Iceland Hiking FAQ: Guided Tours, Safety, Booking and More
Planning to hike in Iceland? Here are the most common questions travelers ask about our guided day hikes, day treks, Northern Lights tours, safety, gear, booking, and weather. If you can’t find the answer here, contact us anytime at info@hikersoficeland.com.
1. What’s the difference between a day hike and a day trek?
Short answer:
Day hikes are shorter (3–5 hours on trail) while day treks are longer (6–9 hours), more remote, and more challenging.
Long answer:
A day hike typically covers 7–11 km with moderate elevation and is suitable for most active travelers. A day trek ranges from 15–17 km with significant elevation (up to 1,010 m), requiring endurance and confidence on uneven terrain. Day treks include longer outdoor lunch stops and more off-trail navigation, where you’ll learn and practise orienteering skills from a local, certified International Mountain Leader.
2. What hikes do you offer from Reykjavík?
Short answer:
We offer day hikes, day treks, and a Northern Lights night hike to Reykjadalur Hot River — all with optional pickup in Reykjavík.
Long answer:
Choose from scenic volcanic ridges, waterfalls, hidden hot springs, rhyolite mountains, lava caves, geothermal fields, and folklore locations. Each hike is guided by a local, certified International Mountain Leader (IML) who takes you away from tourist crowds to wild, lesser-known trails near Reykjavík.
3. How do I choose the right hike?
Short answer:
Consider distance, elevation, and difficulty level. If you’re unsure, email us — we’ll help you decide.
Long answer:
We rate our tours as easy, moderate, and challenging. Check distance and elevation to judge what fits your fitness. Easy hikes are perfect for beginners, moderate hikes suit active travelers and nature lovers, and challenging treks are ideal for experienced outdoor enthusiasts. We’re happy to recommend a tour based on your fitness and interests.
4. Are your hikes suitable for beginners?
Short answer:
Yes! Helgafell, Moskardshnjukar, Grímannsfell hikes and the Northern Lights night hike are beginner-friendly.
Long answer:
Our guides support everyone at a comfortable pace with plenty of breaks. Even easy hikes require stable footwear, windproof layers, and basic fitness, since Icelandic terrain can be rocky and uneven. If you’re new to hiking, these introductory routes are a safe and exciting way to experience Iceland’s nature.
5. What fitness level do I need?
Short answer:
You should be able to walk steadily for several hours with uphill sections.
Long answer:
Because Icelandic weather and terrain can be unpredictable, we recommend comfort with 7–17 km (5–10.5 miles) of hiking, depending on the tour. Day treks require good endurance and confidence on rough ground. If you regularly walk, jog, or hike on local trails, you’ll be absolutely fine.
6. What should I pack?
Short answer:
Hiking shoes, windproof jacket and pants, warm layers, water, gloves, hat, and a packed lunch.
Long answer:
At the bottom of each tour page, we include a detailed “Remember to take with you” list. The essentials include:
- Hiking shoes
- Windproof jacket and pants
- 0.5 L water (day hikes) / 1 L (day treks)
- Packed meal
- Cap and gloves
Your guide may carry an emergency shelter and headlamps so we can enjoy lunch outside or explore caves — even in classic sudden Icelandic rain.
7. Do you provide gear rentals?
Short answer:
No, we don’t rent personal hiking gear.
Long answer:
Please bring your own boots, clothing, water, and snacks. We provide navigation tools, emergency shelter, and safety equipment. If you need gear in Reykjavík, we’re happy to recommend reputable rental shops. We also have a partnership with IcelandCover that gives you a 10% discount on their high-quality outdoor gear rentals.
8. What happens if the weather is bad?
Short answer:
If conditions are unsafe, we cancel or reschedule with full refund.
Long answer:
Iceland’s weather can change quickly. We hike in light rain and wind, but if conditions are dangerous (storms, extreme winds, closed roads), we’ll notify you the day before via email and offer either a new departure date or full refund. Safety first, always.
9. What is the age limit?
Short answer:
Most tours are 16+. The Northern Lights Hike welcomes ages 8+.
Long answer:
Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Children should be comfortable walking 6 km (3.7 miles) with some uphill terrain at night. For private family tours, contact us — we can adapt routes.
10. How long do the tours last?
Short answer:
Day hikes: 4–5 hours
Day treks: 6–9 hours
Northern lights: 4 hours
Long answer:
All durations are on trail time plus pickup/drop-off from Reykjavík. Times vary slightly with weather and group pace — we never rush.
11. How many people are in a group?
Short answer:
Small groups — max 8 to 15 people depending on the tour.
Long answer:
Small groups ensure safety, personal guidance, and space to enjoy nature. We never run “bus tourism” or crowded trails. You’ll truly feel like you’re exploring.
12. Do you offer private or custom tours?
Short answer:
Yes — tell us what you’re dreaming of.
Long answer:
Private tours are perfect for couples, families, photographers, friend groups, or solo travelers wanting a personalized adventure. Simply fill out the form on our Custom Tours page and we’ll design a unique itinerary based on difficulty, scenery, and schedule.
13. How do I book a hike?
Short answer:
Book online using our secure booking system.
