Iceland stands out as one of the most majestic mountain landscapes on earth! The country is overwhleming, it’s dotted with unique geological formations, glaciers, gazers, peaks, making it a real paradise for adventurous hikers – like me! I was amazed by Iceland and I went there to accomplish the hardest hiking trails (including the hard 4-day Laugavegur trail) in Iceland, I went ice-caving, glacier trekking and snorkelled in glacier lake between two tectonic plates. If you are short with time here are several fantastic hikes near Reykjavik.
The best hikes near Reykjavik.
You would not need to travel far from Reykjavik to experience magnifiecent hikes in Iceland. The best hikes near Reykjavik are located up to an hour drive from the capital city in two famous national parks: Thingvellir National Park and Þingvellir National Park.
The Glymur Waterfall hike.
To start your Glymur Waterfall adventure take a direction to Borganes town, located about 60 kilometers (37 miles) northwest of Reykjavik. From Borganes, take Route 1 and then Route 47 towards Hvalfjörður. Look out for the signs leading to the Glymur Waterfall Trailhead (Glymur Stígur).
There is a convenient parking lot available for hikers.
Glymur Waterfall is probably the most challenging among all the hikes near Reykjavik. So if you are aiming for a real hiking adventure or a warm up ahead of a glacier hiking that’s the right direction.
GLYMUR WATERFALL is a moderate hike with some steep sections, rocky terrain, and river crossings but a handy log bridge will help you cross one stream.
Once you reach the top, Glymur Waterfall steals the show, the sight is truly magnificent!
GLYMUR HIKE: The hike to Glymur is approximately 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) round trip
HIKING TIME: 3-4 hours to complete.
Thingvellir National Park.
Thingvellir National Park is a great destination for a day hikes near Reykjavik. There are many marked trails that guide you through dramatic volcanic landscapes within the park.
Hiking near the Silfra Fissure.
One of the biggest attraction in the Thingvellir National Park is the Silfra Fissure – a rift between two tectonic plates. While many choose to snorkel or dive in its crystal-clear waters, adventurous hikers can also explore the surrounding landscapes.
Snorkeling in Silfra Fissue.
Snorkeling in Silfra in Iceland is a lifetime experience! Seriously, I’m a diver and I still wasn’t sure whether I would be able to go into an icy waters.
Silfra is located only 55 kilometers from Reykjavik (50 minutes drive) in Thingvellir National Park.
Silfra is the only place in the world where you can dive or snorkel between two tectonic plates – the North American and Eurasian.
The underwater sceen is mindblowing!
The underwater visibility often exceeding 100 meters (328 feet).
According to PADI – the Professional Association of Diving Instructors – Silfra Fissure is ranked as one of the top 10 best diving sites in the world!
Here is everything you need to know about the experience of snorkeling in Silfra Fissue in Iceland.
Best Silfra snorkeling tours from Reykjavik.
You have two options to go snorkeling in Silfra:
- With self-drive and meeting onsite – Thingvellir National Park. There is one visible site with all Tour operators – you will not have a problem finding it – it is next to a big parking spot with public toilets.
- Booking Silfra snorkeling tour from Reykjavik – which is extremely popular and easy to organize. The whole tour is 4.30-5h and they will pick you up from most hotels in Reykjavik.
Þingvellir National Park.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Þingvellir is not only historically significant but also a hiker’s dream. Þingvellir National Park should be on the top of the list of best day hikes in Iceland.
The Öxarárfoss Trail leads hikers through the park’s dramatic rift valley, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. The trail is relatively easy to hike and provides easy access to scenic overlooks. It will lead you to the fabulous Öxarárfoss Waterfall.
PARKING: Öxarárfoss parking area
TRAIL: Loop trail ~ 5 kilometers.
HIKING TIME: 2 hours (full loop).
Almannagjá Gorge.
Almannagjá Gorge is a rift valley, bordered by towering cliffs. Hiking through this corridor feels like stepping back in time. The gorge was the site of the Alþingi – Iceland’s national parliament, established in 930 AD.
Skogafoss Waterfall.
Skogafos is one of the most spectacular watrefalls in Iceland! Lots of visitors would be driving to Skogafoss just to photograph the waterfall.
The Fimmvorduhals Trail.
The Fimmvorduhals trail in Iceland is a 26 km long including 1000m of climbing hike, one of the most spectacular trekking routes in Iceland, Europe and according to National Geographic in the world!
The Fimmvorduhals is a first stage of the famous 80-kilometer Laugavegur trail from Skogar to Landmannalaugar (south to north), which we decided to hike in 4 days instead of 5… Think twice if you are not an ironman! 😁
Fimmvorduhals would be among my favourite hikes near Reykjavik. It’s a 26-kilometer hike, which begins with the powerful Skogafoss Waterfall. Climbing the starils will allow you to see the waterfall from a different perspective and if you are lucky it will sink in a rainbow.
DISTANCE: Approximately 26 kilometers (16 miles).
DURATION: 10 hours
ELEVATION GAIN: About 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) with stunning views.
STARTING POINT: Skogafoss Waterfall.
ENDING POINT: Thórsmörk (accessible by car).
NOTE: It’s much easier to hike from north to south. We did it the opposite way, so it was even more exhausting.
How to get from Reykyavik to Skogar?
The bus from Reykjavik to Skogar takes about 2.30-3h, depending on weather conditions. It stops just at the Skogafoss Waterfall, which is a pretty magic starting point 😉 and a great camping site.
Iconic Iceland’s Golden Circle.
Golden Circle Tour is an extremely popular loop, that can be done in a day. The road leads through many magnificent highlights of Iceland:
- Silfra Snorkeling Spot (Unreal adventure)
- Thingvellir National Park
- Strokkur Geyser (including Geysir Hot Springs)
- Gullfoss Waterfall
- Secret Lagoon thermal baths
- Kerid Crater
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