Best Backpacking Trails in Iceland
Iceland is a dream destination for hikers seeking dramatic volcanoes, glaciers, and vast highlands. From multi-day treks across lava fields to scenic coastal routes, the best backpacking trails in Iceland offer unforgettable wilderness experiences. Whether you’re an experienced trekker or planning your first long-distance hike, exploring the best backpacking trails in Iceland lets you experience raw nature, geothermal valleys, and remote mountain huts like nowhere else in Europe. If you are intrest in similar kinds of hike then read our blogs about hiking in Nepal.
This guide highlights the best backpacking trails in Iceland, along with essential tips, camping options, and seasonal advice. You’ll also find inspiration from the Best Day Hikes in Iceland, which can be added to longer itineraries for a complete adventure.
Why Backpacking in Iceland Is Unique
Backpacking across the best backpacking trails in Iceland means traversing ever-changing landscapes—one day you’re crossing black sand deserts, the next you’re hiking through mossy valleys and glacier-carved canyons. The country’s well-marked routes, scenic huts, and accessible wild camping (in designated areas) make it ideal for multi-day trekking.
Many routes overlap with the Best Day Hikes in Iceland, so travelers can customize shorter trips or extend them into longer backpacking journeys. Choosing the best backpacking trails in Iceland depends on your fitness level, the season, and how remote you want your adventure to be.
Top Multi-Day Backpacking Routes
1. Laugavegur Trail
Often considered one of the best backpacking trails in Iceland, the Laugavegur Trail stretches about 55 km between Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk.
Distance: 55 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Season: June–September
Camping: Mountain huts and campsites along the route
The trail showcases rhyolite mountains, hot springs, and black deserts. Many hikers combine it with Fimmvörðuháls for a longer trek, making it one of the best backpacking trails in Iceland for first-time visitors.
You can also add shorter sections that rank among the Best Day Hikes in Iceland if you’re short on time.
2. Fimmvörðuháls Trek
Connecting Þórsmörk and Skógar, this route is another of the best backpacking trails in Iceland thanks to its dramatic waterfalls and volcanic scenery.
Distance: 25 km
Difficulty: Challenging
Best Season: Summer
Camping: Limited campsites and huts
Crossing between glaciers Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull, this trail is often combined with Laugavegur. Many hikers consider this combination among the best backpacking trails in Iceland for scenery and adventure.
3. Hornstrandir Nature Reserve
For remote wilderness lovers, Hornstrandir offers some of the best backpacking trails in Iceland.
Distance: Flexible multi-day routes
Difficulty: Challenging
Best Season: July–August
Camping: Wild camping allowed
Accessible only by boat, Hornstrandir is home to Arctic foxes and dramatic cliffs. Backpackers seeking solitude often rank this area among the best backpacking trails in Iceland for its untouched landscapes.
4. Víknaslóðir East Fjords Trail
Less crowded but equally scenic, Víknaslóðir is one of the best backpacking trails in Iceland for hikers wanting coastal views and quiet campsites.
Distance: 70+ km network
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Season: Summer
Camping: Huts and campsites
Colorful mountains, fjords, and abandoned farms make this a unique trek. Many consider this network among the best backpacking trails in Iceland for those seeking off-the-beaten-path adventures.
5. Kjalvegur (Kjölur Route)
Crossing Iceland’s interior highlands, Kjalvegur stands out as one of the best backpacking trails in Iceland for experienced hikers.
Distance: 40–50 km
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Best Season: July–August
Camping: Basic huts and campsites
This route passes hot springs, glaciers, and remote valleys. The sense of isolation makes it one of the best backpacking trails in Iceland for trekkers craving true wilderness.
Planning Tips for Backpackers
Best Time to Visit
Summer (June–September) offers the safest conditions for the best backpacking trails in Iceland. Snow-free paths and open huts make navigation easier. Shoulder seasons can be beautiful but unpredictable.
