14-Day Hiking Road Trip in Iceland - Advanced Level

For your first day in Iceland, I recommend an itinerary that doesn't require any serious hiking but includes many must-see attractions and short walks. All of these sites are easily accessible along the road to Kerlingarfjöll (Day 2).

Begin your journey at Thingvellir National Park, situated approximately 40 kilometers northeast of Reykjavík. This exceptional site is of great historical, cultural, and geological importance, and it is one of Iceland's most iconic destinations. It is located in a rift valley that marks the crest of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and the boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.

Next, visit the Brúarfoss waterfalls, renowned for their bright blue water. Then, stop at the iconic geothermal site of Geysir, where you can see the Strokkur geyser shoot water up to 30 meters high every 5 to 8 minutes. Finish your day at the majestic Gullfoss waterfall, whose impressive flow is sure to amaze you.

Overnight: To make the most of your stay, I recommend spending the night at the Kerlingarfjöll campsite or hotel. This will put you in an ideal location for the next morning while allowing you to enjoy the comfort of staying in the same place for two consecutive nights (days one and two).

Hveradalir is located in the heart of the Icelandic Highlands and is one of the country's largest geothermal areas. Surrounded by the majestic Kerlingarfjöll mountain range, which is composed of rhyolitic rock, it offers a colorful natural spectacle.

As you explore this site, you will be fascinated by the area's geological complexity, where mud pools, steaming rivers, and fumaroles intermingle. Hveradalir's different shades, ranging from yellow to green and rich orange tones, give it the appearance of a painting. However, the steam rising from the earth and the hot springs crisscrossing the region are what make this place unique and alive. Sometimes, it really feels like you're on another planet.

Continue your day with a hike to the 1,488-meter summit of Snækollur, the highest point of the volcano and the Kerlingarfjöll mountain range. Throughout your ascent and from the summit, you will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views stretching dozens of kilometers across the horizon. It's an unforgettable experience for nature and outdoor enthusiasts.

Overnight: camp or stay in a hotel in Kerlingarfjöll (days 1 and 2). After the hike, relax at the Kerlingarfjöll hot spring.

On the third day, prepare for a long drive to Landmannalaugar, nestled in the heart of the Icelandic Highlands. Along the way, you will be amazed by some of the most beautiful views of your trip and enjoy a short hike around the impressive Ljótipollur crater.

Your adventure begins with a visit to Háifoss Falls, Iceland's third-highest waterfall at 122 meters. Next, stop at Sigöldugljúfur Canyon, one of the country's hidden gems. Relatively unknown to tourists, this canyon is a true oasis in the middle of the Highlands with lush vegetation rarely found in this region.

Continue your exploration to Lake Bláhylur, located near Landmannalaugar. The landscape here is magnificent: the intense blue of the lake contrasts beautifully with the bright green moss of Mount Tjörvafell and the dark shades of the surrounding lava.

To end this day of discovery, hike around the Ljótipollur crater and lake, true gems of the Landmannalaugar region. Formed by a colossal eruption in 1477, this volcanic crater has gradually filled with water to create a spectacular lake in the heart of this unique landscape.

Overnight: Landmannalaugar campsite (days three and four).

This hike combines the best of the Bláhnúkur, Skalli, and Grænihryggur routes. It includes an additional section that starts from the Uppgönguhryggur ridge, which I found to be the most breathtaking.

This hike brings together all my favorite places in Landmannalaugar, and it is undoubtedly my favorite experience in Iceland. That says a lot, given the wealth of natural wonders in this country. The beginning of the trail to the Bláhnúkur summit attracts many hikers, but the atmosphere becomes intimate thereafter.

However, it's important to note that this hike is very difficult and only suitable for experienced hikers. If you are unsure of your ability level, I recommend consulting my guide to hiking in Landmannalaugar to choose a more suitable route.

Overnight: Landmannalaugar campground (days three and four).

The Rauðauga hike leads to one of Iceland's most fascinating natural wonders: the Red Eye, the mysterious source of the Rauðfossakvísl River. The water's high iron content has stained the riverbed and waterfalls a distinctive rusty red color.

This enchanting place, which is still largely unknown, is located in the heart of the Highlands, in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve. Here, you will discover Rauðfoss, an impressive 60-meter-high waterfall, cascades, and a red river winding through the landscape.

