Mountains Iceland
Your complete guide to Iceland's volcanic peaks and highland terrain
You're at Landmannalaugar. Rainbow rhyolite mountains surround you. Steam rises from hot springs. Iceland's mountains aren't Alps tall but they're volcanic, glaciated, raw. No ski resorts, no cable cars—just hiking trails through lava fields to glacier-capped peaks.
Landmannalaugar's rainbow mountains, Snæfellsjökull's glacier volcano, Askja's collapsed caldera—these aren't conquered peaks but geological wonders you walk through.
Season matters: Highlands accessible June-September only. Winter mountains are buried in snow, roads closed.
Highland mountain areas
Landmannalaugar offers rainbow rhyolite mountains, natural hot springs, lava fields. The multi-day Laugavegur Trail (55km) is most famous. Day hikes are also excellent. June-Sept access only.
Askja Caldera is a collapsed volcano with Víti crater lake—bright blue. Remote central highlands. Full-day 4WD tour required. Lunar landscapes. Unforgettable.
Þórsmörk Valley is hidden between glaciers. Green oasis, hiking trails, mountain huts. River crossings needed—super jeep tours or experienced 4WD drivers only.
Kerlingarfjöll is a geothermal mountain range with orange-red peaks and steam vents. Less touristy than Landmannalaugar. Mountain huts available. Stunning hiking.
Accessible peaks and viewpoints
Esja Mountain is near Reykjavik (30min drive). 914m summit, 3-4 hour round trip. No technical skills needed. Popular local hike. Clear day views over the capital.
Snæfellsjökull is a glacier-capped volcano on Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Featured in Jules Verne's novel. Guided summit tours available in summer. Mystical reputation.
Kirkjufell is Iceland's most photographed mountain. Pointy peak near Grundarfjörður. Don't climb (dangerous)—photograph from base. Stunning composition with waterfall.
Hvannadalshnúkur is Iceland's highest peak (2,110m). Requires glacier skills, guides essential. Multi-day commitment. Advanced only.
Glacier-covered mountains
Vatnajökull is Europe's largest glacier, covering multiple peaks. Glacier hiking tours from Skaftafell. Ice caves in winter only. Massive, impressive, accessible.
Langjökull is the second largest glacier. Ice tunnel tours drive inside the glacier. Man-made but unique. ISK 20,000-30,000. Less natural than hiking.
Mýrdalsjökull covers Katla volcano. Glacier hiking, ice climbing, snowmobiling available. South Coast location convenient. Active volcano beneath—could erupt.
🌟 Top Mountain Experiences
📷 Kirkjufell & Kirkjufellsfoss
Iceland's most photographed mountain. Pointy peak near Grundarfjörður. Don't climb—photograph from base with waterfall. Game of Thrones location. Free. Plan 30–45 min. More info →
🏔️ Skaftafell—Vatnajökull
Europe's largest glacier. Hiking trails, Svartifoss waterfall, glacier walks. Visitor center, campsite. South Iceland. Free entry. Glacier tours ISK 10,000–15,000. More info →
🌋 Askja Caldera
Collapsed volcano, Víti crater lake bright blue. Remote central highlands. 4WD tour required. Lunar landscapes. June–Sept only. Full-day from Mývatn. More info →
⛰️ Esja Mountain
Near Reykjavik (30min). 914m summit, 3–4 hour round trip. No technical skills. Popular local hike. Clear day views over capital. Free. More info →
🌿 Þórsmörk Valley
Hidden between glaciers. Green oasis, hiking trails, mountain huts. Laugavegur trail endpoint. Super jeep or bus from Reykjavik. River crossings. June–Sept. More info →
🔥 Kerlingarfjöll
Geothermal mountain range. Orange-red peaks, steam vents, hot springs. Less touristy. F-road F347. Highland Base camping. June–Sept. Stunning. More info →
💡 Insider Tips
- 🗺️ F-roads (highlands) require 4WD and experience—river crossings, no services, no cell signal. Don't attempt in 2WD. Super jeep tours handle everything.
- 📅 Highlands open mid-June to mid-September only—rest of year snow-covered, impassable. Check road.is for current F-road status before planning.
- ⛺ Mountain huts book months ahead summer—Landmannalaugar, Þórsmörk incredibly popular. Reserve through FÍ (Ferðafélag Íslands) website early.
- 🌡️ Weather changes instantly—bring all layers even summer. Highland temps 5-15°C, wind adds chill. Waterproof gear essential. No shelter available.
- 🚁 Helicopter tours expensive (ISK 50,000-100,000+) but access areas impossible by road. Highlands, glaciers, volcanoes from above. Splurge option.