All Hiking Tours
Volcanic Wonders with Grindavik Visit & the Blue Lagoon
Embark on a carbon-neutral journey through Iceland’s stunning volcanic landscapes. Enjoy a refreshing hike across a lava field, formed by recent eruptions, and then unwind with a soothing soak in the healing geothermal waters. This perfect combination of adventure and relaxation offers an unforgettable way to experience the raw power and serene beauty of Iceland’s natural wonders.
Volcanic Wonders with Grindavik Visit
Once a bustling fishing village, Grindavík now serves as a stark reminder of nature’s relentless power. After a recent volcanic eruption forced the evacuation of its residents, much of the town remains uninhabitable, its landscape forever marked by the destructive forces of the earth.
The Volcanic Trails
Unveil Iceland's wild beauty on a 5-day trek through Vatnajökull National Park. Traverse moss, waterfalls, canyons, and deserts. An untamed Icelandic odyssey.
Snæfellsjökull Summit Hike
This is a thrilling one-day hike to the summit of Snæfellsjökull glacier, the crown jewel of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. This challenging journey rewards hikers with breathtaking views, fascinating geological formations, and the triumphant feeling of conquering one of Iceland's most picturesque glaciers.
Hvannadalshnúkur - Iceland's highest summit
Ascending the highest peak in Iceland, Hvannadalshnúkur (2110 m / 6900 ft) is a bucket-list worth climb to check off your list! The mountain is located on the northwestern rim of the Öræfajökull volcano and promises an unforgettable hike with breathtaking panoramic views. This is not a beginners’ hike; be prepared for a challenging climb befitting those with ample climbing experience and in fantastic physical shape. No special technical skills are required, but we recommend packing the items on our equipment list (see below). The climb will be mentally and physically gruelling, but it is worth it.
Glacier Panorama Trail
Enjoy a versatile, scenic hike by the volcano Katla that rewards you with a stunning panoramic glacier view of Eyjafjallajökull, Sólheimajökull and other unique landscapes of the scenic south coast. This guided day tour, which is moderately difficult, gives you a glimpse into the world of Iceland’s geological wonders and how glaciers have shaped the land for thousands of years. A specially modified glacier truck transports you approximately 750 metres to start the hike, which will generally continue downhill. Participants should be in good physical shape with some mountain climbing experience.
Off the Beaten Path in Fjallabak Nature Reserve
This 4-day hiking journey through the Fjallabak Nature Reserve is an off-the-beaten-path adventure in the same enchanting area as the renowned Laugavegur trail. This trek offers a secluded exploration of varied landscapes, including geothermal hot springs, vast lava fields, and impressive waterfalls in one of Iceland's most captivating reserves.
4-Day Thórsmörk guided hikes in Huts
Enjoy the journey of a lifetime on this fantastic hiking experience in the glacier valley of Þórsmörk, up to the Fimmvörðuháls pass. This is one of the world’s best treks; through volcanic landscapes and green moss Þórsmörk is the last part of the famous Laugavegur trail, considered by many the most beautiful part. Expect to walk 4-7 hours per day on this guided 4-day tour with accommodation in rustic mountain huts. It’s a moderate to challenging hike that spans 40 kilometres with a maximum ascent of 1000 metres.
6-Day Laugavegur & Fimmvörðuháls in Huts
Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Icelandic highlands on the Laugavegur & Fimmvörðuháls Hiking Tour. This six-day trek is an extraordinary journey through some of Iceland's most stunning landscapes, perfectly blending two of the country's most famous trails.
Highland Bus - Reykjavík to Þórsmörk
The spectacular Þórsmörk (Thor’s Forest) area offers landscapes ranging from towering mountains to scores of glacial streams and kilometers of black sand. It is a favorite among nature-loving Icelanders and travelers from around the world. Book the Highland Bus for your hiking adventure!
Highland Bus - Reykjavík to Skógar
In the summer, Skógar comes alive, turning into a lush green wonderland under the towering Eyjafjöll mountains. The area is home to one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls, Skógafoss, a pearl of the south coast. The drive to Skógar is a scenic ride through the picturesque south of Iceland, passing by small farms and charming villages with astounding views of the surrounding mountains and volcanoes on clear days. Whether you are planning a day trip to the region or a multi-day hike, leave the driving to us!
5-Day Laugavegur Trek in Huts
The popular Laugavegur hiking route from the Landmannalaugar region to the Þórsmörk area is a 56-kilometre (35-mile) multi-day hike that attracts backpackers and hikers worldwide. If you’re coming to Iceland to hike just one trail, this is the one. Its popularity stems from various landscapes: bubbling hot springs, vast glaciers, beautiful mountains, stunning waterfalls, and roaring rivers.
