5 Hikes in Iceland for Those Short on Time

Welcome to Iceland! Most likely you are staying in the capital city, Reykjavik and are loving the quirky vibe the city has. But you didn’t come to Iceland for the city life, no you came for the stunning Icelandic nature. The options are endless when it comes to places to visit in Iceland, but for those short on time that still want to get a taste of the Icelandic nature this post is for you.

The 5 hikes below are all around an hour away from Reykjavik making them the perfect half day or less hiking excursion. If time allows I recommend doing all 5, but just one hike will have you falling in love with the Icelandic nature!

1. Esjan

Esjan is less than a 30 minute drive from Reykjavik making it the perfect destination for those with only a day in the city but still want to get an Icelandic hike in. You can chose how long you hike for, make it a short hike under two hours or spend an afternoon exploring all over the mountainside. And the views of Reykjavik from the top, amazing! If you can only fit one hike into your Icelandic itinerary I highly recommend making it a hike at Esjan.

2. Glymur

A hike back to the second tallest waterfall in Iceland, Glymur, will more than satisfy your hiking needs. One of my favorite hikes I have done in Iceland, the views alone make this hike a must do! Reaching the waterfall is like an added bonus to your hike. This trip has it all, beautiful nature, waterfalls and stunning landscapes, and a surprise challenge that just adds to the Icelandic experience, but I will let you discover that for yourself.

3. Hveragerði

Fancy a true Icelandic style adventure? Take a short hike just outside of Hveragerði to the hot spring Rekjadalur. Complete your hike with a soak in the hot spring, preferably with an Icelandic beer and under the midnight sun. Hveragerði is a 45 minute drive from Reykjavik making it the perfect place for a half day adventure.

4. Gjáin

Described to me as “the most beautiful place in Iceland”, Gjáin is a hidden Icelandic gem.Very few tourist ever visit Gjáin, I myself didn’t even know this place existed until a few months ago! When you arrive you will feel like you have stepped into a fairytale. A short and easy hike, Gjáin is a perfect place for a picnic break during a day of exploring Iceland.

5. Seljavallalaug

If you have a bit more time to spend this hike is perfect for you. In the south of Iceland you can treat yourself to two stunning waterfalls, Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss , before heading off for this hike. A 20 minute walk back towards the mountains will bring you to one of the oldest swimming pools in Iceland. Treat yourself to a dip in the pool before leaving and you will leave Iceland with one unforgettable memory.

And so you can be sure to not miss any of these places here is a map to save for when you make the wise decision to visit Iceland.

Question of the Day?
Are you a fan of hiking? What would you want to do if you visited Iceland?

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October 21, 2014 by Kiki

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http://tidethatleft.blogspot.co.uk/ Amy @ the tide that left

I keep telling my husband we need to visit Iceland. Every time I read a post like this it bumps further up the list.
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  Yes! And it is a great family friendly country to visit as well :)
http://sophieinclogs.com Sophie

Oh my aching heart, these places are all so incredibly beautiful!!
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  Aren’t they though. I wish the snow would stay away a bit longer so I can enjoy a few more hikes before winter.
http://dianadegzz.blogspot.com/ diana @ Life in German.

I would love to visit some Hot Springs! all five of these hike locations look really really nice!
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  The hot springs are amazing, especially the ones you find just completely out in nature!
http://www.gutenblogyall.com/ Margo

gorgeous! great suggestions dear!
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  Thanks girl, Stuart would love these hikes as well :)
http://www.rhymeandribbons.com/ Amanda @ Rhyme & Ribbons

Such a great idea to put together a list of hikes close to the capital where most tourists will be! x
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  I get asked all the time about hikes close to the capital, and I am always asking myself for easy hikes on the weekends. You drive like 5 minutes out of the city and so quickly stumble onto so many wonderful places in the Icelandic nature!
http://bristolinmypocket.blogspot.co.uk/ Sara Rose

I love this list! What a great idea!
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  Thank you Sara :)
http://www.toandfroblog.com/ Mar

Mother Nature continues to amaze me. These pictures are gorgeous. Iceland is climbing higher and higher on my list.
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  The nature in Iceland never fails to amaze me, each place I visit is more beautiful than the last!
http://www.wineandolives.co.uk/ Chiara Pannozzo

