Hiking and hot spring hopping are among the most popular things to do in Iceland, and you can experience the best of both worlds at the Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River. The moderately challenging hike to the river passes through a geothermal valley, with views of steaming springs, mud pools, and waterfalls to enjoy along the way. The reward is a soothing bath surrounded by lush meadows or snow-capped mountains, depending on the season.
As Iceland’s largest volcano, Katla is 4,960 feet (1,511 meters) high. Katla is one of the most active and powerful volcanoes in Iceland, having erupted 20 times since the year 1100; its last eruption added three miles (four kilometers) to Iceland’s coastline. In spite of its activity, Katla is mostly covered by ice.
The Fimmvörðuháls area is most well-known for the Fimmvörðuháls Trail—aka the Fimm. It’s arguably Iceland’s best day hike, bringing hikers across 26 waterfalls, volcanoes, ice caps and glaciers, lava fields, and rivers, all in just roughly 15 miles (25 kilometers). Most hikers do the trek in a day; others overnight in one of two mountain huts to extend the spectacular journey.
Eldfell, the "Mountain of Fire," is a volcano on Heimaey Island, part of Iceland's Westman Islands. After almost 5,000 years without activity, it erupted in 1973, and the island had to be evacuated. Residents have since returned to the island, and visitors looking to hike to the volcano have increased the island's economy, which was previously reliant on fishing.
On Heimaey Island, the largest of the Westman Islands, Herjólfsdalur is known for both its natural scenery and its role in the history of Iceland. Archeological excavations in the area led to the discovery of a Viking settlement believed to be one of the country’s oldest human habitations. Today, you can tour the Herjólfstown museum (aka the Viking Town) and see what life could have looked like during the 10th century.
An uninhabited and unspoiled expanse of volcanic terrain, Landmannalaugar is a great choice if you’re looking to get off the beaten track in Iceland. It’s a top hiking destination famous for its spectacular scenery, which comprises multicolored rhyolite mountains, rugged lava fields, and steamy thermal pools backed by the looming Hekla volcano.
The Hellisheidi Geothermal Power Plant is the largest geothermal power plant in Iceland. It’s located on the Hengill volcanic ridge in Southwest Iceland, though volcanic activity hasn’t sparked an eruption in 2,000 years. Along with the Nesjavellir geothermal power plant, Hellisheidi produces a significant amount of hot water in the Reykjavik area.
