Exploring Iceland on Foot: A Complete Iceland Trekking Guide to the Best Glacier & Volcano Treks for 2025

Iceland trekking offers unparalleled access to landscapes shaped by fire and ice, where hikes take you through terrain that exists nowhere else on Earth. Beyond the well-trodden Ring Road circuit, Iceland's interior holds multi-day treks that combine geothermal activity, glacial formations, and volcanic landscapes. These Iceland trekking tours showcase experiences that challenge and reward in equal measure.

The country's position on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge creates a geological playground where tectonic forces remain visibly active. With over 130 volcanic mountains and 269 named glaciers covering 11% of the landmass, Iceland provides trekking experiences that blend raw geological power with accessible routes suitable for determined hikers rather than technical mountaineers.

Here's a list of some of the most spectacular glacier and volcano hikes Iceland offers.

Photo by Found Expeditions

The Laugavegur Trek: Iceland's Premier Highland Route

The Laugavegur trail runs 55 kilometres from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk, typically completed over 4 days with 3 nights in campsites and mountain huts. This route ranks among the best treks in Iceland and serves as the backbone for most Iceland trekking tours seeking to showcase the country's diverse landscapes. Experienced volcano hiking Iceland enthusiasts often use this route as preparation for more challenging highland adventures.

Duration: 4 days, 3 nights

Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

Starting at Landmannalaugar's geothermal hot springs, the trail climbs through rhyolite mountains painted in rust, yellow, and green mineral deposits. Day one covers 12 kilometres to Hrafntinnusker, crossing obsidian fields and steaming fumaroles at 1,100 metres elevation. The landscape here resembles an active volcanic laboratory where hikers walk through areas of ongoing geothermal activity.

The second day descends into Álftavatn, passing the Stórihver hot spring area before reaching the shores of Swan Lake. This 12-kilometre section transitions from volcanic highlands to a landscape dominated by black sand and distant glacier views. Weather can shift dramatically along this exposed section, with visibility dropping to mere metres during storms.

Day three presents the trek's most technical challenge: the 16-kilometre stretch to Emstrur (also called Botnar). The route crosses multiple river systems and traverses the Mælifellssandur desert, where black volcanic sand stretches to the horizon. Hekla volcano dominates the southern skyline, a reminder of the forces that created this landscape through repeated eruptions over millennia.

The final day leads 15 kilometres into Þórsmörk valley, descending through birch forests and crossing glacial rivers. The contrast between the lunar-like highlands and this green valley creates a sense of arriving in an entirely different country. Eyjafjallajökull glacier looms overhead, the same ice cap that grounded European aviation in 2010.

Weather remains unpredictable even in July and August, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 15°C and frequent rainfall requiring full waterproof gear.

Photo by Found Expeditions

Eldgjá Canyon: The Fire Chasm Route

Eldgjá Canyon represents one of Iceland's most significant yet lesser-known volcanic features. This 40-kilometre fissure, created during the largest volcanic eruption in recorded human history around 934 AD, offers a 2-day trek through landscapes that showcase the immediate aftermath of massive volcanic activity.

Duration: 2 days, 1 night

Difficulty: Moderate

The trek begins at the southern end of the canyon system, where the Eldgjá fissure cuts a dramatic slash through the highland plateau. The initial approach covers 8 kilometres along a relatively flat highland track, but the landscape's scale becomes apparent only when reaching the canyon rim. The fissure drops 200 metres into a chasm that stretches beyond visual range in both directions.

Descending into the canyon reveals the eruption's true scale. Lava formations create natural sculptures while the canyon floor follows a gentle gradient northward. The Ófærufoss waterfall marks the trek's midpoint, where the Ófæra river plunges 40 metres over volcanic rock formations. This waterfall once featured a natural rock bridge, destroyed by flooding in 1993, but the remaining formations still create impressive photographic opportunities.

The overnight stop typically involves camping near Eldgjá's northern section, though some Iceland hiking guide 2025 recommendations suggest combining this with nearby hut accommodation at Landmannalaugar. The second day involves exploring the northern canyon sections before returning via highland tracks that provide elevated views across the entire fissure system.

Weather conditions can shift rapidly due to the elevation and exposed terrain. Temperatures rarely exceed 10°C even in summer, and wind speeds can reach dangerous levels during storms. The trek requires river crossing experience, as multiple streams flow across the canyon floor and these can become impassable during heavy rainfall or glacial melt periods.

Photo by Found Expeditions

Þórsmörk to Skógar Extension

Many trekkers extend their Laugavegur experience by continuing from Þórsmörk to Skógar, adding 25 kilometres and transforming the trek into a 6-day expedition. This extension, known as the Fimmvörðuháls pass, crosses between the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers through terrain created during the 2010 volcanic eruptions.

Duration: Additional 1-2 days

Difficulty: Challenging (due to elevation and weather exposure)

The route climbs steeply from Þórsmörk's 150-metre elevation to 1,100 metres at the Fimmvörðuháls pass. This ascent passes directly through the 2010 eruption sites, where volcanic craters Magni and Móði still emit steam and provide close-up views of recent lava formations. The landscape here changes almost monthly as vegetation slowly reclaims the volcanic debris.

