Iceland Traverse: Here’s How We Crossed Iceland on Foot
For hikers and adventure lovers, here’s a complete guide to crossing Iceland on foot from North to South.
The route
From Akureyri to Skogafoss — crossing lava deserts, glacial lakes, massive ice caps, and vibrant green mountains.
Here’s what you’ll find in this guide:
Detailed Itinerary
Information on the planned stages, mountain huts along the way, water sources, river crossings, how to reach the starting point, and how to get back to Reykjavik once you’ve finished.
Practical Gear Advice
Tips on what to pack to make the experience as enjoyable and relaxed as possible — without giving up the essential equipment you’ll need to complete the traverse safely.
Essential Info and Photo Gallery
Everything you need to know before setting off.
What will you encounter? Where will you pass? What kind of weather should you expect? All based on our own experience, so you can avoid the same mistakes we made. Plus, a selection of photos to help you start getting familiar with Iceland’s unique landscapes.
But… what are we talking about?
A brief introduction
Walking across Iceland’s highlands means stepping into a world that feels suspended between earth and sky: black sand deserts, surprisingly lush green valleys, glacial rivers to ford, multicolored mountains, and vast fields of ancient lava. There are no marked trails like elsewhere — and the freedom to choose each step is part of both the charm and the challenge of this journey. This guide tells the story of our crossing of the Iceland Divide, following a variant that starts from Akureyri, offering the first days in a vibrant, green valley — richer in water and landscapes than the traditional route from Mývatn. Along the way, you’ll travel the famous “F” roads — rough gravel tracks that cut through remote and wild areas. This is where trekking becomes real: fording rivers, walking across lava, and experiencing moments of pure solitude. There are plenty of surprises too — like hidden hot springs nestled among the mountains, perfect for relaxing and soaking in nature. And finally, the legendary Laugavegur Trail, closing the traverse with a breathtaking display of colorful mountains, glaciers, and dreamlike scenery. This guide is meant to be your travel companion — from detailed stages to gear recommendations, from practical advice for crossing rivers and handling unpredictable weather, to transportation and safety tips.
Our goal is to walk you through every step, helping you experience Iceland at its most authentic — without unpleasant surprises, but with all the magic this country has to offer.
Complete Guide by Topics
Let’s dive right in. Where do we start?
Route and Stages
Detailed information about the paths taken, stops, huts, resupply points, river crossings, and much more.
Preparation
Everything you need before setting off: route conditions, GPS, maps, safety, and other essential details.
Gear
A list of the equipment we brought — what worked, what didn’t, and practical advice to make your experience even better.
