Scenic Hiking Trails to Explore in Iceland

Iceland: A Hiker’s Paradise

When it comes to breathtaking hikes, few places on Earth rival Iceland. Every trail invites explorers on a journey that’s as captivating as the scenery itself. From the enchanting, isolated paths in the north to the striking, dramatic landscapes in the south, Iceland offers hiking opportunities for adventurers of every stripe—whether you’re in the mood for a gentle stroll or a demanding trek.

With that in mind, we’ve curated a collection of our favorite hiking trails across Iceland, organized by region, each promising a remarkable experience in nature.

Where to Find Iceland’s Best Hiking Trails

The finest hiking trails in Iceland are spread throughout the country. Some of our top picks include sections of the renowned Laugavegur Trail, the scenic Reykjanes Peninsula Trails, and the stunning Hveradalir Hiking Trail in Kerlingarfjöll. And, of course, the immersive glacier hikes within Vatnajökull National Park are not to be missed. But this is just the tip of the iceberg; many more trails showcase Iceland’s extraordinary natural beauty, as detailed below, from the north to the south.

Hiking in Northern Iceland

We begin in North Iceland, where some of the country’s most breathtaking and challenging trails await. While many travelers opt for extended hikes through this remote terrain, Hidden Iceland has designed an unforgettable day trip to highlight the best of this region.

Armed with 4×4 superjeeps and local guides, we’ve transformed the multi-day Öskjuvegur route—better known as the Askja Trail—into an exhilarating one-day adventure that culminates with a hike around the mesmerizing Askja crater.

This remote region captivates with its isolation; few tourists venture this far due to unpredictable weather and limited shelter. Those who do are richly rewarded. Standing on the edge of the Askja crater, you may feel as if you’ve stepped onto another planet. Ironically, this very landscape served NASA for astronaut training in the 1960s, preparing them for their lunar journeys.

For safety, access to the trail is strictly limited to the summer months for standard 4×4 vehicles. Be sure to plan your trip accordingly. In winter, you can still arrange superjeep tours with our local partners.

Yet the Askja Trail is just the beginning. Northern Iceland boasts a tapestry of trails through stunning terrains. One standout is the Hverfjall Crater, where a 3 km walk around the rim of this dormant volcano offers panoramic views of the shimmering Lake Mývatn. A unique highlight of hiking in Iceland is the chance to unwind in natural hot springs after a day spent exploring.

If you’re keen on experiencing breathtaking vistas, delving into Icelandic culture, or perhaps enjoying some whale watching, the Arctic Coast Way and the Diamond Circle offer incredible hiking opportunities. Many of our guests find the trails around Ásbyrgi Canyon to be especially memorable.

The adaptability of these hikes is part of their charm. Whether you’re seeking wildlife encounters featuring seals and puffins or looking to savor local delicacies like freshly caught Arctic char, Hidden Iceland can tailor your journey to perfectly match your interests and pace.

Discovering the Eastfjords

A hidden gem, Borgarfjörður Eystri is a hiker’s paradise, with trails linking remote fjords to heritage farms, offering a rich exploration of Iceland’s cultural history. It’s also one of the best spots to see puffins, particularly at Hafnarhólmi harbor, where these delightful birds gather during summer.

Further along in the Eastfjords, the Dyrfjöll mountain range—translating to “mountain door”—features a distinctive gap between two peaks that seems to beckon visitors into a mythical realm, inspiring countless local legends.

As you meander through the surreal landscapes of Stórurð, with boulders the size of houses beside strikingly blue waters, you might find that the impossible suddenly feels possible.

“My favorite place to explore is the Eastfjords for its majestic mountain scenery, abundant hiking opportunities, often better weather, and a sense of seclusion away from the usual tourist trails.” — Dr. Holly Spring, Travel Expert

Ready to embark on your luxury hiking adventure? Contact Hidden Iceland today, and we’ll design an unforgettable itinerary that unveils sights beyond your wildest dreams.

Hiking the Golden Circle

Few places offer the chance to explore geothermal valleys on foot, and even fewer allow you to soak in hot springs afterward. The Golden Circle, conveniently close to Reykjavík, presents spectacular hiking options that don’t skimp on adventure.

At Gullfoss Waterfall, a short, easily navigable trail leads to platforms providing postcard-worthy views from both above and eye-level, where you can feel the refreshing mist of cascading waters.

Along the Golden Circle, the Haukadalur geothermal valley features well-kept trails that showcase Geysir and Strokkur, two of Iceland’s most famous geysers. Uniquely, this trail is accessible year-round and varies in difficulty based on how far you wish to roam.