Beyond the pass, the descent toward Skógar follows a series of waterfalls including the famous Skógafoss. This 60-metre waterfall marks the end point for many volcano hiking Iceland experiences, providing a dramatic conclusion to highland trekking. The final section descends through areas of intensive sheep farming, creating a stark contrast with the highland wilderness experienced over previous days. Many Iceland hiking guide 2025 recommendations highlight this route extension as essential for serious trekkers.

Photo by Martin Robles on Unsplash

Vatnajökull National Park: Glacier Edge Iceland Trekking

Vatnajökull National Park encompasses Europe's largest glacier by volume and provides access to glacier edge treks that require no technical ice climbing skills. These routes focus on the transitional zones where glacial ice meets volcanic rock, creating landscapes that shift constantly due to ongoing ice movement and seasonal melting.

Duration: 1-3 days depending on route selection

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

The Skaftafell area offers day hikes to glacier viewpoints and ice caves, though longer routes extend into the highland areas surrounding the ice cap. The Kristínartindar peaks provide elevated viewpoints across the glacier system, while routes toward Morsárdalur valley lead through areas where glacial outflow creates constantly changing river systems.

Svartifoss waterfall, surrounded by hexagonal basalt columns, marks a popular day hike destination that demonstrates the interplay between volcanic rock formations and glacial water systems. The 3.4-kilometre round trip covers manageable terrain but provides access to geological formations that influenced Reykjavik's architectural designs.

Longer routes from Skaftafell toward the Öræfajökull glacier require overnight camping and river crossing experience. These extended treks provide access to areas where glacial retreat has exposed landscapes not seen by humans for centuries, creating opportunities to witness environmental change in real time.

Planning Considerations for Iceland Trekking

Iceland's highland routes typically remain accessible only from June through September, with optimal conditions occurring during July and August. Weather systems can arrive with minimal warning, creating conditions that challenge even experienced hikers. Temperature variations of 20°C within single days are common, requiring layered clothing systems and comprehensive wet weather gear.

River crossings represent the most significant safety consideration for independent trekkers. Glacial melt and rainfall can transform manageable streams into dangerous torrents within hours.

Accommodation booking requires advance planning, particularly for hut-to-hut trekking routes. The Icelandic Touring Association manages most highland huts, but capacity remains limited during peak season. Alternative camping options exist at designated sites, though weather conditions make tent camping a serious undertaking requiring appropriate equipment and experience.

Emergency communication presents ongoing challenges in highland areas where mobile phone coverage remains sporadic. Satellite communication devices or emergency beacons provide essential safety backup, particularly for extended treks in remote areas. Weather forecasting becomes crucial for route planning, with the Icelandic Met Office providing detailed highland forecasts that experienced guides monitor continuously. Professional Iceland trekking tours typically include comprehensive emergency protocols as part of their safety frameworks.

Photo by Found Expeditions

Transportation and Access Points

Reaching Iceland's highland trekking areas requires 4x4 vehicles and experienced off-road driving skills. River crossings present the primary challenge, as glacial melt creates water levels that fluctuate throughout the day and can transform passable streams into dangerous torrents within hours. These crossings demand proper vehicle preparation, understanding of water depth assessment techniques, and the ability to execute safe crossing procedures under pressure.

Changing visibility conditions create equally serious navigation challenges. Highland weather systems produce sudden fog banks, volcanic dust storms, and snow squalls that reduce visibility to metres without warning. Drivers must possess strong terrain navigation skills and maintain the discipline to stop and wait rather than continuing when conditions become unsafe. Even GPS systems prove unreliable in these remote areas, making traditional navigation expertise essential for safe highland travel.

Photo by Found Expeditions

Why Choose Found Expeditions

• Multi-Day Adventure Design: Carefully crafted a 9-day itinerary that traverses the most iconic sections of the Laugavegur Trek, Eldgjá Canyon, and Mælifellssandur desert, while offering close views of Vatnajökull Glacier without requiring technical climbing skills.

• Exclusively Off-Trail Routes: Access remote areas and route variations that large tour groups cannot reach, with paths designed to avoid crowded tourist trails entirely.

• Expert Local Knowledge: Decades of highland experience from our local guides provide essential safety expertise and geological insights you won't get elsewhere.

• Small Group Advantage: Maximum 12 participants creates intimate experiences and meaningful connections while actively avoiding the mass-tourism approach that impacts fragile highland environments.

• Complete Logistics Handling: We manage highland transportation, accommodation booking, and weather contingencies so you focus on the trekking experience.

• Global Off-Beaten-Path Expertise: Part of our worldwide network of unique destinations, bringing the same exclusive approach we use across remote locations globally.

Ready to experience Iceland's volcanic landscapes firsthand? Contact Found Expeditions to learn about our sustainable adventure tours from uk to Iceland and secure your place on our next highland expedition, combining challenging routes with expert local guidance and eco-conscious travel practices.