Best Hikes in Iceland offers unparalleled views of majestic glaciers and volcanic landscapes, thus providing adventurous travelers and hikers with an extraordinary adventure of the unique Nordic terrain. Known as “the land of fire and ice”, Iceland enthralls outdoor adventurers with its wildly diverse landscape of volcanoes, glaciers, thundering waterfalls and black sand beaches. An abundance of spectacular multi-day trekking routes like Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls tantalize serious backpackers. Yet you don’t have to be hardcore to experience Iceland’s magnificent scenery on foot. Plenty of dazzling day hikes allow you to sample the magic while in Iceland.
Contrary to passively admiring the landscape through a car window, the world undergoes a profound transformation when explored on foot—a truth that holds particularly strong in the context of Iceland. Venturing beyond the Ring Road and tourist routes unveils the authentic essence of this enigmatic land, accessible only to you and a select community of fellow hikers.
Iceland, the enchanting destination you’ve longed to experience, materializes in a multisensory spectacle. The preconceived fantasy you may have harbored about the country metamorphoses into a vivid, three-dimensional reality—a wilderness brimming with unique wonders.
Engage your senses as you run your fingers over the velvety moss, savor the crisp taste of glacial water, and inhale the invigorating aroma of the ocean breeze. Tune into the melodic cadence of the earth beneath your feet, and immerse yourself in the vibrant hues of arctic flowers dotting the black desert. These intimate details, constituting the essence of a picturesque landscape, are exclusively unveiled to those who opt for the less-trodden path on foot. Iceland, in that moment and place, becomes your clandestine sanctuary.
Despite the influx of tourists annually, the majority remain confined to paved roads, tethered to their vehicles, and visit only the well-trodden attractions. For hikers, a world of hidden treasures unfolds, offering an unrivaled tranquility and serenity in Icelandic nature—an experience unparalleled by any other corner of the globe.
Here are 10 of the best hiking trails in Iceland that should top your list.
- Glymur Falls
Standing tall at 198 meters (nearly 650 feet), Glymur Falls ranks as one of Iceland’s highest waterfalls. It also likely the country’s most photographed. Yet surprisingly few day hikers venture to marvel at its beauty up close due to the location’s remoteness thus making it one of the best hikes in Iceland. Their loss is your gain. Trek through green moss blanketed lava fields to arrive at a booming basin. Look up in awe – and snap that epic selfie! – As the mega falls thunders down a sheer cliff ahead. Top tips: wear proper boots as paths get muddy and slippery.
- Mt Esja
Rising 914 meters (3,000 ft) over Reykjavik, Mt Esja gifts rewarding 360 views of the capital city and beyond from its summit after a steady climb, therefore, toping the list of best hike in Iceland. Choose from multiple trailheads like Mógilsá or Skarhólar depending on your skill level and desired route. While often busy with locals at accessible lower paths, solitude seekers can escape crowds via more advanced trails. Just be ready for possible wind gusts at the top.
- Sólheimajökull Glacier
Venture through a stark landscape of volcanic rubble, ash and rock to discover this arm of the magnificent Mýrdalsjökull ice cap glacier. Marvel at deep blue hues and jagged ice formations carved over centuries. Multiple tour companies lead guided treks, or advanced hikers can opt for self-guided jaunts across the frozen marvel. It is important to confirm the weather conditions first when exploring best hikes in Iceland since melting and retreat render paths inaccessible at times.
- Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
Plunging 100 meters (330 feet) down and 2 km wide in parts, this mossy green canyon entrenched by the Fjaðrá river unveils views found in fairy tales. An easy 1-2 hour marked nature trail lets you soak up sensational vistas of the undulating gorge blanketed in birch trees and wildflowers from multiple overlooks. Photograph reflections of the canyon’s rocky cliffs mirrored in the river’s still pools for epic landscape portraits.
- Landmannalaugar Area
Some of the best hikes in Iceland requires 4×4 due to rugged roads, Landmannalaugar remains a coveted oasis for serious hikers. The geothermal wilderness dazzles with a kaleidoscope of wild color thanks to surrounding Rhyolite Mountains and orange hues from mineral deposits. Radiant blue lakes and steaming hot springs heighten the allure. Countless day hike options like Brennisteinsalda allow you to marvel at surreal landscapes.
