1. Glymur Waterfall Hike
- Where: Hvalfjörður fjord, west Iceland
- Starting Point: Botnsá river car park
- End Point: Glymur waterfall viewpoint
- Time needed: 3-4 hours (round trip)
- Distance and Type: 7 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult
- When to hike: May to September (depending on snow conditions)
- Where to stay: Reykjavik or nearby towns such as Akranes or Borgarnes
The Glymur Waterfall Hike is a popular and challenging trail that takes you through a beautiful canyon, across a river, and up to the top of Iceland’s second-tallest waterfall. The trail features steep climbs, narrow paths, and a thrilling crossing of the river via a log. The reward for completing the hike is a stunning view of the waterfall and the surrounding landscape. The trail can be quite slippery in wet conditions, so it’s important to wear proper hiking boots and take caution.
Nearby CrossFit Box: CrossFit Reykjavik and here is the link to their instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crossfitreykjavik
2. Skaftafell Glacier Hike
- Where: Skaftafell, Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland
- Starting Point: Skaftafell Visitor Center
- End Point: Glacier viewpoint
- Time Needed: 3-4 hours.
- Distance and Type: 5-8 kilometers (depending on the route taken) circuit
- Difficulty: Moderate
- When to Hike: The trail is open year-round, but the best time to hike is from May to September when the weather is milder.
- Where to Stay: Skaftafell has a campsite and a few hotels nearby, including the Hotel Skaftafell.
The Skaftafell Glacier Hike takes you through a stunning landscape of glaciers, rivers, and waterfalls in the Vatnajökull National Park. The trail starts at the Skaftafell Visitor Center and leads through a forest before ascending to the glacier viewpoint. The hike offers incredible views of the Skaftafellsjökull glacier and the surrounding peaks of the Icelandic highlands. The glacier hike involves walking on crampons and is led by experienced guides.
3. Eldborg Crater Hike
- Location: Snaefellsnes Peninsula, West Iceland
- Starting point: Eldborg parking lot
- End point: Eldborg crater summit
- Time needed: 2-3 hours round trip.
- Distance and Type: 5 kilometer circuit
- Difficulty: Moderate
- When to hike: Year-round, but best from May to September
- Where to stay: Nearby towns include Borgarnes and Akranes, where there are various accommodation options.
The hike to Eldborg Crater takes you through lava fields and rocky terrain before reaching the impressive volcanic crater. The trail can be steep in parts but offers great views of the surrounding landscape, including mountains, glaciers, and the coastline. At the summit, hikers can enjoy panoramic views of the crater’s interior and the surrounding area.
Nearby CrossFit Box: Crossfit Ægir Gym and here is the link to their instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aegirgym
4. Grábrók Crater Hike
- Where: West Iceland, near the town of Borgarnes
- Starting point: Grábrók parking lot
- End point: Summit of Grábrók crater.
- Time needed: 1-2 hours.
- Distance and type: 2.5 km round trip, loop trail
- Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
- When to hike: Year-round, but best from late spring to early autumn
- Where to stay: Accommodations in Borgarnes or nearby areas
Grábrók Crater Hike is a short and easy hike that takes you to the summit of Grábrók, a volcanic crater formed more than 3000 years ago. The trail is well-maintained and consists of a series of stairs and boardwalks. From the top, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the surrounding lava fields and the nearby mountains. It’s a great hike for families and those looking for a quick outdoor adventure. The nearby town of Borgarnes offers plenty of amenities, including accommodation, restaurants, and shops. Crossfit Borgarnes is a gym located in the town that offers fitness classes and training sessions.
Crossfit gym: Crossfit Ægir and here the link to their instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aegirgym
5. The Hveragerði Hot Springs Hike
- Where: Hveragerði, Iceland
- Starting Point: Reykjadalur Trailhead
- End Point: Reykjadalur Hot Springs
- Time Needed: 3-4 hours.
- Distance and Type: 7 km circuit
- Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
- When to Hike: Year-round
- Where to Stay: Hveragerði town or nearby accommodations
The Hveragerði Hot Springs Hike is a popular day hike that takes you through a geothermal valley with bubbling mud pools, steaming vents, and a scenic waterfall. The trail is well-marked and follows a gentle uphill grade, leading you to the Reykjadalur Hot Springs where you can soak in the warm water while enjoying the surrounding mountain views. The trail can be icy and slippery in the winter months, so proper hiking boots and crampons are recommended. The nearby town of Hveragerði is known as the “hot spring capital of Iceland” and offers various accommodation options for hikers. The town also has a CrossFit gym, CrossFit Hveragerði, for those looking to add some fitness to their hiking adventure.
Nearby CrossFit: Crossfit Hengill and here the link to their instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crossfit_hengill/
6. Arnarstapi to Hellnar Coastal Hike
- Where: Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Iceland
- Starting Point: Arnarstapi fishing village
- End Point: Hellnar fishing village
- Distance and Type: 2.5 kilometers point to point
- Difficulty: Easy
- Time Needed: 1-2 hours.
