Best Treks in Iceland: Top 10 Hiking Trails for Stunning Views & Adventures

Treks in Iceland

Iceland is a unique land of surreal adventures that set your heart racing and inspire you with visual beauty at the same time. As the rainbow-hued rhyolite mountains captivate your eye, the steaming hot springs in Landmannalaugar call to your soul to relax. You feel the quintessential Icelandic landscape as you trek the dramatic glacier crossings and moon-like lava fields on the Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls trails. Its lush valleys, thunderous waterfalls, and volcanic highlands add even more charm to the best treks in Iceland, making your trip a story to remember.

Top Treks in Iceland

• The Laugavegur 

• The Fimmvörðuháls 

• The Askja 

• The Jökulsargljufur Canyon

• Hornstrandir 

• Viknaslodir 

• Lonsöræfi

• Kálfaströnd

• Lyngfellisdalur

• Reykjadalur

The Laugavegur

• Overview: The Laugavegur is one of Iceland’s most legendary treks, stretching from the rainbow-colored Landmannalaugar to the glacier-framed valley of Þórsmörk. Its dramatic scenery makes it one of the best treks in Iceland.

• Key Details:

  • Elevation: 3,475 ft (1,060 m)

  • Duration: 4–6 days

  • Difficulty: Moderate–challenging

  • Best Time to Visit: Late June–mid-September

• Why it’s amazing:

  • The Laugavegur trek is famed for its surreal scenery. 

  • As its rhyolite mountains paint the scene red and yellow, the black-sand deserts contrast it. 

  • The iconic moss-covered lava fields and steaming hot springs are another highlight that attracts tourists worldwide. 

  • When you reach Þórsmörk, framed by glaciers and birch forests, it feels like you’ve crossed multiple worlds in a single journey.

The Fimmvörðuháls 

• Overview: The Fimmvörðuháls trek is one of Iceland’s most single-day treks. It links the valley of Skógar with Þórsmörk, passing between Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull, Iceland’s two prominent glaciers. 

• Key Details:

  • Elevation: 3,300 ft (1,000 m)

  • Duration: 1–2 days

  • Difficulty: Challenging

  • Best Time to Visit: July–early September

• Why it’s amazing:

  • The Fimmvörðuháls trek is packed with highlights, such as roaring waterfalls, raw volcanic scars, and sweeping icy summits, making for an immersive experience. 

  • It begins with a climb past more than 20 waterfalls in the verdant Skógá Valley.

  • It then transcends into stark volcanic landscapes formed by the 2010 eruption.

  • You traverse steaming lava fields, craters, and vast patches of black ash before entering Þórsmörk. 

The Askja 

• Overview: This trail takes you to the remote interiors of Iceland, culminating in the Askja caldera and its outwardly volcanic landscapes. If you’re seeking Iceland’s hallmark solitude and raw beauty, the Askja could be one of Iceland’s best treks. 

• Key Details:

  • Elevation: 4,900 ft (1,500 m)

  • Duration: 4–7 days

  • Difficulty: Challenging

  • Best Time to Visit: July–early September

• Why it’s amazing:

  • Askja is one of the wildest and untouched treks of Iceland. 

  • The trail takes you through stretching lava fields, black ash deserts, and rugged highlands, leading to the surreal Askja caldera. 

  • You can witness the Víti explosion crater and a striking blue lake created by geothermal activity.

  • You see snowcapped peaks, desolate volcanic plains, and steaming geothermal vents in one contrasting landscape.

The Jökulsargljufur Canyon

• Overview: The Jökulsárgljúfur Canyon Trail winds through a dramatic gorge carved by the Jökulsá á Fjöllum River in Vatnajökull National Park. You find yourself among gushing waterfalls, volcanic rock formations, and serene forests on your way. 

• Key Details:

  • Elevation: 1,300 ft (400 m)

  • Duration: 2–3 days

  • Difficulty: Moderate

  • Best Time to Visit: June–September

• Why it’s amazing:

  • This trek is a magical mix of Iceland’s raw geological beauty and age-old folklore. 

  • You pass thunderous Dettifoss (Europe’s most powerful waterfall), the elegant Selfoss, and the horseshoe-shaped Ásbyrgi Canyon (believed in folklore to be formed by Odin’s horse).

  • You hike among roaring waterfalls, basalt columns, thick birch forests, and wide river plains. 

  • Walking along the canyon, you’ll feel like you're stepping through layers of Iceland’s volcanic history. 

Hornstrandir 

• Overview: The Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, Westfjords, is a hiker’s paradise. It’s still not connected by roads or permanent settlements and can be accessed only by boat. Its solitude, dramatic coastal cliffs, and an unspoiled wilderness make it one of the best treks in Iceland for those seeking Iceland’s wildest landscapes far from the crowds.

• Key Details:

  • Elevation: 1,600 ft (500 m)

  • Duration: 3–6 days

  • Difficulty: Moderate–challenging

  • Best Time to Visit: July–mid-August

• Why it’s amazing:

  • The reserve’s remoteness adds even more charm to the versatile natural beauty it houses. 

  • The trail hugs steep sea cliffs, teeming with seabirds, opening into sweeping fjords.

  • It also crosses windswept tundra that’s pleasantly dotted with wildflowers.

