Iceland

Description

Iceland - by Henk

This rugged North Atlantic island offers great hiking through surprising nature. Vast lava fields spread out next to massive glaciers. Hot streams emerge from boiling springs. Giant waterfalls come roaring down and of course the famous geysers blow hot steam high into the air at regular intervals. For any hiker who loves wide expanses of clear empty sky, phenomenal views and remoteness. Everything in this country is bigger, larger, more colourful, and wetter. Iceland is paradise.

The volcanic most active part of the island is a band running from the south west to the north east.

There are numerous hiking trails in different parts of Iceland, but not all are clearly waymarked. Given frequent fog and the remoteness of Icelandic nature in general, it is necessary that you always know how to use map and compass. Don’t believe people who argue that a compass will be impaired by the local magnetism: not true. A GPS receiver, and plenty of spare batteries, comes in handy too. The most popular routes pass mountain huts at a day’s hike distance. Make reservations in advance. Always bring your own sleeping bag and food.

The most popular routes are:

  • Laugavegur, between active volcanos, glaciers and colourful mountains;
  • Kjalvegur, a trading route in the remote interior.

Also think of these good hiking area’s

  • Þingvellir, the historic lake and pleasant surroundings;
  • Mývatn, a beloved lake in the north;
  • The eastern fjords;
  • The giant glacier Vatnajökull, with many trails around it;
  • The very very lonely north coast;
  • Jökulsá á Fjöllum river, with its immense waterfalls and spectacular canyons;
  • Hornstrandir, the fjord like north western peninsula.

Although Iceland is not as cold a place as it sounds, hikers must be prepared for frequent and sudden weather changes and fog during all seasons. Also you may have to wade across rivers, and this can be dangerous. The summer months (mid June to mid September) are best for hiking. Prepare well.

