Where waterfalls thunder, valleys glow, and every trail leads to something unforgettable.
Iceland is a land carved by fire and ice — where glaciers meet lava fields, and mountains give way to steaming geothermal valleys. For hikers, it’s nothing short of a wilderness wonderland, offering trails that range from peaceful day hikes to multi-day backcountry adventures through some of the world’s most surreal landscapes.
From the roaring cascades of Skógafoss to the vibrant rhyolite hills of Landmannalaugar, this is your guide to Iceland’s most iconic and scenic hiking trails — where each step brings you deeper into nature, and further from the ordinary.
Why Hike in Iceland?
- Unmatched scenery: Waterfalls, volcanic ridges, glacial valleys, and steaming hot springs
- Solitude and silence: Hike for hours and feel like the only soul on Earth
- Pure air and clean trails: The environment is raw, well-preserved, and respectfully managed
- Access to the extraordinary: Many of Iceland’s most famous views can only be reached on foot
“We hiked into clouds, crossed snowfields, and bathed in a natural spring under the stars — Iceland redefined what adventure means.”
— @wanderingonice, #UnchartedIceland
1. Skógafoss Waterfall to Þórsmörk: The Fimmvörðuháls Trail
Length: ~25 km (15.5 miles)
Duration: 1–2 days
Difficulty: Challenging
Season: June to September
Starting at the mighty Skógafoss, this trail takes you past 20+ waterfalls, over volcanic terrain between Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers, and ends in the lush valley of Þórsmörk.
- Cross snowfields, lava formations, and river valleys
- Stay overnight in a mountain hut or camp in Þórsmörk
- Can be extended or linked with the Laugavegur Trail
💡 Tip: Book huts in advance and check weather — this is Iceland’s backcountry at its finest.
2. Landmannalaugar: Colorful Highlands and Natural Hot Springs
Trail Options: 2–8 km loops, or multi-day Laugavegur trek
Season: Late June to early September
Best For: Unique geology, hot spring soaks, and stunning highland hikes
Landmannalaugar is known for its rhyolite mountains, lava fields, and geothermal steam vents. It’s a visual feast of yellows, reds, and blues — like hiking through a watercolor painting.
Top day hikes:
- Bláhnúkur (“Blue Peak”): Epic panoramic views
- Ljótipollur Crater: A red volcanic crater filled with cobalt water
- Grænagil Canyon: A technicolor wonder through green and red canyons
💦 End your hike in the natural geothermal pool — one of Iceland’s best.
3. Laugavegur Trail: Iceland’s Most Famous Long-Distance Hike
Length: 55 km (34 miles)
Duration: 3–4 days
Start/End: Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk (can continue to Skógar via Fimmvörðuháls)
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
A bucket-list trek that takes you through:
- Rainbow mountains
- Black sand deserts
- Glacial rivers
- Lush birch forests
- Volcano-blasted valleys
Mountain huts and campsites dot the route (must be reserved). You’ll feel like you’re hiking through the creation of the Earth itself.
4. Glymur Waterfall Hike (Hvalfjörður)
Length: 7 km (4.4 miles)
Duration: 2–3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Season: May to October
This trail leads to Iceland’s second-highest waterfall, Glymur, tumbling 198 meters down a canyon wall.
- Cross rivers and log bridges
- Ascend steep paths with panoramic fjord views
- Less crowded than South Coast attractions
Perfect for a day trip from Reykjavík, this hike offers adventure without the crowds.
5. Reykjadalur: The Steam Valley
Length: ~7 km round trip (4.5 miles)
Duration: 1.5–2.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Season: Year-round (though access varies in winter)
This hike near Hveragerði is ideal for beginners and relaxation-seekers. The trail climbs into geothermal hills where steam rises from vents, culminating at a natural hot river where you can soak mid-hike.
- Pack a swimsuit and towel
- Go early or late to avoid crowds
- Family-friendly, but wear proper hiking shoes — trails can get muddy
Tips for Hiking in Iceland
- Dress in layers: Weather changes fast (yes, even in summer)
- Waterproof everything: Jacket, boots, backpack
- Check www.safetravel.is for trail conditions and alerts
- Tell someone your plans — many trails have no cell service
- Respect the environment: Stay on marked paths to protect fragile moss and wildlife
Which Trail Took Your Breath Away?
Was it the rainbow slopes of Landmannalaugar?
The roar of Skógafoss in the morning mist?
The warm river in Reykjadalur after a long walk?
At Uncharted Sanctuary, we celebrate the hikes that awaken your senses and change your perspective — one step, one view, one summit at a time.
📌 Use #UnchartedIceland or #SacredTrails
📷 Share your favorite trail view or hiking moment
📝 Submit your story at unchartedsanctuary.com
Hiking Iceland’s scenic trails isn’t just about reaching the end — it’s about immersing yourself in a landscape that feels ancient, wild, and utterly alive.
So lace your boots.
Follow the mist.
And let Iceland lead you into its sacred silence.
