Hiking tours in Iceland
Explore Iceland on guided hiking tours through volcano landscapes, geothermal valleys, highland trails, glacier views, coastal cliffs, wildlife areas and remote wilderness routes. Hiking in Iceland is one of the best ways to experience the country beyond the roadside stops, with local guides helping you choose the right route, understand the terrain and enjoy the landscape safely.
Start with recommended hiking tours below, then browse volcano hikes, highland and wilderness routes, scenic nature hikes, wildlife walks, hot spring combinations and specialist outdoor adventures around Iceland.
Hiking tour quick guide
- Best for volcano scenery: Guided hikes around Fagradalsfjall, Reykjanes and other volcanic landscapes shaped by recent eruptions.
- Best for highland adventure: Longer mountain routes, Þórsmörk, Fimmvörðuháls-style hiking and remote wilderness trails.
- Best for nature and wildlife: Scenic hikes in the Westfjords, Látrabjarg, Arctic fox areas and quieter countryside locations.
- Best for easy planning: Choose guided tours with clear meeting points, local route knowledge and safety-focused operators.
Recommended hiking tours
Discover the full volcanic personality of Reykjanes in one spectacular day, combining a hike through recent eruption landscapes ...
Pair two unforgettable faces of Reykjanes in one day: hike across a landscape forged by recent eruptions, then sink into the war...
Walk through Lake Mývatn’s birch woods, lava fissures and storied geothermal caves before ending the adventure in warm mineral-ric...
Cross one of Iceland’s most spectacular highland trails on a demanding full-day hike from Skógar to Þórsmörk, passing more than tw...
Walk an old mountain route from Patreksfjörður towards Tálknafjörður, crossing a panoramic pass where merchant history, whaling st...
Walk the legendary rim of Látrabjarg with a local guide, discovering soaring Atlantic viewpoints, millions of nesting seabirds in ...
Journey by 4x4 into the glacier-ringed wilderness of Þórsmörk, then follow a locally chosen trail through birch forest, sculpted...
Guided Iceland hike with fresh air, wide views and a more active way to experience the landscape.
See Iceland from its most refreshing perspective—the water. Open horizons, distinctive scenery and a well-organised route make thi...
Start here if you want to compare the full Hiking selection quickly. These tours include volcano hikes, highland routes, wildlife walks, scenic coastal hiking, hot spring combinations, winter outdoor experiences and guided wilderness adventures.
Volcano hiking tours
Discover the full volcanic personality of Reykjanes in one spectacular day, combining a hike through recent eruption landscapes ...
Pair two unforgettable faces of Reykjanes in one day: hike across a landscape forged by recent eruptions, then sink into the war...
Volcano hiking tours are a powerful way to experience Iceland’s living geology up close. These routes can take you through lava fields, eruption areas, steaming ground, black volcanic terrain and landscapes that have changed dramatically in recent years.
Choose a volcano hike if you want a more active alternative to classic sightseeing. Guided tours are especially useful in volcanic areas because conditions, access routes and safety guidance can change depending on weather, terrain and local restrictions.
Highland and wilderness hikes
Cross one of Iceland’s most spectacular highland trails on a demanding full-day hike from Skógar to Þórsmörk, passing more than tw...
Journey by 4x4 into the glacier-ringed wilderness of Þórsmörk, then follow a locally chosen trail through birch forest, sculpted...
Guided Iceland hike with fresh air, wide views and a more active way to experience the landscape.
Highland and wilderness hikes are ideal for travellers who want bigger views, deeper landscapes and a stronger sense of Icelandic adventure. These tours can include mountain trails, hidden valleys, glacier views, remote routes and classic hiking areas connected to Þórsmörk, Fimmvörðuháls and Iceland’s interior landscapes.
This type of hiking is best for travellers who are comfortable outdoors and want more than a short walk. The reward is huge: quieter routes, wide views, dramatic terrain and a feeling of stepping into the wilder side of Iceland.
Scenic nature and wildlife hikes
Walk an old mountain route from Patreksfjörður towards Tálknafjörður, crossing a panoramic pass where merchant history, whaling st...
Walk the legendary rim of Látrabjarg with a local guide, discovering soaring Atlantic viewpoints, millions of nesting seabirds in ...
See Iceland from its most refreshing perspective—the water. Open horizons, distinctive scenery and a well-organised route make thi...
Walk through Lake Mývatn’s birch woods, lava fissures and storied geothermal caves before ending the adventure in warm mineral-ric...
Scenic nature and wildlife hikes are a great choice if you want a softer pace, strong landscapes and a closer connection to Iceland’s natural world. Depending on the tour, you may explore fjords, coastal cliffs, geothermal areas, countryside trails, birdlife locations or regions known for Arctic foxes and remote wildlife.