- Reynisfjara & Reynisdrangar
Iceland’s South Coast dazzles with wonders, including its crown jewels – the iconic black sand beach Reynisfjara guarded by towering basalt rock stacks Reynisdrangar just offshore. This easy coastal walk lets you experience their beauty and power while spotting puffins nearby with luck. But heed warning signs – dangerously strong sneaker waves can catch unwary visitors off guard. Time your visit outside peak storms and stick to marked paths up cliffsides for safety.
- Skaftafell Ice Cave
Part of immense best hike in Iceland include Vatnajökull National Park, Skaftafell charms with numerous marked trails past thundering waterfalls, deep valleys and the Svínafellsjökull glacier tongue. Join a guided ice cave tour to witness the out-of-this-world glowing blue wonder inside Skaftafellsjökull. Just confirm beforehand that the ever-changing glacier allows guided passage into the cave to behold its luminous magic.
- Snæfellsjökull National Park
Made famous as the entry point to the center of the earth in Jules Verne’s Journey to the Center of the Earth, the Snæfellsjökull volcano and surrounding national park enchant visitors with lava fields, wild coastline and the glistening ice cap topping the 1446 meter stratovolcano. Tackle the steep hike up the western slopes towards its peak to take in sublime vistas of Iceland’s incredible terrain, or opt for shorter coastal walks like Bárðarlaug pool said to grant the youth the best hike in Iceland experience .
- Vestrahorn Mountain
One of Iceland’s most photographed peaks, the jagged Vestrahorn Mountain presides over epic vistas in the Southeast. Its 454 meter slopes tower over black sand beaches often dotted with ice chunks. Hike through the Stokksnes headland’s grassy dunes and foreboding lava fields to approach views of this iconic summit. Brace for potential wind gusts as you inch closer towards the imposing peak. Time your visit for sunrise or sunset when golden light illuminates Vestrahorn most beautifully.
- Þórsmörk Valley
Nestled between icy Eyjafjallajökull, mystic Mýrdalsjökull, and verdant Tindfjallajökull glaciers, theÞórsmörk nature reserve unveils some of Iceland’s most idyllic landscapes. Crisscrossing trails like the moderate 7.5 km Rjúpnabrekkuhellir route whisk you near thundering waterfalls and through flowering valleys blanketed in dwarf birch forests. Bask on a rocky ledge while soaking up sun-drenched vistas of the rugged surrounding Smoky Mountains stretched out before you.
No list of the best hikes in Iceland is complete without including a few trails showcasing the nation’s famously diverse volcanic terrain, from black sand deserts to mossy green hills to the massive Vatnajökull ice cap accessible on certain routes.
Planning Your Best Iceland Hiking Adventure
Hopefully this roundup gives you ample hiking inspiration for your Iceland travels! Some key tips to ensure an epic yet safe adventure traversing Iceland’s phenomenal trails on foot:
– Confirm current conditions and path closures before trekking to glaciers where melting and retreat alter accessibility
– Always check weather forecast before embarking or exploring the best hike in Iceland and dress appropriately in layers. Sudden drops in temps, storms and wind gusts occur
– Beware slippery terrain and loose rock on cliff sides requiring handholds. Use proper footwear with grip
– Pack layers, food, water, first aid supplies and fully charged phone/power bank/GPS device
– Follow marked trails and warning signs to avoid hazards
– Don’t trek alone on remote paths – use buddy system or join guided tour
– Allow ample daylight hours to complete hikes before nightfall
Let the best hike in Iceland’s leave an indelible mark as you conquer the best trails across this bucket list destination. Just heed caution to ensure your epic adventure unfolds safely so you return home with incredible memories and photos of volcanic peaks, massive falls and glittering glaciers. The land of fire and ice delivers hiking opportunities and scenery found nowhere else on earth. So lace up those boots, prepare properly, and let Iceland wow you at every dazzling turn.
