A travel to Iceland is a fantastic idea. For lovers of nature and wild landscapes, it's a succession of volcanoes, geysers, waterfalls and magnificent glaciers! It's a small territory but a vast expanse of untouched land offering hundreds of possible walks and treks. So if you're thinking of visiting this country and exploring it on foot as an experienced walker, here are some hiking and trek ideas for a travel to Iceland. Need ideas to pack your bag? Our selection of clothing for a trip to Iceland.
This trek can be done with a guide or independently without too much difficulty. It's worth noting, however, that even in summer the weather can be unpredictable and snowstorms are not uncommon. Also bear in mind the lack of regular water points along the route — it's therefore essential to stock up at each hut.
For sports enthusiasts and trail lovers, it's worth noting that an Ultra trail race is held on this trek every July.
For slightly longer routes, worth noting:
Travel to Iceland: our selected treks
The Askja trek
87 km - 5 days - ideal period: mid-June to mid-September The Askja trek is located in the Highlands of Iceland. This route runs from Herðubreiðarlindir to Svartárkot. It gives you the chance to see Lake Öskjuvatn, which is in fact an ancient caldera filled with water. You can also see the Vitti crater to the north of the lake, which holds warm waters at 25°C.
This trek can be done with a guide or independently without too much difficulty. It's worth noting, however, that even in summer the weather can be unpredictable and snowstorms are not uncommon. Also bear in mind the lack of regular water points along the route — it's therefore essential to stock up at each hut.
The Kjalvegur trek
44 km - 3 days - ideal period: mid-June to mid-September Here is a fairly short and easy trek. It follows an old bridle path and therefore involves no major elevation gain. It is nonetheless a beautiful route with fantastic viewpoints, crossing the Kjölur plateau. It allows you to connect two glaciers: Langjökull to the east and Hofsjökull to the west.The Landmannalaugar trek
55 km - 4-6 days - ideal period: mid-June to mid-September This is certainly the most famous trek in Iceland. The celebrated "hot springs route" takes you from Landmannalaugar all the way to Thorsmork. You cross fantastic mountains, a vast and beautiful canyon (the Markarfljótsgljúfur) and arrive at the stunning valley of Thorsmork, ringed by three glaciers. For those who want a little more distance, it's possible to add 22 extra kilometres to reach the Skogar waterfall (Skogarfoss).
For sports enthusiasts and trail lovers, it's worth noting that an Ultra trail race is held on this trek every July.
The Snaefell trek
80 km - 4-7 days - ideal period: June to early September Here is a fairly challenging and increasingly popular trek among enthusiasts. It connects Snæfellsskáli to the Stafafell farm. The scenery is stunning, with an almost otherworldly quality, and it will be a well-earned reward for long hours of effort on a technical and demanding trail. You can also extend the experience by climbing to the summit of Mount Snæfell (1,833 m), accessible only in favourable weather conditions.Travel to Iceland: our selected hiking routes
Hiking to the summit of Esja
Distance: 6 km | duration: 2-4h Here is a hiking route starting from the capital Reykjavik. From the top, the views over the city and out to sea are superb. There's also a sweeping panoramic view of the surrounding mountains. It's a manageable outing, suitable for families and day hikers alike. It's worth noting that the terrain can be slippery in poor weather conditions and that it can be very cold at the summit.Hiking in Skaftafell National Park
Skaftafell National Park is packed with walks and hiking routes of all lengths, generally accessible to most walkers, even those with limited experience. Here is a short selection of hiking routes — though there is plenty more to explore in this park:- Walk to Skaftafell Glacier: Skaftafellsjökull — 3.7 km return — duration: 45 min
- Walk to the basalt waterfall of Svartifoss after passing Hundafoss — 5.3 km return — duration: 1h30
- Hiking loop around Sjorarnipa — 6.4 km return | duration: 2h30
- Hiking to the summit of Kristínartindar — 4 km return — duration: 3h-4h
For slightly longer routes, worth noting:
- Skaftafellsheidi loop — 15.5 km return — duration: 4h-6h
- Hiking at Baejarstadarskogur — 13 km return — duration: 3h
- Morsarjokull Trail — 20.6 km — duration: 4h-6h
- Hiking at Kjoss — 28.5 km — duration: 5h-7h
