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Exploring the mountains of Iceland: Everything you need to know
Iceland’s mountains offer breathtaking landscapes and incredible adventure opportunities, making them a must-visit for nature lovers. From iconic peaks like Kirkjufell and Hvannadalshnukur to remote Highland areas like Landmannalaugar and Kerlingarfjoll, there’s something for every explorer. Mountain tours provide an easy way to experience these stunning locations, with options ranging from day trips to multi-day expeditions.
Mountain tours take you through diverse terrains, often combining hiking, Super Jeep rides, or even snowmobiling for a more immersive experience. Whether you choose a guided group tour or a self-drive adventure, these tours allow you to explore Iceland’s rugged landscapes while learning about their geology and history. It’s a hassle-free way to see the country’s most impressive peaks and remote wilderness areas.
Must-See Mountains in Iceland
Iceland is a land of dramatic landscapes, with towering mountains, vast glaciers, and countless volcanos. Here are some must-see peaks that offer incredible scenery and unforgettable experiences:
- Kirkjufell: Often called Iceland’s most photographed mountain, this striking peak by the town of Grundarfjordur on the Snaefellsnes peninsula is a favorite among travelers and photographers, especially with the nearby Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall.
- Vestrahorn: Located on the southeastern coast, Vestrahorn’s dramatic, jagged peaks create stunning reflections on the black sand beaches below, making it a must-visit for landscape photographers.
- Hekla: As it's one of Iceland's most active volcanoes, Hekla has earned the nickname "Gateway to Hell" due to its dramatic eruptions throughout history. It's steeped in folklore, and guided hikes allow visitors to explore its rugged terrain safely.
- Herdubreid: Dubbed the “Queen of Icelandic Mountains,” this remote highland peak rises to 5,518 feet (1,682 meters) and is very distinct from the surrounding landscape. Herdubreid is known for its distinctive flat top and challenging hiking routes.
- Hvannadalshnukur: As the highest peak in Iceland at 6,923 feet (2,110 meters), Hvannadalshnukur, located within Vatnajokull National Park, offers challenging climbs and breathtaking views of glaciers and volcanic landscapes. With proper preparation, adventurous travelers can climb to its summit with a guide.
- Landmannalaugar area: Famous for its colorful rhyolite mountains and geothermal activity, this Highland region is perfect for hiking. It's the starting point of the iconic Laugavegur trail, one of Iceland's most beautiful hiking routes.
- Snaefellsjokull: This glacier-capped volcano on the Snaefellsnes peninsula is one of Iceland's most famous peaks, especially for those interested in its geological significance. It is a key landmark of the area, known for its beauty and its role in Jules Verne's novel Journey to the Center of the Earth.
- Esja: Located just across the Faxafloi Bay from Reykjavik, Esja mountain is a popular hiking area for both locals and tourists. It offers accessible routes with beautiful views of the capital and surrounding landscapes.
- Dyngjufjoll: These mountains offer a rugged, remote experience for those seeking adventure. They're home to the Askja caldera in the central highlands and are known for their volcanic landscapes and spectacular views of the surrounding terrain.
Best Super Jeep Mountain Tours
Super Jeep tours provide access to rugged mountain areas that standard vehicles cannot reach. These thrilling tours are ideal for those who want to explore Iceland’s remote landscapes in comfort and safety.
- Thorsmork Valley Super Jeep & Highlands Hiking Tour: Experience the lush valley of Thorsmork, surrounded by glaciers, dramatic peaks, and beautiful hikes.
- Mystery Super Jeep Tour | South Coast or the Highlands: A surprise adventure through Iceland’s stunning landscapes, tailored to weather and conditions.
- 12-Hour Super Jeep Tour of Landmannalaugar & Mt Hekla with Transfer from Reykjavik: Explore colorful mountains, hot springs, and volcanic terrain with an expert guide.
- 8-Hour Super Jeep Tour with Hiking in Thorsmork Valley and Transfer from Hvolsvollur: A thrilling combination of off-road adventure and scenic hiking in the lush Thorsmork valley.
- 12-Hour Highland Tour to Holuhraun Volcano and Askja Caldera from Lake Myvatn: Visit one of Iceland’s most remote volcanic regions with an experienced guide.
Best Adventure Mountain Tours
For thrill-seekers, these mountain tours combine sightseeing and fun adventure activities such as ATV rides and horseback riding:
- 1-Hour Horse Riding Tour over the Mountains & Meadows of South Iceland: Enjoy a relaxing horseback ride through peaceful mountain landscapes, perfect for beginners and experienced riders alike.
