Scenic Hiking Trails to Explore in Iceland

Iceland: A Hiker’s Paradise

There’s no disputing it: Iceland stands out as one of the world’s premier hiking destinations. Each trail leads you on an adventure as captivating as the scenery itself.

From the enchanting, secluded paths of the north to the striking, breathtaking vistas of the south, Iceland’s hiking trails welcome outdoor enthusiasts of every skill level—whether you’re in the mood for a leisurely stroll or a more arduous climb.

To help you make the most of this extraordinary landscape, we’ve curated a selection of our favorite hiking trails, categorized by region. Each promises an unforgettable experience in nature.

The Best Hiking Trails in Iceland

The trailheads of Iceland’s best hikes are sprinkled throughout the country. Among our top picks are segments of the renowned Laugavegur Trail, the picturesque paths of the Reykjanes Peninsula, the captivating Hveradalir Trail in Kerlingarfjöll, and, of course, the immersive glacier hikes in Vatnajökull National Park. Yet these are just a few highlights; many trails showcase the unique beauty of Iceland, as detailed below—traversing the country from north to south.

Hiking in Northern Iceland

We kick off our exploration in North Iceland, where some of the most stunning and demanding trails await. While many trekkers opt for extended outings in this remote area, we’ve devised a way to encapsulate the must-see highlights in a single, memorable day.

Employing 4×4 superjeeps and knowledgeable local guides, we’ve condensed the awe-inspiring multi-day Öskjuvegur route, also known as the Askja Trail, into an exhilarating adventure that culminates in a hike around the magnificent Askja crater.

The allure of this region lies in its isolation. Few travelers venture this far, due largely to the unpredictable weather and the scarcity of shelter. Yet for those who make the journey, the rewards are substantial. Standing at the edge of the Askja crater, you may feel as though you’ve landed on another planet. In fact, NASA used this very terrain during the 1960s to prepare astronauts for their lunar missions.

Be mindful that access to the trail is exclusively permitted during the summer months for standard 4×4 vehicles. Be sure to arrange your visit accordingly, though winter tours can be organized with trusted local partners.

But the Askja Trail is merely the beginning. Northern Iceland boasts diverse hiking routes that traverse eclectic landscapes. A prime example is a 3 km circuit around the rim of Hverfjall Crater, an extinct volcano that offers panoramic views of the breathtaking Lake Mývatn. A rewarding aspect of hiking in Iceland is being able to unwind at the end of your trek in natural hot springs.

If you’re keen on extraordinary scenery, rich cultural experiences, or even a spot of whale watching, the Arctic Coast Way and the Diamond Circle both provide amazing hiking opportunities. Many of our guests rave about the trails around Ásbyrgi Canyon as a standout experience.

What truly makes these hikes special is their versatility; whether you’re hoping to spot seals, puffins, or savor local dishes like freshly caught Arctic char, Hidden Iceland can tailor your adventure to match your preferences.

Hiking Trails in Iceland’s Eastfjords

A hidden gem, Borgarfjörður Eystri is a hiker’s utopia, where trails weave between remote fjords and historic farms, offering deep insights into Iceland’s cultural heritage. It’s also a premier location for spotting puffins, particularly at Hafnarhólmi harbor, where these charming birds flock during the summer months.

In the Eastfjords, the Dyrfjöll mountain range—a name that translates to “mountain door”— features a dramatic gap between its two peaks, seemingly beckoning adventurers into another realm. It’s easy to see why this stunning area has inspired so much folklore.

As you traverse the surreal scenery of Stórurð, with gargantuan boulders beside the clearest water you’ve ever seen, you might start believing anything is possible.

Our travel expert, Dr. Holly Spring, shares her thoughts on this enchanting region:

“The Eastfjords are my favorite place to explore, thanks to their majestic mountains, abundant hiking opportunities, typically milder weather, and that unique ‘end of the world’ feeling, far from the crowds.”

Ready to embark on your own luxury hiking journey? Book your trip with Hidden Iceland today, and we’ll personalize an itinerary that exceeds your wildest dreams.

Hiking in the Golden Circle

Few destinations allow you to explore a geothermal valley on foot and soothe your muscles in nearby hot springs afterward. The Golden Circle’s close proximity to Reykjavík makes it an easily accessible yet spectacular hiking option, blending Iceland’s natural wonders with urban convenience.

At Gullfoss Waterfall, a short and easy trail leads to stunning viewpoints, offering postcard-perfect vistas from above and a close-up experience that immerses you in the waterfall’s mesmerizing spray.

