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 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 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 choose 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, are 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, stunning landscapes, and a surprise challenge that just adds to the Icelandic experience, but I will let you discover that for yourself.
3. Rekjadalur
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 tourists 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.