- Guided 2 Hour Northern Lights ATV Tour with Transfer from Reykjavik: Ride an ATV through rugged mountain trails outside Reykjavik while searching for the elusive northern lights.
- 2-Hour ATV Tour on Hafrafell & Ulfarsfell Mountains with Transfer from Reykjavik: Experience an adrenaline-pumping ATV ride across lava fields and mountains with breathtaking views over Reykjavik.
- 3-Hour Mountain Buggy Tour in South Iceland Starting from Vik: Drive a powerful buggy across black sand beaches and rugged highland trails in South Iceland.
- 2-Hour Buggy Adventure through Icelandic Hot Springs from Reykjavik: Navigate thrilling trails leading to geothermal hotspots, with steam rising dramatically from the landscape.
Best Mountain Hiking Tours in Iceland
For those who prefer exploring Iceland’s mountains on foot, these guided hiking tours offer truly unforgettable experiences:
- Inside the Volcano Thrihnukagigur Tour with Transfer from Reykjavik: Hike to a dormant volcano and descend into its massive magma chamber on one of the most unique tours in Iceland.
- Beginner-Friendly Glacier Walk in Skaftafell on Vatnajokull Glacier: Trek across a glacier in Vatnajokull National Park on this popular tour, accompanied by an expert guide.
- 14-Hour Landmannalaugar Hiking & Hot Spring Bathing Tour from Reykjavik: Explore colorful mountains and bathe in geothermal hot springs in one of Iceland’s most beautiful regions.
- Guided Afternoon or Evening Hike Tour to the Reykjanes Volcano Area: Hike to some of Iceland's most recent eruption sites by Fagradalsfjall mountain and see new lava fields and volcanic craters.
- 15-Hour Hiking Tour of Iceland's Highest Summit at Hvannadalshnukur: Take on the ultimate challenge with a hike to Iceland's highest peak, Hvannadalshnukur. This tour requires proper preparation and physical fitness but promises a true mountain adventure.
Best Helicopter and Airplane Mountain Tours
Hiking isn't the only way to see stunning mountain tops! For a unique perspective, these scenic flights provide breathtaking aerial views of Iceland:
- 40-Minute Helicopter Tour of Reykjavik with a Mountain Summit Landing: Soar above Reykjavik’s skyline before landing on a scenic mountain peak for panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.
- 5-Hour ATV & Helicopter Tour with a Mountaintop Landing & Transfer from Reykjavik: Combine an exhilarating ATV ride with a scenic helicopter flight, landing on a remote mountaintop for an unforgettable experience.
- 45-Minute Helicopter Tour with Mountain Top Landing with Champagne & Transfer from Reykjavik: Enjoy a luxurious aerial tour of Iceland’s stunning mountains, complete with a mountaintop champagne toast.
- 50-Minute Sightseeing Flight over Jokulsarlon & Hvannadalshnjukur from Skaftafell: Take in breathtaking views of Iceland’s largest glacier and tallest peak from above, capturing the dramatic contrasts of ice and volcanic landscapes.
- 45-65-Minute Helicopter Ride over Jokulsarlon Departing from Skaftafell Airport: Witness the incredible icy waters of the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon from a bird’s-eye view with this unique tour.
Best Mountain Self-Drive Tours in Iceland
If you're someone who enjoys flexibility and the freedom to explore at your own pace, a self-drive tour is the perfect way to experience Iceland's mountain landscapes. With well-maintained roads and plenty of attractions along the way, these tours allow you to customize your adventure.
- 7-Day Northern Lights Self-Drive Tour Through the Golden Circle and South Iceland: This best-rated winter self-drive tour takes you through the Golden Circle and the South Coast, with opportunities to explore volcanic craters, waterfalls, and glaciers. You’ll have plenty of time to enjoy Iceland’s natural beauty at your own pace.
- 10-Day Self-Drive Tour of the Complete Ring Road of Iceland with Top Attractions & Snaefellsnes: Embark on a full journey around Iceland’s Ring Road, taking in the country’s top attractions, including the Snaefellsnes peninsula, mountains, waterfalls, volcanic landscapes, and charming towns.
- 1-week Summer Self-Drive Tour of the Ring Road of Iceland & Golden Circle: This summer self-drive tour provides a great introduction to Iceland’s top sights, from the iconic Golden Circle to the stunning waterfalls, glaciers, and black sand beaches along the Ring Road. It’s a fantastic way to experience Iceland’s natural wonders and landscapes during the warmer months.
