From the roaring rivers of the South to the howling fjords in the North, every corner of Iceland is packed with fantastic things to see and trails to hike. However, we believe that the greatest hikes in Iceland wind right through the island’s hilly heart. From multicolor mountains to mysterious oases, here are some spots you can’t miss on your hikes in the Icelandic Highlands.
Landmannalaugar
[Landmannalaugar’s famed rainbow mountains feel photoshopped until you’ve seen them in person.]
Located in the Fjallbak Nature Reserve, Landmannalaugar is famed for hosting dozens of fantastic day hikes. It’s got it all: inviting hot springs, obsidian lava fields, scenic overlooks, and most importantly—colorful rhyolite mountains. Plus, you get to relax your hiking muscles in the People’s Pools.
Laugavegur
[Mossy landscapes, obsidian expanses, and roaring rivers are all common sights along the Laugavegur Trail.]
This one needs no introduction: Laugavegur is the most iconic hiking trail in Iceland. Connecting Landmannalaugar with the Thorsmork Valley, this 35-mile trek perfectly demonstrates what hiking in the Icelandic Highlands is all about. Get ready for glacial and volcanic panoramas that transport you into a completely different world.
Stakkholtsgjá canyon
[Stakkholsgja is a short and sweet detour along the more serious hikes to Thorsmork.]
Located near the trail to Thorsmork, Stakkholsgja is a 2-hour detour that’s well worth your time. On this easy, child-friendly trail, you’ll wade streams and walk along 300-ft tall palagonite cliffs, admiring the mysterious caves, deep ravines, and otherworldly rock formations, before reaching a spectacular waterfall at the end.
Sigoldugljufur, The Valley of Tears
[The vibrant waterfalls and greenery of Sigoldugljufur feel like they don’t belong in the Icelandic Highlands. Then again, what does?]
Sigoldugljufur, better known as the “Valley of Tears”, earned its nickname by the sheer number of spectacular waterfalls it hides. With its glowing blue water and vibrant vegetation, the canyon is a proper oasis among Iceland’s otherwise harsh landscapes, and an always-welcome breath of fresh air.
The Fögrufjöll Mountains
[Lake Lanigsjor and the Vatnajökull glacier are inescapable sights along the 8-mile Fögrufjöll trail.]
Another bucket-list hiking trail in the Icelandic Highlands, the Fögrufjöll (“the Beautiful Mountains”) live up to their name. A favorite for local hikers, it provides spectacular views of Lake Langisjor, a popular trout fishing spot, and the massive Vatnajökull glacier looming over the horizon.
Keep in mind that these are OUR favorites. All Iceland hiking tours are different and full of surprises, so your own top 5 list might be much different than this one. If so, hit us up after your adventure—we’d love to see it!
Follow itravelnet.com