These tours work well for travellers who want guided outdoor time without necessarily choosing the most demanding mountain route. They are also a good fit if photography, wildlife, local stories and scenery matter as much as distance.
Hiking with hot springs and local activities
Pair two unforgettable faces of Reykjanes in one day: hike across a landscape forged by recent eruptions, then sink into the war...
Walk through Lake Mývatn’s birch woods, lava fissures and storied geothermal caves before ending the adventure in warm mineral-ric...
Some hiking tours combine walking with another Icelandic experience, such as geothermal bathing, horse riding or a visit to a volcanic area followed by a relaxing stop. These tours are useful if you want an active day without making the entire itinerary about distance and elevation.
This is a strong option for couples, families and travellers who want variety in one day. A hike gives you the fresh air and scenery, while the added activity turns the tour into a more complete Iceland experience.
Specialist and seasonal hiking adventures
Specialist hiking and seasonal outdoor adventures are for travellers looking for something a little different. Depending on conditions and availability, this can include winter-style outdoor travel, summit goals, glacier-view trails, remote routes and guide-led hiking experiences away from the busiest stops.
These tours are best chosen carefully. Check the difficulty level, duration, required clothing and meeting point before booking, especially for summit routes, winter conditions or remote hiking areas.
Iceland hiking guide
Iceland is a dream hiking destination because the landscapes change so quickly. In one trip, you can move from mossy lava fields and black sand deserts to green valleys, colourful mountains, glaciers, waterfalls, geothermal steam and ocean cliffs.
Hiking tours make these landscapes easier to access, especially if you are not familiar with Icelandic weather, road conditions, route markings or remote terrain. A guide can help you choose the right pace, explain what you are seeing and adjust the day when conditions change.
How to choose your hiking tour
The right hiking tour depends on your fitness level, season, available time and the type of landscape you want most. A volcano hike is ideal if you want new lava and dramatic geology. A highland hike is better if you want a bigger wilderness feeling. A scenic nature hike is a good fit if you want views, fresh air and local guidance without a very demanding route.
- Choose a volcano hike if you want lava fields, eruption sites, geothermal energy and dramatic Reykjanes landscapes.
- Choose a highland or wilderness hike if you want mountain scenery, remote trails and a more adventurous day outdoors.
- Choose a scenic nature hike if you want beautiful landscapes, local stories and a gentler pace.
- Choose a wildlife hike if birds, Arctic foxes, coastal cliffs or remote natural areas are a priority.
- Choose a hot spring combination if you want to pair hiking with a relaxing geothermal experience.
- Choose a specialist route if you are comfortable with longer days, more demanding terrain or seasonal outdoor conditions.
Best time for hiking in Iceland
The main hiking season in Iceland is summer, especially from June to September. This is when daylight is long, many mountain routes are more accessible and highland areas are usually easier to reach. July and August are the busiest hiking months, while June and September can be quieter but more variable.
Some guided hikes operate outside summer, especially lower-altitude routes, volcano hikes, scenic walks and specialist outdoor tours. Winter and shoulder-season hiking can be beautiful, but it requires warmer clothing, proper footwear and extra flexibility because weather and visibility can change quickly.
What to wear on a hiking tour
Good clothing makes a big difference in Iceland. Even in summer, hiking conditions can feel cold, windy or wet, especially in the mountains, near glaciers, on exposed ridges or along the coast. Dress in layers and avoid cotton for longer hikes, as it holds moisture and can become uncomfortable quickly.
- Waterproof jacket and trousers.
- Warm mid-layer, preferably fleece or wool.
- Good hiking shoes or boots with a solid sole.
- Hat and gloves, even outside winter.
- Water bottle and snacks.
- Small backpack for extra clothing and personal items.
- Sunglasses and sunscreen in bright conditions.
- Charged phone or camera for photos.
Good to know before booking a hiking tour
- Difficulty varies: Some hikes are easy scenic walks, while others are demanding mountain or wilderness routes.
- Check the meeting point: Some hiking tours start near Reykjavík, while others begin in the countryside, the highlands, the Westfjords or North Iceland.
- Weather matters: Icelandic weather can change quickly, and tours may adjust routes for safety.
- Good shoes are important: Trails can be rocky, wet, muddy, icy or uneven depending on the season and location.
- Bring layers: Even short hikes can feel cold if the wind picks up or rain arrives.
- Summer is the main season: Highland access and mountain routes are usually best from June to September.
- Winter hiking needs extra care: Snow, ice, short daylight and changing visibility can make guided tours a safer choice.
- Book popular routes early: Small group hikes, volcano tours, wildlife routes and seasonal specialist tours can sell out in busy periods.