Highland Circle Hiking Travel Guide: Trails Through the Wild Landscapes of Austurland
If you're planning an Iceland Highlands Circle itinerary, make sure to check out the Hiking Treasures of the Egilsstaðir Region collection and add a few hikes to your route. From dramatic waterfalls and spectacular canyons to remote coastlines, colourful mountains and hidden highland landscapes, the collection brings together some of the best places to experience Austurland (East Iceland) on foot.
And while many of Austurland's natural attractions can be admired from the road, some of its greatest treasures are best discovered on foot.
Known for its diverse landscapes, the Egilsstaðir region offers hiking opportunities for all kinds of travellers. Some routes are relatively short and accessible, while others lead deep into remote valleys, highland wilderness and dramatic coastal terrain.
From famous sights such as Hengifoss and Stuðlagil to lesser-known destinations such as Landsendi, Þerribjörg and Stapavík, the Hiking Treasures collection makes it easy to find inspiration for your next adventure in East Iceland.
The Hiking Treasures of the Egilsstaðir Region
The Hiking Treasures of the Egilsstaðir Region collection features 30 wonderful hiking destinations waiting to be explored. The trails take you through a diverse Icelandic landscape, with mountain paths and peaks, waterfalls, lakes, streams, canyons, small caves and secluded coastal inlets.
The Local Touring Club in Fljótsdalshérað has contributed much of the work and local knowledge behind this selection of hiking trails, helping visitors discover both well-known highlights and lesser-known corners of the region.
Here are a few of the highlights worth putting on your Highlands Circle hiking list.
1. Landsendi: Colourful Cliffs and Coastal Views
On the eastern side of the region, Landsendi offers a spectacular introduction to the wild coastline.
The trail leads towards Landsendahorn and views over Móvíkur, where dramatic cliffs and steep rocky slopes rise above the sea. The surrounding rocks are predominantly colourful rhyolite, creating a landscape very different from the dark basalt formations found elsewhere in Iceland.
Landsendi is a great choice for travellers who want to combine hiking with some of the distinctive geology and scenery that makes East Iceland special.
Photographer: Þráinn Kolbeinsson
2. Hengifoss: One of East Iceland's Great Waterfall Hikes
Few hiking destinations in the region are as iconic as Hengifoss waterfall.
At 128 metres high, Hengifoss is one of Iceland's tallest waterfalls, plunging into a dramatic gorge surrounded by layers of ancient volcanic rock. The reddish bands between the basalt layers make the cliffs particularly striking.
The hike also takes you past Litlanesfoss, where tall basalt columns frame another beautiful waterfall.
For visitors following The Highlands Circle, Hengifoss is an especially worthwhile stop because the waterfall can easily be combined with other attractions around Lake Lagarfljót and Fljótsdalur.
Photographer: Þráinn Kolbeinsson
3. Stuðlagil: A Basalt Canyon Carved by a Glacial River
Stuðlagil has become one of Austurland's best-known natural attractions, and for good reason.
The canyon is famous for its towering basalt columns and the contrasting waters of the Jökulsá á Dal river. Hiking here offers a chance to experience the extraordinary scale and geology of the canyon up close.
Stuðlagil is particularly convenient to combine with an East Iceland or Highlands driving route, making it one of the region's essential stops for first-time visitors.
Photographer: Þráinn Kolbeinsson
4. Stórurð: A Surreal Landscape Beneath Dyrfjöll
For hikers looking for something truly otherworldly, Stórurð is one of the standout destinations in East Iceland.
Here, enormous boulders are scattered across green meadows and beside striking blue-green ponds, surrounded by the jagged peaks of Dyrfjöll. The landscape feels almost fantastical and is a perfect example of the unusual scenery found in East Iceland.
Several hiking routes lead to Stórurð, making it a rewarding destination for travellers who want to spend more time exploring rather than simply stopping for a viewpoint.
Photographer: Sigtryggur Ari Jóhannsson
5. Þerribjörg: Remote Coastline and Dramatic Cliffs
If getting away from the better-known tourist attractions is what you are after, put Þerribjörg on your list.
The route takes hikers towards a remote coastline surrounded by steep cliffs and enormous rock formations. This is the kind of hike that captures the feeling of wild East Iceland: remote, rugged and shaped by the meeting of mountains and ocean.
Photographer: Þráinn Kolbeinsson
6. Stapavík: A Coastal Hike with a Story to Tell
Stapavík combines scenery with a fascinating piece of local history.
The inlet sits between steep cliffs and the open sea, and the area was once used as an unloading port for ships serving the surrounding communities. Remains of the old facilities can still be found in the area.
A marked trail follows the Selfljót river towards the coast, offering a relatively accessible way to experience the dramatic landscapes around Héraðssandur and the East Iceland coastline.
Photographer: Þráinn Kolbeinsson
7. Magnahellir at Hafrahvammagljúfur Canyon: Into the Highland Wilderness
Further into the highlands, Hafrahvammagljúfur Canyon offers a completely different experience.
The deep gorge follows the Jökulsá river and creates an impressive landscape of towering canyon walls and vast highland surroundings. A hiking route leads towards Magnahellir, a cave with an interesting connection to the area's farming history.
This is one of the hikes that really demonstrates why the Egilsstaðir region deserves a place on a Highlands itinerary. The landscape feels remote and expansive, while the cave itself offers a glimpse into how people once made use of this rugged environment.
Access to this area requires careful planning, and road and weather conditions should always be checked before setting out.
