You recognize what they are saying, a hike a day retains the physician away…
Mom Nature actually stated “maintain my Brennivin*” when designing Iceland. From the turquoise waters of the Blue Lagoon to the nation’s highest waterfall (Seljalandsfoss), Iceland’s landscapes are a few of the greatest on the planet. And, to totally recognize them (and to keep away from all the further snow that is available in winter), it’s a must to discover them on foot within the summertime (the greatest time to go to for mountain climbing).
Lace up your mountain climbing boots and depart the bumpy gravel roads behind looking for staggering waterfalls, breathtaking nationwide parks, spectacular mountain peaks, vibrant landscapes and different distant locations {that a} tour bus can’t attain, on these 6 day hikes in Iceland.
From length estimates to distance travelled, we’ve put collectively a information on all the perfect hikes in Iceland together with what you may anticipate to see, how a lot health is required and any suggestions you may must make mountain climbing in Iceland your favorite approach to see this nation’s magnificence. However first, you have to know what to put on.
*clear schnapps.
Hike with us on our Iceland excursions
What to put on for a hike in Iceland
Climbing in Iceland is much like mountain climbing anyplace on the planet however there are some things you have to ensure you’re sporting earlier than setting out. That is certainly not an in depth record, nevertheless it’ll provide you with a good suggestion of the important objects you have to be sporting if you’d like your hike to be a protected and gratifying one.
– Sturdy mountain climbing boots (that you just’ve already worn in)
– Lengthy sleeve shirt (thermal is advisable)
– Lengthy pants that dry shortly or waterproof pants
– Light-weight jumper (as a second layer in case you get chilly)
– Waterproof jacket
– Beanie or heat hat
– Woolen gloves & socks
– Sun shades and different solar safety objects (e.g/ sunscreen)
– Strolling poles
What to pack for Iceland: A definitive information
1. Vatnajokull Glacier
Issue: Straightforward
Distance: 2km (1.2 miles)
Period: 1-4 hours
Tip: Don’t overlook your digital camera
In the event you’re searching for a glacier hike in Iceland, then Europe’s largest ice cap ought to undoubtedly be your vacation spot. Vatnajokull has round 30 glaciers flowing from it, and whereas mountain climbing to this pure surprise may seem to be a frightening daytime exercise, no earlier mountain climbing expertise is important to deal with this once-in-a-lifetime trek. Nonetheless, you have to to put on ice crampons (sorry, common mountain climbing boots gained’t reduce it).
However nothing can put together you for the way breathtaking this hike is. As soon as you start, you’re fully surrounded by blinding white ice, to not point out the spectacular mountain ranges on both aspect and you may’t assist however really feel small within the face of a lot pure magnificence.
Whereas the hike itself is simple, it will probably take between 1-4 hours to finish relying on climate circumstances and accessibility, however you’ll have a very good hour to an hour and a half having fun with as a lot of this glacier as doable. Our verdict? A particular must-hike when you’re travelling to Iceland.
2. Kvernufoss Waterfall
Issue: Straightforward
Distance: 1.4 km (0.9 miles)
Period: 1 hour
Tip: Put on a water-proof jacket
We merely can’t make a information to essentially the most epic hikes in Iceland and never throw in a waterfall path or two, and the Kvernufoss Waterfall is without doubt one of the greatest there’s. Simply accessible from the Skogafoss Waterfall (one other cascading physique of water that ought to be in your Iceland to-do record), this waterfall is completely hidden by a neighbouring valley and is framed by moss-coated lava rock cliffs. Like, can it get any extra magical than that?
Boasting an otherworldly look and a drop of 30 metres, the Kvernufoss Waterfall is usually neglected by guests to the Skogafoss Waterfall, however their loss is your achieve because the relative peace and quiet solely provides to the serene tranquility of this particular spot.
You may even stroll behind the waterfall itself (one among just a few waterfalls in Iceland the place that’s doable) to a small cave and marvel on the waterfall from a special perspective. Relying on the climate circumstances on the day, you may also be blessed with a rainbow because the spray created from the water bounces off the lava rocks.
