Iceland's Iconic Peaks
Iceland's
Mountains
From the iconic cone of Kirkjufell to the remote table mountain of Herðubreið — Iceland's mountains offer some of the world's most dramatic hiking and photography.
100+
Named peaks
914 m
Mount Esja height
All year
Year-round hiking
5 regions
Mountain areas
Iceland's mountains are shaped by volcanic forces, glacial erosion and tectonic activity — creating peaks that range from perfectly symmetrical volcanic cones to dramatic flat-topped tuyas and jagged rhyolite ridges painted in vivid colours.
The most famous is Kirkjufell on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula — the most photographed mountain in Iceland. But nearly every region has its own iconic peak that defines the local landscape.
Many of Iceland's mountains can be hiked by fit visitors without technical climbing experience. Mount Esja near Reykjavík is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the country. Highland mountains require 4WD access and summer-only visits.
Featured Mountains in Iceland
Iceland's Most Iconic Mountains
From volcanic cones to glacial peaks — hiking, photography and dramatic landscapes.
Kirkjufell
Iceland's Most Photographed Mountain
Kirkjufell (Church Mountain) rises 463m above the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, creating one of Iceland's most iconic silhouettes. Its distinctive cone shape and nearby waterfall Kirkjufellsfoss make it the most photographed mountain in Iceland.
Mount Esja
Reykjavík's Backyard Mountain
Esja dominates Reykjavík's skyline at 914m. Multiple hiking trails lead to various peaks, with the most popular route taking 2-3 hours to reach Þverfellshorn (780m). The views over Reykjavík and Faxaflói Bay are spectacular.
Mount Hekla
Gateway to Hell
Hekla (1,491m) is one of Iceland's most active and notorious volcanoes, erupting over 20 times since 874. In medieval times, Europeans believed it was the entrance to Hell. The 4-hour summit hike requires experience and good conditions.
Vestrahorn
Batman Mountain
Vestrahorn's jagged 454m peaks create one of Iceland's most dramatic mountain profiles. Its nickname "Batman Mountain" comes from its distinctive silhouette. The black sand beach of Stokksnes provides perfect reflections.
Snæfellsjökull
Journey to the Center of the Earth
This 1,446m glacier-capped stratovolcano towers over the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Jules Verne chose it as the starting point for "Journey to the Center of the Earth." On clear days, it's visible from Reykjavík, 120km away.
Landmannalaugar
Rhyolite Rainbow Mountains
Landmannalaugar's mountains showcase rhyolite geology in incredible colors - pink, green, yellow, blue, and black. This highland area at 600m elevation is the starting point for the famous Laugavegur hiking trail.
Herðubreið
Queen of Icelandic Mountains
Herðubreið (1,682m) is a magnificent table mountain formed by subglacial volcanic eruptions. Rising from the Ódáðahraun lava desert, its flat-topped peak and steep sides create a surreal, otherworldly landscape.
Askja & Víti
Volcanic Caldera Lake
Askja is a massive volcanic caldera in the remote Dyngjufjöll mountains. Within it lies Víti, a warm blue crater lake where you can swim, and Öskjuvatn, one of Iceland's deepest lakes at 220m.
Mælifell
Green Pyramid in Black Desert
Mælifell is a perfect pyramid-shaped volcanic cone covered in vibrant green moss, rising 200m from the black Mýrdalssandur desert. The contrast between green mountain and black sand creates surreal photos.
Eyjafjallajökull
The One Nobody Can Pronounce
Eyjafjallajökull (1,651m) became world-famous in 2010 when its eruption created massive flight disruptions. The glacier-capped stratovolcano overlooks the south coast, with waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss at its feet.
Þórsmörk
Thor's Forest
Þórsmörk is a mountain valley between three glaciers: Eyjafjallajökull, Mýrdalsjökull, and Tindfjallajökull. Protected from harsh winds, it's one of Iceland's most lush areas with birch forests and incredible hiking.
Bláfjöll
Blue Mountains
Mountain and ski area in the Capital Region's volcanic uplands.
