IcelandTravel guide

Hiking in Iceland

From short walks to multi-day Highland routes: discover recorded trails and plan for the season, distance and conditions.

01 / Choose a trail

Find a trail that fits

Compare recorded distance, time, elevation, difficulty, route type, season and region. Records may be incomplete; always open the trail and check current conditions.

Find a hiking trail

AllFjallabakHálendiðHöfuðborgarsvæðiðLandmannalaugarNorðurland vestraReykjanesSuðurlandSuðurnesSuðvesturlandVestfirðirVesturlandEasyModerateLoopOutAndBackPointToPoint
Brattháls by ÁlftavatnBrattháls by ÁlftavatnFjallabak5.5 km1 h 45 minModerateOutAndBackBrennisteinsalda HikeBrennisteinsalda HikeLandmannalaugar7 km3 h 30 minModerate+300 mLjótipollur HikeLjótipollur HikeLandmannalaugar13 kmModerateMarkarfljót Canyon from EmstrurMarkarfljót Canyon from EmstrurFjallabak4.5 kmModerateOutAndBack

Hiking by region

Region names and counts come directly from place records.

Fjallabak2Hálendið2Höfuðborgarsvæðið30Landmannalaugar5Norðurland vestra24Reykjanes1Suðurland21Suðurnes5Suðvesturland1Vestfirðir2Vesturland5

Easier walks for most visitors

Búrfell and BúrfellsgjáBúrfell and BúrfellsgjáHöfuðborgarsvæðið4.5 km2 h+87 mLaugahraun LoopLaugahraun LoopLandmannalaugar5 km2 hEasyLoopMosfell HikeMosfell HikeHöfuðborgarsvæðið4 km2 h+214 mLoopReykjadalur from HveragerðiReykjadalur from HveragerðiSuðurland8 km+330 mOutAndBack

Day hikes

Trails with a recorded duration within one day.

Alfaravegurinn gamliAlfaravegurinn gamliHöfuðborgarsvæðið5 km2 hPointToPointÁlftanes – BessastaðatjörnÁlftanes – BessastaðatjörnHöfuðborgarsvæðið6 km2 h+43 mLoopAlmenningsvegurinnAlmenningsvegurinnHöfuðborgarsvæðið7.5 km3 hPointToPointÁrnakrókshringurÁrnakrókshringurHöfuðborgarsvæðið4.8 km2 hLoopBláhnúkur HikeBláhnúkur HikeLandmannalaugar4 km3 h+330 mOutAndBackBorgarhólahringurBorgarhólahringurHöfuðborgarsvæðið14 km6 hLoop

Highland hiking and mountain huts

Highland trails are selected only when a recorded F-road relationship exists. No trail-to-hut relationship is implied without database data.

No places matched this selection.

Read the Highlands guide

When is the best time to hike?

Spring: check snow and closures
Summer: most daylight
Autumn: shorter days and variable weather
Winter: specialist gear and experience may be needed

Best time to visit Iceland · Weather in Iceland

Preparation

Weather and hiking safety

Choose a route for your experience and conditions, wear suitable clothing and footwear, and carry food, water and communications appropriate to the trip. Check weather, snow and rivers, leave a travel plan and turn back when conditions demand it.

Read about safety in Iceland
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to hike in Iceland?

Summer generally offers the most daylight, but timing depends on route, elevation, snow and weather. Check the recorded season and current conditions.

Are trails marked?

Some trails are marked and others are not. Check each trail's information and do not rely on markers alone.

Do I need special equipment?

Equipment depends on length, elevation, season and conditions. Suitable footwear and weatherproof layers are a baseline; demanding trips may require specialist gear.

Can I hike in the Highlands?

Yes, when routes, access and conditions permit, but the area is remote and requires careful preparation.

What is mountain weather like?

It can differ from lower ground and change faster. Check forecasts and warnings and be ready to turn back.

Are trails closed in winter?

Access may close or become impassable. Confirm openings, access and conditions for each trip.

How do I find easier hikes?

Use the difficulty and region choices above, then assess distance, elevation and conditions before choosing.