The 6 best hikes in Iceland, ranked
Rhyolite mountains on the Laugavegur trail
Six hikes ordered by scenery-per-effort, from a half-day walk to the country's iconic multi-day trek.
The top three
1. Laugavegur trail, Landmannalaugar to Thorsmork — 55 km over 4 days, the country's classic, huts booked from January for July-August. Rhyolite mountains, black sand, hot springs at the start. 2. Fimmvorduhals, Skogar to Thorsmork — 25 km in one long day between two glaciers, past 26 waterfalls including Skogafoss at the start. 3. Reykjadalur hot river from Hveragerdi — 3 km up, 3 km back, and you soak in a 38°C river at the top. The easiest way to feel like you’ve earned a bath.
Four through six
4. Glymur waterfall in Hvalfjordur — 7 km loop to Iceland's second-tallest waterfall, one river crossing on a log, closed in winter. 5. Mount Esja Steinn from Reykjavik — 6.6 km return, 597 m up, the local's fitness test and doable on a lunch break. 6. Hornstrandir day walks from Isafjordur — Arctic fox territory, no roads, boat access only, and the most remote you’ll feel in Europe.
Before you book
What people ask before booking Reykjavik.
No, if you’re a confident hiker and book huts through Ferdafelag Islands. Yes, if river crossings and navigation in fog make you nervous.
Reykjadalur and Esja are the only two on this list that are realistic in winter, and even then you need spikes and daylight awareness.