I am desperate to visit Iceland and your post makes me want to visit it even more. Hopefully I’ll get there soon!x
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  Yes I hope you get to visit soon! It is such a beautiful and unique country to visit.
http://treasuretromp.com/ Nicole @ Treasure Tromp

so beautiful! for some reason I never think of hiking when I think of Iceland … but I need to go!
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  Hiking is big in Iceland, there are so many trails I have yet to discover, the summertime so many people are off on hikes since we have the 24 hour sunlight, apparently the best time to hike is in the middle of the night when you get the beautiful lighting, I need to try it next summer!
http://agirlandhertravels.com/ Polly

Even thinking of all this hiking makes me exhausted. But I suppose for those views, it’s probably worth it.. even for my immense laziness.
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  Haha sometimes when I think of hiking I feel exhausted as well, but the views help keep me going.
http://www.teamstarnes.com Alexandra @ Team Starnes

Iceland is definitely on my list for 2015. Since we are moving up to Scotland, I am planning on doing a lot more hiking—so excited to get out and explore!
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  Scotland is high on my list, how exciting for you!
http://ceciliaintherain.wordpress.com Cecilia

Oh stop it, now I want to go to Iceland even more and go hiking! In fact hiking is something I should do a lot more - I live in Scotland so I really have no excuse!
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  Yes Iceland is an awesome place to do lots of hiking! I want to visit Scotland so bad and just explore the countryside, it looks so beautiful.
http://www.adventurings.com Cynthia

Fantastic list… definitely returning to it when I visit next! How was the water in the Seljavallalaug pool? Please tell me it was at least somewhat warm… :)
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  It was somewhat warm if you stayed by the pipe that was putting the hot water in it. I didn’t stay in long, but it sure was beautiful!
Lucy

I absolutely love Iceland it is such a beautiful and geographically varied country. Your pictures are wonderful. When I visited last it was absolutely freezing but I hope to pop back for a summer trip at some point Lucy
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  Thank you! Did you get to do any hiking while you were here? I love the summertime here with the midnight sun, so beautiful.
http://luyoutravel.blogspot.com/ Elizabeth Georgian

This is such a helpful post! If I ever make it to Iceland I would of course want to go hiking. This is a great roundup!
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  Thanks so much! These hikes are all perfect to get a taste of the Icelandic nature without having to travel too far away.
http://bluehairinbelgium.blogspot.be/ Kerri

I think my next holiday is going be a hiking holiday, we did some fake hiking in Stockholm, so we just climbed over rocks and fell over, but it was so much more fun than being in the city.
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  I love going hiking when traveling, Iceland is a great spot for that!
http://www.relokate.eu/ Kate Jordan

Oh Iceland! So gorgeous.
I really want to take a hiking holiday soon, as it’s something Dan and I love to do, maybe Iceland will be on the cards?!
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  Yes! Iceland would be perfect, there are so many beautiful hiking options.
http://www.laughteriscatching.com/ Laura @ Laughter is Catching

I get so excited when I read Iceland posts - I’ve been wanting to go for years and now I’m headed there at the end of the year. I’ve bookmarked it for when it comes to our itinerary
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  How exciting! Do you have any items on your must do list for your trip?
http://www.ladyrelocated.com/ Jen B. @ Lady, Relocated

Ah-maze-ing. Nice roundup. I didn’t think it was possible, but it’s almost more lush and green than our beloved Oregon!
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  I know right! Sometimes Iceland reminds me so much of Oregon, lava fields, hot springs, ocean, mountains, two wonderful places for stunning nature!
The Wandering Home

Gorgeous photos! Visiting from the Treat Yo Self Linkup!
http://www.thewanderinghome.com
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  Thank you!
http://welaughanyway.blogspot.com/ Yalanda_Meshell

These photos are beautiful! How do you get any work done with all this scenery??
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  I know right! I guess that is why we have dark winter days to be productive, than once the summer sun comes back no one wants to do anything but explore the outdoors!
http://www.tothedayslikethis.com/ Sammy @ Days Like This

Ahhhhhhhhh <3
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  Are you guys planning any hikes while your in Iceland?
http://thethingsiamcrazyfor.wordpress.com/ Camila