  • Oddly, you’ll see more Arctic foxes than people on this trek. 

  • You can witness the midnight sun casting golden light over rugged peaks as the North Atlantic crashes below. 

Viknaslodir 

• Overview: Also called the “Trails of the Inlets,” Víknaslóðir is a network of hiking routes around Borgarfjörður Eystri. It features colorful rhyolite mountains, striking fjords, and serene fishing villages. It is one of Iceland’s best multi-day treks for casual hikers.

• Key Details:

  • Elevation: 2,600 ft (800 m)

  • Duration: 2–7 days

  • Difficulty: Moderate

  • Best Time to Visit: July–early September

• Why it’s amazing:

  • The Viknaslodir trek features some of the most versatile geographical features on a hike. 

  • You’ll cross remote fjords, jagged peaks, quiet coves, black-sand beaches, and flower-filled valleys. 

  • Trails lead past abandoned farms, most of which have been reclaimed by nature, and into remote fjords only accessible on foot.

  • You’ll likely see puffins nest along the cliffs and reindeer roaming the highlands.

  • It’s less crowded than Iceland’s more famous routes, making it one of the best treks in Iceland if you’re seeking wild nature and solitude. 

Lonsöræfi

• Overview: Located near the Vatnajökull Glacier, Lónsöræfi is a wild and rugged hiking area known for its remote beauty. It also features rhyolite mountains, deep river valleys, and unspoiled highlands. It’s one of Iceland’s best-kept secrets for serious hikers.

• Key Details:

  • Elevation: 3,300 ft (1,000 m)

  • Duration: 3–5 days

  • Difficulty: Challenging

  • Best Time to Visit: July–early September

• Why it’s amazing:

  • Lonsöræfi is home to striking geological contrasts. 

  • Multicolored rhyolite peaks rise above sweeping glacial rivers, while green valleys open into vast black-sand deserts.

  • The trail is so remote that all you may have for company on your multi-day hike is reindeer. 

  • Highlights include views of the Vatnajökull Glacier, wildflower-filled meadows, and natural hot springs.

Kálfaströnd

• Overview: If you’re looking for a short hike, Kálfaströnd is one of the best treks in Iceland. Located on the shores of Lake Mývatn in North Iceland, this trail winds among twisted volcanic pillars and caves that rise straight out of the lake, creating an almost otherworldly landscape.

• Key Details:

  • Elevation: 1,050 ft (320 m)

  • Duration: 1–2 hours

  • Difficulty: Easy

  • Best Time to Visit: May–September

• Why it’s amazing:

  • Kálfaströnd is renowned for its kirkjuskarð (lava pillars), which resemble natural cathedrals rising from the water. 

  • Don’t miss catching the reflections of these formations in Lake Mývatn, especially at sunrise or sunset. 

  • Birdlife, such as ducks, Arctic terns, and grebes nesting in the area, is common here. 

Lyngfellisdalur

• Overview: The Lyngfellisdalur hike is less visited than the rest of Iceland’s best treks. Tucked within the Eastfjords, it takes you through a quiet valley surrounded by steep mountains and colorful rhyolite slopes.

• Key Details:

  • Elevation: 2,300 ft (700 m)

  • Duration: 3–4 hours

  • Difficulty: Moderate

  • Best Time to Visit: July–September

• Why it’s amazing:

  • The trail leads through lush meadows sprinkled with wildflowers, past clear mountain streams, and into a valley framed by tall peaks. 

  • It offers sweeping views over the fjords and the surrounding highlands on clear days. 

  • Wildlife is a common sight here. You can spot seabirds and reindeer easily.

Reykjadalur

• Overview: Reykjadalur, known as the “Steam Valley,” starts just outside Hveragerði. It is one of the best treks in Iceland, thanks to its great accessibility and rewarding views. 

• Key Details:

  • Elevation: 1,600 ft (500 m)

  • Duration: 2–3 hours

  • Difficulty: Easy–moderate

  • Best Time to Visit:

• Why it’s amazing:

  • The trail climbs into a geothermal valley where steam rises from hillsides and hot rivers flow.

  • Before reaching this valley, it winds past bubbling mud pots, fumaroles, and steaming vents. 

  • You can experience a mix of geothermal activity, rolling green valleys, and a wild hot spring. 

  • It’s one of the best short hikes in Iceland if you’d like a taste of the country’s geothermal wonders without venturing too far off the beaten path.

Why Book Your Trekking Trip in Iceland with AdventureTripr?

AdventureTripr is dedicated to making your trekking experience in Iceland easy, safe, and unforgettable. We connect you with expert local guides, curated itineraries, and handpicked accommodations so you can focus on the journey. From Iceland’s best treks to hidden gems, we ensure your Iceland adventure is seamless, authentic, and full of lasting memories.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Question 1: What is the best time of year to go trekking in Iceland?

Answer 1: Generally, June to early September is a great time to trek in Iceland.

Question 2: Do I need a guide for trekking in Iceland?

Answer 2: Challenging hikes may warrant a guide for your safety. However, if you are an experienced hiker, you could do without one. 

Question 3: What should I pack for an Iceland trek?

Answer 3: Layered clothing, waterproof gear, sturdy boots, and essentials like a sleeping bag, snacks, and a refillable water bottle are recommended.