Iceland · HIKING TOURS IN REYKJAVIK
Daylight and weather decide the shape of an Icelandic trip. These 10 hiking tours in Reykjavik are priced and timed so you can slot one in and move on.
Travel from Reykjavík to Seltún and the Geldingadalur Valley for a guided hike across recent lava fields near Fagradalsfjall. The route takes about two hours each way and can be hard in bad weather. Guides such as Dave, Tom, Alain, and Elias are praised for clear explanations and careful pacing. Live lava is not guaranteed.
“"Becky" was an amazing guide. Thank you very much.”
Walk 45 to 50 minutes across Bláfjöll’s rough lava field, then ride a lift 400 feet into Thrihnukagigur’s empty magma chamber. Guides such as Daniel, Ben, and Marcus have led groups with clear safety briefings and good humor. Expect warm clothes, hiking shoes, small groups, dramatic colors, and soup at base camp.
“Ben is a fantastic guide and all around gentleman.”
Travel from Reykjavik to the Blue Mountains, hike 3 kilometers across uneven lava fields, then descend 120 meters by open cable lift into Thrihnukagigur’s colorful magma chamber. A professional guide explains the geology, safety gear is provided, and soup and hot drinks await at base camp.
“The experience itself was great but the tour guide communication is not.. it took reaching out several times on several different platforms to get them to answer and it made me very anxious if I’d get a response in time.”
Join a small guided hike from Reykjavík to Fagradalsfjall with a professional geologist such as Giuseppe or France. Expect 1 to 1.5 hours each way to a crater viewpoint, rough lava fields, steep sections, and changing Icelandic weather. The guide explains lava types, fissures, eruptions, and the forces still at work below the ground.
“The trip was very memorable. Time passed very quickly. Guide was knowledgeable and friendly.Thank you!”
Travel from Reykjavik to Fagradalsfjall and Meradalir for a demanding volcanic hike over dirt roads and fresh lava. Expect about four hours on foot, changing weather, limited bathrooms, and guides such as Peter, Sara, Dennis, or Ody sharing Icelandic geology and local history. Kleifarvatn Lake and Seltún Hot Springs add scenic stops.
“Thank you so much for upgrading us to the full day tour. We had an absolutely amazing day seeing so many incredible things. Huge thanks to our guide Dennis. Stay safe when the volcano erupts! We are already planning our return visit to this stunning and fascinating country.”
Walk with Magnus, Helgir, or another Walk On Iceland guide from Reykjavik to Mt. Esja, the capital’s dramatic northern backdrop. This private hike takes about four to five hours, with pickup across the greater Reykjavik area. Expect changing weather, steep sections, wide views, local stories, and a pace adjusted to your ability. Lisa the Labrador may join.
“Myself and my family completed the walk up mount esja with Magnus and what an amazing time we had!! He was clear about the route we would be following from the start of the walk and set a good walking pace for us. He did not make us feel rushed and we were able to take breaks as and when we needed and we did not feel any pressure to walk at a pace that did not suit us. Magnus was a great guide! He clearly knew the route very well, making us feel safe at all times. He had a lot of knowledge about the mountain and the nature,…”
Hike Iceland’s famous Laugavegur Trail from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk in four demanding days. Arctic Adventures provides a guide, meals, tents, minibus transport, and luggage transfer. Expect rhyolite mountains, obsidian desert, river crossings, volcano views, and a small group of up to 14 people.
“I recently completed the awe inspiring 6 day Laugavegur & Fimmvörðuháls Trek with Artic Adventures. Artic Adventures were so organised and absolutely everything was so well catered for. Great food (nothing dyhydrated), as though you had cooked it yourself ( grilled salmon, roasted lamb, lamb soup, pancakes, snacks galore,...) Dietary requirements were extremely well catered for.”
Set out from Reykjavik at 9:00 am for an approximately eight-hour glacier adventure at Solheimajokull. Your local guide, possibly Magnus, Arnar, or Thor, provides crampons, helmet, harness, and ice axe, then leads a steady three-hour hike across the ice. Pickup is offered from select Reykjavik locations, and the group is limited to 14 people.
“Amazing glacier hike - worth every penny! Arnar was an outstanding guide: super experienced and really caring throughout the whole adventure. We even got to abseil, explore an ice cave, and as a bonus, see beautiful waterfalls on the way back. Unforgettable experience — highly recommend!”
Walk up Mt Helgafell in Hafnarfjörður with a local English-speaking guide, often Magnus and his dog Lisa. You’ll get hotel pickup within greater Reykjavik, a relaxed pace, local stories, and wide views from the summit. The hike lasts about three hours and suits people with moderate fitness.
“Beautiful hike with stunning walks and views. Magnus told me so mich about the area and Iceland during the trip. Pick up and drop off worked perfectly. Definitely worth it.”
Join Magnús of Walk On Iceland for a 5 to 6 hour hike from Reykjavik to Mount Keilir. Walk across lava fields, climb a steep gravel slope, and look toward Fagradalsfjall and the capital. Groups are limited to eight, with pickup across greater Reykjavik. An alternative peak may be offered if conditions affect Keilir.
“Magnús was very communicative through the app and prompt on pickup. As a person who is generally very hesitant to initiate conversation in the car, Magnús made me feel at ease while having converation. During the hike he was very informative of the hiking area and gave a wide array of information. The hike itself was not too difficult (I would classify it as intermediate) when I went but I had ideal weather (often more windy than what I encountered). There was some steeper inclines followed by it leveling out which made it easy to get some stamina back in between. The views were spectacular and was a great way…”
Pick a glacier, a bay or a hot pool.
