A unique and accessible running experience! There are many volcanoes in Iceland that offer great hiking, but Eldfell offers one of the better opportunities to ‘run a volcano’. The island of Heimaey is a 40-minute ferry ride and is a wonderful spot to visit. Eldfell is the result of a huge eruption in 1973 that lasted 6 months and literally added 2.1 km to the island’s surface. The setting is well preserved, with a series of paths that ascend to the summit (about 200 meters), which has great views and some still warm rocks.
View from Eldfell. Author photo.
The hike is quite runnable, with a gentle, winding slope that ascends about 200 meters over about 2 km. The wide, gravel path is easy to follow, with good interpretive signs. There are some tributary paths and roads in the area if you’d like to add to your run.
A unique and accessible running experience! There are many volcanoes in Iceland that offer great hiking, but Eldfell offers one of the better opportunities to ‘run a volcano’. The island of Heimaey is a 40-minute ferry ride and is a wonderful spot to visit. Eldfell is the result of a huge eruption in 1973 that lasted 6 months and literally added 2.1 km to the island’s surface. The setting is well preserved, with a series of paths that ascend to the summit (about 200 meters), which has great views and some still warm rocks.
View from Eldfell. Author photo.
The hike is quite runnable, with a gentle, winding slope that ascends about 200 meters over about 2 km. The wide, gravel path is easy to follow, with good interpretive signs. There are some tributary paths and roads in the area if you’d like to add to your run.
There are many opportunities for unique, one-of-a-kind runs in Iceland. This post has some of the highlights: volcanoes, craters, canyons, hot springs, black sand beaches, lava fields, a Midnight Sun race, and more!
The northernmost capital city in the world has some wonderful running options. We've put together several routes, including a 'runseeing' tour, waterfront paths, parks, and some fun spots near the city.
'Golden Circle' route is a drive between the sightseeing highlights in southwest Iceland, within a day's drive of Reykjavik. We've put together runs at Hveragerdi, the Blue Lagoon, Thingvellir National Park, Black Sand Beach, & more.
One of the few opportunities in the world where you can run to a natural river thermal spring! A fairly gentle trail run for 3.5 km one-way leads to the hot springs. There's also a nice path from the parking lot to the town of Hveragerdi.
Located in northern Iceland and the country's second largest city. Dedicated path along the harbor, paths along the Glerá River, and good trail running on Súlur Mountain with fantastic views.
One of our favorite towns in northern Iceland and a popular spot for whale watching tours. The main road along the water is runnable and has great views. A treat is the flat path around the mountainside Lake Botnsvatn. Black sand beaches nearby.
In the Ásbyrgi area of this large national park, there are some hiking trails that are also great for running. Run on a flat trail above or below a river canyon, or on a trail between two spectacular waterfalls -- Dentifoss and Selfoss.
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