What to Pack
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Waterproof clothing
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GPS or map
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Lightweight tent
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Food for remote sections
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Emergency supplies
Packing well ensures you can safely explore the best backpacking trails in Iceland, especially in remote highland regions.
Camping and Huts
Most routes have huts and campsites. Advance booking is recommended for popular sections of the best backpacking trails in Iceland, especially on the Laugavegur Trail.
Combining Multi-Day Treks With Shorter Routes
Backpackers often mix longer treks with the Best Day Hikes in Iceland to explore waterfalls, glaciers, and coastal cliffs. Popular day hikes like Glymur Canyon or Reykjadalur Hot Spring Valley can complement longer routes across the best backpacking trails in Iceland.
These shorter adventures allow rest days while still experiencing some of the best backpacking trails in Iceland scenery without committing to another multi-day trek.
Safety and Preparation
Weather changes rapidly, so always check forecasts before heading onto the best backpacking trails in Iceland. Inform someone of your route and carry emergency gear. River crossings and high winds can make the best backpacking trails in Iceland more challenging than they appear.
Proper planning ensures your journey across the best backpacking trails in Iceland is both safe and unforgettable.
From colorful geothermal valleys to remote Arctic coastlines, the best backpacking trails in Iceland offer some of Europe’s most extraordinary trekking experiences. Whether you choose the iconic Laugavegur Trail or venture into the wild East Fjords, each route showcases Iceland’s dramatic beauty.
By combining multi-day treks with the Best Day Hikes in Iceland, travelers can create a flexible itinerary suited to their skill level and schedule. With the right preparation, exploring the best backpacking trails in Iceland will reward you with unforgettable landscapes, solitude, and adventure that few destinations can match.
FAQs About Backpacking in Iceland
1. What is the best time to hike the best backpacking trails in Iceland?
The ideal season for most multi-day routes is late June to early September. During this period, huts are open, trails are snow-free, and weather conditions are more stable. Outside summer, many of the best backpacking trails in Iceland become difficult or inaccessible due to snow and river crossings.
2. Do I need permits to camp in Iceland?
In many highland areas, you must camp in designated campsites or near huts. Wild camping rules vary by region, and popular routes like Laugavegur require staying at official sites. Planning ahead helps you enjoy the best backpacking trails in Iceland responsibly and sustainably.
3. Are the trails suitable for beginners?
Some routes are beginner-friendly, especially sections that overlap with the Best Day Hikes in Iceland. However, multi-day treks often require good fitness, navigation skills, and proper gear. Beginners can start with shorter sections before attempting longer backpacking routes.
4. How difficult are Iceland’s multi-day hiking routes?
Difficulty ranges from moderate to challenging. Weather changes quickly, and terrain can include river crossings, volcanic sand, and steep climbs. Many hikers train in advance to handle the conditions found on the best backpacking trails in Iceland.
5. What gear should I pack for backpacking in Iceland?
Essential gear includes waterproof clothing, sturdy boots, a four-season tent, navigation tools, and enough food for remote areas. Weather can change rapidly on the best backpacking trails in Iceland, so preparation is key to staying safe and comfortable.
6. Can I combine backpacking with shorter hikes?
Yes. Many travelers combine longer treks with the Best Day Hikes in Iceland for variety. This allows you to explore waterfalls, hot springs, and glaciers while taking rest days between multi-day hikes.
7. Is Iceland safe for solo backpackers?
Iceland is considered one of the safest countries for outdoor travel. Still, hikers should inform someone of their route, check weather forecasts, and carry emergency supplies. Solo adventurers frequently explore the best backpacking trails in Iceland, but preparation is essential.
8. How many days do I need for a backpacking trip?
Trips can range from 2 to 7 days depending on the route. Popular trails like Laugavegur take about 4–5 days, while remote regions like Hornstrandir can require a week or more. Choosing among the best backpacking trails in Iceland depends on your schedule and fitness level.