All Mountains in Iceland
Borg á Mýrum
west-iceland
Heimaklettur
south-iceland
Stóri-Dímon
south-iceland
Vífilsfell - hringsjá
capital-region
Bolafjall
westfjords
Brennisteinsalda Mountain
highlands
Grænavatnseggjar
reykjanes
Herðubreið - Queen of Mountains
highlands
Orustuhóll
south-iceland
Akrafjall
west-iceland
Arnarfell
reykjanes
Arnarfell hið mikla
highlands
Arnarfell Þingvellir
south-iceland
Axlir
north-iceland
Barnaborgir
west-iceland
Barð
north-iceland
Baula
west-iceland
Bergárheiði
east-iceland
Berunestindur
east-iceland
Bláfjöll
capital-region
Borgir
north-iceland
Botnssúlur
west-iceland
Breiðabólstaðarfjall
west-iceland
Brennisteinsfjöll
reykjanes
Búrfell
south-iceland
Drápuhlíðarfjall
snaefellsnes
Dyngjufjöll
highlands
Dyngjufjöll ytri
highlands
Eruption Site Sundhnúkagígar 2025
reykjanes
Eyrarfjall
snaefellsnes
Fjárhólaborg
highlands
Geitahlíð
reykjanes
Geitlandsjökull
west-iceland
Glóðafeykir
north-iceland
Gunnólfsvíkurfjall
north-iceland
Heiðarfjall
north-iceland
Hlíðar
capital-region
Hlöðufell
west-iceland
Hnoðraholt
capital-region
Hraundrangi
north-iceland
Hvannadalshnúkur
south-iceland
Hvarfshólar
capital-region
Hákinn
capital-region
Húsfell
capital-region
Ingólfsfjall
south-iceland
Kringla
highlands
Kristínartindar
south-iceland
Kárahnjúkar
highlands
Lali
capital-region
Laugafellshnjúkur
highlands
Litli-Hrútur
reykjanes
Ljósufjöll
snaefellsnes
Mosfell
capital-region
Mælifellshnjúkur
north-iceland
Nónhæð
capital-region
Oddsskarð
east-iceland
Reykjafell
capital-region
Reynisfjall
south-iceland
Sandahlíð
capital-region
Skálafell
reykjanes
Smalaholt
capital-region
Stapi
west-iceland
Stóra-Björnsfell
west-iceland
Stóra-Kóngsfell
capital-region
Stóribróðir
north-iceland
Sundhnúkur
reykjanes
Sveifluháls
reykjanes
Systur 01
north-iceland
Systur 02
north-iceland
Súlur
north-iceland
Tindfjöll
highlands
Trölladyngja
highlands
Tungnafellsjökull
highlands
Uxatindar
highlands
Vatnsendahæð
capital-region
Vatnshlíð
capital-region
Vatnshlíðarhorn
reykjanes
Vífilsfell
capital-region
Álftafell
east-iceland
Ásfjall
capital-region
Æsustaðafjall
capital-region
Æðustaðatungur
north-iceland
Óshyrna
westfjords
Úlfarsfell
capital-region
Þingmúli
east-iceland
Þórðarhyrna
highlands
Þórðarhöfði
north-iceland
Þórólfsfell
west-iceland
Mountain & Hiking Tours
Guided hikes to Kirkjufell, Esja, Vestrahorn and Iceland's most dramatic peaks
9 hours 30 minutesDT 305 Private Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Superjeep
From
299,500 ISK
11 hoursSnæfellsnes Peninsula in a small group tour with home-cooked meal included
EastWest
From
28,990 ISK
7 hoursÞórsmörk Day Hike - Private Tour
Southcoast Adventure
From
250,000 ISK
10 hoursInto the Highlands: Private Landmannalaugar Day Tour – Now Available for Summer 2025
Daytrips / TA Sport Travel
From
275,000 ISK
11 hoursSnæfellsnes Peninsula Tour
BusTravel Iceland
From
17,490 ISK
12 hoursSnaefellsnes Peninsula Minibus Tour
Troll Expeditions
From
17,605 ISK
11 hoursLandmannalaugar Super Jeep from Reykjavik
Gravel Travel
From
46,125 ISK
9 hoursLandmannalaugar & Hekla Volcano Private Adventure
Moonwalker
From
280,000 ISK
8 hoursDT 404 Private Monster Truck Landmannalaugar and Hekla Volcano
Superjeep
From
423,200 ISK
4 hoursEssential Iceland
Nordurflug/Norðurflug Helicopter Tours
From
225,900 ISK
12 hoursPRIVATE Snæfellsnes & Vatnshellir Lava Cave tour
Travelling Iceland
From
289,000 ISK
11 hoursPrivate Snæfellsnes Peninsula Explorer
Glaciers and Waterfalls
From
250,000 ISK
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest mountain in Iceland?
Hvannadalshnúkur at 2,110 m is Iceland's highest peak, located on the rim of Öræfajökull volcano in Vatnajökull National Park. Ascending it requires a guided glacier tour and is best done in May–July.
What is the most famous mountain in Iceland?
Kirkjufell on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula is Iceland's most photographed mountain — a distinctive arrowhead-shaped peak beside the waterfall Kirkjufellsfoss. It became internationally known after appearing in Game of Thrones.
Can beginners hike mountains in Iceland?
Yes — Mt. Esja near Reykjavík and Skálafell in East Iceland are excellent for beginners. Many peaks require no technical climbing skills. Always bring layers, waterproofs and check the weather forecast before setting out, as conditions can change quickly.
Do I need a guide to climb Iceland's mountains?
Most accessible mountains can be hiked independently with proper gear and navigation skills. Technical routes on glaciated peaks like Hvannadalshnúkur require certified guides. Always register your hike at safetravel.is and check road conditions.
When is the best time to hike Iceland's mountains?
June to September is prime hiking season when F-roads and highland trails are open. July and August offer the most reliable weather. Spring (May) and autumn (October) suit experienced hikers who prefer fewer crowds and dramatic light.
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