The 14 Best Hikes in South Iceland

Why is south Iceland such a great hiking destination?  Stellar, untouched beauty.  Lush trails laden with waterfalls.  Other worldly trails surrounded by glaciers, black sand, and lava.  Scenery you won’t see ANYWHERE else on the planet! A handful of engaging hikes that are all clustered close together, making an  itinerary of the best hikes in south Iceland completely doable for any visitor!  If you plan to do some hiking during your time in south Iceland, be sure not to miss out on these 14 best hikes in south Iceland!

 

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The 14 Best Hikes in South Iceland

 

Be sure to keep reading for maps and trail reports on each of these 14 best hikes in south Iceland.

• Skogafoss 
• Seljalandsfoss Gljufrafoss
• Gullfoss
• Solheimajokull Glacier
• Pingvellir Oxarafoss
• Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
• Geysir – Strokkur
• Diamond Beach
• Reykjadalur Hot Springs
• Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
• Fimmvorduhals Trail
• Kvernufoss
• Kirkjufjara Beach
• Laugavegur Trail

 

 

Map of the 14 Best Hikes in South Iceland

 

Below is a map of all 14 best hikes in south Iceland.  As you can see, they are all relatively close together, clustered in the southern portion of the island, making a hiking itinerary of south Iceland very easy and convenient to put together.  Also, because of the closeness of these hikes, it is often doable to knock out several in one day, if preferred.  

 

Locations of the 14 best hikes in south Iceland

 

 

#1: Skogafoss

 

• Length: 4.1 miles roundtrip out and back
• Rating: Moderate
• Elevation Gain: 1,072
• Estimated Time to Complete: 1.5 – 2 hours

 

One of the most iconic sights in all of Iceland, let alone one of the best hikes in south Iceland.  You can walk right up to the thundering base of Skogafoss, soak in the wonder, and then continue on for the entire 4 mile trail.  The hike above mainly features views of the enormous canyon through which Skogafoss flows, which you cannot see from the base of the fall.

Skogafoss waterfall is the highlight of this trail, which continues up and past the top of the falls.

 

 

 

#2: Seljalandsfoss Gljufrafoss

 

• Length: 1.2 miles roundtrip out and back
• Rating: Moderate
• Elevation Gain: 393 feet
• Estimated Time to Complete: 30 – 45 minutes

 

While it may only list two waterfalls in the name, this trail actually contains the big showstoppers, plus a handful of smaller, dainty waterfalls and streams.  It is a literal waterworks overload, and the real bonus?  You can walk BEHIND the Seljalandsfoss waterfall, and walk INTO the canyon containing the Gljufrafoss waterfall, right up to the base, close enough to feel the spray!  Two unforgettable, unique experiences along this south Iceland hike.

 

 

 

 

 

#3: Gulfoss

 

• Length: 1.1 miles roundtrip out and back
• Rating: Easy
• Elevation Gain: 104 feet
• Estimated Time to Complete: 20 – 30 minutes

 

This massive monolith is best viewed from above, and luckily this trail provides multiple, spectacular viewpoints over the mouth of Gulfoss, one of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland!  This partially paved, easy hike is great for families, children, and visitors of all ages and abilities!

 

 

 

#4: Solheimajokull Glacier

 

Length: 1.4 miles roundtrip out and back

Rating: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 291 feet

Estimated Time to Complete: 30 – 45 minutes

 

There’s not many places in the world where you can hike to the base of a glacier with relative ease.  Take it from someone who hiked to the top of glaciated Mount Hood – glaciers aren’t always that easy to access!  But Solheimajokull Glacier’s ice caves and crevasses can easily be explored on a guided tour, and there are options suitable for all skill levels!

 

And if you aren’t doing a guided tour?  Then the 1.4 mile roundtrip hike to the face of the glacier is a stunning (and free) option that will leave you awe-struck!

 

 

 

#5: Pingvellir Oxarafoss

 

Length: 4.8 miles roundtrip loop

Rating: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 1,033 feet

Estimated Time to Complete: 2 – 2.5 hours

 

There’s a LOT to enjoy in Pingvellir National Park, and one of the highlights is the hike to the Oxarafoss waterfall.  This waterfall cascades over jagged, rough hewn cliffs and boulder strewn valleys, surrounded by rugged and other worldly terrain.  

 

 

 

 

#6: Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

 

• Length: 0.8 miles roundtrip out and back
• Rating: Easy
• Elevation Gain: 16 feet
• Estimated Time to Complete: 20 – 30 minutes

 

Where else can you hike surrounded by moody black sand beaches?  The powerful waves not only wash up on the black sand beach, but they crash into sea stacks, caves, and other natural formations that dot the shoreline.  

