Travelling to Iceland is an unforgettable adventure. For nature lovers and wilderness enthusiasts, it offers a dramatic landscape of volcanoes, geysers, waterfalls, and massive glaciers. Though compact, this vast wilderness provides hundreds of hiking routes and multi-day treks. If you are planning an expedition across this wild terrain, here is our selection of the best hikes and treks in Iceland. Need gear inspiration for packing? Our Iceland clothing selection.
Iceland trip: our hand-picked treks
The Askja Trek
87 km - 5 days - Best season: mid-June to mid-September
The Askja trek is located in the Icelandic Highlands, running from Herðubreiðarlindir to Svartárkot. It takes you past Lake Öskjuvatn, a flooded volcanic caldera, as well as the Víti explosion crater to the north, which holds a geothermal lake with 25°C water.
This trek can be completed with a mountain guide or independently without major technical difficulty. However, even in summer, conditions can turn harsh, and snowstorms are not uncommon. Keep in mind that natural water points are scarce along the route, so refill your flasks at every mountain hut.
The Kjalvegur Trek
44 km - 3 days - Best season: mid-June to mid-September
A relatively short and accessible trek following an ancient horse trail, with minimal elevation gain. It remains a magnificent route offering panoramic vistas across the Kjölur plateau, linking two major glaciers: Langjökull to the east and Hofsjökull to the west.
The Landmannalaugar Trek
55 km - 4-6 days - Best season: mid-June to mid-September
This is undoubtedly Iceland's most famous trek: the renowned "Hot Spring Route" that runs from Landmannalaugar to Thorsmork. It crosses dramatic mountain ranges, passes the colossal Markarfljótsgljúfur canyon, and concludes in the stunning Thorsmork valley, ringed by three glaciers. For those seeking extra mileage, add 22 km to reach Skogar waterfall (Skogafoss).
For trail running enthusiasts, note that an Ultra Trail race takes place on this trek every July.
The Snaefell Trek
80 km - 4 to 7 days - Best season: June to early September
A demanding and increasingly popular trek connecting Snæfellsskáli to Stafafell farm. The otherworldly landscapes provide ample reward for long hours of effort over rugged, technical terrain. You can also extend the adventure by tackling the summit of Mount Snæfell (1,833m), strictly weather permitting.
Iceland trip: our hand-picked hiking routes
Hiking to the summit of Mount Esja
Distance: 6 km | Duration: 2-4 hrs
A great day hike easily accessible from the capital, Reykjavik. The summit rewards you with breathtaking views over the city, out to the ocean, and across surrounding mountain ranges. It is an accessible outing for families and day hikers alike. However, trails can be slippery in bad weather, and cold winds often sweep the summit.
Hikes in Skaftafell National Park
Skaftafell National Park offers numerous walks and hikes of varying lengths, generally accessible to all fitness levels, including beginners.
Here is a short selection of shorter hikes, though the park has plenty more trails on offer:
- Walk to Skaftafell Glacier: Skaftafellsjökull 3.7 km return - Duration: 45 mins
- Walk to the Svartifoss basalt waterfall past Hundafoss: 5.3 km return - Duration: 1 hr 30 mins
- Sjorarnipa circuit hike: 6.4 km return | Duration: 2 hrs 30 mins
- Kristínartindar summit hike: 4 km return - Duration: 3-4 hrs
For longer multi-day routes, notable options include:
- Skaftafellsheidi loop: 15.5 km return - Duration: 4-6 hrs
- Baejarstadarskogur hike: 13 km return - Duration: 3 hrs
- Morsarjokull Trail: 20.6 km - Duration: 4-6 hrs
- Kjoss hike: 28.5 km - Duration: 5-7 hrs
Iceland holds countless more routes and wilderness tracks waiting to be explored. It is an untouched playground offering moderate technical difficulty (with relatively low peak elevations) alongside raw, breathtaking landscapes. Best of all, you will escape the crowded trails found elsewhere. Pack your rucksack, lace up your hiking boots, and take on the Icelandic wilderness!
