Trekking in Iceland: Trails, Seasons, and What to Know

Iceland’s trekking landscape is unlike anywhere else: geothermal steam vents alongside snow-covered passes, rhyolite mountains in ochre, green, and black, glaciers descending into valleys, and lava fields stretching to the horizon. The country’s marked trails are some of the most dramatic long-distance routes in Europe. This guide covers the main options, how to prepare, and what to expect.

The Main Trekking Routes

Laugavegur Trail (55km, 4–5 days)

The Laugavegur is Iceland’s most famous multi-day trek, running from the geothermal landscape of Landmannalaugar to the birch forests and glacial valleys of Þórsmörk. The route passes through some of the most visually dramatic terrain in Iceland: obsidian lava fields, hot spring pools, rhyolite hills in green and rust, and glacier-carved valleys.

Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous. River crossings (no bridges on several sections), steep climbs, and variable weather. Not for beginners.

Huts: The Icelandic Touring Association (Ferðafélag Íslands) operates huts at Hrafntinnusker, Álftavatn, Hvanngil/Emstrur, and Þórsmörk (Langidalur and Húsadalur). Book huts at fi.is — they open for booking in February for the following summer and fill within days.

Season: Approximately June 20 to September 15.

Cost (as of 2026): Hut nights approximately ISK 8,000–10,500 per person per night. Camping outside huts approximately ISK 3,000. Bus from Reykjavík to Landmannalaugar approximately ISK 8,900 one way.

For full trail detail, see our Laugavegur trail guide.

Fimmvörðuháls Pass (25km, 1–2 days)

The Fimmvörðuháls is a dramatic route connecting Skógafoss waterfall with Þórsmörk via a high mountain pass between the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers. It’s often combined with the Laugavegur: do Fimmvörðuháls first (Skógar to Þórsmörk), then the Laugavegur from Þórsmörk back to Landmannalaugar.

Difficulty: Strenuous. The high section (900m+) involves snow and ice year-round, exposed ridge walking, and can be dangerous in poor visibility. Do not attempt alone without experience.

Day trip vs overnight: Many experienced hikers do Fimmvörðuháls as a very long day (8–10 hours one way). Staying overnight at Þórsmörk huts splits the effort.

Season: Late June to mid-September. Even in peak summer, carry crampons or traction devices for the icy upper section.

Full guide: Fimmvörðuháls trail.

Þórsmörk Valley Day Hikes

Þórsmörk (Valley of Thor) is accessible by 4WD vehicle or bus from Reykjavík and Selfoss and serves as the southern terminus of both the Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls. Even if you’re not doing a multi-day trek, Þórsmörk is worth a day or overnight visit for its valley hikes.

Highlights: The Valahnúkur viewpoint trail (2–3 hours, spectacular 360° views), the Tindfjallajökull glacier viewpoint, and riverside walks through the birch-birch forest. See our Þórsmörk valley hikes guide.

Landmannalaugar Day Hikes

Landmannalaugar is the northern hub of the Laugavegur and one of Iceland’s most distinctive highland landscapes. Day hikers — arriving by bus from Reykjavík — have access to half a dozen marked routes.

Best day route: The Brennisteinsalda loop (3–4 hours) takes you around the rainbow-coloured rhyolite mountain and over a black lava field to a crater edge view. Return via the natural hot spring pool at Landmannalaugar camp.

Access: Bus from Reykjavík to Landmannalaugar approximately ISK 8,900 one way (Highland Bus, operates June to late August). 4WD required for self-drive — F-roads only. Full details: Landmannalaugar day hikes.

Glymur Waterfall Hike

Glymur (198m) is Iceland’s second-highest waterfall, reached via a 2.5-hour return hike through Hvalfjörður fjord. The route involves a river crossing via a log bridge and a steep climb to the canyon rim. Season: Year-round, though the log bridge is removed in winter (making the crossing impassable). Full details: Glymur waterfall hike.

Highland Long Routes

The Iceland Highlands offer several remote multi-day routes beyond Laugavegur, including:

• Askja route (from Mývatn via 4WD to the Askja caldera) — day trip with short hike, not a trek
• Kjölur route (F35 Highland highway, bikeable and hikeable in sections)
• Sprengisandur route (extreme multi-day, expedition-level)

Most highland long routes require full expedition preparation, GPS navigation, and emergency equipment. Not recommended without significant wilderness experience.

Trekking Season

Month	Conditions	What’s Accessible
May	Unpredictable, snow on high ground	Low-elevation day hikes only
June	Season opens mid-June	Laugavegur huts open ~June 20
July	Peak season, best weather	All routes open
August	Excellent, rivers lower	All routes open; book early
September	Cooler, fewer crowds	Huts close mid-September
October–April	Highland routes closed	Glymur, coastal paths only

Essential Gear

The following is a non-negotiable kit list for any multi-day trek or strenuous day hike in Iceland:

• Waterproof jacket and trousers (not water resistant — fully waterproof)
• Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support
• Warm insulating layers — temperatures can drop below zero even in July on high ground
• Trekking poles — essential for river crossings
• Crossing sandals or neoprene socks — for wading rivers on the Laugavegur
• Headtorch — even in summer if you’re in the mountains after midnight
• First aid kit and emergency bivouac
• Download the Safetravel.is app and register your route before departure

Guided vs Self-Guided

Most fit, experienced hikers do the Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls independently. The routes are well-marked and huts are staffed. Guided groups suit hikers who prefer planned logistics, want a local guide for wildlife and geology commentary, or are less experienced in multi-day mountain conditions.

Guided Laugavegur tours cost approximately ISK 180,000–250,000 per person for a supported 5-day trek (transport, guiding, hut accommodation, some meals). Day-hike guided tours from Reykjavík to Þórsmörk or Landmannalaugar cost approximately ISK 15,000–22,000.

Related Guides

• Laugavegur trail — Booking huts, packing list, and what to expect day by day
• Fimmvörðuháls trail — Complete guide to the high route between Skógafoss and Þórsmörk
• Landmannalaugar day hikes — Routes and the natural hot spring
• Iceland Highlands — The interior landscape and how to access it
• Þórsmörk valley hikes — Day routes in the birch-forest valley