17 Best Day Hikes in Iceland

You don’t have to take multi-day hikes and stay in mountain huts to enjoy the outdoors, though. Instead, there are plenty of shorter walks to choose from, in every corner of the country.

In this guide, discover the 17 best day hikes in Iceland and how to enjoy them to the fullest.

In Iceland’s capital, Reykjavík, opportunities for hiking adventures are right on your doorstep. Here are the 2 most popular options.

Distance: 8 km (5 mi) there and back
Elevation gain: 731m (2400 ft)

Mount Esja is a flat-topped mountain that looms over Reykjavík. From its peak at 914 meters (2998 feet) above sea level, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views over the city and coast.

Head to the top on one of the many well-marked paths. The routes are graded by difficulty, so pick the one that suits your fitness level. Whichever you choose, be aware that the mountain can be exposed to the elements, especially at the summit.

200 meters (656 feet) from the top, the path becomes a little more challenging. Feel free to stop at this point if you want. You’ll have done a great job to make it this far. 

Distance: Different options from 8 km (5 mi) to 20 km (12 mi) there & back
Elevation gain: Up to 400m (1312 ft) ascent

To the southwest of the capital, you’ll find the Reykjanes peninsula, one of the most volcanically active regions on the planet. With its lava fields and hot springs, you’ll certainly be chasing thrills here.

One exciting area is around the Fagradalsfjall volcano, which erupted in 2021, 2022, and 2023. You can follow different routes across the dramatic landscape to viewpoints over the eruption sites.

There are 3 main paths to choose from:

Whichever you choose, return the same way you came. This is an active volcanic landscape that's continually monitored by scientists, so it’s important that you stay on the path. 

The Golden Circle is known as one of the most beautiful and sought-out areas in Iceland. Get off the beaten track with one of these day hikes.

Distance: 7.7 km (4 mi) there and back
Elevation gain: Flat

Even in a country famous for its waterfalls, Brúarfoss is special. You’ll see its bright blue waters flowing down from the Langjökull glacier and cascading over a series of gentle ledges. 

To reach the waterfall, hike from the parking lot at Brúará bridge on road 37. The path is flat and even, but it can sometimes get a little muddy. In winter, if it snows, the route can be inaccessible. 

Along the path, you’ll follow the river Brúará, passing other waterfalls such as Miðfoss and Hlauptungufoss.

Distance to Reykjadalur swim spot: 7 km (4 mi) there and back
Complete loop via Ölkelduhnúkur: 11 km (7 mi)
Elevation gain: 340m (1115 ft)

Reykjadalur is one of Iceland’s must-do hikes – and deservedly so. In the valley next to Hveragerði, the river runs with naturally warm waters. That means it doesn’t just offer a spectacular hike, it’s also a top spot for wild swimming.

The easy hike takes you 3.5 km (2 mi) up the valley where you’ll find a small area to get changed. Here, you can get out of your hiking boots, put on your swimsuit, and relax in the warm stream and pools. 

If you want to stretch your legs further, continue on the path to the dramatic Klambragil canyon. From there, you can climb to the top of the rounded mountain, Ölkelduhnúkur, for views over Reykjadalur valley.

Running from Reykjanes peninsula in the west to the Vatnajökull National Park in the east, South Iceland is full of natural wonders. Here are 3 top hikes in the area.

Distance: 3.4 km (2 mi) there and back
Elevation gain: 120m (394 ft)

Back in 1973, the Eldfell volcano erupted on the island of Heimaey, part of the Westman Islands group. Half a century later, you can still see the form it left behind.

There are 3 routes up this volcano, which all start from the parking lot to the southeast of Vestmannaeyjabær village. Each path takes you to Eldfell’s highest point and Páskahellir, a rock formation created during the eruption. 

With sea views and a fascinating insight into Iceland’s volcanoes, it’s a rewarding route, manageable for the whole family. 

Distance: 4.5 km (2 mi) there and back
Elevation gain: 82m (270 ft)

Skaftafell is a dazzling natural reserve in the heart of the larger Vatnajökull National Park. The scenery is lush and wild, with many footpaths for you to explore.

A favorite route is the Glacier trail, or Jökulslóð, as it’s known in Icelandic. It’s a fantastic way to see the impact of retreating glaciers on the landscape. The trail takes you just over 4 km (2 mi) from the Skaftafell Visitor Centre, on paved and gravel paths. 

You’ll discover the landforms, such as kettle holes, created by the melting ice of a retreating glacier. At the furthest point of the walk, you’ll catch a glimpse of the Skaftafellsjökull glacier, which has retreated hundreds of meters. 

Distance: 6 km (4 mi) loop
Elevation gain: 250m (820 ft)

Svartifoss is a dramatic waterfall surrounded by towering columns of basalt rock. Like the Glacier trail, the route to Svartifoss starts at the Skaftafell Visitor Centre. The path is wide and easy to follow, with a steady climb most of the way.