7 waterfalls you need to go to in Iceland
3. Mount Esja
Issue: Medium – Laborious
Distance: 7km (4.3 miles)
Period: 2 to three hours
Tip: Pack some energy-filled snacks, you’re going to wish them
Wandering round Reykjavik is gorgeous in its personal proper however sufficient museum visits and vibrant road strolls (we’re taking a look at you Rainbow Road), and your toes will begin to itch for extra wide-open areas and dirt-laden trails. Fortunately, this subsequent hike is barely a handy 45-minute drive from town centre and might be accomplished in a day.
Referred to as one of the well-liked hikes in all of Iceland, summitting Mount Esja is one for the spotlight reel with its panoramic views of close by Reykjavik and the Atlantic Ocean. With a top of 914 metres and an ascent of 744 metres, climbing up this mountain isn’t simple (you’ll positively need a soak within the Blue Lagoon afterwards) nevertheless it’s nicely well worth the effort.
4. Reykjadalur Path – Hveragardi
Issue: Straightforward
Distance: 6km (3.7 miles)
Period: 3+ hours
Suggestions: Pack your swimwear
One other quick drive from Reykjavik lies the well-known Reykjadalur ‘Smokey Valley’ path – a path so stunning it’s nearly as if it’s been lifted from the pages of a fairytale. Main you between mountains right into a deep valley the place the waters of a heat, geothermal river await, this 6km path is as simple as it’s spectacular. And there’s no higher reward after spending a few hours mountain climbing to this well-liked spot than spending a couple of extra enjoyable in its mineral-laden water.
However most hikes are concerning the journey simply as a lot as the top vacation spot, and the identical might be stated for the Reykjadalur path. Though you’ve bought the promise of effervescent sizzling springs forward of you, take your time on this simple hike and marvel on the surrounding smoky mountains unfurling with every step.
Invigorating hike? Examine. Soothing pure tub? Examine. Spectacular surroundings? Examine. What extra might you need from a hike in Iceland?
6 sizzling springs in Iceland which might be higher than the Blue Lagoon
5. Solheimajokull Glacier
Issue: Medium
Distance: 2.4km (1.5 miles)
Period: 3 hours
Tip: Watch Recreation of Thrones earlier than you go
One other day in Iceland, one other glacier to stroll on, and whereas this one may be much less well-known, it’s no much less spectacular. A part of the bigger Myrdalsjokull glacier, the Solheimajokull glacier is one among Iceland’s most luxurious pure wonders and, when you’re a Recreation of Thrones lover, one among its most recognizable.
This hike takes you between a labyrinth of ice formations, permitting you to stand up shut and private with the glacier’s distinctive texture and pure blue/clear color. The perfect half? Regardless of its ‘medium’ issue ranking, this hike is appropriate for all health ranges as progress is gradual and regular to make sure security whilst you’re on the ice.
6. Blahnukur Brennisteinsalda Loop
Issue: Laborious
Distance: 9.7km (6 miles)
Period: 4-6 hours
Tip: You’ll want a killer playlist and a few strolling poles for this one
The Landmannalaugar area in Iceland’s southern Highlands appears like one other world totally – one which’s filled with vibrant rhyolite mountains, lava fields and geothermal sizzling springs. And whereas there’s loads of trails (each simple and onerous) to occupy your time, the Blahnukur Brennisteinsalda loop is one among our favourites.
Technically a mixture hike that climbs each Mt Blahnukur and Mt Brennisteinsalds (as a result of generally summitting one mountain simply isn’t sufficient), this 9.7km trek will take you on a mind-blowing journey by way of lava fields, previous steaming fumaroles and to the highest of mountains that promise you the perfect views in all of Landmannalaugar.
We’re not going to beat across the bush, this trek is tough and will solely be tried when you’ve had earlier mountain climbing expertise. However for these of you who gained’t blink twice at sections of steep climbs, zigzagging trails and winding switchbacks, the surroundings you’ll be greeted with alongside the best way greater than makes up for the fixed sweat in your brow and the burn in your legs.
