Best Hikes in Iceland for Autumn Adventures
Best Hikes in Iceland for Autumn Adventures
East Iceland is one of the most rewarding places to visit in Iceland in autumn. Summer crowds are gone, the lowland birch trees have turned gold, and the hiking trails are far less busy. September and October are when East Iceland is at its clearest and its quietest.
The area covers more than 600 km (373 miles) of marked trails across valleys, fjord ridges, and river gorges. Short day treks run through forested paths, while longer routes follow the Ring Road east toward remote coastlines. With trails ranging from easy walks to multi day routes, East Iceland suits hikers of most experience levels.
Why Autumn Is the Best Season for Hiking in East Iceland
Temperatures in September and October usually range from 33°F to 43°F (0.5°C to 6°C). The sun sits lower in the sky, throwing long shadows across rock formations and valley floors. On cool mornings, steam vents above the lava fields are easier to spot.
Foot traffic on the trails drops sharply in autumn. Reindeer are a common sight on the paths, especially in the eastern highlands. The fjords hold their amber and rust colors well into October, and most coastal trails between towns stay snow free through the season.
What Are the Best Day Hikes in East Iceland?
East Iceland has trails that suit most hikers, from short coastal walks to full day ridge routes. These six hikes cover one of the region's most rewarding autumn terrain.
1. Stuðlagil Canyon: East Iceland’s Basalt Column Gorge
Stuðlagil Canyon is in the Jökuldalur valley, where rows of dark basalt columns line both sides of the Jökla river. The columns stand tall and angular above pale green water. Autumn often brings fewer visitors and crisp visibility, making it a rewarding time to explore the canyon.
The trail starts at Klaustursel farm, just off Route 923. The walk takes two to three hours along an easy path down to the river. This hike is a great pick for anyone who wants to see the basalt columns up close without the summer crowds.
Photographer: Þráinn Kolbeinsson
2. Hengifoss Waterfall Trail
Hengifoss, Iceland's second highest waterfall, drops 128 m (420 ft). The trail starts at a parking area near Lake Lagarfljót and takes 40 to 60 minutes to reach the top. Along the way, the path passes through birch and willow trees that turn amber in September.
About halfway up, you reach Litlanesfoss, a smaller waterfall ringed by basalt columns. The full round trip is about 5 km (3.1 miles) with 300 m (985 ft) of uphill walking. In autumn, the red clay stripes in the cliff face behind Hengifoss are easier to see in the clear air.
Photographer: Þráinn Kolbeinsson
3. Borgarfjörður Eystri Ridge Walk
Explore Borgarfjörður eystri, where basalt ridges drop sharply toward the North Atlantic. Icelandic folklore says this valley is home to the huldufólk, or hidden people. The quiet and remote feel of the place makes that story hard to dismiss.
Short loop trails leave from the village and range from one hour to a full day. For a longer challenge, the Víknaslóðir trail starts here and is widely regarded as the most beautiful trail in Iceland, covering 74 km (46 miles) of coastal ridges and fjord terrain over four to five days.
Photographer: Þráinn Kolbeinsson
4. Laugarfell Hot Spring Trail
Laugarfell sits in the highlands above the Jökuldalur valley, about 670 m (2,200 ft) above sea level. The Fossahringurinn loop starts and ends at the Laugarfell mountain hut, covering 8 km (5 miles) past steam vents, five waterfalls, and open ridges. The walk takes two to three hours and offers clear views of Snæfell mountain and a deep river canyon.
After the hike, the natural hot spring at Laugarfell is worth the stop. The geothermal pool remains warm year-round, although access becomes more difficult once highland roads begin closing for winter. Plan to visit before late October, when the highland roads typically close for the season.
5. Stapavík Coastal Walk
Stapavík is a flat coastal trail that starts at Unaós farm on the coast northeast of Egilsstaðir, and follows the Selfljót river to the black sands of Héraðssandur. The path then leads to the small cove of Stapavík, which served as a ship landing site in the early 1900s. The round trip is about 9 km (5.6 miles) and takes two to three hours.
The flat terrain makes this one of the easier hikes in East Iceland. Along the way, you get open views of the coastline and the peaks of Hellisheiði Eystri. This trail is open from early spring through late autumn, so October hikers can count on it being accessible.
Photographer: Þráinn Kolbeinsson
6. Flögufoss
Flögufoss is the highest waterfall in Breiðdalur valley, around 60 meters high. The waterfall is in the river Flöguá that runs through the Flöguskarð mountain pass. Just above Flögufoss is another small waterfall that falls to a ledge, from where the river runs under a small rock arch. The hiking path leading to the waterfall is easy and short.
Photographer: Jessica Auer
How Do You Get to the Trailheads in East Iceland?
Most trailheads in East Iceland are easiest to reach by car. Driving the Ring Road through East Iceland puts Egilsstaðir at the center, with roads branching out toward the fjords, the canyon, and the highland valleys.
Route 94 goes north to Borgarfjörður eystri, and Route 931 follows the south shore of Lake Lagarfljót to the Hengifoss parking area. Stuðlagil Canyon is reached via Route 923 from the north. Laugarfell is accessed by following Route 923 and then Route 910 through the Jökuldalur valley, about an hour from Egilsstaðir.
Stapavík starts at Unaós farm on the coast northeast of Egilsstaðir. The drive takes around an hour from town and offers scenic views along the way.
From Route 1, turn onto Road 966 in Breiðdalur and follow the road to the Flögufoss parking area.
Plan Your Autumn Hike in East Iceland
The best hikes in Iceland are not only in the south near the Golden Circle or along the Ring Road. East Iceland offers basalt canyons, tall waterfalls, and fjord ridge routes far from the southwest's bustle. Autumn brings fewer people, colorful landscapes, and sharper light on the trail.
From the half day Hengifoss trail to the four to five day Víknaslóðir route, East Iceland has well-marked trails for both casual walkers and experienced multi day hikers. Browse the full range of hiking trails in East Iceland and start planning your visit.
What should I not miss in Iceland?
Stuðlagil Canyon and Hengifoss are the two East Iceland sites most worth prioritizing on any trip to Iceland.
When is the best month for hiking in East Iceland?
September usually offers the best combination of stable weather, colorful scenery, and long daylight hours. October is quieter but can bring colder temperatures and occasional snowfall at higher elevations.
Can you see the northern lights while hiking in East Iceland in autumn?
September and October bring dark skies back to East Iceland, making aurora sightings possible on clear nights away from town lights.
Is it safe to hike in East Iceland without a guide in autumn?
Most marked trails are safe to walk independently. Register your route at safetravel.is before heading out on longer routes.
What is the best base for day hikes in East Iceland?
Egilsstaðir puts you within an hour's drive of Stuðlagil Canyon, Hengifoss, and the Fjord Way..
Are there hot springs near East Iceland hiking trails?
The Vök Baths on Lake Urriðavatn near Egilsstaðir are a short drive from most East Iceland trailheads.