Figgy in the North: An Iceland Travel Podcast
Jun 6, 2026 · 11 min · 8 segments
In today's episode, we're talking about hiking in Iceland. Hiking doesn't require you to be an expert hiker. While there are trails that demand more experience, there are a lot of easy ones, too…
Let's start with something important.
It's about the journey in a very literal sense.
The landscapes change constantly.
You can start your hike in a mossy lava field, pass through a geothermal s- valley steaming with hot springs, and end near a glacier waterfall, all in the same day.
And because of that, even short, easy hikes feel incredibly rewarding.
So if you're new to hiking or maybe just want something relaxed, there are some amazing options.
One of the most popular beginner-friendly hikes is the Reykjadalur Valley hike, often called the Hot River Trail.
This one is about a three-kilometer walk each way, and while there is a bit of incline at the beginning, it's very manageable for most people.
The real magic here is at the end.
You arrive at a naturally warm river where you can literally soak in geothermal water surrounded by mountains.
It's like hiking into your own outdoor spa.
And yes, bring a towel.
Trust me.
Another great easy option is the walk to Svartifoss, one of Iceland's most unique waterfalls.
The trail is short, about one and a half kilometers, but it leads you to this stunning cascade framed by dark basalt columns that look almost like organ pipes.
It's one of those places where you just stop and stare for a while.
If you're near the south coast, you also can't go wrong with a simple walk around Skógafoss.
While many people just snap a photo at the base, there's a staircase that takes you to the top, and from there you can continue hiking along the river.
It's a tough climb, but the hike above the waterfall is so worth it.
Even if you just follow the trail for a little while, you'll pass dozens of smaller waterfalls that most visitors never see.
Let's start with something important.
It's about the journey in a very literal sense.
The landscapes change constantly.
You can start your hike in a mossy lava field, pass through a geothermal s- valley steaming with hot springs, and end near a glacier waterfall, all in the same day.
And because of that, even short, easy hikes feel incredibly rewarding.
So if you're new to hiking or maybe just want something relaxed, there are some amazing options.
One of the most popular beginner-friendly hikes is the Reykjadalur Valley hike, often called the Hot River Trail.
This one is about a three-kilometer walk each way, and while there is a bit of incline at the beginning, it's very manageable for most people.
The real magic here is at the end.
You arrive at a naturally warm river where you can literally soak in geothermal water surrounded by mountains.
It's like hiking into your own outdoor spa.
And yes, bring a towel.
Trust me.
Another great easy option is the walk to Svartifoss, one of Iceland's most unique waterfalls.
The trail is short, about one and a half kilometers, but it leads you to this stunning cascade framed by dark basalt columns that look almost like organ pipes.
It's one of those places where you just stop and stare for a while.
If you're near the south coast, you also can't go wrong with a simple walk around Skógafoss.
While many people just snap a photo at the base, there's a staircase that takes you to the top, and from there you can continue hiking along the river.
It's a tough climb, but the hike above the waterfall is so worth it.
Even if you just follow the trail for a little while, you'll pass dozens of smaller waterfalls that most visitors never see.
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