Explore the extraordinary landscapes of Iceland, a land shaped by fire and ice, with a guidebook that brings both day walks and multi-day treks together in one comprehensive resource. From short waymarked routes through coastal scenery and geothermal areas to longer treks across glaciers and volcanic plateaus, this country offers something for walkers of every fitness and experience level.

This trusted guidebook to Walking and Trekking in Iceland presents a complete collection of 49 day walks and 10 multi-day treks, offering around 100 days of walking on Iceland’s remarkable terrain. Among the highlights are the classic multi-day Laugavegur Trail across southern Iceland, famous for its striking rhyolite mountains, steaming hot springs, and vivid geothermal valleys. It also covers Hvannadalshnúkur, Iceland’s highest mountain, where walkers can enjoy spectacular views from its glacier-covered summit.

• The day walks, ranging from short excursions of roughly 5 to 35km (3–22 miles), can be completed in 2–10 hours and are ideal for exploring local areas, highlights close to town and Icelandic national parks such as Vatnajökull National Park
• The 55km Laugavegur Trail is described over 4 stages and can be combined with the lesser-known Hellismannaleið (59km) and Skógar Trail (29km). Other multi-day treks range from approximately 34 to 143km (21–89 miles), all offering rewarding adventures for experienced hikers
• Practical guidance is included for every route, with sketch maps and detailed information on public transport, facilities and accommodation (including camping, hotels and huts owned by Ferðafélag Íslands and Útivist), helping you tailor your planning to your holiday
• Expert author Paddy Dillon gives advice on preparation and logistics, explaining how to navigate Iceland’s summer and highland season conditions, supporting safe and confident exploration over glacial crossings

Iceland is a destination that offers hikers an exciting blend of empty landscapes, volcanoes, and glaciers. This comprehensive Iceland guidebook equips you with all you need to discover the country's wild beauty in a way that is accessible, rewarding, and unforgettable for walkers of all abilities.

Walking and Trekking in Iceland - Quick facts

Name: Walking and Trekking in Iceland  
Location: Iceland — day walks and multi-day treks across diverse landscapes (volcanoes, glaciers, geothermal areas, coastline)   
Routes included: 49 day walks and 10 multi-day treks (~100 days of routes)   
Day walk lengths: ~5–35 km (3–22 miles), ~2–10 hours   
Multi-day trek lengths: ~34–143 km (21–89 miles), ~2–9 days   
Highlights: Classic Laugavegur Trail; Hvannadalshnúkur (Iceland’s highest mountain); Vatnajökull NP landscapes   
Difficulty: From easy waymarked walks to challenging glacier crossings — suitable for a wide range of fitness and experience   
Included guidance: Practical info on public transport, accommodation, facilities and planning   
Best season: Summer (highland roads mid-June to late August; low-lying coastal walks spring to autumn)   
Navigation aids: Sketch maps and detailed route descriptions included in the guidebook

Author Top Tip

“Never pass a tourist information office without a good browse. You often find free maps, some of them good enough for walks. They offer advice about accommodation, attractions and transport, as well as providing the latest weather forecast."

- Paddy Dillon, author of Walking and Trekking in Iceland 

Seasons

The main walking season is in summer, as highland roads do not usually open until mid-June and many tourist services close at the end of August. Lower-lying coastal areas, particularly in the south-west, can be walked from spring to autumn, while winter conditions effectively close the vast majority of routes to ordinary walkers.

Centres

Most towns and villages are not ideally located for walking, so it is usually necessary to travel between different areas, and often far into the interior, to experience some of Iceland's most scenic and interesting trails.

Difficulty

Walking routes range from short and easy trails to tough, steep, and long-distance routes across terrain that varies from straightforward paths to rugged landscapes. No special equipment is needed for the easier walks, while full backpacking equipment is required for long-distance trails. Ropes, an ice axe, crampons, and suitable experience are essential for most glacier walks.

Must See

Iceland offers amazing volcanic and glacial landscapes, geothermal areas, a spectacular coastline with its off-shore islands, and a remote interior. It is also home to Iceland's highest mountain, Hvannadalshnúkur.

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