Iceland is one of the world’s top destinations for hiking, offering everything from glacier walks and volcanic ridges to waterfalls, hot springs, and remote highland trails. Whether you’re planning a short day hike or a multi-day trek, hiking in Iceland delivers unforgettable scenery and diverse terrain. This guide highlights the best hikes in Iceland, when to go, and what to expect on the country’s most iconic trails.
Why Go Hiking in Iceland
Hiking in Iceland offers access to some of the most dramatic landscapes on Earth. Travelers can explore lava fields, glaciers, geothermal valleys, waterfalls, and mountain ridges — often all in one hike.
Iceland is also known for:
Well-marked trails and strong safety infrastructure
Long daylight hours in summer
A wide range of hikes, from beginner to expert
Easy access from Reykjavik to major trailheads
The best time for hiking in Iceland is from June through September, when highland roads open and trails are mostly snow-free.
Locals of Iceland perform a traditional dance.
Top Iceland Hikes for Every Traveler
1. Gullfoss Waterfall
Gullfoss is one of Iceland’s most famous natural attractions and a highlight of the Golden Circle. The powerful waterfall plunges into a dramatic canyon carved by the Hvítá River.
This area offers short walking trails and viewpoints rather than long hikes, making it ideal for travelers who want spectacular scenery with minimal effort. It’s easily accessible from Reykjavik and can be combined with nearby geysers and parks.
Best for: First-time visitors, photographers, easy walking
Location: Southwest Iceland Hallgrimskirkja Cathedral in Reykjavik Iceland (Jessica Liles) 2. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Jökulsárlón is a glacial lake filled with floating icebergs that have broken off from Vatnajökull Glacier. While not a traditional hike, the surrounding trails and shoreline walks provide incredible views of drifting ice and nearby Diamond Beach.
Boat tours allow visitors to get closer to the ice, and walking paths make this area accessible for all fitness levels.
Best for: Photography, scenic walks, glacier views
Location: Southeast Iceland Iceland - the land of fire and ice 3. Dynjandi Waterfall
Located in the remote Westfjords, Dynjandi is one of Iceland’s most beautiful waterfalls. A hiking trail leads uphill past several smaller cascades to the main waterfall, offering panoramic fjord views along the way.
The hike is moderate and well worth the effort, especially for travelers looking to escape crowds.
Best for: Adventure travelers, scenic hiking
Location: Westfjords
4. Landmannalaugar
Landmannalaugar is one of Iceland’s most famous hiking regions, known for its colorful rhyolite mountains, lava fields, and natural hot springs.
This area is the starting point of the famous Laugavegur Trail and also offers excellent day hikes. Trails range from easy walks to challenging highland routes.
Best for: Experienced hikers, geothermal landscapes
Location: Icelandic Highlands Incredible landscape with icebergs in Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon. Vatnajokull National Park, southeast Iceland, Europ (Swan Hellenic) 5. Vatnajökull Glacier
Vatnajökull is Europe’s largest glacier and one of Iceland’s most dramatic natural features. Guided glacier hikes allow travelers to walk on ice, explore crevasses, and visit seasonal ice caves.
These hikes must be done with certified guides due to changing conditions.
Best for: Adventure seekers, glacier exploration
Location: Southeast Iceland Dettifoss Waterfall (Arctic Adventure) 6. Dettifoss Waterfall
Dettifoss is considered Europe’s most powerful waterfall. The surrounding hiking paths offer sweeping canyon views and dramatic landscapes shaped by volcanic activity.
Both east and west trails provide different perspectives, with the east side offering closer access to the falls.
Best for: Nature lovers, dramatic scenery
Location: North Iceland Geysir Area - The Great Geysir - Strokkur Hot Spring, Iceland (Mary Curry) 7. Strokkur Geyser
Located in the geothermal Haukadalur Valley, Strokkur erupts every few minutes, sending hot water high into the air. While not a hike in itself, it’s often combined with walking trails in the Golden Circle region.
Best for: Easy walking, geothermal features
Location: Southwest Iceland Hotel Gigur on the shores of Lake Myvatn (Monika Sundem) 8. Lake Mývatn
Lake Mývatn is surrounded by volcanic formations, lava fields, and geothermal areas. Walking trails around the lake provide opportunities for birdwatching and exploring unique geological features.
This area is less crowded than southern Iceland and offers peaceful hiking experiences.
Best for: Nature lovers, photography
Location: North Iceland
9. Hraunfossar and Barnafoss
These neighboring waterfalls offer scenic walking paths and unique lava formations. Hraunfossar flows directly from lava fields, while Barnafoss features fast-moving water and dramatic rock formations.
Best for: Short hikes, photography
Location: West Iceland Jane in Iceland, Kirkjufell Mountain (Jane P) 10. Kirkjufell Mountain
Kirkjufell is one of Iceland’s most photographed mountains. While the summit hike is challenging and requires experience, the surrounding trails offer excellent views and photo opportunities.
Best for: Scenic walks, photography
Location: Snæfellsnes Peninsula Hiking the Laugavegur Trail (Jan Zelina) 11. Laugavegur Trail
The Laugavegur Trail is Iceland’s most famous multi-day hike. It spans approximately 55 kilometers and passes through volcanic deserts, colorful mountains, glaciers, and hot springs.
Most hikers complete the trek in four to five days during summer.
Best for: Experienced hikers, multi-day trekking
Location: Highlands
When Is the Best Time for Hiking in Iceland
Summer (June–August)
Best time for hiking, with open trails and long daylight hours.
Spring and Fall
Limited hiking options due to snow, but fewer crowds and dramatic scenery.
Winter
Only suitable for guided glacier hikes and lowland walks.
Hiking Tips and Safety in Iceland
Always check the weather and trail conditions before hiking
Dress in layers and bring waterproof gear
Wear proper hiking boots
Stay on marked trails to protect fragile landscapes
Register routes when hiking remote areas
Consider guided hikes for glaciers or highland routes
Ready to explore Iceland’s incredible trails? Contact our Trip Planner to craft your perfect hiking adventure today.
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