Along the Golden Circle, the Haukadalur geothermal valley features well-maintained paths that meander past Geysir and Strokkur, two of Iceland’s most iconic steaming vents. This trail is a year-round delight, suitable for hikers of all levels.

Many hiking enthusiasts consider the trails of Þingvellir National Park the highlight of their Golden Circle experience, with routes that lead you literally into the fissures and cracks formed by shifting tectonic plates. Fans of “Game of Thrones” will recognize this area from several of the series’ later seasons.

Hiking Along the South Coast

The south coast of Iceland boasts a wealth of enchanting hiking trails, many of which are featured in our Hidden Escapes: Tailor-Made Iceland Hiking Retreat. The compact loop around Seljalandsfoss waterfall is simply stunning from a distance, but approaches even greater magic up close. From here, you can experience the waterfall’s roar and glitter in the sunlight.

This loop takes you past cascading waterfalls, and during the summer, you may even venture behind Seljalandsfoss itself—a magical perspective that feels like stepping behind the curtain at an elaborate stage show.

The Skogafoss Waterfall Way offers breathtaking views of the entire landscape, and at its summit, you can connect to the Fimmvörðuháls trail. While this full trek is famous for its challenges, the rewards are extraordinary. Spanning 25 km from Eyjafjallajökull to Þórsmörk, it’s one of Iceland’s most dramatic hiking experiences. Don’t worry if you’re not ready for the full hike; the initial kilometer allows you to follow the water flow of Skogafoss, providing a chance to see even more smaller waterfalls before heading back down to sea level.

Of course, we cannot forget the exhilarating glacier hikes available in the southeast, within Vatnajökull National Park. This unforgettable adventure features the stunning, dynamic Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon nearby—guaranteeing once-in-a-lifetime memories. Glacier hikes can be tailored to suit different skill levels, whether you prefer shorter, gentler treks or more challenging excursions into the mountains, including ice climbing if you’re feeling adventurous.

Hiking in the Southern Highlands

The array of hiking trails in Iceland’s Southern Highlands is truly unmatched. Day hikes provide a glimpse into the stunning geothermal scenery, but for those craving a real challenge, the four-day, 55 km Laugavegur Trail is an unparalleled experience, taking you through glaciers, forests, hot springs, and lava fields. Each day on the trail reveals an entirely new world.

This route is renowned worldwide for its dramatic landscapes and seclusion. With Hidden Iceland, we offer guests the chance to see the highlights of this trek while still indulging in the luxury experience we pride ourselves on. We provide day trips to Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk, which frame the Laugavegur Trail and reveal some of its spectacular features, allowing guests to enjoy the best of the trek by night while resting in upscale lodgings.

Þórsmörk, the “Valley of Thor,” might just be the crowning jewel of the Highlands. Access involves crossing various rivers, some of which can be too deep for regular 4×4 vehicles. Hiring a local guide with a specialized vehicle is advisable, even during the summer months when river levels are at their lowest. Once you arrive, prepare to explore birch forests, glacial rivers, and enchanting moss-laden gorges. This hidden sanctuary harmoniously melds Iceland’s verdant landscapes with its rugged terrain, as travel expert Anna Maria Pizzinini so aptly describes:

“Þórsmörk holds a special place in my heart. Its tranquility and the otherworldly colors, diversity, and adventurous access—such as river crossings and hiking through glaciers—make it unmatched.”

The hiking trails at Kerlingarfjöll offer even more seclusion, with stunning views of snow-draped mountains and active geothermal areas. Few trails take you past striking rhyolite hills in vibrant reds and oranges, or along mesmerizing blue rivers.

When the day comes to a close, you can recharge at the Highland Base Hotel, where sumptuous accommodations await. Nestled amid some of the country’s natural wonders and boasting its own geothermal baths, Highland Base has earned its place as a favorite among our guests, and we often partner with them for our trips.

On our Hiker’s Paradise trip, we also explore Þakgil, an off-the-beaten-path area known for its verdant valleys and jagged black volcanic mountains. The contrasting landscapes create an unforgettable backdrop for hiking.

Þakgil, positioned close to natural landmarks like Mýrdalsjökull glacier and the black sands of Vík, manages to feel hidden while still being remarkably accessible. With its dramatic scenery and minimal tourist foot traffic, it offers a perfect trail for those wishing to experience the wilderness of Iceland on their own terms.

Each hike in Þakgil captures the essence of what Hidden Iceland strives to provide: an opportunity to witness some of the most breathtaking and remote landscapes on Earth.

For a hiking experience in Iceland that combines unparalleled sights with luxurious accommodations, look no further than Hidden Iceland. Contact us today to set your luxury hiking adventure in motion.

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