The 5 Best Hikes in Iceland

This hike showcases 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.

Designed to bring together all my favorite places in Landmannalaugar, this hike is an unforgettable experience and undoubtedly my favorite in Iceland. That says a lot, given the abundance of natural wonders in this country. The beginning of the route to the summit of Bláhnúkur attracts many hikers, but the atmosphere becomes intimate thereafter.

Embark on an unforgettable journey from Skógar to the Thórsmörk Valley via the legendary Fimmvörðuháls Pass. This hike is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and demanding in Iceland.

Nestled between the vast glaciers Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull, the pass reaches an elevation of 1,042 meters. The landscape around the pass was transformed in 2010 by the spectacular eruption of Eyjafjallajökull, which paralyzed air traffic for weeks and formed two craters: Móði and Magni, named after Thor's sons.

The route passes through surprisingly diverse landscapes. Your journey begins at the foot of the famous Skógafoss waterfall. As you travel up the Skógá River, you will discover 25 waterfalls and cascades tumbling down the walls of a magnificent canyon. As you gain altitude and approach the glaciers, the landscape gradually transforms into a barren, mineral-rich environment. Then, you cross a vast black lava desert, which is located between the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull ice caps. Finally, you descend into the stunning Thórsmörk valley. The contrast is striking: The mountains are covered in bright green moss, and the valleys reveal black soil shaped by glacial rivers.

The hike to Grænihryggur (Green Ridge) is one of the most beautiful in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve, offering breathtaking views and spectacular colors. Yet, it remains one of Iceland's best-kept secrets, with few hikers, even during the high season! It is one of the few hikes where you will encounter more Icelanders than tourists!

While the beginning of the hike may seem relatively conventional, what follows will take your breath away. The main objective is the Grænihryggur ridge, made of cyan green rhyolite, but every turn along the way holds surprises. You won't regret choosing this hike!

The hike to the summit of Rjúpnafell begins in Thórsmörk (the Valley of Thor), named after the Norse god. Located between the ice caps of Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull in the highlands, this remote area is a favorite place for Icelanders and a true paradise for hikers. Sheltered from Atlantic winds, the valley has a surprisingly mild summer climate, which promotes lush vegetation, including numerous birch forests.

This hike follows the Tindfjöll circuit route and includes a detour to the majestic summit of Rjúpnafell, one of the steepest mountains in Thórsmörk. The summit of Rjúpnafell rewards hikers with a spectacular, unobstructed 360° panorama. Standing in front of these immense glaciers, the architects of these vibrantly colored valleys and canyons, makes you feel so tiny.

The Kristínartindar hike takes you to the eponymous 1,126-meter-high peak in the heart of Vatnajökull National Park in southern Iceland. The climb reveals spectacular panoramic views of the Morsárjökull and Skaftafellsjökull glaciers and the deep valleys they carved. You will also see Iceland's highest waterfall, Morsárfoss, in the distance. It is 240 meters high.

The route begins at the famous Svartifoss waterfall, then gradually moves away from the tourist crowds. Walking the loop clockwise reveals many impressive views along the descent of the Skaftafellsjökull glacier.