Highland Bus - Reykjavík to Landmannalaugar
The highlands are spectacular. If you’ve seen a picture of multi-coloured mountains in what seems to be a vast, remote wilderness in Iceland, it’s probably from Landmannalaugar. This region of Iceland is a hiker’s paradise, with hiking trails along rhyolite mountains, natural geothermal hot springs and wide-open spaces. If you are planning to hike Landmannalaugar and/or the Laugavegur Trail, leave the driving to us and hop on the highland bus!
Day Hike over Fimmvörðuháls
Want to experience a slice of the highlands but don’t have the time for a multi-day hike? Book this guided day tour over the spectacular Fimmvörðuháls pass! A professionally trained guide will lead you on this trail, named one of the Best Hikes in the World by National Geographic. Expect a demanding 10-hour hike where you will see fantastic glacier views, volcanic craters, vast canyons and impressive waterfalls. The 22-kilometre hike is available July-August; participants must be at least 12 years old and up for a challenging hike.
Mt Gunnbjörn, the Highest Peak in Greenland
Are you dreaming of an Arctic adventure of a lifetime? This 5-day tour has you scaling the highest peak of the Arctic (3694 m/12120 ft). Mt. Gunnbjörn has been called the 8th continental peak due to its massive size, and it beckons climbers from around the world. On the east coast, where towering mountains rise from the Greenland icecap, the conditions are pristine and similar to those in Antarctica. There’s nothing quite like challenging yourself to climb in one of the most isolated areas of the north, with the fresh Arctic air and stark white snow. An experienced and qualified guide will lead the group, keeping participants safe and informed. This is not a trek for a beginner as the hike is considered strenuous, and participants should have mountain climbing experience and be prepared to camp for four nights. Mt. Gunnbjörn is easily accessible on a ski plane from Iceland. Once in the Watkins Mountains, we set up a comfortable base camp at the foot of the mountain. To make the summit day more manageable, we establish one camp on the way to the summit. The climb can be done on snowshoes, with the last part done on crampons.
Eyjafjallajökull Summit Hike
Hike to the summit of Eyjafjallajökull Volcano—a thrilling day hike for experienced hikers seeking a manageable challenge. Traverse rugged terrain and enjoy breathtaking views of the Highlands, Mýrdalsjökull, and Vestmannaeyjar Islands.
Why Choose an Iceland Hiking Tour?
With glaciers and volcanoes, mountain peaks and rugged coastlines, forests and black-sand plains, there are few places with such breathtaking scenery as Iceland. Add the huge network of hiking trails to the equation, and you’ve got the ideal destination for an active vacation.
Hiking tours are the best way to explore Iceland’s majestic outdoors. With day walks, multi-day hikes, and longer treks across the wilderness, there’s something for everyone and for every level of fitness.
One of the best-known hiking trips in Iceland is the Laugavegur trail. Named as one of the classic hiking routes in the world by National Geographic, the path from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk takes you through the heart of the southern highlands over five days. Expect multicoloured rhyolite mountains, volcanoes, canyons, and black-sand deserts, with mountain huts to stay in along the way.
And if that’s not enough, with Icelandia, there are many options to customise and extend your trip. For example, head up to Fimmvörðuháls, where you’ll see lava fields and volcanic craters caused by the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption.
Alternatively, join a hiking tour in Iceland’s Vatnajökull National Park. Here, you can explore dramatic volcanic and glacial landscapes over a week—and be sure that you’re far away from the beaten track. It’s at Vatnajökull that you’ll also find Hvannadalshnúkur, Iceland’s highest peak.
Among the many tours we offer, there’s also the chance to head out east to Víknaslóðir, the trail that combines high mountains with sea views.
Check out our full list of hiking tours to explore the many options we offer at Icelandia. Whether you’re looking for day tours, multi-day expeditions, or even mountaineering courses, we have something to suit you.
FAQ:
There are many hiking trails in Iceland, which all offer something different. While everyone might disagree on which one is the best, all these hiking areas promise an experience you’ll never forget.
Laugavegur is the most famous, offering multi-day and shorter trails across Iceland’s southern highlands. There's a good reason why it’s a favourite among locals and visitors alike!
Alternatively, the Vatnajökull National Park offers some incredible hikes, in an area known as the home of one of the largest glaciers in Europe. It’s so much more than that too, with Iceland’s highest mountain, lush nature, and breathtaking views.
The reality is, though, that wherever you go in Iceland, you’ll find some great hiking trails. Get your walking boots on and go exploring!
There is no charge to hike in Iceland. You can traverse any path or climb any hill without a guide, if you have the skills and experience to do so safely.
However, you should expect to pay a small fee if you want to camp or spend the night in an equipped mountain hut. Similarly, you should expect to pay for transport to and from the hiking areas.
At Icelandia, our hiking tours include transportation and accommodation costs, as well as an experienced guide and transport for any belongings you don’t want to carry yourself.
