13 days · starting in Reykjavik
13-day tour
An accessible itinerary for a gentle discovery.
- Hikes
- 14
- Walking
- 89 km
- Elevation +
- 4,480 m
- Driving
- 2,190 km
- Difficulty
- from very easy to moderate
- Season
- early July to early September
Traveling in Iceland: Tips and Itineraries
How to organise a hiking trip in Iceland: getting around, choosing your regions, renting the right vehicle — and two ready-made tours.
Roaming or fixed stay?
Iceland is best explored by roaming. Unlike other destinations, where you can travel from a fixed point, Iceland does not have a central location from which you can easily access its major sites. To fully experience its wild landscapes, a road trip is essential.
- 370 km from Reykjavik to Jökulsárlón
- 5 h by car, nearly
- 3 days at most per stop
The distances are also significant. For example, the distance between Reykjavik and Jökulsárlón, the famous glacial lagoon in the south, is 370 km (nearly 5 hours by car). Staying in one place would mean spending most of your time on the road and making long, exhausting round trips.
The solution? Change your accommodation every one to three days as you follow your itinerary, or opt for a camper van. You'll sleep close to the sites you want to explore and make the most of your time there. This itinerant formula is undoubtedly the most effective way to discover Iceland's diverse landscapes.
My two tours
Two ready-made road trips, day by day, with the map and the GPX tracks of every hike. Both run from early July to early September, when the Highland tracks are open.
14 days · starting in Reykjavik
14-day tour
A more demanding route for seasoned adventurers.
- Hikes
- 16
- Walking
- 137 km
- Elevation +
- 7,950 m
- Driving
- 1,670 km
- Difficulty
- from very easy to very hard
- Season
- early July to early September
Top regions to visit
If I had to choose just one region to explore, it would be the Highlands without hesitation. This vast wilderness covers nearly half of Iceland and remains almost entirely uninhabited. The landscapes here are raw, spectacular, and unique in the world.
The Southwest Highlands
★ My pickThe most accessible part of the Highlands, but a 4x4 is still essential. It is home to some of the country's most remarkable sites. Please note, however, that the roads in the Highlands are only open from late June to mid-September. My guides: Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk.
Southern Iceland
Another must-see region, rich in exceptional hiking trails and iconic landscapes.
The North, East, and West
These regions offer beautiful scenery, though with fewer exceptional sites.
Not ranked
What about the Northwest Fjords?
Although they are often presented as a must-see, I find them less impressive than the eastern fjords and nowhere near as impressive as those in Norway. Additionally, the distances between the different sites are significant.
Car rental in Iceland
If you want to explore the Highlands or follow one of the suggested tours, you will need to take the F-roads, which are specific to the Icelandic Highlands. These roads are strictly reserved for 4x4 vehicles.
What type of 4x4 should you choose?
The type of vehicle you choose depends on your itinerary and how comfortable you are with crossing rivers:
No river crossings
Any 4x4
It will do on F-roads without fords.
River crossings
Dacia Duster or higher
This type of vehicle is sufficient in most cases under normal conditions.