Reykjanesviti Lighthouse on the western tip of the Reykjanes Peninsula

The Reykjavegur Trail
From the Highlands to the Coast

Location: Southwest Iceland
Distance: 127 km | 79 miles
Duration: 5-7 Days
Start/Finish: Nesjavellir to Reykjanesviti

The Reykjavegur Trail is a hidden gem among Iceland’s long-distance hikes, tracing an unforgettable path from the geothermal fields of Nesjavellir to the wave-battered cliffs of Reykjanesviti, Iceland’s oldest lighthouse. Stretching for 127km, this trail weaves through the steamy heart of the Reykjanes Peninsula, one of the most volcanically and geothermally active regions in the country.

Unlike Iceland’s busier inland treks, Reykjavegur is a quiet, low-altitude route that offers solitude, geological wonders, and real variety - from steaming vents and boiling mud pots to mossy lava plains, volcanic craters, and eerie black deserts. The trail follows dirt tracks, gravel roads, and footpaths through landscapes shaped by millennia of tectonic energy.

Starting at Nesjavellir, near Þingvallavatn, the trail skirts the Hengill volcanic system, passing the hot spring valley of Reykjadalur and continuing southwest through areas like Krýsuvík, Seltún, and Gunnuhver - all rich with geothermal activity. You’ll walk among hissing fumaroles, colorful mineral-stained earth, and the sharp edges of lava fields, all while staying far from the tourist crowds.

The route typically takes 5 to 7 days, with limited accommodation along the way, so most hikers carry gear for camping or arrange support transport. The trail is unmarked, so a GPS or detailed maps are essential.

Ending at Reykjanesviti, where the North Atlantic crashes against cliffs under sweeping sea skies, the Reykjavegur Trail offers a final moment of wild beauty and total isolation. It’s a trail for the adventurous spirit—less polished than the more famous Icelandic routes, but every bit as powerful.

For those seeking volcanic drama, thermal bathing, and a deep connection with Iceland’s primal landscapes, Reykjavegur delivers an unforgettable, off-the-beaten-path experience.