After passing through a campground, the viewpoint over Svartifoss will be your first stop. Then, continue on the path down into the ravine, over a footbridge, and up the rocks on the other side. Loop back to the visitor center passing another viewpoint, Sjónarnípa, and the turf house at Sel.

Home to fjords, mountains, and the magical landscapes of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, West Iceland is a thrillingly diverse region. Hike these 3 trails to explore all of its treasures.

Distance: 7 km (4 mi) there and back
Elevation gain: 400m (1312 ft)

Glymur may be Iceland’s second tallest waterfall, but it’s by far the tallest that can be reached on foot. Here, you can see the waters of the river Botnsá tumble 198 meters (650 feet) into a canyon flanked by steep cliffs.

One way to see the waterfall is on an out-and-back hike. Start the route on the east side of the Botnsá river and return the same way you came.

Be aware that you need to cross the river along the way. In summer, you’ll find a log that you can use, with ropes to hold onto. In winter, the log won’t be in place, meaning the waterfall itself won’t be accessible.

Distance: 6.5 km (4 mi) there and back
Elevation gain: 60m (200 ft)

Often known as ‘Iceland in miniature’, the Snæfellsnes peninsula boasts must-see landscapes dotted with glaciers, volcanoes, and black-sand beaches.

One incredible day hike on the peninsula takes you to Eldborg, a rocky volcanic crater that rises steeply out of the landscape. As you walk to this perfectly formed ring, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking mountain peaks. 

The easiest approach is from Snorrastaðir to the south of Eldborg. But be aware that the steps that take you to the top of the crater can be a little uneven.

Distance: 6 km (4 mi) there and back
Elevation gain: 80m (262 ft)

For one of the top coastal walks in Iceland, head to the western tip of the Snæfellsnes peninsula. Here, you’ll find cute fishing villages, diverse rock formations, and lots of sealife. 

Start at the harbor of the small settlement of Arnarstapi and follow the path along the cliffs to the south. Pass a natural stone bridge, and don’t forget to stop at the Arnarstapi viewpoint for impressive views along the cliffs.

Keep walking towards Hellnar, another old fishing community a short distance down the coast. With the sea breeze and the call of seabirds, you’ll feel a real connection with Icelandic nature.

The highlands of Iceland are an untamed region at the heart of the country. You’ll find it’s an inspiring and unforgettable place to explore, full of dramatic and surreal landscapes.

Distance: 6.5 km (4 mi) loop
Total ascent: 300m (1000 ft)

Many people come to the highlands for a multi-day hike, such as the Laugavegur trail, a 3–4 day walk from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk. Yet you’ll find many awe-inspiring treks that you can complete in just a day.

A must-do hike is to Mt. Brennisteinsalda’s peak, one of many rhyolite mountains in the area. Nicknamed the ‘Sulphur Wave’, it’s made of a volcanic chemical that comes in many vibrant shades. To reach the highest point, you’ll pass Blahnúkúr, a blue-gray volcano.

From the top of Brennisteinsalda, you’ll have wide-open views over the Laugarhaun lava field to Landmannalaugar. 

The least inhabited area of Iceland, the Westfjords, is a region carved by fjords and the North Atlantic Ocean. When you’re there, look out for Arctic foxes, the famous – and elusive – natives of the region.

Distance: 4 km (2 mi) there and back
Elevation gain: 71m (233 ft)

Valagil is a steep and dramatic ravine where you’ll discover a series of stunning waterfalls. You’ll find it at the southern end of Álftafjörður, close to the village Súðavík.

Start the walk from the parking lot on route 61. From here, you can already see one of the waterfalls in the distance. But the view gets even better as you gently climb the dirt path. 

It’s an easy walk that takes you through the wild scenery of the Westfjords. Return the same way you came once you’ve snapped some photos of the ravine.

With its Arctic coast and lunar-like landscapes, North Iceland is a diverse area full of surprises. Take one of these hikes to explore its incredible scenery on foot. They’re all accessible from the region’s unofficial capital, Akureyri.

Distance: 3 km (2 mi) loop
Elevation gain: 55m (190 ft)

Imagine caves with bristling rocky shapes in an infinite variety of patterns. That’s what you’ll find at Hljóðaklettar, which loosely translates as ‘echo rocks’. 

Hljóðaklettar is formed of basalt columns, but not like the regular stacks you’ll see at Svartifoss. Instead, these are a seemingly random mix of caves formed by volcanoes and eroded by the Jökulsá river nearby. Listen out for the eerie echoes of the river, which gives these rocks their name. 

A choice of hikes can take you to these curious caves. The most direct takes about 30 minutes, but you can extend it to form a loop of about 2 hours. 