Best Mountain Vacation Packages and Multi-Day Tours in Iceland
Multi-day tours and vacation packages offer an immersive and easy way to explore. With expert guided tours, pre-arranged transports, and comfortable accommodations, these packages are perfect for those who want a hassle-free adventure.
- 5-Day Northern Lights Winter Vacation Package in Iceland with Ice Caving & the Blue Lagoon: Explore Iceland’s winter wonderland with a 5-day adventure that includes ice caving, the northern lights, and a relaxing soak in the Blue Lagoon. Experience the best of Iceland’s winter landscapes in comfort, with cozy accommodations and expert guides ensuring your safety and enjoyment.
- 2-Day Ice Cave & South Coast Trip to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon: Discover the beauty of Iceland’s ice caves and the famous Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon on this 2-day guided adventure. Explore waterfalls, glaciers, and black sand beaches along the South Coast, with a focus on Iceland’s most dramatic natural wonders.
- 5-Day Summer Vacation Package in Iceland with Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon & Golden Circle: Enjoy Icelandic summer with a 5-day package featuring the Golden Circle, Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, and other iconic sights, including mountains, waterfalls, volcanoes, and the famous black sand beaches.
Booking a Guided Mountain Tour in Iceland
A guided mountain tour is one of the best ways to explore Iceland’s rugged mountain terrain. Experienced guides ensure safety while providing insights into the region’s geology, history, and folklore. Whether you choose hiking, Super Jeep, helicopter tour, or another adventure, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for Iceland’s extraordinary landscapes.
These tours cater to different skill levels, from beginners seeking gentle mountain paths to experienced adventurers looking for a true challenge. With expert guidance, you can safely traverse volcanic terrain, marvel at cascading waterfalls, and take in views of glaciers that stretch to the horizon.
Preparing for Mountain Tours in Iceland
Iceland’s weather can be unpredictable, even in summer and especially in mountain regions. Conditions can change rapidly, with sunshine, rain, and strong winds often occurring on the same day. This is why dressing in warm layers, waterproof outerwear, and good hiking boots is essential, even for short hikes.
If you don't want to bring these items with you, it's possible to rent outdoor equipment like hiking clothes and boots. This helps save luggage space and makes it more affordable to head out for mountain adventures.
Always check the Iceland weather forecast regularly, and it's highly recommended that you submit a travel plan on the SafeTravel website before heading out. This will help the Icelandic Search and Rescue services locate you in case of emergency.
Tour operators monitor weather conditions closely and adjust itineraries or cancel tours if necessary for safety reasons. If your tour is canceled, you'll either have the option to reschedule or get a refund.
Experience the Dramatic Mountains of Iceland
Whether you’re looking for a scenic mountain hike, a thrilling Super Jeep ride, or a flight over dramatic peaks, Iceland’s mountain tours offer something for everyone. See the selection of mountain tours for your perfect adventure and experience the country’s awe-inspiring landscapes up close.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best mountain tours in Iceland?
1. Inside the Volcano Thrihnukagigur Tour with Transfer from Reykjavik: Explore the inside of a dormant volcano on this top-rated mountain tour.
2. Beginner-friendly glacier walk in Skaftafell: Hike across a breathtaking glacier in Vatnajokull National Park with expert guidance, perfect for first-time glacier explorers.
3. 45-minute helicopter tour with summit landing: Enjoy a scenic flight over Iceland’s stunning landscapes, with a thrilling landing on a remote mountain summit for panoramic views.
What are the cheapest mountain tours in Iceland?
1. Exciting 3-Hour Fjord-Side Hiking Tour in the Seydisfjordur Hills: Enjoy a scenic hike overlooking the picturesque fjord of Seydisfjordur, with stunning views of waterfalls and rugged mountain terrain.
2. 1-Hour Horse Riding Tour over the Mountains & Meadows of South Iceland Departing from Skeidvellir: Experience the Icelandic countryside on horseback, riding through rolling meadows and gentle mountain trails.
3. Snaefellsnes Peninsula Small Group Tour with Kirkjufell Mountain from Reykjavik: Discover the diverse landscapes of the Snaefellsnes peninsula, including black sand beaches, volcanic craters, and the famous Kirkjufell mountain.
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Do I need travel insurance for a mountain tour in Iceland?
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