 

 

 

#7: Geysir – Strokkur

 

• Length: 1.4 miles roundtrip out and back
• Rating: Moderate
• Elevation Gain: 344 feet
• Estimated Time to Complete: 30 – 45 minutes

 

What has helped to cause so much of south Iceland’s varied and unique terrain?  The large amount of active and geothermal areas in the area.  And one of the best hikes in south Iceland takes you straight through the heart of some of the best geothermal sights, including geysers! On this hike you will see the namesake geyser, plus turquoise pools and steaming vents.  

 

 

 

 

#8: Diamond Beach

 

• Length: 0.8 miles roundtrip out and back
• Rating: Easy
• Elevation Gain: 0 feet
• Estimated Time to Complete: 20 – 30 minutes

 

In true Icelandic fashion, the Diamond Beach hike is another other worldly example of sights you can only expect to see in Iceland!  This is an easy, flat stroll along another black sand beach on the southern coast.  Why is it called Diamond Beach?  You’ll have to hike it to find out, but it lends to the characteristics of the crystal looking icebergs that drift onto the shore. 

 

 

 

#9: Reykjadalur Hot Springs

 

• Length: 4.9 miles roundtrip out and back
• Rating: Moderate
• Elevation Gain: 1,122 feet
• Estimated Time to Complete: 2 – 2.5 hours

 

A south Iceland hike that also includes a unique way to relax!  This moderate, 5 mile roundtrip hike contains a natural hot spring, with a backdrop of stunning scenery and a unique hotbed of geothermal activity!  And yes, you can get in the hot springs, and it is FREE!

 

 

 

#10: Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon

 

• Length: 1.9 miles roundtrip out and back
• Rating: Easy
• Elevation Gain: 337 feet
• Estimated Time to Complete: 45 – 60 minutes

 

Breathtaking views of this green hued canyon, with the river gliding below.  There are multiple viewpoints into this immense gorge, and it is a great option for families and visitors of all abilities due to its easy rating.  

 

 

 

#11: Fimmvorduhals Trail

 

• Length: 14.8 miles roundtrip point to point
• Rating: Hard
• Elevation Gain: 4,278 feet
• Estimated Time to Complete: 8 hours

 

The highlight on this trail is the Skogafoss waterfall, but to reach it you must first pass volcanic landscapes, green tundras, colorful mountains, looming glaciers, and plenty of waterfalls, over 20 to be exact. Set aside a full day to soak it all up, as this trail is almost 15 miles in roundtrip length.

 

 

 

#12: Kvernufoss

 

• Length: 1 mile roundtrip out and back
• Rating: Easy
• Elevation Gain: 187 feet
• Estimated Time to Complete: 20 minutes

 

Kvernufoss is the nearby neighbor of Skogafoss, but not as visited or well known.  That can bode well for you though, as there are generally less crowds.  Kvernufoss is somewhat more secluded, hidden away in a lush gorge that is easily accessible and walkable.  This waterfall still puts on a show at over 30 meters high!

 

 

 

#13: Kirkjufjara Beach

 

• Length: 2.8 miles roundtrip out and back
• Rating: Moderate
• Elevation Gain: 807 feet
• Estimated Time to Complete: 1 hour

 

You’ll get your fair share of black sand beaches when exploring the best hikes in south Iceland, and the Kirkjufjara Beach trail is just another standout!  Don’t miss out on the lighthouse overlooking the ocean, or the puffin colonies that congregate here.  

 

 

 

 

#14: The Laugavegur Trail

 

• Length: 32 miles roundtrip point to point
• Rating: Hard
• Elevation Gain: 5,429 feet
• Estimated Time to Complete: 4 days

 

While some of these 15 best hikes in south Iceland focus on one main highlight, like a waterfall or a beach, the Laugavegur Trail is THE best multi day hike that combines ALL the awesome scenery and sights of south Iceland.  While you will have to work hard for this one, due to the 32 mile length that generally takes 4 days to complete, the reward is a diverse landscape full of mountains, hot springs, lava fields, glaciers, forests, and various forms of geothermal activity.  Where else in the world can you see all that on one trail?

 

 

 

Best Time of Year to Hike the 14 Best Trails in South Iceland

 

Generally speaking, the summer months of June – September are the best time of year to enjoy these 14 best hikes in south Iceland, where you will have the best chance to avoid snow and/or ice on the trail.

 

And there you have it, the top 14 best hikes in south Iceland, full of sights and experiences you won’t find anywhere else in the world!

 

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