Alternatives for hikers in Iceland

Iceland is one of the most spectacular countries for hiking, especially if you want to be in total contact with nature. The island has a wide variety of alternative hiking routes, with different levels of difficulty. Among these alternatives are LandmannalaugarThe longest and most popular hiking route in Iceland, where you can come into contact with a wide variety of landscapes.

It is advisable to seek information from hikers who have already done the hike, whose advice and experience in the field can be of great help. This applies to any of the many hiking trails in Iceland, where you can enjoy unique landscapes.

Hiking alternatives in Iceland

There are numerous hiking alternatives in Iceland, some of the most popular being the following:

Landmannalaugar, the best known route

This is the most popular of all Iceland's hiking trails, being the longest and offering a wide variety of scenery. It is one of the longest. There are different types of hikes in the Highlands, where you can see landscapes such as the coloured mountain Brennisteinsalda, the black volcanic ash desert of Mælifellssandur and the Markarfljótsgljúfur canyon.

Along the trail from Landmannalaugar to Thorsmörk you can find plenty of camping areas and mountain huts, but you should be careful to book several days in advance. Please note that you can only camp in the permitted areas. The best time to do this hike is between May and September and it is of moderate difficulty.

Fimmvörðuháls, for the more experienced

This is another popular route in Iceland, running from Thórsmörk to Skógar. The route runs between the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökully glaciers and ends at the Skógafoss waterfall, which is ranked as one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country. Along the way you will see numerous waterfalls and craters, as well as breathtaking scenery.

You can also find several huts where you can spend the night, which should also be booked in advance. One of the highlights of the route is the ascent of Fimmvörðuháls. This route is considered to be of high difficulty.

Kristínartindar via Svartifoss, a short route

It is one of the most highly recommended hiking trails in Iceland, with the advantage that it can be done in just 6 hours. In addition, during the hike you will be able to see some of the island's iconic sights. This route passes through Skaftafell National Park, home to Iceland's famous black waterfall, so named because it falls over basalt columns. You can also see the Morsárfoss waterfall, the highest waterfall in the country, from a distance. It is a difficult route that can be done at any time of the year.

Reykjadalur, hiking and relaxation

If you are looking for a hike where you can not only see beautiful scenery, but also relax in hot springs, this is the route for you. This hiking trail is located in the vicinity of Iceland's capital city and takes in a geothermally active area, where you can find a large number of hot springs, including bathing areas. For many, the idea of bathing in hot springs in the winter season is very appealing.
This route is also suitable if you want to see the Northern Lights, and it is recommended to do the hike between late August and mid-April. It is an easy hike to complete and can be done at any time of the year.

Hornstrandir nature reserve, to get to know the fjords

In order to get to this nature reserve you have to take a boat during the summer months, as there are no roads to this remote and secluded area. It is advisable to take water and food with you so that you can make the route without any problems. The area is one of the best for hiking and exploring the fjords of Iceland.
This route will allow you to see some of the island's wildlife, such as arctic foxes, whales and a large number of birds. The route also passes a number of hot springs. There are campsites along the route where you can stay, subject to prior reservation.

Bruarfoss, an unmissable short route

This hike takes you to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland, known as the Blue Waterfall. It is a short hike and is considered one of the best hikes you can do in the country. It is easy to get lost on this route, so it is advisable to carry a map of Iceland's waterfalls with you.

Recommendations for hiking in Iceland

In order to be able to walk the hiking trails in Iceland, it is necessary to take into account some recommendations, which will allow you to do the route safely and enjoy every moment:

• Before you set off on any of the routes, check the weather forecast, as the weather changes easily. This way you will be able to wear appropriate clothing (preferably in layers), as well as the right footwear.
• You should download the route map to your mobile phone and carry it with you at all times. It is recommended that you use applications that do not require an Internet connection.
• Don't forget to carry a first aid kit with basic supplies.
• If you are going on a multi-day trek, you should bring food and water to cover an extra day, in case something unexpected happens.
• For routes lasting several days, it is also advisable to carry a GPS.
• You should always check the best time of the year to do the route, as well as the difficulty of the route, the route, the average time it takes to do it and consult all the necessary information.

Iceland has many spectacular hiking options in the midst of breathtaking natural scenery. All you need to do is consult the information provided by experienced hikers on each of these routes.