The Laugavegur Trail is the most popular trail in Iceland and is considered by many to be one of the best treks in the world. It is an adventure among colorful mountains, lava beds and steam from geothermal springs. This trek, nearly 55 kms long, starts at Landmannalaugar (where the bus drops you off from Reykjavik) and continues south until Þórsmörk. The start of this trail passes through the spectacular Fjallabak Nature Reserve.

Its diversity makes the Fimmvörðuháls Trail one of the best one-day trails in Iceland. In a little over 20 kms, it is possible to enjoy the Skógafoss Waterfall and the impressive landscape along the trail between the Myrdalsjokull and Eyjafjallajokull Glaciers (Eyjafjallajokull is a volcano that started erupting in 2010). There is so much to do from the small village of Skógar to Þórsmörk, or vice versa.

The Stuðlagil Canyon, located in the east of the country, is a perfect example of the surprising natural formations found in Iceland. If you visit it, you will be able to follow a unique path among basalt columns (created from hardened lava). The trail, some 10 kms (round trip), is a captivating one that follows the turquoise waters of the Jökla River, which comes from glaciers.

To the north of Reykjavik, only an hour away by highway, lies the Glymur Waterfall. This is the second highest waterfall in Iceland at 198 meters. The walk, less than 7 kms, includes a part in which the River Botnsá must be crossed. After reaching the waterfall, you must go up the river a bit more to cross the icy waters to the opposite side of the riverbank, making for a nice circular route.

Also near Reykjavik, north of the village Hveragerði, you can follow the walk that passes through Reykjadalur’s Geothermal Valley (known as “Steam Valley”). We suggest a circular hiking trail to explore this area of steam clouds and hot water pools where you can take a dip. Discover the contrast between soaking in 40ºC waters while in a cold exterior. Be cautious with the water temperature at some points along the trail!

Another geothermal zone that is worth visiting while hiking is Hveradalir. If you feel like going on a challenging trail, you can follow this circular excursion until the highest peak in the Kerlingarfjöll Mountain Range: the Snækollur (1,488 meters). There you will find a small glacier after which the peak "Snow Head" is named. Once at the top, weather permitting, you will have an exceptional view that extends all the way to the sea.

In the far northwest of Iceland (in the Westfjords), lies the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, one of the best places for hiking in the country, just as much for its multi-day trails as for its day excursions. This is an isolated and wild area where one can see a plethora of birds and even the arctic fox, protected from hunting. It is only accessible by sea.

The Hekla, at 1,491 metros high and a crack expanding over 5 kilometers long called Heklugjá, is considered to be one of the most active volcanoes in Iceland. It got its nickname “the Gateway to Hell” thanks to all the many eruptions, the most recent one in 2000. Before getting started, check the weather forecast and make sure there are no volcanic activity alerts, since a new eruption could happen at any moment.

The Snæfellsjökull Volcano, located on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula (in West Iceland), is the entry point from which Jules Verne’s characters start their Journey to the Center of the Earth. The landscape of the Snæfellsjökull National Park and the climb to the volcano’s peak (1,446 meters) and its glacier are nearly fictional experiences. The trail starts at the foot of the volcano and offers some marvelous views of the surrounding area (fog permitting).

One of the most impressive landscapes in Iceland is that of the Sólheimajökull Glacier, south of the Katla Volcano and east of Eyjafjallajökull. This is a tongue of ice originating from the glacier in Mýrdalsjökull and located 7 kms from Skógar. It has everything one could hope for on a hiking trail in Iceland: amazing landscapes, great canyons and some other-worldly blue-tinted ice mountains. Unfortunately, they are disappearing owing to climate change.

One of the best family excursions near Reykjavik is the trail that goes up Mount Esja (Esjan to the Icelandic people), at about 20 kms to the north of the capital. It is an easy excursion, but the last part is a bit more complicated. Once at the top, 914 meters above sea level, views of the ocean and the city of Reykjavik await you. With some luck, you will even see the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and the Snæfellsjökull.

If you are looking for a tranquil and relaxing walk with unique scenery, you can choose the hiking path that joins the small fishing towns of Arnarstapi and Hellnar. The trail goes along cliffs and is located near the Snæfellsjökull Volcano, on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Along the way, you can enjoy unique panoramas created by the flow of lava and the sea, with rock formations like the rock arch of Gatklettur or the Hellnahraun lava field (located between Arnarstapi and Hellnar).