Well, have you visited any of the gorgeous Nova Scotian trails we mentioned in a post a while back? Maybe you’re looking to get your feet moving a little farther north in the Atlantic instead? Well then you should definitely check out one (or all!) or these out-of-this-world hiking trails in Iceland.
Mountains? Check. Glaciers? Check. Waterfalls? Check.
What more could a hiker need?
Laugavegurinn
Laugavegurinn, or the Laugaveur Trail, is probably the most famous long-distance hiking trail in the country. It’s a 55 km trail that is very well taken care of by the Icelandic Touring Association and stretches between the also famous Landamannalaugar and Þórsmörk.
This breathtaking stroll through the country’s southern highlands will take you through a stretch of colourful rhyolite mountains that you’ll have to remind yourself over and over again are real, not exquisite paintings. Hikers will also traverse lava fields and can check out the site of the 2010 eruption at Fimmvörðuháls… you know, the one with all the entertaining lava, before Eyjafjallajökull came along and ruined everybody’s fun.
Kerlingafjöll
This one’s a little more off the beaten track. Nestled further into Iceland’s rugged interior, just off the Kjölur driving route (it’s an F road… so don’t attempt this in your rented Yaris) is Kerlingafjöll, an absolutely stunning terrain to trek through that promises the mountains, rivers, waterfalls and breathtaking open expanses that Iceland is known for, with the added bonus of hot springs. Lots of lovely hot springs!
The beautiful thing about this area is that you can drive in, set up camp, and then take your pick of a handful of marked and unmarked paths ranging from a quick 3km stroll to a 3-day, 47km adventure.
Skaftafell
If you’re looking for something not too far from Route 1, look no further than Skaftafell in the Vatnajökull National Park, or the Vatnajökulsþjóðgarður, if you’re so inclined. The area boast no less than 7 hiking trails of varying length and difficulty level to choose from, each with its own appeal.
Want to get lost in the rare Icelandic forest? Take the Bæjarstaðarskógur route. Fancy scaling mountainous peaks? Then Kristínartindar may be for you. Or, if you just want an easy stroll to an incredible waterfall, then the Svartifoss route won’t disappoint.
Had enough hiking? Rest your weary limbs in a nearby summerhouse and pat yourself on the back for a job well done.