Iceland – Complete Hiking Region Guide
Iceland is one of the most unique hiking destinations in the world, defined by volcanic landscapes, glaciers, vast wilderness and rapidly changing weather. Unlike the Alps, Iceland has limited trail infrastructure in many areas and places strong emphasis on environmental protection and personal responsibility. Understanding the legal framework and safety rules is essential before hiking in Iceland.
Region Overview
Iceland is a sparsely populated island located in the North Atlantic, shaped by volcanic and geothermal activity. Hiking areas are spread across the country, from coastal cliffs and lava fields to highland plateaus and glacial regions.
Key characteristics:
Vast, open landscapes with limited signage
Strong environmental protection laws
Minimal rescue infrastructure in remote areas
Rapidly changing and unpredictable weather
Landscape & Terrain
Icelandic hiking terrain is highly diverse and often deceptive:
Lava fields and volcanic deserts
Glaciers, snowfields and ice caps
Black sand plains and river crossings
Steep coastal cliffs and highland plateaus
Trails can be faint or completely unmarked, especially in the Highlands.
Hiking Styles & Difficulty
Hiking in Iceland includes:
Short scenic hikes near populated areas
Multi-day trekking routes in remote regions
Highland crossings requiring navigation skills
Glacier-adjacent routes with cold and exposure risks
There is no national hiking difficulty scale. Route difficulty is determined by terrain, remoteness, weather exposure and river crossings.
Legal Framework & Key Rules for Hikers
Right of Access
Iceland allows public access to nature, but with strict limitations:
Off-trail hiking is forbidden in fragile environments
Moss-covered lava fields must never be walked on
Driving or walking off designated routes can result in heavy fines
Environmental damage is taken very seriously.
Protected Areas
National parks and nature reserves enforce specific rules:
Staying on marked paths is often mandatory
Camping outside designated campsites is forbidden
Drones are generally prohibited
Wildlife and vegetation disturbance is illegal
Rules are actively enforced.
Trail Markings & Navigation
Trail markings vary and are often minimal
Cairns may indicate routes but are not guaranteed
GPS, maps and navigation skills are essential
Visibility can drop suddenly due to fog or storms
Do not rely solely on phone navigation.
Camping & Bivouacking
Wild camping is largely forbidden
Camping is allowed only in designated campsites
Bivouacking outside campsites is generally illegal
Exceptions are rare and location-specific.
River Crossings
Many routes involve unbridged river crossings
Water levels can rise rapidly due to rain or glacial melt
Crossing rivers incorrectly is a leading cause of accidents
Never underestimate water temperature and flow.
Drones
Drone use is highly restricted
Prohibited in national parks and protected areas
Additional aviation regulations apply nationwide
Safety Infrastructure & Emergency Numbers
Official Emergency Numbers (Iceland)
112 – Emergency number (all services)
Calling 112 connects to coordinated rescue services.
Mountain Rescue & Costs
Mountain rescue in Iceland is generally free of charge, but:
Rescue teams are largely volunteer-based
Negligence can put rescuers at serious risk
Rescue operations may take many hours or days
Filing a travel plan is strongly recommended.
Weather & Natural Hazards
Key risks include:
Sudden storms and high winds
Cold exposure and hypothermia
Volcanic terrain instability
River flooding
Limited shelter in open terrain
Weather conditions can change within minutes.
Best Season to Visit
Late Spring: Limited access; snow remains in highlands
Summer (June–September): Main hiking season
Autumn: Short days and unstable weather
Winter: Hiking extremely limited; specialist mountaineering only
Many Highland routes are accessible only in summer.
Highlights & Iconic Hiking Areas
Icelandic Highlands trekking routes
Volcanic valleys and geothermal zones
Glacial viewpoints and ice cap approaches
Coastal cliff trails and remote fjords
These areas require careful planning and self-sufficiency.
Who This Region Is Best For
Iceland is ideal for:
Experienced hikers comfortable with remoteness
Adventurers seeking raw and wild landscapes
Hikers with strong navigation and planning skills
Travelers who respect strict environmental rules
Final Notes for Hikers
Hiking in Iceland is defined by freedom within strict environmental limits. Trails may be few, conditions harsh and rescue distant. Preparation, respect for nature and conservative decision-making are essential for a safe and responsible experience.
