Imagine this - you are standing on a great mountain in the middle of the highlands in Iceland. Everywhere you look there are colorful mountains, glaciers, waterfalls, volcanoes, and you are in the middle of it all.
Exploring Iceland on foot is an unusual way to discover the greatness of natural beauty, and there are many options for this in Iceland. In this article you will find ideas of only the best and most interesting hiking routes in Iceland! We have broken them down by complexity and the number of days that are needed.
The list of the best hiking routes in Iceland:
Содержание:
- Glymur Waterfall
- Trekking Laugavegur & Fimmvörðuháls trek
- Colored mountains of Landmannalaugar
- Hiking to the Thorsmork volcano, ÞÓrsmörk - Fimmvörðuháls
- Hvannadalshnukur Peak, Hvannadalshnjúkur
- Reykjavik view from Mount Esja
Easy | 1 day
Glymur Waterfall
The time is about 2.5-3 hours
This route will take you to the highest waterfall in Iceland - Glymur, the height of the water drop is 198 m. This route is a real adventure! The waterfall is located at the end of the Hvalfjörður fjord (whale fjord), and a hike there will enchant you from the first steps. The route passes through a beautiful cave called ÞVottahellir, which translates as "laundry cave" because in the old days the inhabitants of the fjord used it to hang laundry when it rains. Beautiful landscapes will surround you on your way to the best point overlooking the Glymur Waterfall. When you travel to Glymur Waterfall, you will encounter two rivers that need to be crossed on foot. This is definitely one of the most adventurous hiking trails you can find in the vicinity of Reykjavik. You will not be disappointed!
Moderate| Multi-day route
Trekking Laugavegur & Fimmvörðuháls trek
Travel time varies from 3-7 hours per day - a 6-day route
National Geographic has listed Laugavegur and Fimmvorduhals as one of the best hiking trails in the world, and with good reason. The Laugavegur trail leads through some of the most attractive sights in Icelandic nature. You will have a chance to see the result of the Eyjafjallokudl volcano eruption, Eyjafjallajökull 2010, the fertile Thorsmork Valley, the geothermal paradise of Landmannalaugar and the surrounding mountainous areas. The Laugavegur route passes between glaciers and crosses glaciers, along the way you will encounter active geothermal areas and see the magical diversity that the Icelandic landscape has to offer. The entire Laugavegur route can be completed in 6-8 days, depending on the time you spend in the Thorsmork Valley or in the Landmannalaugar geothermal zone. If you want to see the diversity of Icelandic nature, this route is for you!
Laugavegur Route, Iceland
Laugavegur — the Icelandic hiking route. This route was included in the list of the "20 best hiking routes in the world" according to National Geographic. Leygavegur i...
Moderate | 1 day
Colored mountains of Landmannalaugar
Travel time is about 4 hours
Landmannalaugar is indeed a geothermal paradise, here you will be welcomed by hot springs, rhyolite mountains, colorful scenery, vast lava fields. Landmannalaugar is located in the highlands of Iceland and is therefore quite difficult to reach. The easiest way is to join the tour, you can also use regular, but rare buses or rent a four-wheel drive car. Learn more about transport in Iceland:
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Wherever you look, something new will be waiting for you, and the connection with the Icelandic nature will become stronger and stronger. Landmannalaugar is also the starting point for the famous route Laugavegur. Some of the main points you will encounter are:
- Laugahrun Lava Field
- The Brennisteinsalda and Blanhukur mountains
- Liuti Luka Crater Lake (Ugly Puddle)
It is an ideal place that combines hiking in the highlands and bathing in hot springs in a natural pool. Don't forget your bathing suit and hit the road!
For the experienced | 1 day
Hiking to the Thorsmork volcano, ÞÓrsmörk - Fimmvörðuháls
Travel time is about 8 hours
The Thorsmork fimmvorduhals route starts from the Thorsmork Valley. You will climb up to the Fimmvorduhals pass, known worldwide as the site of the Eyjafjallokudl volcano eruption in 2010. This hike is a challenge, as each step leads you to new and exciting adventures.
Going up and down, you will encounter amazing landscapes that Iceland is famous for: glaciers, mountains, lava, waterfalls and volcanoes. You will encounter powerful contrasts as you climb the two newly formed craters Magni and Modi through a lush birch forest overlooking valleys with glaciers. Being close to such a powerful phenomenon is a truly unforgettable experience.
Extreme | 1 or several days
Hvannadalshnukur Peak, Hvannadalshnjúkur
The travel time is about 10-15 hours, it is possible to split it into several days
Climbing the highest peak in Iceland - Hvannadalsnukur, Hvannadalsnúkur. The peak is located on the Vatnajokull glacier, the largest glacier in Europe, from the top a unique view opens up to the horizon. Climbing to the top of Khvannadalshnukur is difficult, there are cracks on the glacier, but with proper equipment and an experienced guide, it is an unforgettable adventure. Climbing to a high peak is one thing, but climbing to
A grandiose peak on an island in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean is a whole new world. This route is not for beginners, it will test your endurance and strength, but the impressions of this climb are incomparable. If you are looking for a real challenge in Iceland, this route is for you!
Light / Moderate | 1 day
Reykjavik view from Mount Esja
Travel time is about 2-4 hours - half a day
Esja is a magnificent mountain that you can see from Reykjavik, which will most likely be used as a beautiful background for at least one of your photos taken in Iceland. Its convenient location makes Ask for a great half-day tour from Reykjavik. It is located only 10-20 km from Reykjavik and is not difficult to climb, any physically healthy person can climb it. You have a choice.: take an easier and less steep path or a more difficult and steep path, but the result in both cases will be the same - Steinn (Stone)! And then, for the bravest, climb to the top of the stone. Not everyone will be able to climb to the top of the stone, but most people will be able to at least achieve the amazing phenomenon called Steinn (which is actually just a big stone)... but the views on the way are still worth going to the top of Esja!