I love hiking when it’s not too dangerous haha but like a good walk up a mountain then I love it - when I get to really admire the landscape, etc. And all these walks look enchanting!!
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  Yes, I am a fan of not to difficult hikes! Especially when you each the top and are treated to some stunning views.
http://www.amyandthegreatworld.com/ AmyMacWorld

Oooh Iceland! That country looks like it was made for hiking :)
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  I know right! I feel like there is never ending hiking trails here.
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Rachel Muradian

I am going to be staying in Reykjavik for a little while, but will not have a rented car, only a bike to get around. How would you suggest to best get to Esjan, or do you think that is workable? I’m assuming buses do not go out that far, and I thought it might be hard to get a taxi to pick me up wway out there in addition to being fairly expensive… This is a great list though!
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  Hi! There is actually a bus that takes you out to Esjan, and the hike to Hvergerdi as well. You can check the routes at http://www.straeto.is/ Let me know if you have any other questions!
  - Elaine
    
    That’s good to know. Can I assume it is safe to hike? Is hiking quite popular - will the trails be busy? PS so pleased to have found your site with all this great information.
    - http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
      
      Hi Elaine! Hiking is safe but you always need to check the weather, it can make an easy hike dangerous quickly. If you are coming in the winter I would recommend really checking into the trails you want to hike, they can get really icy and snowy. In the summer they are all great. And while hiking is really popular I never have felt like the trails were too crowded:) Happy hiking!
Marissa Leshnov

I just found your blog and I’m SO pumped now to spend a weekend in Iceland soon! Thanks for sharing such gorgeous photos! I’m definitely going to visit the hot springs. I want to see Glymur so bad too, but it looks like that might be tricky without a car…. Just means I’ll have to come back! (:
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  Yay thanks for reading! I don’t know if there are any buses that run near Glymur so it would be tricky to to get to. A trip back is always a good idea: )
gabi layachi

I would go in iceland in july 2016. We would see a lot of things….. and do some little hike. Where can I find day hike itinerary ? (excuse my poor English !!!!) and thanks for your so beautiful photos
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  Iceland is such a beautiful place to go hiking! All of these hikes can easily be done in a day:) Hope you have a great time here!
lisa hauptmann

Can you reach the trailheads without a four wheel drive?
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  You can reach all of them except for Gjáin without four wheel drive :)
Phoebe

Oh this is so helpful! Great post!
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  Thanks so much Phoebe!
Tammy Fernandez

Are these hikes accessible in January? I am planning a trip in mid-January.
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  It depends on how the weather has been, and if there is a lot of snow. All but Gjain should be no problem to drive to, but the hiking path may have quite a lot of snow and ice on it making it difficult to complete the hike. I would recommend checking the weather reports closer to your trip to see which ones will be the best hikes for you:)
Barry Lee Brisco

Hi Kiki. Thanks so much for your post about hikes near Reykjavik! My wife and I are planning our third trip to Iceland, set for July 2016. We always do treks with http://www.fjallabak.is but like to arrive a few days before their trek starts to hang around Reykjavik and adjust to the time change from where we live near San Francisco. So we were looking for some local hikes to do and your post tells us exact;y what we need to know! And reading through the comments is always useful. Now to figure out the bus schedule… ?
Best wishes to you and ‘the Viking”!
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  Hi! Thanks so much for your message. I hope you guys get to do some hikes on your trip, hiking in Iceland is just amazing! Happy planning :)
Emma B

Hi Kiki,

Thanks so much for writing this what a great resource! I’m going for a 4 day visit to Reykjavik in April and only have time for 1 hike, which would you recommend?
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  If you only can do one hike I would recommend either Glymur or Reykjadalur, those are my favorites! Enjoy:)
Janski

Hi Kiki, just found your posts about hiking - I agree with everyone else, your posts are great! Any suggestions for day hikes in the Akureyri area?
Thanks
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  Hi! Thanks for reading:) I haven’t spent much time in the north of Iceland unfortunately but I am sure there are some awesome hiking trails! I have found that the locals in the area have such good tips with lots of spots that you don’t find anywhere else. Good luck and have fun!
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Marta

