Why Everyone Should Go Hiking In Iceland At Least Once

Iceland offers a lot culturally, with its history of Viking settlements and being the birthplace of the sagas and origins of Norse Paganism. The backdrop to all this exists in the landscape plotted by these ancient texts. One of the best ways to experience ancient culture in Iceland is by stepping foot on these paths on your own. From waterfalls to glaciers, places of geothermal activity, and to awesome rock formations, inspiring attractions are to be found seemingly around every corner of the Icelandic landscape. Sometimes though they can be hidden, which is why hiking is a great way to explore the nature of Iceland’s attractions in an intimate way. On this small island just over 100 square kilometres in size, these monumental attractions leave a lasting impression.

While summer is the best time for hiking, it is possible to explore the countryside on foot during other seasons but with a little more caution and planning in place because of the weather conditions, but that goes for the summertime as well.

During the summertime there is endless daylight, making for more hours in which to view the amazing landscape, as well as receive an energy boost. In Iceland, there are no ants, mosquitoes, and very few ticks (a recent migrant to Iceland). Also, there is plenty of fresh water trickling from a glacial source in many of the popular hiking areas.

In some places in Iceland, you can hike and witness the variety of five continents in one square kilometre. At Landmannalaugur, for example, glaciers, ancient volcanoes, and rivers, are all on the same trail, as well as the height from atop a mountain promontory to view it all in sweeping panoramic views.

In other instances of hiking in Iceland, you can actually hike on a glacier. Iceland is one of the rare places on earth where glaciers are abundant, making up 11% of the land surface. In Iceland, there is ample access to hike along the glaciers’ crevasses and walls. The immense beauty and force of this natural feature will take form beneath your feet on a glacier hike with guides who can advise you on safely traversing the ridges and shapes.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.