Winter in Iceland can be tough and extreme. It’s not a place for luxury, unless you have the money. But the wild wintery days also come with stunning landscapes to explore and adventures to challenge yourself. Winter hikes in Iceland can be beautiful and challenging, if you have the weather for it.
It’s my favourite time of year because of the beauty it holds. It makes you appreciate the good days, after being snowed in on the bad days.
I have lived in Iceland since 2019 and have always enjoyed finding new places to hike and explore especially in winter. With the sun low in the horizon, shining pastel colours into the sky and crispy air filling your lungs. It doesn’t get much better!
I wanted to make a list of some of the best places for winter hiking in Iceland, because I couldn’t find any such list myself. The places listed here are either hikes we have done ourselves or on our own bucket list and have been recommended to us by other locals.
It’s not an exhaustive list, and I might add more later. But for those seeking a winter hike not too far from Reykjavik there are lots of options here. The list includes glacier hikes, ice climbing, trail walks and multi-day adventures for those seeking a winter thrill. So, let’s get into it.
1. Esja Mountain
Easily accessible from Reykjavik 10 km away, Mount Esja is a popular winter hiking destination. With trails ranging from moderate to difficult, this mountain caters to everyone. The trail to Þverfellshorn offers sweeping views of the capital and nearby fjords, and the trail itself is varied and rugged, keeping things interesting.
It’s a rewarding option for a half-day adventure or those that don’t want to travel far from the city. It’s always got hikers anytime of year, and last time we went we even passed Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (Jamie Lannister from Game of Thrones) on the hike!
It’s about 900 meters to the highest peak, but most people will hike to the stone marker at 780 meters. It can take a couple of hours to hike, depending on the route and the weather.
2. Heiðmörk Recreational Area
Heiðmörk is located just outside the capital area, on the green belt. It isn’t a hike per-say, but a trail walking area for those that want to get out in nature but stay in Reykjavik. It’s about 3000 hectares of trails amongst forested areas, rolling hills and a large lake called Elliðavatn. There are trails for running, biking, and horseback riding. In the winter you can also go cross-country skiing here, and it’s a beautiful winter wonderland with snow covered leaves in the wild birch forest.
It is home to diverse species of birdlife, wetland habitats and the arctic fox as well. We’ve hiked here a lot both in summer and winter, and the snowy winter vibes are my favourite time to visit Heiðmörk.
3. Kerlingarfjöll Geothermal Area (Highlands)
Kerlingarfjöll is a stunning mountain range with geothermal landscapes that are otherworldly. It’s a perfect place for photographers or avid hikers, with day hikes to multi-day trails through the mountain range. It is similar to the more well known Landmannalaugar in the south, but closer to Reykjavik at about a 2 hour drive.
The area has contrasting colours with rhyolite snow covered mountains, and steam popping out of the earth. Winter access requires a 4×4 vehicle but if you don’t have one, you can also take the bus. A guided tour is another option, which can be a nice ease of mind in the winter when you might otherwise be unsure of where is safe. Sometimes it’s nice to just enjoy the scenery and the experience, without having to think about where to go or where to avoid. Just leave it up to the guide!
The surreal vistas are well documented, and a lot of locals say they prefer hiking Kerlingarfjöll rather than Landmannalaugar. There is a hotel there if you plan on staying a few days, or you can also book a hut if you are planning on doing the multi-day hike through the area. It’s also a fun place to go snowmobiling in the winter, and you can book tours for that here.
4. Snæfellsjökull Glacier (West Iceland)
The Snæfellsjökull glacier, perched on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, is a beautiful mountain glacier that can be seen across the ocean from Reykjavik on a nice clear day. It is a glacier on top of a volcano, that 1440m in height. It takes around 6 hours to hike, and a guide is recommended in the winter. The peninsula is only a two hour drive from the city and is dotted with little fishing villages, so lots of cosy places to stay.
Snæfellsjökull is known for its incredible views, and it is one of the most photographed mountains you will see of Iceland. You can book a guided hike on the glacier-capped volcano which I recommend for safety.
It is an adventurous climb with panoramic vistas of the fjords, lava fields, and distant mountains as well. Some even climb up and ski down, if you have the right gear that might be a great option for you. Either way you will need ice climbing gear and equipment because it is a glacier you are on :).
5. Hengill Mountain (Southwest Iceland)
This is one of my facourites because we live in the area, so we often hike Hengill. It’s only about a 40-minute drive from Reykjavik, and offers lots of different trails for hikers, mountain bikers and even on horseback.
Hiking Hengill Mountain is perfect for a winter hike in Iceland, because of the geothermal hotspring Reykjadalur. The natural hot spring is in a river about 3km into the hike, where you can bath in the warm river surrounded by snow. It’s a unique experience especially in the wintertime, and a moderate hike for people. It’s an adventure with a rejuvenating twist! You can continue hiking another 3km loop after the hot spring if you fancy a longer hike. It’s really popular among locals and tourists, so try to go at a quiet time if you want to grab a good spot in the river!
6. Svínafellsjökull Glacier (Ice Climbing Option)
Svínafellsjökull Glacier is a glacier outlet of Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe. It is known for its icy ridges rather than ice walls, but equally as beautiful. It’s a mesmerizing hike with beautiful icy blue colours and black ash on the surface. You can also book an ice climbing tour if you want to have an even more adventurous climb on the ice walls and crevasses. it can take 5 or 6 hours to summit the glacier, but there are different routes you can take as well. It depends on what tour you go with.
It’s such an otherworldly location, even Game of Thrones filmed scenes North of the Wall here in season 7. It’s on the ring road, close enough to the famous glacier lagoon Jökulsárlón. If you’re into photography and challenging winter hikes, consider this climb.
7. Solheimajokull Glacier (Ice Climbing Option)
Solheimajokull Glacier is a glacier outlet from Myrdalsjokull and is also in the south. It is a really popular glacier hike, competing with Svínafellsjökull which is close by. Solheimajokull Glacier is better known for ice walls and crevasses and stunning mountain views. The vibrant colours of the ancient ice and ash from previous volcanos make it a photographers paradise, and its quite easy to get to from the ring road.
It’s a popular spot for walkers, hikers and even runners but you can also book a tour and go ice climbing on the glacier. The length of your hike depends on the route and what you plan on doing, but the well known accessible trail should only take 1 or 2 hours.
If interested in ice climbing it is a great option here, with lots of ice walls for beginners to experienced climbers. There are also ice caves that can be explored if the conditions are right but make sure it is safe to do so and you are with a trusted guide.
Tips for Winter Hiking in Iceland
- Dress Appropriately: Layer up with moisture-wicking base layers, insulated jackets, windproof and waterproof outerwear.
- Use Proper Gear: Equip yourself with crampons, or at least spikes, hiking poles, and sturdy boots for icy trails.
- Check Weather Conditions: Iceland’s weather can be unpredictable, so always check forecasts before setting out.
- Join a Guided Tour: For challenging hikes and glacier walks, professional guides ensure safety and they can also enrich the experience with some local knowledge of the area.
- Stay Safe: Inform someone about your plans, carry a GPS device, and stick to marked trails.
Conclusion
Iceland’s winter hikes offer such diverse experiences, from geothermal rivers to dip in, to ice walls to climb. There is lots of adventurous trails out there, which are often even better to explore in winter in my opinion. The conditions are tougher, but that’s all the more fun. As long as you’re smart about it, dress well, go with a guide or tell someone your plans, and always stay safe. The winter hikes on this list will leave you in awe of the country’s rugged landscapes. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do, and have fun exploring the beauty of Iceland in winter! Which hike will you tackle first?