When hiking in Iceland, you should wear quality outdoor clothing, if you have it. We recommend breathable layers, a waterproof jacket and trousers, and sturdy walking boots. For the evenings, a hat, gloves, and warm socks are a good idea too.
Ultimately, your priority should be to stay warm and dry—even in the summer!
That depends how long you have to spare! With so much hiking on offer in Iceland, you could spend weeks linking up different trails and exploring the wilder parts of the country. In fact, many people do.
That said, if you’re looking for a single, memorable hiking experience, we recommend a multi-day route of about five days. This gives you the opportunity to get far off the beaten track and into some of Iceland’s remote areas.
Alternatively, you might be happy with just a day hike. We offer many of these experiences too.
Hiking to Fagradalsfjall can be safe for individuals who are reasonably fit and take necessary precautions. It's essential to be well-informed about the weather and current conditions, be adequately prepared, have the appropriate gear and clothing, and strictly adhere to guidelines.
Respecting closures, staying on designated trails, and avoiding hiking on solidified lava are also crucial for ensuring safety.
Hiking to Fagradalsfjall can be safe for individuals who are reasonably fit and take necessary precautions. It's essential to be well-informed about the weather and current conditions, be adequately prepared, have the appropriate gear and clothing, and strictly adhere to guidelines. Respecting closures, staying on designated trails, and avoiding hiking on solidified lava are also crucial for ensuring safety.
The accessibility of the volcano and its trails can fluctuate following each eruption and might even shift daily during active periods. Some trails can be quite extensive, reaching up to 20 km (approximately 12.4 miles), while others are shorter and more leisurely. It's crucial to obtain current information about any hiking trail in this region. Consult the safetravel.is website or join our Facebook group to discuss with locals about the latest conditions.
Ultimately, you will need to be reasonably fit to complete any hike in this area. You’ll also need sturdy boots, as you’ll be walking over rocky and unstable terrain. We discourage anyone from hiking here in the wintertime without local guidance.
The most famous hike in Iceland is probably the Laugavegur trail. Running from the lush oasis of Þórsmörk to the geothermal pools at Landmannalaugar, the route takes in some of the most magical, surprising, and downright awesome sights in the southern highlands.
It definitely deserves its fame. See multicoloured rhyolite hills and black-sand deserts, glaciers and canyons, and even a recently active volcano, Eyjafjallajökull.
Come and hike the Laugavegur trail for yourself. It’s an unforgettable experience.
The best season to hike in Iceland is the summer. This is when weather conditions are best and the snow has melted, allowing access to the remote parts of the highlands. At the same time, days are longer, giving you more hours of daylight in which to walk.
That’s not to say that you can’t join hiking tours in other parts of the year. You can. But routes might be more difficult and you may need experience on the snow.
Yes, you can see lava at Fagradalsfjall. The volcano erupted in 2021, 2022, and 2023, with each eruption lasting for a few weeks or months. Experts predict that Fagradalsfjall will continue its pattern of erupting on and off for the coming decades.
Depending on the timing of your visit, you might encounter an active eruption with flowing lava, or you might see recently solidified lava from past eruptions.
While witnessing active lava flows is undoubtedly mesmerising, exploring the freshly solidified lava fields is also a unique and awe-inspiring experience. There are guided tours available that specifically take visitors to these new and transforming landscapes.
The summer months—June, July, and August—are the best months to hike in Iceland. Travel is easier as most of the winter snows have melted and the terrain is a lot easier to walk on.
Of course, the weather is better too, giving you a better chance of clear skies, warmer temperatures, and long evenings of sunshine.
Iceland offers some of the world’s best hikes, crossing some of the world’s wildest landscapes. Every hike is a challenge in its own right, whether it involves long distance, steep ascents, or loose terrain.
On a hiking tour in Iceland, we offer routes of all levels of difficulty, to challenge every level of hiker.
The hike to the Fagradalsfjall volcano is a moderate route that requires sturdy shoes and a decent level of fitness. It covers 7 kilometres (4.4 miles) with an ascent of about 300 metres (990 feet).
The hike to the eruption site at Fagradalsfjall is 7 kilometres (4.4 miles) with an ascent of about 300 metres (990 feet). It’s also on loose ground, thanks to its location on a lava field.
While it can be a challenge, take it as slow as you need to and you’ll get there. It’s definitely worth the effort!
There are many opportunities for hiking in Iceland. From the world-famous Laugavegur trail to day routes in the country’s three national parks, you’ll be spoiled for choice. There’s a reason Iceland is known as an outdoor paradise!
That said, Iceland isn’t only about hiking. There’s a huge array of outdoor and adventure activities on offer, including diving, snowmobile riding, ice caving, wildlife watching, and more. They’re all different ways to see Iceland’s awesome landscape. It’s a place where there’s truly something for everyone.