Iceland Trekking Tours: Get To Know The Icelandic Nature

Trekking and hiking are quite popular in Iceland, both among the locals and our visitors. The proximity to unspoiled nature is a constant reminder of the magnificent landscape that is waiting for us.

Trekking tours in Iceland offer some of the best scenery in the world. Our trails take you from moss-carpeted lava fields to mighty glaciers. You name it, and Iceland has it — challenge yourself, step off the beaten path, and see places of exquisite natural beauty on Iceland’s amazing trails!

Simply put, yes, Iceland may well be the best place to trek in the world. It has some of the most diverse landscapes on Earth, encompassing glaciers, rising mountains, lava fields, black sand deserts, and much, much more.

Iceland’s trekking trails offer beautiful nature, peace, tranquility, fascinating history, plenty of challenges, and incredible diversity. This country is also much smaller than other great trekking destinations like Canada, meaning that its treks are much closer to each other, allowing you to do more without traveling vast distances. 

Our most popular destination is trekking across Iceland’s Highlands. These trails extend from the multicolored Landmannalaugar area to Thórsmörk and the Fimmvörðuháls Mountain Pass. You can choose from single-day hikes to multi-day treks through the entire stretch of the Laugavegur Trail.

Trekking is a summer activity, so July and August are probably the best months for your trekking adventure. May, June, and September are also good for some trails, but many don’t open until late June. 

The date that a trail opens is usually determined by the amount of snow that has fallen during the winter and how long it takes to thaw, meaning that the low-altitude trails are more accessible during early and late summer. We don’t recommend trekking during the winter, but experienced hikers can do it and have done it with the help of a guide. 

Iceland is renowned for its unpredictable weather. It’s a popular joke among locals that you can experience all four seasons in one day. This is especially true in the Highlands, where most of our trekking tours take place. 

We can’t tell you exactly what the weather will be like, but you should be prepared for snow, sun, rain, fog and pretty much everything else. You should prepare for temperatures of around 50° Fahrenheit (10° Celsius), but the temperature may feel significantly cooler due to windchill.

It’s important to strike a balance between traveling as light as possible and bringing the right equipment. You should avoid bringing unnecessary items since you’ll have to carry your backpack for the duration of most of our trekking tours. You’ll receive a full packing list with your booking confirmation and can find more information on what to pack on the dedicated page for each tour. 

As a general rule, we recommend bringing warm and waterproof clothing that is easy to alter according to the weather. Layering is vital in the Highlands because it allows you to adjust to the constantly changing weather conditions. 

Sturdy hiking boots are an absolute must and, depending on the trail, they may need to be able to attach crampons to the soles.

Other essential items include sunglasses, sunscreen, a water bottle, and any important personal items. You may need a sleeping bag for camping tours, and sometimes we recommend a bag of a specific temperature rating. You will find the recommended temperature of your sleeping bag on the tour page if it is necessary. 

You can rent many of these items from us, but you must specify what you need during the booking process. We cannot lend items on the day of your tour. If you’re planning a longer stay in Iceland, you may be able to leave unnecessary items and bags at our booking office in Reykjavik. We also sometimes bring a support vehicle, which will move your bag from campsite to campsite.

If you join one of our recommended guided tours, then your tour guide will arrange most meals during your trek. That being said, it’s still not a bad idea to bring snacks for the journey. If you’re planning to do a trek by yourself, then you’ll need to arrange your own food before your trip. There are a couple of small shops along the Laugavegur trail but they won’t cover you for your entire journey. 

There are plenty of places to fill your water bottle, though. It’s also important to note that you’ll have to eat more than you usually would, due to the increased amount of exercise that you’ll be doing during the trek. Full details about the meals provided and what you should bring yourself are provided on each tour’s dedicated page. 

Iceland is blessed with some of the best treks in the world. Below are some of the most popular treks in the land of fire and ice:

The Laugavegur Trail is Iceland’s most famous trek and was rated as one of the best hikes in the world by National Geographic. It begins in Landmannalaugar, a multi-colored, geothermal wonderland riddled with rhyolite mountains and steaming hot springs. The trail continues through black sand deserts, rugged lava fields, tranquil lakes, mighty glaciers, and uniquely shaped mountains until it reaches the verdant Thórsmörk Valley. 

Laugavegur ends at the Fimmvörðuháls Mountain Pass, where you will see an ever-evolving volcanic landscape that was drastically changed by the notorious 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption. We offer a wide selection of Laugavegur treks to suit every possible need: 

The traditional 4-day Laugavegur trek in huts or a cheaper option with camping in tents between Landmannalaugar and Thórsmörk. Those interested in seeing Fimmvörðuháls should check out this 6-Day Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls trek. If you really want to push yourself to the limit, then our 8-Day Laugavegur Trek is the one for you.

Hiking paradise Hornstrandir Nature Reserve is perched on a peninsula in the northernmost part of Iceland. It’s the most remote part of the country and is ideal for people who want to escape the crowds and explore a less traditional tourist track. Our 6-day Hornstrandir Hike will show you the nature reserve in all of its glory — encompassing rolling hills, fjords, waterfalls, and much more.

We divide our treks into four distinct levels, making it easy to determine if one is too challenging for you. 

• Easy - For most people in a reasonable shape. You’ll need to be able to hike for at least 2-3 hours and be able to walk on uneven surfaces. Trails are usually of good quality, and the elevation gain is gradual. 
• Moderate - This is for people in a good fit level. You’ll need to be able to walk for around 4 hours. The trails are usually of good quality, and the elevation gain is gradual. 
• Challenging - This trek suits people with good hiking skills and experience. The trails are usually in fair condition, but some parts may be off-path. Ground conditions may be challenging, uneven, or icy. You should be able to cover around 7.5 mi (12 km) a day.
• Demanding - For people with excellent hiking skills and fitness levels. Trails are sometimes fair, but much of the trek may be off track. You should be able to cover 12.5 mi (20 km) a day on uneven trails and snow. Sharp increases in elevation and technical challenges should be expected.