Trails

Regions

Books

Stanfords
United Kingdom
2014
  • Iceland Rother Guide
  • The Rother Walking Guide to Iceland leads the reader along 49 selected, safe and reliably-described trails to the natural splendours of Iceland which are only accessible to hikers. In the introductory chapters, as well as in the presentation of the regions, the authors prepare the hiker in a safe and knowledgeable manner for the distinctive... Read more
The Book Depository
United Kingdom
The Book Depository
United Kingdom
The Book Depository
United Kingdom
The Book Depository
United Kingdom
2020
The Book Depository
United Kingdom
The Book Depository
United Kingdom
2020
Bol.com
Netherlands
  • 111 Places in Iceland That You Shouldn't Miss
  • Iceland's specialties are its contrasts. The capital of Reykjavik offers urban life with an unbelievable cultural variety, yet you can find yourself in total isolation as soon as you travel into the barren lava landscapes of the island. Fire and ice have not only shaped the unmistakable face of Iceland, they have also produced a special kind of... Read more
  • Also available from:
  • Bol.com, Belgium
» Click to open
Bol.com
Belgium
  • 111 Places in Iceland That You Shouldn't Miss
  • Iceland's specialties are its contrasts. The capital of Reykjavik offers urban life with an unbelievable cultural variety, yet you can find yourself in total isolation as soon as you travel into the barren lava landscapes of the island. Fire and ice have not only shaped the unmistakable face of Iceland, they have also produced a special kind of... Read more
» Click to close
Bol.com
Netherlands
2016
  • Moon Iceland
  • Iceland resident Jenna Gottlieb reveals the local secrets of her adopted country, from the colorful galleries and humming restaurants of Reykjavik the stunning fjords of East Iceland. Gottlieb recommends unique trip ideas like Reykjavik: The Urban Experience,” Long Weekend in Iceland,” and Countryside Adventures.” Complete with detailed... Read more
  • Also available from:
  • Bol.com, Belgium
» Click to open
Bol.com
Belgium
2016
  • Moon Iceland
  • Iceland resident Jenna Gottlieb reveals the local secrets of her adopted country, from the colorful galleries and humming restaurants of Reykjavik the stunning fjords of East Iceland. Gottlieb recommends unique trip ideas like Reykjavik: The Urban Experience,” Long Weekend in Iceland,” and Countryside Adventures.” Complete with detailed... Read more
» Click to close
Bol.com
Netherlands
  • Eldhestar
  • A mesmerizing photo medley surrounding Eldhestar, one of the largest and most popular horse trekking operations in Iceland. The pictures are fun, colorful, and action oriented. Read more
  • Also available from:
  • Bol.com, Belgium
» Click to open
Bol.com
Belgium
  • Eldhestar
  • A mesmerizing photo medley surrounding Eldhestar, one of the largest and most popular horse trekking operations in Iceland. The pictures are fun, colorful, and action oriented. Read more
» Click to close
Bol.com
Netherlands
2017
  • ANWB Ontdek reisgids - IJsland
  • ANWB Ontdek reisgids IJslandVerken IJsland op een andere manier met de uitgebreide ANWB Ontdek reisgids IJsland! Natuurlijk mag je bezienswaardigheden zoals de geisers in Haukadalur en vulkaan Hekla niet missen, maar ga ook eens van de gebaande paden en ga op zoek naar de elfjes in Bakkageroi, wandel over het rode strand Raudasandur of struin... Read more
  • Also available from:
  • Bol.com, Belgium
» Click to open
Bol.com
Belgium
2017
  • ANWB Ontdek reisgids - IJsland
  • ANWB Ontdek reisgids IJslandVerken IJsland op een andere manier met de uitgebreide ANWB Ontdek reisgids IJsland! Natuurlijk mag je bezienswaardigheden zoals de geisers in Haukadalur en vulkaan Hekla niet missen, maar ga ook eens van de gebaande paden en ga op zoek naar de elfjes in Bakkageroi, wandel over het rode strand Raudasandur of struin... Read more
» Click to close
Bol.com
Netherlands
  • The Great Wide Open
  • Atmospheric photography that follows today’s intrepid adventurers to the most breathtaking places in the world.The Great Wide Open is a compilation of photographs that capture and celebrate the new desire for outdoor adventure. From Iceland to Mongolia, this book takes you on a visual journey to some of the Earth’s most breathtaking places.Lose... Read more
  • Also available from:
  • Bol.com, Belgium
» Click to open
Bol.com
Belgium
  • The Great Wide Open
  • Atmospheric photography that follows today’s intrepid adventurers to the most breathtaking places in the world.The Great Wide Open is a compilation of photographs that capture and celebrate the new desire for outdoor adventure. From Iceland to Mongolia, this book takes you on a visual journey to some of the Earth’s most breathtaking places.Lose... Read more
» Click to close
Bol.com
Netherlands
2017
  • Insight Guides Iceland
  • To say that Iceland is a country bristling with natural beauty is something of an understatement. Volcanoes, lagoons, glaciers, waterfalls, black-sand beaches and geysers densely populate its landscape. The lively capital city of Reykjavik also has a lot to offer visitors, from the stunning Blue Lagoon to its rich cultural heritage. Be inspired... Read more
  • Also available from:
  • Bol.com, Belgium
» Click to open
Bol.com
Belgium
2017
  • Insight Guides Iceland
  • To say that Iceland is a country bristling with natural beauty is something of an understatement. Volcanoes, lagoons, glaciers, waterfalls, black-sand beaches and geysers densely populate its landscape. The lively capital city of Reykjavik also has a lot to offer visitors, from the stunning Blue Lagoon to its rich cultural heritage. Be inspired... Read more
» Click to close
More books…

