Hiking in the Land of Fire and Ice is a fantastic way to explore some of the country’s most jaw-dropping landscapes. The best hikes in Iceland let you see sprawling lava fields, steaming hot springs, majestic waterfalls or impressive national parks.
With natural sights like these, Iceland is the perfect place if you’re into hiking. Trekkers from all over the world come here to tackle multi-day hikes, such as the famous Laugavegur trail. But you’ll also find incredible single-day hikes around the country.
Go on a summer tour in Iceland, and you could enjoy some of the country’s best features on foot. To help inspire you, we’ve put together a list of the 7 best day hikes in Iceland. Let’s dive in and discover some exciting routes you can walk in a single day!
1. Reykjadalur geothermal valley
Estimated hike time: Around 1.5 hours total.
Distance: 6 kilometres (3.7 miles) round trip.
Elevation gain: Just over 300 metres (1,000 feet).
The Reykjadalur hike is perfect if you’re keen to see some of Iceland’s famous geothermal activity up close. It’s an easy drive from nearby Reykjavík and is a great choice for a day trip from the capital.
Reykjadalur means “steam valley” in English, and you’ll quickly see why if you visit. The area is full of steaming vents and hot springs – landscapes Iceland is known for.
It’s also home to a naturally heated river, which is an ideal temperature for bathing. Bring swimwear and a towel to make the most of your time here!
The trail starts at the car park, where you’ll see a sign pointing you towards Reykjadalur. It’s an easy to moderate level hike. You’ll walk up a hill at the beginning, but the rest of the route is mostly flat.
The hike at Reykjadalur takes about 45 minutes each way, but you’ll probably want to spend longer here for photos. And remember to factor in time to bathe in the hot river!
- Check out these top vacation packages in Iceland
- Related: Top hot springs and geothermal pools in Iceland
2. Skógafoss and the Waterfall Way
Estimated hike time: Around 4 to 6 hours.
Distance: 16 kilometres (10 miles) round trip.
Elevation gain: About 500 metres (1,640 feet).
The Waterfall Way is a beautiful waterfall hike in South Iceland. It starts at the mighty Skógafoss, one of Iceland’s top waterfalls. If you visit on a sunny day, you might spot a double rainbow above the powerful spray!
Once you’ve seen Skógafoss from ground level, you’ll ascend a pretty steep staircase next to it. This is probably the most challenging part of the hike, but it’s certainly worth the effort. From the top of the staircase, you’ll get a fantastic aerial view of the falls and the idyllic surroundings.
From here, the route heads upstream next to the Skógá River and passes more than 20 other waterfalls. The hike is a there-and-back path, so you’ll be retracing your steps once you reach the endpoint. This gives you even more time to absorb the amazing falls around you.
- Head out on a tour of South Iceland to discover this incredible region
- Related: The south coast of Iceland – Your complete guide
3. Arnarstapi to Hellnar
Estimated hike time: Roughly 1 to 1.5 hours.
Distance: 5 kilometres (3 miles) round trip.
Elevation gain: Almost none.
The clifftop path connecting the villages of Arnarstapi and Hellnar is an ideal day hike if you want a closer look at Iceland’s rugged coast. The footpath follows the southern edge of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in West Iceland.
This area is rich in birdlife, making it a perfect route for animal lovers. You could see kittiwakes, razorbills and even Arctic terns during your walk. Bring some binoculars to get a better look!
The path is almost completely flat, so you won’t have to tackle any elevation gain on the walk. It’s an excellent hike if you’re travelling with children or simply prefer a more leisurely trail.
This hike also gives you the chance to see unusual basalt columns and rock arches. Snap photos of the gorgeous sea views as you breathe in the fresh coastal air.
- Experience life in Arnarstapi on a tour of West Iceland
- Related: Things to do in the Snæfellsnes Peninsula
4. Skaftafell’s glacier trail
Estimated hike time: 1.5 to 2 hours.
Distance: 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) round trip.
Elevation gain: About 80 metres (260 feet).
Skaftafell is a nature reserve in Vatnajökull National Park and one of Iceland’s best-loved natural attractions. The glacier trail here lets you see retreating glaciers and their dramatic impact on Iceland’s ever-changing landscape – it’s an absolute must-do activity.
The glacier trail is a gentle and manageable walk regardless of your ability. About half of the trail is paved, and the rest is gravel. It’s also not very steep, so it’s a pretty relaxed trail.
You’ll see kettle holes, dikes and hexagonal basalt columns along the way. About halfway around the circuit, you can also spot the vast Skaftafellsjökull glacier. Gazing up at the majestic ice river is a brilliant experience that you’re sure to remember for years to come.
Good to know: You might want to hike on a glacier during your trip. Just remember, you’ll need to go on an organised hiking tour to take part in this amazing experience. Glacier hikes require specialist equipment and a qualified glacier guide to ensure your safety.
5. Stórurð
Estimated hike time: Between 4 and 6 hours.
Distance: 4.5 to 7.1 kilometres (3 to 4.4 miles) round trip.
