Iceland, the land of fire and ice, is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, dramatic scenery, and unparalleled hiking trails. Whether you’re staying at our hotel in Ísafjörður, Stykkishólmur, Hvítá in Borgarfjörður, Klettasel in Hof in Öræfi, Drangshlíð in south Iceland, or Hrífunes close to Vík, you’ll find a plethora of picturesque hiking trails waiting to be explored. Here are some of the most scenic and picturesque hiking trails in Iceland that you should not miss.
One of the most iconic hiking trails in Iceland is the Laugavegur Trail. This 55-kilometer trail stretches from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk and offers hikers a diverse range of landscapes, from colorful rhyolite mountains to lush green valleys and glacial rivers. The trail typically takes 3-4 days to complete, and it’s recommended to plan your hike during the summer months when the weather is more favorable. For those staying at our Drangshlíð hotel, this trail is a must-visit.
For those based in Ísafjörður, the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve offers some of the most remote and untouched hiking experiences in Iceland. This area is only accessible by boat, and once you arrive, you’ll be greeted by towering cliffs, pristine fjords, and abundant wildlife. The Hornstrandir Nature Reserve is perfect for multi-day hikes, and it’s essential to be well-prepared as there are no services or facilities in the area.
If you’re staying at our hotel in Stykkishólmur, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula offers a variety of hiking trails that showcase the region’s unique geological features. One of the most popular hikes is the trail to the summit of Snæfellsjökull, a glacier-capped volcano that inspired Jules Verne’s “Journey to the Center of the Earth.” The hike to the summit is challenging but rewarding, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
For guests staying at our Hvítá in Borgarfjörður location, the Glymur Waterfall hike is a must-do. Glymur is the second-highest waterfall in Iceland, and the hike to the top offers stunning views of the waterfall and the surrounding canyon. The trail is moderately challenging and takes around 3-4 hours to complete. Be sure to bring sturdy hiking boots and be prepared for some river crossings.
Klettasel in Hof in Öræfi is ideally situated for exploring the Vatnajökull National Park, home to the largest glacier in Europe. One of the most popular hikes in this area is the Skaftafell Glacier hike, which takes you up close to the stunning ice formations and crevasses of the glacier. For a more challenging adventure, consider the hike to Kristínartindar, which offers breathtaking views of the glacier and surrounding mountains.
Finally, for those staying at our Hrífunes hotel close to Vík, the Fimmvörðuháls hike is an unforgettable experience. This 25-kilometer trail takes you from Skógar to Þórsmörk, passing by the famous Skógafoss waterfall and through a landscape shaped by recent volcanic activity. The hike is challenging and typically takes 10-12 hours to complete, so it’s essential to start early and be well-prepared.
No matter which of our hotels you choose to stay at, you’ll find an abundance of scenic and picturesque hiking trails to explore. Be sure to check out Troll Expeditions for guided tours and additional information on the best hiking routes in Iceland. Happy hiking!