You might think of a frozen wilderness, but only a small portion of the country is covered in ice. You can explore a lot of different landscapes on a hike.
The best trekking routes in the country are covered in this guide, so be prepared to embark on an adventure of a life time.
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3.5 km round-trip; 95m elevation; easy.
The second most powerful waterfall in Europe is Dettifoss. Sometimes it's true that bigger is better, and that's why this stop along the Diamond Circle route is so important.
Butterflies will be sent to your stomach when you arrive at the viewpoint. As the mist from the waterfall hangs in the air, you can catch a rainbow. The views of the waterfall are amazing whether you hike in winter or summer.
The best hiking route is close to the capital city.
7.7 km round-trip; 3 hours; 372m elevation; challenging.
Mount Esja is a beautiful backdrop for the skyline of Reykjavk, and it reminds people that nature is just a stone's throw away.
The Steinn hiking trail is named after the giant rock on the mountain. The view of the metro Reykjavk area, the sea and nature along the trail make this a no-brainer for hikers.
Hike up the steep path to the top of the mountain range for a more challenging and spectacular view. Signing their name in a visitor book and enjoying the top of the mountain range is what the few that make it this far are able to do.
It is one of the most popular hikes in the country.
8 km round-trip, 2 hours, 347m elevation, moderate.
The Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River is one of the most popular hikes in the country due to it's close proximity to Reykjavk. The steam from the hot springs can be seen one hour after arriving at the river.
As winter sets in this area, visitors can enjoy the vibrant and green grass covering the mountains, but as the snow starts to fall, it becomes a snowy wasteland. It's a must to take a warm soak in the hot spring river. If you slip on rocks in the water, bring water shoes.
The best volcano hike in the world.
The distance from point to point is 4.2 km and the time is 1–2 hours.
The eruptions in the Geldingadalir valley caught the attention of the media. New earth being born attracts photographers, hikers and adventure-seekers to this secluded area. It isn't always safe to visit.
Eruptions can last for months, years or even decades, so keep an eye on the latest updates to get a glimpse of molten hot lava. As the landscapes are constantly changing due to the steady flow of lava into the valley, check Safetravel.is to see if it's safe to hike on the day you plan to go
One of the best glaciers in the world.
The round-trip is 9.2 km and takes 7 hours.
The entrance to the novel Journey to the Centre of the Earth was located in a national park. It is said to have a mysterious energy that can be felt by some people.
The journey from the base of the glacier to what appears to be a winter paradise at the top is taxing on the body but makes you feel better. Hikers who summit this glacier are rewarded with amazing views of the stunning Snfellsnes Peninsula.
The best short hike in the world.
The loop is 6.9 km and takes 2–3 hours.
You can hike your way up to Glymur in just an hour from Reykjavk. There is a 6.9 km loop that includes steep cliffs, rivers, caves and birds gliding around the waterfall. It is one of the best short hikes in the country.
It's the best easy hike for pictures.
The round-trip takes 9.2 km and is easy.
Stulagil is a hike full of character and wonder. This gem of East Iceland is home to a basalt column canyon and a blue glacier river.
It's the best hike.
The round-trip is easy and takes 1 hour.
If you want a short and easy hike in a landscape that is bursting with color and character, look no further than Keri Crater. There is a lake with bright red lava rock, neon-green moss and blue-green lake.
It is one of the best hikes in the country for wheelchair accessibility. If you want to get a closer look at the water, there are a lot of stairs. The views of the crater are more than adequate.
It's one of the best places to hike a glacier.
There is a round-trip of 1.5 miles.
Slheimajkull is one of the most popular places for glacier hikes in the country. It shows off impressive scenery, towering volcanoes and a mysterious icy landscape that makes you feel like you're on a planet outside.
You can either go for a fun and easy glacier hike or you can go for a longer hike that includes ice climbing. Proper equipment and an expert guide are important when exploring a glacier. Hikers who are not aware of the hidden crevasses, ice caves and slippery surfaces on a glacier are at risk.
The best hike.
The loop is 28.6 miles and has an elevation of 2425 feet.
Lake Mvatn is a highlight of the diamond circle. The loop around the shallow volcanic lake begins and ends in the quaint village of Reykjahl, but you can only walk for a short time. There are green islands, volcanic craters, and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains in the area. You might have this scenic loop all to yourself if you don't know much about it.
It is the best multi day hike in the world.
The point-to-point is 33 miles and takes 4 days.
The rsmrk nature reserve is a lush, forested valley named after the Norse god r.
On the trek from one hut to the next, you'll get a sense of how varied the highlands can be. You will walk through obsidian fields and black desert sand, hike between mountainsides and black lava, as well as wade through glaciers. It is the perfect hike for people who want to get away from it all.
It's the best hiking route for seeing seabirds.
The round-trip is easy and takes 2–3 hours.
There is nothing quite like watching the birds nest by the ocean on a hike. The drive and ocean make this cliff feel like the edge of the world. Seabirds of all kinds can be seen here, but don't miss the chance to see the fascinating and peaceful puffins from a safe distance.
Hikes in the summer are the best.
6 days on average, 80.6 km point-to-point, 3562m elevation, and hard.
The secluded Hornstrandir Nature Reserve is a great place to hike on a multi day hike. You can only get to this part of the Westfjords by boat. There is only one place in the world where the arctic fox is completely protected from being hunted. You should have your cameras ready because spotting these adorable inhabitants is a common occurrence.
Hornstrandir is located in the far north and has a mix of snow and bright green cliff sides in the summer. It is highly recommended to set aside a few nights to bask in the remote and rugged solitude of Icelandic nature.
The article was first published about a year ago.
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