To reach Langisjór, you will need to cross your first rivers in a 4x4. This experience will be repeated throughout the journey. The road is long but breathtakingly beautiful, giving you the impression that you are traveling in another world.

Once you arrive, you will enjoy a memorable hike to the 1,089-meter-high summit of Sveinstindur. Located in the heart of the Highlands, this peak stands alone in a vast black sand desert surrounded by green mountains. Ascending Sveinstindur offers spectacular views of Langisjór, and the isolation of this place makes the experience unparalleled. From the summit, you will be rewarded with one of the most sublime panoramas in Iceland—a breathtaking view that makes this hike absolutely unique.

Overnight: basic camping or Langisjór Lodge.

Eldgjá, the Canyon of Fire, is part of a 40-kilometer-long chain of volcanic craters and fissures stretching northeast from the Katla volcano to the Vatnajökull ice cap. Eldgjá is an eight-kilometer-long gorge in the middle of this fissure. This gigantic fissure was formed by a colossal eruption around the year 939, one of the most significant eruptions of the past millennium.

In addition to marveling at the canyon, this tour invites you to discover the magnificent Ófærufoss waterfall. This multi-level waterfall stands out in the middle of this striking and desolate landscape.

The Rauðibotn crater is part of the Eldgja canyon, the largest volcanic canyon in the world. It was created by the massive eruption of the Katla volcano in the tenth century. Rauðibotn means red bottom in Icelandic, referring to the bright red volcanic rock it is composed of. This creates a striking contrast with the yellow moss, the intense blue of the lake, and the Hólmsá River. This hike is a hidden gem of the Highlands, revealing wild and extraordinary landscapes.

Please note: to reach the start of the hike, do not take the F233, which your GPS will probably recommend. Although it is a shortcut, it involves crossing one of the most difficult rivers in Iceland. Instead, continue on the F208 until you reach the junction with the F210.

Overnight: Join Route 1 (Iceland's circular road) to reach civilization! You will find many campsites and hotels there.

Discover the Lakagígar, also known as the Laki craters. This series of 130 craters is aligned over 27 kilometers along a volcanic fissure on either side of Laki. These craters formed during the Skaftáreldar eruption in 1783, the fires of Skaftá, which spewed 14 cubic kilometers of lava over eight months.

From the 812-meter-high summit of Laki, you can admire this line of craters against the backdrop of the vast Vatnajökull ice cap, creating a magnificent and moving landscape. If you are lucky enough to visit after a few days of rain, the moss covering the lava fields will be bright yellow, creating a striking contrast with the black lava.

After your hike, take the F207 track to continue exploring the region's incredible landscapes. This road will allow you to discover other impressive craters and spectacular viewpoints.

Overnight: camping or lodge in Lakagigar.

To start the second week, head to Vatnajökull National Park in southern Iceland. Kristínartindar's summit, at 1,126 meters, offers breathtaking views of the Morsárjökull and Skaftafellsjökull glaciers and the deep valleys they carved. You'll also see Iceland's highest waterfall, Morsárfoss, cascading down from a height of 240 meters in the distance.

On the way, admire the famous Svartifoss waterfall before leaving the tourist hustle and bustle behind.

Overnight: Skaftafell campground.

Múlagljúfur Canyon is a must-see destination in southeastern Iceland. Located near the famous Fjallsárlón and Jökulsárlón glaciers, this natural wonder was a well-kept secret among locals until the early 2020s. However, its popularity continues to grow, and it is poised to become a major attraction in the coming years. Take advantage of this opportunity to explore this exceptional place now!

At the heart of this narrow, spectacular canyon are the majestic Hangafoss and Múlafossur waterfalls. At 123 meters high, Hangárfoss is one of the tallest waterfalls in Iceland and offers a breathtaking spectacle.

In the afternoon, set off to discover the lagoons of Fjallsárlón and Jökulsárlón, true natural wonders. These lakes are filled with icebergs that break off from the surrounding glaciers, creating a constantly changing display of ice sculptures. The imposing Vatnajökull ice cap in the background adds a grandiose dimension to this enchanting landscape.

