Hiking Trails in Iceland
Iceland offers some of the most diverse hiking landscapes in the world — from lava fields and waterfalls to glaciers, volcanic craters and remote highland valleys.
Explore 66+ hiking trails organized by region. Each trail includes difficulty level, walking time, elevation and nearby folklore.
Did you know? Iceland's mountains and lava fields are traditionally believed to be home to hidden people. Hikers were historically advised to avoid disturbing rock formations, as they were thought to be the homes of elves and nature spirits.
Hiking Trails in Iceland — Explore by Region, Difficulty and Landscape
Use this guide to plan your hiking adventure across Iceland. Whether you are looking for easy family-friendly walks near Reykjavík, scenic waterfall hikes on the South Coast, volcanic crater routes on the Reykjanes Peninsula or multi-day highland treks, every trail type is covered here.
- ✓ Easy family-friendly walks
- ✓ Scenic waterfall hikes
- ✓ Volcanic crater routes
- ✓ Geothermal valley trails
- ✓ Multi-day highland treks
- ✓ Hidden local favorites near Reykjavík
Hiking Trails in Capital Region
The Capital Region offers some of the most accessible hiking routes in Iceland — perfect for short adventures close to Reykjavík, suitable year-round.
📅 Most trails accessible year-round.
Hiking Trails in Reykjanes Peninsula
Reykjanes is Iceland's youngest volcanic landscape and one of the most unique hiking areas near Keflavík Airport — lava deserts, geothermal steam and dramatic coastline.
📅 Volcanic activity may affect trail access.
Hiking Trails in West Iceland
West Iceland combines waterfalls, glaciers and lava formations within short driving distances. Ideal for day trips from Reykjavík.
📅 Great for day trips from Reykjavík.
Hiking Trails in Westfjords
The Westfjords offer some of Iceland's most remote hiking experiences with dramatic fjords and untouched Arctic wilderness.
📅 Best explored between June and August.
Hiking Trails in North Iceland
North Iceland is home to volcanic craters, canyon systems and lava formations around Lake Mývatn — combining geology and folklore-rich landscapes.
📅 Year-round access except Highlands roads.
Hiking Trails in East Iceland
East Iceland features the country's quietest hiking routes and spectacular waterfall trails — the perfect region for peaceful nature hiking away from crowds.
📅 Accessible most of the year.
Hiking Trails in South Iceland
South Iceland contains some of Iceland's most iconic hiking locations along the Ring Road — from famous waterfalls to hidden canyon passes.
📅 Year-round hiking opportunities.
Hiking Trails in Highlands
The Highlands contain Iceland's most epic multi-day trekking routes. Laugavegur alone attracts 75,000–100,000 hikers annually — Iceland's greatest SEO anchor trail.
📅 Accessible June–September only.
Choose a Hiking Trail by Difficulty Level
Whether you are a first-time visitor or an experienced trekker, Iceland has hiking trails for every fitness level.
Easy Trails
- •Seljavallalaug
- •Reykjadalur hot river
- •Dimmuborgir lava fields loop
- •Ásbyrgi canyon floor
- •Elliðaárdalur Valley
- •Arnarstapi to Hellnar
Moderate Trails
- •Glymur waterfall
- •Hverfjall crater rim
- •Hengifoss waterfall
- •Bláhnjúkur (Landmannalaugar)
- •Mount Esja
- •Keilir summit
Challenging Trails
- •Fimmvörðuháls pass
- •Stórurð boulder valley
- •Hornstrandir coastal routes
- •Kerlingarfjöll traverse
- •Snæfellsjökull summit approach
Expert Trails
- •Laugavegur multi-day trek
- •Askja crater route
- •Drangey island routes
- •Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk full traverse
Iceland Hiking Trails Map
Explore hiking trails across Iceland on our interactive map. Click any marker to see trail details — difficulty, distance, duration and nearby folklore.
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