4 World Class hikes in Iceland
The hike from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk (“Valley of Thor”) doesn’t cease to amaze the world. In fact, this epic 4-day trek was recently named one of Europe’s most epic hiking trails by Fodor’s Travel. On top of that, National Geographic considers the Laugavegur Trail one of the world’s best hiking trails. The route follows glaciers, colorful rhyolite mountains, lava fields, volcanic craters, and natural hot springs. Do we need to go on?
Starting from Thorsmork, Fimmvorduhals trail is perhaps Iceland’s best one-day hike. The 15-mi (25-km) route goes between two majestic glaciers, Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull. On this trek, you’ll reach heights of 3280 ft (1000 m). Be prepared to be enchanted by thundering waterfalls, volcanic mountains, snowfields, and jagged canyons. You can easily extend this hike to multiple days and stay overnight at mountain huts.
- Mount Esja Trail
We love Mt. Esja hiking trail because it’s suitable for beginners and serious hikers alike. Easy to reach from Reykjavik, the 4 mi (6 km) trail offers well-marked hiking routes of different levels of difficulty. For a true test of endurance, ascend all the way to the top of the peak on the challenging Route 3. However, we advise climbing to the top only for experienced hikers.
- Trekking Hornstarndir Nature Reserve
For a truly wild adventure, we recommend hiking in Hornstarndir Nature Reserve, located in the Westfjords just below the Arctic Circle. This ultra-remote region is accessible only by boat. There you’ll find various hiking trails to suit your personality and taste. The best way to explore the region is to join a tour with an expert hiking guide who will show you all the best spots. Enjoy the stunning coastline, photograph flat-topped mountains, and encounter Arctic foxes up close. Hiking in the Westfjords is indeed about unfettered freedom.
Looking for one of the listed treks? Or something custom? Chat with our expert team here.