Finally, let Diamond Beach enchant you. This unique stretch of black sand is home to sparkling icebergs. It gets its evocative name from the icebergs of all sizes that wash up on the beach and sparkle like diamonds in the sunlight. This magnificent yet ephemeral spectacle transforms the beach completely every day. The natural ice sculptures are constantly changing; some melt while new ones wash ashore.

Overnight: Camping or guesthouse at the Viking Café in Vestrahorn, your destination for the next morning. When you stay here, your entrance tickets to Stokksnes Beach are included, and you will have the opportunity to watch the sunset on this spectacular beach.

Vestrahorn is a majestic 454 meter-high mountain in southeastern Iceland. Although its height is moderate, its steep slopes and distinctive silhouette make it spectacular. It overlooks the magnificent black sand beach of Stokksnes, bordered by lush green dunes.

Although relatively popular, it remains far less touristy than the main sites of the Golden Circle, probably due to its remoteness from the capital. Yet it's only an hour's drive from the famous Jökulsárlón Lagoon. Stokksnes beach is particularly popular with photographers, with the reflection of Vestrahorn in the bay and the dunes contrasting beautifully with the black sand.

Between the café and the beach, you can also visit a Viking village that was reconstructed for the purposes of a movie- which, funnily enough, was never actually filmed! The bay is also known for attracting many seals, which you can observe on your nearby walks.

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, formed around 10,000 years ago at the end of the Ice Age, is a natural wonder. This impressive site stretches about two kilometers and reaches heights of up to 100 meters, revealing breathtaking landscapes.

An observation deck has been built at the end of this walk to allow you to enjoy a stunning view of one of the most spectacular parts of the canyon, including the picturesque Mögárfoss waterfall.

Overnight: There are numerous campsites and hotels in the area.

Thakgil (or Þakgil) has a mystical atmosphere far from classic tourist sites, with scenery reminiscent of Thórsmörk. The landscape is characterized by gorges and canyons with vertiginous walls draped in green moss that contrasts with the black volcanic rocks. This unique place is well worth discovering—it was one of my favorites.

The circuit offers spectacular views, especially of the Mýrdalsjökull ice cap and its Kötlujökull and Huldujökull glaciers. Although I could only admire part of this impressive panorama due to low clouds, it was still breathtaking.

Overnight: camp or stay in a lodge in Thakgil.

Since today is the least busy day of the trip, you can take another hike in Thakgil before leaving. For example, you can hike the purple trail.

Then, head to Reynisfjara Beach, often considered the most beautiful beach in Iceland. This vast stretch of black sand dotted with pebbles is bordered by the impressive basalt cliffs of Reynisfjall. At the foot of these cliffs, you can explore caves and admire magnificent basalt columns with perfect geometric shapes.

Next, discover Kvernufoss waterfall, one of the country's hidden treasures, located just one kilometer from the popular Skógafoss waterfall. Thirty meters high, Kvernufoss pours into a narrow gorge where the Kverna River winds its way, offering an intimate and picturesque setting.

Finish your day at Skógafoss Falls, one of Iceland's most impressive waterfalls. It is 60 meters high and 25 meters wide. You can get right up to its base, but be prepared to get soaked by the powerful spray from this majestic waterfall!

Overnight: camp or stay in a hotel in Skógar (days 12 and 13).

Embark on an unforgettable adventure connecting Skógar and the Thórsmörk valley via the legendary Fimmvörðuháls pass. Considered one of the most beautiful hikes in Iceland, it is also one of the most demanding. Located between the majestic glaciers Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull, the pass rises to an altitude of 1,042 meters.

The route takes you through surprisingly diverse landscapes with more than twenty waterfalls along the way.

If this itinerary seems too ambitious, opt for the waterfall way, a more accessible yet equally magnificent alternative.

Overnight: camp or stay in a hotel in Skógar (days 12 and 13).

On your last day, start with a visit to Seljalandsfoss, a majestic 60-meter-high waterfall. What makes Seljalandsfoss unique is the opportunity to admire it from all angles. The cliffs behind the falls shelter a vast cavern, and a footpath allows you to walk all the way around the waterfall.

Then, head west to Reykjavik, Iceland's vibrant capital, or relax at one of the region's iconic locations: the Blue Lagoon, a famous geothermal spa on the Reykjanes Peninsula; or the Reykjadalur thermal river.