# Hiking in Iceland - URL: https://www.visiticeland.com/article/hiking-in-iceland/ - Published: 2021-08-24 - Last updated: 2026-10-09 > Discover the best hiking and walking trails in Iceland, from volcanic landscapes to glacier valleys. Enjoy breathtaking views, endless summer daylight, and unforgettable outdoor adventures across Iceland’s diverse terrain. Walking and hiking in Iceland´s diverse landscapes is a fantastic way to experience the island´s unique nature, especially during the long summer days. ### Hiker’s Paradise  Iceland is a hiker’s paradise, with a vast network of trails in lowland and highland areas. Whether seeking comfortable nature trails or challenging multi-day adventures in remote, untouched wilderness, you will find various options. You can pick trails that run across mountains, along valleys or rugged coastlines, over moss-grown lava fields, and explore waterfalls, hot springs, volcanoes, and glaciers, to name a few highlights. You will find various hiking routes around Iceland, and each part of the country has its specialty and unique natural gems. ### Guided Hiking Tours   Having a local guide with you is safer and often adds extra value to the experience. [Throughout the year, organized hiking tours](https://www.visiticeland.com/things-to-do/?category=5ec7d096a90548233654d4ba&page=0&subcategory=5ec7d096a90548233654d47d) for all levels of expertise are offered across the country.  ### Stay Safe      *Image: People hiking on Svínafellsjökull glacier* If you organize your hiking trip independently, [SafeTravel](https://safetravel.is/) is the best place to start with the preparation. Besides important advice on equipment and clothing, you can [submit your travel plan](https://safetravel.is/travel-plan) there and check weather alerts before beginning the hike. Always ensure someone knows where you are going and how long you plan to stay. Icelandic weather is very unpredictable and changes rapidly. It can be challenging, but you can enjoy any situation with the right gear and a few precautions. Remember to pick a suitable hiking route for your fitness level so you don‘t overstrain yourself.  ### Short walks and multi-day hikes Short hikes are a great way to stretch one’s legs and get to know Iceland, and are sometimes even necessary to get to the most scenic places. Whether visiting Fagradalsfjall Volcano, Ásbyrgi Canyon, Djúpalónssandur, Hornstrandir, or one of Iceland’s countless waterfalls, a good pair of hiking boots is worth the investment.  Hikers can find a variety of marked hiking routes can also be found in Iceland’s national parks and nature reserves: [Vatnajökull National Park](https://www.vatnajokulsthjodgardur.is/en), [Snæfellsjökull National Park,](https://www.ust.is/english/snaefellsjokull-national-park/) [Hornstrandir Nature Reserve](https://www.ust.is/english/nature-conservations/nature-reserves/westfjords/hornstrandir/), and [Þingvellir National Park](https://www.thingvellir.is/en/plan-your-visit/) all offer shorter and longer trails to choose from.  [Here you will find hiking trails all around the Iceland](https://www.ferdamalastofa.is/en/moya/routes/index) ### Multi-day hikes If you are looking for overnight hikes, many popular and scenic routes offer further exploration. Some trails have [huts and campsites](https://www.fi.is/en/mountain-huts/all-mountain-huts), but others require wilderness camping.   Some of Iceland’s most popular hiking routes include the  famous Laugavegur trail between Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk, Fimmvörðuháls, Lónsöræfi, Hornstrandir, and  Vatnaleið.  ### Trail Running  *Image: Ultra marathon on Laugavegur hiking trail* Iceland is a perfect destination for trail running as its mountainous and rugged landscapes and vast wilderness areas offer many paths to explore. Trail running has been growing massively with locals over the years, and many runners are discovering amazing scenery in their local environment, which is perfect for trail running. Ultra marathons are also becoming more common and popular, with runners from around the globe coming to enjoy this trail running paradise. Trail running in Icelandic conditions demands good preparation and research. [Discover great trail races in all parts of the country here](https://hlaup.is/en) ### Nature’s Guests   ### **Leave nothing - Take only your photos and memories.**   Iceland’s unique nature is what most travelers seek to experience while visiting Iceland. Please treat it with respect so others can enjoy it after you. Icelandic vegetation is sensitive, and with a short growing season, it can take years or decades to recover. For the delicate moss, recovery can even take hundreds of years. A broken piece of lava will never mend. Keep this in mind while you enjoy Iceland’s many wonders.   Below you will find information on hiking tours around the country. ## Discover hiking trails in Iceland - [North Iceland](https://www.northiceland.is/en/experiences/activities/outdoor-activities/hiking-tours-hiking) - [East Iceland](https://www.east.is/en/experiences/activities/hiking-trails) - [The Westfjords](https://www.westfjords.is/en/experiences/things-to-do/hike-or-bike) - [South Iceland](https://www.south.is/en/experiences/activities/outdoor-activities/hiking-tours-hiking) - [West Iceland](https://www.west.is/en/experiences/tours/hiking-tours-hiking) - [Reykjanes](https://www.visitreykjanes.is/en/experiences/activities/outdoor-activities/hiking-tours-hiking)