Distance: 4 km (2 mi) loop or 9 km (6 mi) with extension to Dimmuborgir
Elevation gain: 118m (390 ft)

Hverfjall is one of the largest explosion craters in the world. It’s a huge area of dust and rock in a stunning symmetrical circle, formed by a volcanic eruption thousands of years ago. 

The trek to Hverfjall is one of the top easy hikes North Iceland has to offer. Follow the path from the eastern shore of Lake Mývatn and climb the sandy crater to look towards the fjords of the north coast.

You can loop the entire crater or venture down into the black desert inside. On your way back, you can extend the walk by visiting Dimmuborgir, an area of unusual rock formations.

Distance: 12 km (7.5 mi) there and back
Elevation gain: 869m (2850 ft)

Súlur is the mountain that looms above the city of Akureyri. It’s a great achievement if you make it to the top, with panoramic views over Eyjafjörður, one of the longest fjords in Iceland.

Lace-up your boots in the large parking lot and head towards the summit. You’ll begin walking on grass, which can get muddy after rain, before it slowly becomes more rocky. It’s a steep climb, but in summer, when conditions are good, it’s reasonably straightforward.

That said, you’ll find very different conditions in winter. As the top can get very snowy, you’ll need to be prepared with winter climbing equipment, including crampons and an ice pick.

East Iceland is home to giant glaciers, epic waterfalls, and the stunning Eastfjords region. There are many jaw-dropping routes you can take in this vast area, but here are 2 top options.

Distance: 5.3 km (3.3 mi) there and back
Elevation gain: 107m (350 ft)

Stuðlagil is a canyon surrounded by enormous cliffs made of basalt columns. As you walk between these architectural forms, you’ll feel as if you’re on the set of a sci-fi movie.

It’s an exceptionally beautiful place, but you’ll be surprised to hear it was rarely visited until 2009 when the Kárahnjúkar Hydropower Plant was opened. The plant dammed the river and reduced its flow, meaning the canyon could be seen in all its glory.

You’ll witness the cliffs’ fascinating shapes towering over the glacial river’s blue waters below. It’s a stunning walk to the viewpoint, even though the path can get a bit muddy after it rains.

Distance: 2.6 km (1.6 mi) there and back
Elevation gain: 155m (508 ft)

The town of Egilsstaðir is an important hub for travelers in East Iceland. And thanks to its location on the banks of the Lagarfljót river, it’s a strategic base if you’re looking to hike in the region.

One scenic walk is to Fardagafoss, a striking waterfall just outside of town. From the trailhead on the road towards Seyðisfjörður, you can reach Fardagafoss in about 30 minutes. Walk up the canyon and you’ll pass another waterfall, Gufufoss, the largest in the area. 

Once you reach Fardagafoss, you can walk behind the flowing stream of water. It’s a magical experience to see the landscape through the mist. 

With its many national parks and nature reserves, Iceland is the perfect destination for hikers. And on the short walks you’ve discovered above, you won’t need to worry about hiring mountain guides. 

That said, wherever you go hiking, it’s important to bear some things in mind. 

The weather in Iceland can change very fast. One minute, you can be in sunshine, and the next, you’ll be surrounded by softly falling snow. 

Checking the forecast is a must before you start your hike. But keep an eye on conditions throughout your journey. If you think the weather is getting worse, it’s safer to turn back, especially if you’re climbing hills. 

In the colder months, you’ll often find snow on the tops of hills.

Another thing to consider when you’re hiking in Iceland is what you pack. 

This will depend partly on the weather. If you’re visiting Iceland in fall, you’ll probably want to pack some warm layers and a waterproof jacket. In summer, if the forecast is good, you may not need it (although it’s smart to take one just in case).

In any season, sturdy shoes are a must. Paths can be slippery, muddy, and uneven, and proper shoes will help to prevent you from tripping or slipping.

Iceland is a beautiful place, and we should all look for ways to reduce our impact when we visit. 

When hiking, we all have a role to play in preserving the landscape. You can stick to marked paths and take your litter home with you, for example. And, while it can be tempting, try not to remove anything from the area, like stones or sand.

As the saying goes, take only photographs and leave only footprints. 

The Land of Fire and Ice is truly a hiker’s paradise. And on these short Iceland hiking trails, you’ll find all the wonder and magic you could hope for from this country. 

Book an adventure package with Iceland Tours, and you can travel whichever way suits you. If you prefer the freedom to move at your own pace, choose a self-drive tour. Or, to see the country with like-minded people, venture out on a guided group tour instead.

Otherwise, you could base yourself in the capital and visit the surrounding sights on multi-day trips from Reykjavík.

Whatever you decide, you’ll have lots of hiking opportunities. All our packages are customizable, meaning you can add extra days or activities you don’t want to miss. 

Booking is easy. All you need to secure your trip is pay a 5% deposit today.