- When to Hike: Year-round
- Where to Stay: Arnarstapi or Hellnar fishing villages
The Arnarstapi to Hellnar Coastal Hike is a scenic and easy hike along the coast of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. The trail offers stunning views of the dramatic coastline, sea cliffs, and the Atlantic Ocean. The hike starts in Arnarstapi, a charming fishing village with a small harbor, and follows the coastline to the neighboring village of Hellnar. The trail is well-maintained and easy to follow, with several points of interest along the way, including the famous Gatklettur arch rock formation and the Londrangar basalt cliffs. The hike can be done as a one-way or round-trip, and it is suitable for hikers of all skill levels.
7. Fimmvörðuháls Hike
- Where: Fimmvörðuháls Pass, between Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers, South Iceland
- Starting Point: Skógafoss waterfall or Þórsmörk valley
- End Point: Þórsmörk valley or Skógafoss waterfall
- Time Needed: 2 days (typically done as an overnight hike)
- Distance and Type: 25 kilometers point to point
- Difficulty: Difficult
- When to Hike: Late June to September (weather dependent)
- Where to Stay: Campsites in Skógafoss and Þórsmörk, or huts in Þórsmörk
Fimmvörðuháls Hike is a challenging hike in South Iceland that offers stunning views of glaciers, volcanoes, and waterfalls. The trail takes hikers through diverse landscapes, from lush green valleys to barren volcanic deserts, and crosses over the Fimmvörðuháls Pass between two glaciers. Hikers can start at Skógafoss waterfall and hike up to Þórsmörk valley, or vice versa. The hike is typically done as an overnight trip, with hikers camping in Skógafoss or Þórsmörk camping or staying in huts in Þórsmörk. The trail is well marked, but hikers should be prepared for steep ascents and descents, as well as potential river crossings.
8. Þingvellir National Park Hike
- Where: Þingvellir National Park, southwestern Iceland
- Trail Head: Visitor Center (P3 parking lot)
- Time needed: 1-3 hours
- Distance: 3-6 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
- When to hike: Year-round, but best in summer (June-August) when the weather is mild and days are long
- Where to stay: Nearby accommodations include guesthouses and hotels in Reykjavik and Selfoss
The Þingvellir National Park hike is a loop trail that takes visitors through the stunning landscape of Iceland’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along the way, hikers can see geological wonders like the Silfra Fissure and the Almannagjá Gorge, as well as historical landmarks like the site of the world’s first parliament, which was founded at Þingvellir in 930 AD. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow, and hikers can choose between shorter or longer routes depending on their preferences. The park is easily accessible from Reykjavik, making it a popular day trip destination for visitors to the city.
Nearby CrossFit: Crossfit Hengill in Hveragerði, about 30 minutes from the park. Here the link to their instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crossfit_hengill/
9. Hengifoss Waterfall Hike
- Where: Town of Egilsstaðir. Eastern Iceland
- Starting Point: Parking area near the trailhead.
- End Point: Hengifoss waterfall
- Time Needed: 2-3 hours.
- Distance and Type: 5.5 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Moderate
- When to Hike: The hike can be done year-round, but the best time to visit is from late spring to early autumn (May-September). During the winter months, the trail may be covered in snow and ice, making it more challenging.
- Where to Stay: The town of Egilsstaðir offers a range of accommodations, including hotels, guesthouses, and campsites.
The Hengifoss waterfall hike is a popular and picturesque trail that takes you through Iceland’s stunning countryside. The trail winds through a beautiful forest and across a river before arriving at the base of Hengifoss waterfall, which drops 128 meters (420 feet) into a stunning gorge. Along the way, hikers can also enjoy stunning views of nearby Litlanesfoss waterfall and the surrounding landscape. This hike is perfect for those looking for a moderately challenging and scenic outdoor adventure in Iceland.
Crossfit Gym: The nearest CrossFit gym is CrossFit Austur, located in the town of Egilsstaðir. Here is the link of their website: https://austur.net
10. Kvernufoss Waterfall Hike
- Where: Skógar, South of Iceland
- Starting Point: Skógar Museum parking lot
- End Point: Kvernufoss waterfall
- Time Needed: 1-2 hours.
- Distance and Type: 2.5 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
- When to Hike: The best time to hike is during the summer months, from June to September, when the weather is more favorable and the days are longer.
- Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options in the nearby town of Skógar, including guesthouses, hostels, and campgrounds.
The Kvernufoss waterfall hike offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The trail is well-marked and leads through a moss-covered canyon before reaching the waterfall. The waterfall itself is a hidden gem and not as well-known as some of Iceland’s other waterfalls, making it a peaceful and quiet destination. The waterfall drops from a height of around 30 meters (98 feet) into a shallow pool, which is great for taking a refreshing dip on a warm day. Overall, the Kvernufoss hike is a great option for those looking for a shorter and less crowded hiking experience in Iceland.
