Best Of North Iceland 2018: Best Hike

A five-hour drive away from the capital area, the North’s spectacular sights and vast unspoiled nature will amaze the most seasoned of travellers. Drive towards its coastline where the sun never sets and enjoy everything the North has to offer—from its many canyons and hiking trails, to more urban environments. Whether you choose to visit the up-and-coming town of Siglufjörður or fine-dine in the countryside; whether you go for a week-long hike in Fjörður or decide to travel all the way to Húsavík for a whale watching tour; whether you’ll be driving across the otherworldly landscape of Askja or the mellow hills of Mývatn, you’re inevitably bound to take on an adventure you’ll never forget.

Best Hike

Jökulsárgljúfur

Ásbyrgi

Regardless of what shape you’re in, you’ll be able to find a hiking trail around this majestic canyon in a northern tract of the Vatnajökull National Park. There are all kinds of routes to choose, from the full 30-plus kilometres between Dettifoss and Ásbyrgi, to the loops starting in the parking lot at Vesturdalur. Make sure you see both the basalt rocks of Hljóðaklettar and the red hills of Rauðhólar as well as many raw vistas along the river gorge.

Advanced option:

Fjörður

Grenivík-Skjalfandi

A four to seven-day long hike, the valley of Fjörður is not for the faint of heart. There are no facilities in the area, which is mostly available on foot, on horseback or with a jeep during the summer—with no bathrooms, restaurants or showers until the end of the line. If you’re looking for long, solitary hike in the middle of nowhere, start from Grenivík and begin hiking North. You’ve got a long week ahead.

Easy Option:

Langanes

Near Þorshöfn

The narrow peninsula of Langanes stretches East of Þórshöfn, in one of the wildest and least accessible areas in Iceland. Known for its rich wildlife, this is a particularly great spot for travellers who enjoy birdwatching and the silence that comes with it. Enjoy the low light shining on these desolated cliffs and feel at peace with the surrounding nature.

More Best Of Iceland Awards

South Iceland

West Iceland

The Westfjords

North Iceland

East Iceland

You can buy a copy of the full Best Of Iceland 2018 magazine—an essential guide to having fun in Iceland—here, posted worldwide. We also have a Special Offer double-pack that also includes our Best Of Reykjavík magazine, about places to eat, see, swim, visit, and shop in the country’s capital city, here.