Photographer: Þráinn Kolbeinsson
More Than Just a List of Trails
What makes the Hiking Treasures of the Egilsstaðir Region collection particularly exciting is the sheer variety of landscapes represented.
You can explore:
- Waterfalls surrounded by ancient volcanic layers.
- Basalt canyons shaped by powerful glacial rivers.
- Rhyolite mountains in shades of yellow, green and red.
- Remote coastal cliffs and black-sand beaches.
- Glacial landscapes scattered with enormous boulders.
- Deep highland gorges and caves.
- Historic routes that connect today's landscapes with Iceland's past.
And because the trails are spread across the wider region, hiking can become part of the journey rather than simply an activity squeezed between destinations.
Collecting Stamps
The Hiking Treasures collection is also a fun way to keep track of your adventures.
At each destination, you'll find a cylinder containing information about the site, a visitors' logbook and a unique stamp. Pick up a Hiking Treasures card at the Information Centre at Egilsstaðir Camp or at the Local Touring Club office at Tjarnarás 8.
Collect stamps as you explore, and once you have collected 10 stamps, you can receive a certificate from the Local Touring Club.
Unless otherwise stated, GPS coordinates mark the location of the cylinder, and trail distances are given as round-trip kilometres.
Respect Nature
Please help protect these beautiful and delicate areas while exploring the hiking treasures of East Iceland:
- Stay on marked trails and respect landowners and farmers.
- Close gates and take care around fences and livestock.
- Leave nature as you found it.
- Tell someone your hiking plans, including your expected return time, and have a Plan B.
- Let someone know if your plans change.
Hiking Season and Trail Conditions
The hiking ideas in this guide are intended as inspiration throughout the hiking season, but the best time to visit varies from trail to trail. Some routes and lower-elevation walks may be accessible year-round, while others are best enjoyed from late spring through autumn. Highland and more remote trails may only be accessible during the summer months, depending on snow, road conditions and weather. Conditions on hiking trails in Iceland can change quickly, and snow, ice, mud, high water levels or strong winds may affect access and safety even during the main hiking season. Always check current weather, road and trail conditions before setting out, and make sure the route is suitable for the season, your experience and the conditions on the day.
Plan Your Hiking on Your Highlands Circle Itinerary
Ready to explore Austurland (East Iceland) on foot? Plan your hiking on your Highlands Circle itinerary and discover the full Hiking Treasures of the Egilsstaðir Region collection here. Whether you're looking for a short scenic walk, a challenging mountain hike or an adventure into the Icelandic Highlands, there is a trail waiting to become part of your journey.
What is the Hiking Treasures of the Egilsstaðir Region collection?
The Hiking Treasures of the Egilsstaðir Region is a collection of 30 hiking routes around Egilsstaðir and the wider Austurland area. The routes vary in length, difficulty and scenery, offering options ranging from shorter walks to more adventurous hikes in remote valleys, coastal areas and the Icelandic Highlands.
Which hikes should I add to my Highlands Circle itinerary?
Some of the standout routes include Hengifoss, Stuðlagil, Stórurð, Landsendi, Þerribjörg, Stapavík and Magnahellir at Hafrahvammagljúfur Canyon. The best choice depends on how much time you have, your hiking experience and which landscapes you would most like to see.
Are there easy hikes near Egilsstaðir?
Yes. The collection includes a variety of routes, including shorter and more accessible walks. When choosing a trail, check the current route description, distance and difficulty level to make sure it suits your experience and the conditions on the day.
How difficult are the hikes in East Iceland?
The difficulty varies considerably. Some trails are relatively short and accessible, while others involve longer distances, uneven terrain, elevation gain or remote conditions. Always check the specific trail information before setting out and allow extra time for Icelandic weather and trail conditions.
When is the best time to go hiking in East Iceland?
Summer is generally the most practical season for hiking in the East Iceland highlands and remote areas because of longer daylight and more favourable access conditions. However, conditions can change quickly at any time of year, so always check the weather, road conditions and trail conditions before your hike.
Can I combine hiking with a Highlands Circle road trip?
Yes. Hiking is an excellent way to add more time outdoors to a Highlands Circle itinerary. Several destinations, including Hengifoss and Stuðlagil, can be incorporated into a wider East Iceland driving route, while more remote trails may require additional planning and time.
How do I collect Hiking Treasures stamps?
Each Hiking Treasures destination has a cylinder containing information about the site, a visitors' logbook and a unique stamp. You can get a Hiking Treasures card at the Information Centre at Egilsstaðir Camp or at the Local Touring Club office at Tjarnarás 8. Collect 10 stamps to receive a certificate from the Local Touring Club.
What should I bring when hiking in East Iceland?
Bring suitable hiking shoes, warm and waterproof layers, food and water, and navigation equipment. Conditions can change quickly, so it is also important to check the forecast and route conditions before leaving. For remote hikes, make sure someone knows your plans and expected return time.
Are the hiking trails suitable for families?
Some of the routes are suitable for families and less experienced hikers, while others are better suited to experienced hikers. Always check the distance, terrain and difficulty of an individual route before choosing it for your group.
Is it safe to hike in the Icelandic Highlands?
Highland hiking requires careful preparation. Weather can change rapidly, some areas are remote, and road or access conditions can vary. Check conditions before departure, follow marked routes, tell someone where you are going and have a Plan B in case conditions prevent you from completing your hike.
How can I find all 30 Hiking Treasures routes?
The full Hiking Treasures of the Egilsstaðir Region collection provides information about all 30 destinations, including route details and GPS coordinates for the hiking treasure cylinders. Use the collection to choose hikes that fit your Highlands Circle itinerary and interests.