Long answer:
Click Book Now on any tour page to choose a date, pickup location, and preferred language. You’ll receive an email confirmation instantly.
14. What payment methods do you accept?
Short answer:
We accept all credit cards and you can see each tour’s price in EUR, USD, and ISK.
Long answer:
Payments are processed securely through our booking system. You can pay with major credit cards. No hidden fees — the price you see is the price you pay.
15. Can I cancel my booking?
Short answer:
Yes — cancel day tours 24+ hours before departure for a full refund.
Long answer:
Private tours can be cancelled 2+ days before departure for a full refund. All cancellations must be emailed to info@hikersoficeland.com.
16. Will I get a full refund if the tour is cancelled due to weather?
Short answer:
Yes — always.
Long answer:
If we cancel because of unsafe conditions, you get 100% refund or you can reschedule. No fees ever.
17. Can I change my booking date or pickup location?
Short answer:
Yes — just email us.
Long answer:
We don’t charge fees for changes. However, availability depends on the new date/time, so please contact us early. Pickup location changes must be sent at least 24 hours before departure.
18. Do I need travel insurance?
Short answer:
Yes, we recommend it.
Long answer:
We hold professional liability insurance according to IML standards, but participants should have personal insurance that covers outdoor activities, weather delays, and travel disruptions.
19. Will we see wildlife?
Short answer:
Maybe — Iceland has arctic foxes, geese, ptarmigan, and seabirds.
Long answer:
Wildlife sightings vary with season and location. Our local guides know where to look, but nature is nature — surprises are part of the adventure.
20. Will we see the Northern Lights?
Short answer:
We can’t guarantee it, but we choose a great night hike location to increase your chances.
Long answer:
The Northern Lights depend on solar activity and cloud cover. We monitor aurora forecasts and avoid light pollution. Even without lights, hiking to a geothermal river at night is unforgettable.
21. Are restroom facilities available?
Short answer:
Usually no — we are in nature.
Long answer:
Please use the restroom before pickup. We follow Leave No Trace principles. Your local guide can explain procedures for remote areas.
22. Do you serve food or snacks?
Short answer:
No, please bring a packed lunch and water.
Long answer:
We stop for outdoor lunch. Your local guide brings an emergency shelter for comfort and safety in rain and wind.
23. What languages do guides speak?
Short answer:
English, Italian, and Spanish.
Long answer:
We also speak some Icelandic and may share local place-name meanings and folklore on the trail.
24. Are the tours safe?
Short answer:
Yes — safety is top priority.
Long answer:
Your local guide is trained as an International Mountain Leader (IML) and Wilderness First Responder (WFR), certified to handle navigation, first aid, rescue procedures, and risk management in remote environments.
25. What time of year do you operate?
Short answer:
We operate from May to October.
Long answer:
Fall and summer routes differ. In fall, we offer the Northern Lights night hike. In summer, day treks give access to high ridges, geothermal valleys, and peak-to-peak routes.
26. Do I need hiking experience?
Short answer:
Not always.
Long answer:
Easy and moderate hikes are suitable for regular walkers and travelers new to mountain trails. Hengill Day Trek requires good fitness and confidence with uneven terrain.
27. Can I bring my camera or drone?
Short answer:
Yes, cameras are welcome.
Long answer:
Drones are allowed in some areas, but certain nature reserves restrict them. Ask your local guide before flying — we follow local regulations and respect wildlife.
28. Can I hike in sneakers?
Short answer:
We strongly recommend hiking shoes.
Long answer:
Icelandic trails are rocky and slippery when wet. Low-profile sneakers may lead to ankle injuries. Sturdy hiking shoes are required for all tours.
29. Do you offer hotel pickup and drop-off?
Short answer:
Yes, in Reykjavik or nearby — select pickup location during booking.
Long answer:
If you don’t know your hotel yet, you can update pickup by email up to 24 hours before departure.
30. Are there any hidden fees?
Short answer:
No.
Long answer:
Our prices include taxes, guiding, safety equipment, and pickup. Food, drinks, and personal gear are not included.
31. Can I use public transportation to the trailhead?
Short answer:
Usually no.
Long answer:
Our hikes are in remote nature areas with no reliable public transport. That’s why pickup is included — we take care of logistics so you can focus on hiking.
32. What if I’m afraid of heights?
Short answer:
Tell us — many tours avoid exposed areas.
Long answer:
Only one day hike (The Knife’s Edge) has some ridge walking. Most routes stay on wide, stable trails. We always choose safe options.
33. Do you offer group discounts?
Short answer:
Yes — contact us.
Long answer:
For groups of 6+, or for families traveling together, we can offer custom rates and private tours.
34. Can I book last minute?
Short answer:
Sometimes but not really.
Long answer:
Weekends and summer dates fill quickly, so booking early is recommended. If you’re already in Reykjavík, call or email us and we’ll try to fit you in.
35. Do you run tours in rain?
Short answer:
Yes — rain is part of Iceland.
Long answer:
As long as it’s safe, we go. Your guide carries an emergency shelter so we can enjoy breaks and lunch outdoors no matter the weather.