I was thinking of doing a hike in Gjain and get to the Haifoss waterfall but we won’t have a 4WD only a 2WD. How close can we get and where can we park?
Thanks :)
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  Hi! We went back to Haifoss in only a 2WD, this was in the summer though, and it was risky with rocks. I think you can hike back and it is 2-3km hike. It is a beautiful area to explore!
  - Marta
    
    Gjain, we can drive to Stong and leave the car in an archaeological place and walk for 1 km to reach Gjain isn’t that right?
    Another thing, where is that view in the first image in the post about Gjain that is linked in the word ‘gem’ and also the three on this post? Is that I don’t know how long Gjain is and I was trying to get an idea.
    Thanks :)
    - http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
      
      Yes that is right:) My first time to Gjain we did the short hike from Stong, and when you arrive to Gjain the first picture will be in view. It is not a big area so you will be able to see it all! :) Let me know if you have any other questions;)
      - Marta
        
        Thank you so much for answering :) Me and my family, we won’t be in Iceland for many days because it’s very expensive but we want to make the most out of it! So, how many hours do we need to spend here?
        (Thanks for your answers to ALL my questions)
      - Marta
        
        Just one more (I think ;)
        We are thinking of going to Seljalavallaug because BL is too expensive and this is free and has a great view. Are there any signs on the road? Is there a marked trail to get there??
      - http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
        
        There are a few signs but not many. But it is an easy walk straight back once you park the car:)
      - Marta
        
        Thanks a lot for the patient! I think I don’t have any more questions! Btw- great blog :)
      - http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
        
        Gjain is quite small so just an hour or so will give you plenty of time to explore:)
Christel Sarsfield

Hi Kiki, My husband and I and a couple of friends are planning a 3 day stop over on our way to Paris and surrounding area later September 2016. None of us have ever been to Iceland and somehow I lucked upon finding your blog. I am so grateful. A couple of us are avid hikers and two of us are not as much, mostly due to some bad knees. Can you tell me of the 5 hikes you noted above, how difficult is the terrain? The difficulty for my friend is the coming down if really hilly. Do you think we would have a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights at this time of year. I think it will be long hours of daylight during this time. Am I right? Thanks.
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  Thanks so much for your comment! So glad you found my blog:) The last two hikes on this list are really easy terrain, more like walks than hikes that would be perfect for you guys:) I saw some beautiful northern lights last Sept so I will keep my fingers crossed that this year brings beautiful ones! If you are staying out of the city you have a much better chance of seeing them as well:)
Julia Štivelman

Hi Kiki,
Thanks for your tips! I have a question, could you please explain a little bit more detailed about getting to Haifoss and Gjain? We will be In Iceland in the end of April-beginning of May, and probably (and hopefully!) there will be not much snow at this time.
We will probably have a 2WD car. Do I understand correctly that we have to park our car at Stöng and then hike to Gjain? Or is there a possibility to drive closer to Gjain?
The same question about Haifoss: is there a possibility to park a car near to Haifoss or do we have to stop at Stöng as well?

Many thanks,
Julia
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  Hi!! There shouldn’t be any snow at that time but if you just have a 2WD I recommend parking at Stong and walking back to Gjain, it is a short walk back from the parking area. To get to Haifoss it is a really bumpy rocky road, and is possible to drive with a 2WD but it could be risky with having rocks dent the car. It takes about 20 minutes to drive back to Haifoss on the rocky road. The hike there I believe is a few hours but haven’t done it myself. Hope this information helps!
  - Julia Štivelman
    
    Hi Kiki, thanks for your tips! It is getting less confused now :) By the way, I have also sent you a message on Facebook concerning the possible photoshooting, did you happen to have time to look at it? I would be glad to receive your answer :)
http://batman-news.com MIchael Sacco

hello, we will be iceland next february, can any of these awesome hikes be done in winter without technical climbing/equipment?
mike
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki
  
  Hi! If you are coming in February then you will need proper hiking equipment since there will be snow covering the trails. Hope you get to have some hiking adventures in Iceland!
  - http://batman-news.com MIchael Sacco
    
    Kaelene, by proper equipment do you mean more than sturdy hiking boots? , mike

5 Hikes in Iceland for Those Short on Time

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