Elevation gain: About 700 metres (2,300 feet).
Many of Iceland’s most popular day hikes are in South Iceland, but you’ll also find jaw-dropping routes in East Iceland. Stórurð is one such example.
It’s a magnificent place, where massive boulders stand proudly in a bright turquoise lake. As you hike, the colourful water will come into view and take your breath away. On a clear day, you can even see the rocks reflecting on the lake’s surface.
You can choose from 5 trails at Stórurð. But it’s good to know that the area is only accessible during summer, as this is when conditions are best here.
Snow sometimes falls in this part of Iceland, even in June or September, which makes the trail less safe. Generally, if there is snow on the trail, you shouldn't hike here, or if you do, you should come with a guide.
The shortest way to Stórurð starts from Njarðvík. It’s 4.5 kilometres (almost 3 miles) each way, but it’s a relatively challenging route with river crossings and some steep ascents. You’ll need a good fitness level to complete this hike safely, but the astounding views along the way are certainly worth it.
Most people follow a longer but easier trail from Vatnsskarðsvegur. This is 7.1 kilometres (4.4 miles) each way, but it’s the gentlest of the marked trails. You might prefer this route if you want to avoid steep terrain.
You can also follow one route there and another path back to see more diverse scenery. Just remember, you’ll have to tack on extra walking time to get back to your car if you return a different way.
Depending on your pace and chosen route, the Stórurð hike takes 4 to 6 hours. In wet or icy conditions, it could be longer, so you might want to plan for this to be a full-day adventure!
- Discover Stórurð’s breathtaking natural attractions on an East Iceland tour
6. Dimmuborgir
Estimated hike time: 15 minutes to 1 hour.
Distance: 0.6 to 2.2 kilometres (0.4 to 1.4 miles) round trip.
Elevation gain: About 100 metres (330 feet).
Dimmuborgir is an otherworldly area of lava fields in North Iceland, close to Lake Mývatn. Here, you’ll find a stone fortress made of natural volcanic rock. It’s a brilliant place to go walking if you’re interested in volcanic activity.
Enormous walls of rock will seem to erupt from the ground below and loom overhead as you explore. You may recognise the area from the hit show Game of Thrones where it appeared as an area north of “The Wall”.
You can choose from several hiking trails through Dimmuborgir, ranging from 0.6 to 2.2 kilometres (0.4 to 1.4 miles). The paths are conveniently signposted at the car park and are all easy, accessible routes.
The longest lets you see more of the lava field area, including the Kirkjan cave, which looks like a moody Gothic cathedral. You may want to combine a couple of trails to extend your trip and see more of the rocky fortress.
- Visit the highlights of the region on a tour of North Iceland
- Related: Icelandic Game of Thrones sites
Top tips for enjoying the best hikes in Iceland
If you’re tempted by a hiking trip, here are some handy tips to help you prepare.
What to pack for hikes in Iceland
If you’re unsure what to bring on your hike, you can use this packing list as a jumping-off point.
- Sturdy hiking boots
- Thick socks
- Warm clothing, including plenty of layers
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Sunglasses and SPF
- Enough water for your route
- Packed lunch and snacks
- Fast-drying shoes or strap-on sandals if your trail has a river crossing
- Hiking poles
- Swimsuit and towel if you want a dip in a natural hot spring
- A map of your route
- Phone
For more details insights, read this guide on what to wear in Iceland.
How to prepare for a hike in Iceland
There are a few things you can do to prepare for your hiking adventure. For example, it’s a good idea to check the weather forecast before you set off. Different conditions mean different safety considerations, so it’s best to know if wet, windy or icy weather is on its way.
It’s also worth letting someone know where you’re going and how long you expect to be. You could even log your travel plans online so local authorities can provide help if needed.
You should also pack more layers and food than you need, especially if you’re hiking somewhere remote, like the Icelandic highlands. Always research your hike beforehand, so you can plan your journey and bring the gear you need.
Respect Iceland
Wherever you decide to go on your hike, remember to respect the environment around you. The incredible landscapes here are so beautiful, and it’s important we try to protect them. Always aim to follow the core principles of the “leave no trace” policy.
Take any litter away with you, but leave all plants and pebbles where you find them. Seeing wildlife up close is unforgettable, but keep your distance where possible to avoid distressing the animals.
Icelandic moss is fragile, so avoid walking on it. You should also be careful when walking in recent eruption sites. The lava might look solid but may not yet be safe to walk on. Overall, just take care of the environment and yourself!
Discover the best hikes in Iceland
Hiking in Iceland allows you to visit the country’s most beautiful natural landscapes on foot. Whether you’re enjoying a steep mountain hike or a leisurely coastal stroll, you’ll be able to breathe in the fresh air and admire the otherworldly scenery.
Book a summer tour in Iceland and we’ll arrange the perfect trip for you. We’ll organise all your accommodation, local transport, itinerary and more, so you can focus on having fun. Plus, local travel experts in Iceland will be on hand 24/7 to support you if needed during your trip.
Get in touch today and let us plan your dream hiking adventure in Iceland.