Maps

Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Hofsjökull
  • Hofsjökull, map no. 16, in the topographic survey of Iceland at 1:100,000 published by Mál og menning, with excellent, vivid presentation of the terrain, footpaths and bridleways, campsites, etc. The maps have contours at 20m intervals, enhanced by bold relief shading plus colouring and/or graphics to show glaciers, lava fields, sands and... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Reykjanesskagi
  • Reykjanesskagi, map no. 1, in the topographic survey of Iceland at 1:100,000 published by Mál og menning, with excellent, vivid presentation of the terrain, footpaths and bridleways, campsites, etc. The maps have contours at 20m intervals, enhanced by bold relief shading plus colouring and/or graphics to show glaciers, lava fields, sands and... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Iceland 1:100,000 Complete Set (31 maps)
  • Iceland at 1:100,000 in a Complete Set of 31 topographic survey maps published by Mál og menning, with excellent, vivid presentation of the terrain, footpaths and bridleways, campsites, etc. The maps have contours at 20m intervals, enhanced by bold relief shading plus colouring and/or graphics to show glaciers, lava fields, sands and mudflats,... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Arnarfjörður
  • Arnarfjörður, map no. 6, in the topographic survey of Iceland at 1:100,000 published by Mál og menning, with excellent, vivid presentation of the terrain, footpaths and bridleways, campsites, etc. The maps have contours at 20m intervals, enhanced by bold relief shading plus colouring and/or graphics to show glaciers, lava fields, sands and... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Mývatnsöræfi
  • Mývatnsöræfi, map no. 21, in the topographic survey of Iceland at 1:100,000 published by Mál og menning, with excellent, vivid presentation of the terrain, footpaths and bridleways, campsites, etc. The maps have contours at 20m intervals, enhanced by bold relief shading plus colouring and/or graphics to show glaciers, lava fields, sands and... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Seyðisfjörður
  • Seyðisfjörður, map no. 30, in the topographic survey of Iceland at 1:100,000 published by Mál og menning, with excellent, vivid presentation of the terrain, footpaths and bridleways, campsites, etc. The maps have contours at 20m intervals, enhanced by bold relief shading plus colouring and/or graphics to show glaciers, lava fields, sands and... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Iceland South-West: Reykjavik – Eyjafjallajökull
  • South Western Iceland at 1:200,000 on a detailed map from Mál og Menning with exceptionally vivid presentation of the country’s topography and landscape, hard surface or gravel roads and numerous country tracks, superb drawings of local birds and flowers, etc. Coverage includes Reykjavik, the Reykjanes Peninsula, Þingvellir, Hekla and... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Dalir
  • Dalir, map no. 4, in the topographic survey of Iceland at 1:100,000 published by Mál og menning, with excellent, vivid presentation of the terrain, footpaths and bridleways, campsites, etc. The maps have contours at 20m intervals, enhanced by bold relief shading plus colouring and/or graphics to show glaciers, lava fields, sands and mudflats,... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Westman Islands
  • Vestmannaeyjaer/Westman Islands at 1:50,000 in a series of special detailed hiking and touring maps, based on the Icelandic topographic survey, covering the most visited parts of the country. The map provides topographic coverage of the islands, with a street plan of the built-up area on Heimaey. On the reverse, an aerial photo shows Haimaey... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Jökulfirðir
  • Jökulfirðir, map no. 7, in the topographic survey of Iceland at 1:100,000 published by Mál og menning, with excellent, vivid presentation of the terrain, footpaths and bridleways, campsites, etc. The maps have contours at 20m intervals, enhanced by bold relief shading plus colouring and/or graphics to show glaciers, lava fields, sands and... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Kverkfjöll
  • Kverkfjöll , map no. 22, in the topographic survey of Iceland at 1:100,000 published by Mál og menning, with excellent, vivid presentation of the terrain, footpaths and bridleways, campsites, etc. The maps have contours at 20m intervals, enhanced by bold relief shading plus colouring and/or graphics to show glaciers, lava fields, sands and... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Reyðarfjörður
  • Reyðarfjörður, map no. 31, in the topographic survey of Iceland at 1:100,000 published by Mál og menning, with excellent vivid presentation of the terrain, footpaths and bridleways, campsites, etc. The maps have contours at 20m intervals, enhanced by bold relief shading plus colouring and/or graphics to show glaciers, lava fields, sands and... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Iceland East: Vatnajokull - Egilsstaoir
  • Eastern Iceland at 1:200,000 on a detailed map from Mál og Menning with exceptionally vivid presentation of the country’s topography and landscape, hard surface or gravel roads and numerous country tracks, superb drawings of local birds and flowers, etc. Coverage extends from the central part of the Vatnajökull Glacier with Grimsfjall in the... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Strandir
  • Strandir, map no. 8, in the topographic survey of Iceland at 1:100,000 published by Mál og menning, with excellent, vivid presentation of the terrain, footpaths and bridleways, campsites, etc. The maps have contours at 20m intervals, enhanced by bold relief shading plus colouring and/or graphics to show glaciers, lava fields, sands and... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Askja - Herdubreid - Kverkfjöll
  • Askja - Herdubreid - Kverkfjöll area of Iceland at 1:100,000 in a series of detailed hiking and recreational topographic maps from Mál og menning - the country`s leading cartographic publishers, with beautiful drawings of local birds and tourist information. Two enlargements show in greater detail at 1:50,000 Öskjuvatn Lake with the... Read more
More maps…

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