However, for many, the highlight of the day will undoubtedly be the multiple trails winding through Þingvellir National Park. Here, you can literally hike through the fissures created by the shifting tectonic plates beneath your feet. Fans of *Game of Thrones* may recognize this landscape, which served as a backdrop for pivotal scenes in later seasons.

Exploring the South Coast

Numerous enchanting hiking trails are embedded in Iceland’s south coast, part of our Hidden Escapes: Tailor-Made Iceland Hiking Retreat. The Seljalandsfoss loop offers awe-inspiring views from afar, but when you approach, the waterfall sparkles in the sunlight like a spectacular jewel.

This loop not only encircles cascading waterfalls but also provides the opportunity to walk behind Seljalandsfoss itself during the summer, akin to stepping behind the curtain of a grand illusion.

Traveling along the Skogafoss Waterfall Way rewards hikers with panoramic vistas of Iceland’s unique terrain. At the trail’s summit, you can join the Fimmvörðuháls trek—a journey of 25 km from Eyjafjallajökull to Þórsmörk—that is both renowned for its challenges and celebrated for its extensive rewards. If you prefer a more leisurely experience, the first kilometer provides stunning views of Skogafoss, revealing many smaller waterfalls along the way.

Equally extraordinary are the glacier hikes available in southeastern Iceland within Vatnajökull National Park. The experience of traversing glaciers here can be life-changing. Adding the stunning Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon nearby makes your visit an unforgettable blend of adventure and wonder. We can customize glacier hikes to suit your abilities and interests; whether you’re seeking an easy walk or looking for an adrenaline rush with ice climbing, there’s something for everyone.

Hiking in the Southern Highlands

The Southern Highlands offer an unparalleled diversity of hiking trails. Day hikes may grant glimpses of geothermal beauty, but if you’re in search of a true challenge, the four-day, 55 km Laugavegur Trail presents an extraordinary adventure. Crossing glaciers and forests, natural hot springs and volcanic landscapes, each day on the trail feels like stepping into an entirely different world.

Renowned for its stunning scenery and remote beauty, this trail draws hikers from all corners of the globe. With Hidden Iceland, we offer a luxury experience that allows our guests to enjoy the best of the trek while resting at upscale lodges each night. Our day trips to Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk, which bookend the Laugavegur Trail, showcase the most remarkable landscapes, providing an opportunity to experience the trail’s highlights at a leisurely pace.

Þórsmörk, or the ‘Valley of Thor,’ represents the pinnacle of the Highlands experience. Accessing it often requires crossing deep rivers, which can be tricky even in summer when water levels are lower. Therefore, enlisting the help of a local guide equipped with a modified vehicle is ideal. Once there, you’ll wander through enchanting birch forests and along glacial rivers, all within an idyllic landscape that perfectly merges Iceland’s verdant greenery with its rugged charm. Travel expert Anna Maria Pizzinini captures this magic perfectly:

“Þórsmörk holds a special place in my heart. The serenity, the vibrant colors, and the thrill of reaching it through river crossings or glacier hikes make it an unmatched experience.”

The Kerlingarfjöll area offers even more seclusion, with cinematic views of snow-capped peaks and bubbling geothermal features. Few trails present such striking rhyolite hills in vivid reds and oranges or rivers of intriguing blue.

At day’s end, unwind at the Highland Base Hotel, where luxurious accommodations reconnect you with the wilderness. Nestled near Iceland’s wonders and featuring its own geothermal baths, the Highland Base remains a favorite partner for many of our trips.

Also part of our Hiker’s Paradise itinerary is Þakgil, a trail beloved for its breathtaking beauty and solitude. This hidden gem features lush valleys framed by sharp, volcanic mountains—a striking contrast that captures the imagination.

Conveniently located near natural icons like Mýrdalsjökull Glacier and the black sand beaches of Vík, Þakgil feels remote while being surprisingly accessible. It offers dramatic scenery while remaining blissfully free of tourists, an ideal setting for those eager to savor Iceland’s hiking trails in a more intimate way.

At Hidden Iceland, we cherish sharing the beauty of Þakgil with our guests, as it encapsulates the essence of our mission: to unveil some of the planet’s most remote and awe-inspiring landscapes.

If you’re yearning for spectacular sights coupled with luxurious accommodations, Hidden Iceland can craft an itinerary tailored just for you. Reach out today to start planning your extraordinary hiking adventure.

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