Hiking trails
The Waterfall Circle
The Waterfall Circle is an 8 kilometers long hiking trail that starts and ends in Laugarfell.
Along the path, you will come across five waterfalls and one beautiful canyon. Some of these waterfalls are among the most powerful in Austurland (East Iceland). The most famous of these waterfalls are Kirkjufoss and Faxi.
This stunning hike is getting increasingly more popular among hikers. Lastly, after a great day of hiking, it’s perfect to end the day in the hot springs by Laugarfell.
Guided hikes nearby
Sold by our partners at the Wilderness Center
Abandoned farm
A pleasant family hike destined for the abandoned farm of Kleif where we will take time to absorb the beautiful surroundings and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate or coffee. Those who dare can try their hand at winching themselves across the Jökulsá river by a traditional cableway.
Duration: 3–4 hours
Distance: 6 km
Departing from: The Wilderness Center
Difficulty: 
Shepherds Trail
Take a walk around the slopes behind the Wilderness Center along a marked path. Apart from the beautiful view of the Norðurdalur valley, interesting sights en route include an old shepherd’s shelter, haywire (for transporting hay from the top of the hill down to the farm) and an old packhorse trail.
Duration: 3–4 hours
Distance: 4 km
Departing from: The Wilderness Center
Difficulty:
Minimum age: 8 years
Waterfall Trail
The Icelandic Wilderness Center is located at the edge of the wilderness by the Jökulsá river which boasts around 15 waterfalls, large and small. No other river in the country has as many waterfalls, and the river’s vertical drop is around 600 meters in only 30 kilometers. After experiencing the Wilderness Exhibition, the walk takes you to the abandoned farm of Kleif, and soon you will catch sight of the lowest of the waterfalls. Daring souls can try their hand at winching themselves across the Jökulsá river by a traditional cableway. As you walk along the river, the falls appear one after the other. You’ll follow a marked trail through a birch wood. The walk from the Center to the Laugarfell Highland Hostel takes about 6 hours. At the hostel, you can relax in an outside pool of warm spring water.
Duration: 9.5 hours total – 6 hours of hiking
Distance: 16 km
Pick up (optional): Egilsstaðir Airport or your hotel or guesthouse in Egilsstaðir around 8:30 am (first morning flight)
Drop off (optional): Egilsstaðir Airport or your hotel or guesthouse in Egilsstaðir around 7:30 pm (first evening flight)
Departing from: The Wilderness Center
Difficulty:
Minimum age: 10 years
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Laugarfell location
LAUGARFELL location