Iceland’s one-of-a-kind landscapes are perfect for epic hikes. Source: Arctic Adventures.
Iceland is known as a hiker’s paradise for good reason. The rainbow mountains, deep canyons, and lava fields can be explored in as little as a day or in adventures lasting several days. Paths carving through mossy lava fields, glacial rivers, and volcanoes make Iceland hiking a popular and accessible way to discover the country’s remote destinations.
Icelandic Highlands, the mountainous area in the central and southern parts of the country, is the most popular place for long and short hiking tours. The Laugavegur trail tops the list of Iceland’s best long-distance routes. Those looking for the best day hikes in Iceland can enjoy a shorter version of this fantastic trail—the Landmannalaugar hike tour.
Best hikes in Iceland happen during July and August due to the long and relatively dry summer days, but exciting options are available even in September. You can visit breathtaking trails near Reykjavik and hike to a volcano on the Reykjanes Peninsula.
Discover scenic Iceland landscapes in off-radar locations and connect with nature on a deeper level with our top-rated hiking trips.
Trekking in Iceland is an adventure through unspoiled national parks and remote regions. Multi-day walking journeys feature lava fields, steaming hot springs, and dramatic canyons. Popular trekking routes like the Laugavegur trek in the Highlands combine incredible views with unique stays, perfect for backpacking trips.
Traveling with just your backpack, you’ll find designated campgrounds offering cheap and scenic stays. For added comfort, cozy mountain huts along the trails provide well-equipped accommodations with bunk beds and communal spaces, fostering a social and friendly atmosphere. Our Iceland trekking tours, including luggage transport and meals, ensure a seamless trekking holiday—a perfect blend of comfort and connection to nature.
Hiking and backpacking trails in Iceland provide an incredible opportunity to experience the country in its raw, authentic form. The thrilling journey through rugged terrain involves river crossings and volcanic trails, rewarding you with soul-touching views of geothermal pools and rhyolite mountains. Routes like the iconic Iceland Laugavegur trail and the Landmannalaugar area cater to different ages and skill levels, ranging from single-day hikes to hut-to-hut trekking journeys.
Laugavegur—A 55-km (34-mi) long trail covering colorful rhyolite mountains, black sand deserts, and lush valleys in the country’s Highlands; it’s often completed as a 4-day trekking trip.
Fimmvörðuháls Pass—A 25-km (15.5-mi) trail between the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers, and usually done as a 6-day itinerary together with Laugavegur.
Landmannalaugar—Trails in a hiking area in the Highlands featuring colorful mountains, lava fields, and geothermal hot springs, usually explored on a 3-day trekking tour.
Kerlingarfjöll—A trail through the volcanic mountain range in the Icelandic Highlands, where a one-day hiking tour leads through rhyolite mountains and the hot spring valley Hveradalir.
Þórsmörk—A lush valley in the Southern Highlands with mossy cliffs and birch forests, best explored on a super jeep and hike adventure, featuring a scenic 3–4 hour trail.
Hornstrandir—A remote Nature Reserve in the Westfjords known for Arctic foxes, solitude, and day hikes on off-the-beaten-path trails.
Reykjanes Volcano Trail—A hiking trail on the Reykjanes Peninsula, taking you through newly formed lava fields from the 2021-2024 volcano eruptions.
Guided tours in Iceland are worth booking, especially in wilderness areas with limited infrastructure where navigation requires expertise. Iceland walking tours let hiking enthusiasts access these wild regions without needing advanced skills while covering accommodations, transfers, and fees—often tricky to arrange yourself during busy months. Local guides also ensure safety, provide expert insights, and make the journey stress-free and enriching.
Summer is the absolute best time to go on Iceland hiking trips. June, July, and August are the warmest and driest months of the year, perfect for single-day hiking trips and multi-day trekking journeys. Some trails outside of the highlands are open all year round, but their accessibility depends on weather conditions. Hiking in the off-season can be an incredible experience away from the crowds if you know how to prepare for your trip.
Known worldwide and frequently appearing in travel rankings, the famous Laugavegur Trail is considered the most scenic Iceland hike. This 55-km (34-mi) path from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk offers breathtaking views of colorful mountains, green valleys, and ash-black deserts.
Hiking in Iceland is free, but if you plan to camp, keep in mind that wild camping is prohibited. You’ll need to stay at designated campsites, which require a fee. On guided hiking trips in Iceland, all fees—including campsite charges and park admissions—are usually covered, making your adventure hassle-free.
Many of Iceland's famous attractions are easily accessible from the capital. One of the most popular day trips from Reykjavik is the Golden Circle, which includes Thingvellir Park, Geysir, and Gullfoss. There are also many hiking trails near Reykjavik. A volcano hike on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, a visit to Thórsmörk Nature Reserve, and a trip to the Laugahraun lava field are among the most popular.
Iceland hiking tours from Reykjavik are a great way to spend a day in nature. You can visit the beautiful Landmannalaugar region, hike in the Kerlingarfjöll mountain range, or a newly formed lava field on the Reykjanes Peninsula. The tours also conveniently provide pick-up from Reykjavík and drop-off back to your hotel or nearby area.
Iceland is ideal for backpacking through stunning terrains because trails like Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls take you past glaciers, volcanoes, and hot springs. While you can’t pitch your tent just anywhere, there are many campsites and huts for overnight stays. Summer, from June to September, is the best time to go backpacking in Iceland; go solo if prepared or join a guided tour.
Backpacking across Iceland can take anywhere from 20 to 32 days or more, depending on the chosen route and pace. A north-to-south or east-to-west traverse typically covers 450–550 km (280–340 mi) and involves walking 6–10 hours per day through varied terrain, including highlands, glaciers, and volcanic landscapes. Proper planning, including navigation skills and adherence to Iceland’s strict camping regulations, is essential for such an adventure.
Wild camping in Iceland is not allowed for campervans or motorhomes, and tent camping is tightly regulated. According to the Environment Agency of Iceland, you can only pitch a tent on uncultivated land for one night if no campsite is nearby and you have the landowner’s permission. However, it is strictly forbidden in protected areas such as national parks. Staying at designated camping sites, which are widely available and meet all regulations, is the most reliable and convenient option.
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