36. Are dogs allowed?
Short answer:
No, not in shared tours for sure, pets cannot join group tours.
Long answer:
Some nature areas restrict dogs, and group safety is our priority. For private trips, email us — exceptions may be possible.
37. Is transportation included?
Short answer:
Yes, if you like — pickup and drop-off from Reykjavík and nearby.
Long answer:
Please be ready at your pickup location at the time shown in your confirmation email.
38. What’s included in the price?
Short answer:
Professional and local guide, pickup, safety gear, navigation tools.
Long answer:
Food, water, and personal hiking gear are not included. You bring the adventure — we provide the expertise.
39. Where are you based?
Short answer:
Reykjavík, Iceland.
Long answer:
Hikers of Iceland Ehf is a locally owned and operated adventure company offering certified guiding services in Iceland’s wilderness areas.
40. What is the best time of year to hike in Iceland?
Short answer:
May to October for day hikes and treks. September and October for the Northern Lights night hike.
Long answer:
Iceland’s hiking season runs from May through October, when trails are accessible, daylight is generous, and weather – while always unpredictable – is at its most manageable. Summer (June–August) offers the midnight sun, meaning you can hike late into the evening in full daylight and reach ridgelines and summits that are inaccessible earlier in the season. September and October bring shorter days, the first real darkness of the season, and the return of aurora activity: making them the best months for our Northern Lights night hike to Reykjadalur. Autumn colours also make September one of the most visually beautiful months to hike in Iceland. If you’re unsure which month suits your plans best, get in touch and we’ll advise based on what you want to experience.
41. Is hiking in Iceland safe?
Short answer:
Yes – with a certified guide and proper preparation, hiking in Iceland is very safe.
Long answer:
Iceland’s terrain and weather can be genuinely demanding: trails are often unmarked, conditions change fast, and some areas are remote enough that self-rescue is difficult. This is exactly why guiding certification matters. Every Hikers of Iceland guide holds specific qualifications: meaning they are trained to navigate remote terrain, manage medical emergencies, and make risk decisions in Iceland’s fast-changing conditions. On every tour we carry a GPS tracker, emergency shelter, compass, altimeter, and first aid kit. We monitor weather forecasts in the 24 hours before each tour and will cancel or reschedule if conditions become genuinely unsafe. Solo hiking in Iceland’s more remote areas carries real risk. Hiking with a certified guide removes it.
42. Do I need a guide to hike in Iceland?
Short answer:
Not legally, but practically, a good guide makes an enormous difference.
Long answer:
Iceland has no requirement for guided hiking, and many of the country’s most popular trails – Fimmvörðuháls, Landmannalaugar, parts of the Westfjords – are hiked independently every year. For well-marked, heavily trafficked routes, experienced hikers with proper gear can absolutely go alone. However, the trails we hike at Hikers of Iceland are specifically chosen because they are off the beaten path: unmarked, less visited, and in terrain where navigation matters. Getting lost in Iceland’s interior is not a minor inconvenience. Beyond safety, a certified local guide transforms what you see. The geology, the folklore, the ecology: none of it is obvious from the outside. A guide who knows this landscape intimately turns a walk into an experience that stays with you. Our guests frequently tell us that the guide was the single biggest factor in what made their day memorable.
43. What makes Hikers of Iceland different from other tour operators?
Short answer:
Small groups, certified guides, genuine off-the-beaten-path routes, and orienteering skills built into every trek.
Long answer:
Most guided hiking tours in Iceland follow the same popular trails, use the same viewpoints, and move groups of 20–40 people at a pace that suits the slowest walker. We deliberately work differently. Our groups are capped at 8–15 people depending on the tour: small enough that the experience feels personal and the wilderness feels genuinely wild. Our routes avoid the tourist trail network entirely, taking guests to places most visitors to Iceland never find. Our guides are certified to international mountain standards, not just licensed tour guides with basic training. And uniquely, our day treks include hands-on orienteering instruction, so that you leave with a real skill, not just a memory. We’re also genuinely locally based: we live here, we know this terrain in every season, and we care about Iceland’s nature in a way that shapes every decision we make about how and where we operate.
44. Can I combine a hiking tour with other activities in Iceland?
Short answer:
Yes, and we’re happy to advise on how to plan your time in Iceland around your hike.
Long answer:
Our tours typically end by mid to late afternoon (day hikes and treks) or around midnight (Northern Lights hike), leaving plenty of time to combine them with other Icelandic experiences. Many guests pair a morning hike with an afternoon visit to the Blue Lagoon, a drive along the Reykjanes Peninsula, or a stop at Thingvellir National Park. The Grímannsfell day hike already includes a visit to the Halldór Laxness museum as part of the experience. For guests wanting to explore more of Iceland across multiple days, our Custom Tours page is the best starting point: we can advise on routes, logistics, and how to make the most of your time in the country, whatever your itinerary looks like.
45. How do I contact you?
Short answer:
Email: info@hikersoficeland.com
Long answer:
You can also call +354 767 2375 (WhatsApp as well) or fill our form online. We respond quickly and are happy to help with booking, recommendations, or custom tour ideas.