/flateyjardalur>)[### Reykjadalur (Þingeyjarsýslu)

The northern Reykjadalur around Laugar, not the Hveragerði hot-river hike.](<https://www.iceland.org/valleys/reykjadalur-north>)

## East Iceland

[### Jökuldalur

Stuðlagil access and the wider Jökulsá á Dal valley.](<https://www.iceland.org/valleys/jokuldalur>)[### Fljótsdalur

Hengifoss, the cultural center and Snæfellsstofa park information.](<https://www.iceland.org/valleys/fljotsdalur>)[### Breiðdalur

Choose Route 95 inland or the coastal Ring Road.](<https://www.iceland.org/valleys/breiddalur>)[### Fagridalur

The Ring Road connection between Egilsstaðir and Reyðarfjörður.](<https://www.iceland.org/valleys/fagridalur>)[### Skriðdalur

Þingmúli divides the inland valley; check current road numbers.](<https://www.iceland.org/valleys/skridalur>)

## Westfjords

[### Dýrafjörður

Þingeyri, saga associations and distinct mountain approaches.](<https://www.iceland.org/valleys/dyrafjordur-valley>)

## Central Highlands

[### Nýidalur

FÍ huts and a short, condition-dependent F26 summer window.](<https://www.iceland.org/valleys/nyidalur>)

## Before you set out

Check [road conditions](<https://umferdin.is/en>), [travel notices](<https://safetravel.is/>) and the specific destination’s hours. A road, a hiking trail and a staffed attraction can have different opening conditions on the same day.

Planning help

## Questions about Iceland’s valleys: compare 28 destination guides

Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.

**Does this list cover every valley in Iceland?**

No. It links to 28 destination guides selected for this site, including valley districts and the Landmannalaugar highland destination.

**Which Reykjadalur is the hot-river hike?**

The southern Reykjadalur above Hveragerði. The northern Reykjadalur around Laugar is a different place.

**Does a valley road being open mean the hikes are open?**

No. Check the specific trail, river crossings and current notices separately from the driving route.

Country reference: [Iceland statistics](<https://www.iceland.org/statistics>).