Hiking in Iceland in November: Which Trails Are Still Open and Where to Base Yourself

November hiking in Iceland means short daylight, unpredictable weather, and a limited window of accessible trails — here is what is realistically open and where to stay.

What November Conditions Actually Mean for Hikers

November in Iceland brings daylight from about 10:30 to 16:30, with the sun barely rising above the horizon. Temperatures hover around freezing, and precipitation can fall as rain, sleet, or snow within the same hour. Wind is the constant — gusts of 15–20 m/s are common, making exposed trails hazardous. Many mountain roads, including the F208 to Landmannalaugar and the F210 to Thórsmörk, are closed by the first week of November, so hiking is confined to lowland and coastal paths where access roads remain open. Treat any trail as a serious outing: check vedur.is and road.is before setting out, and carry a fully charged phone.

The practical upshot is that November is not a month for long treks or highland routes but for half-day walks that start and finish in daylight. You should plan on no more than four hours of actual walking, and always have a backup plan that does not depend on reaching a specific viewpoint. Snow can cover paths above 200 metres, hiding markings, while lower trails may be icy in the morning and muddy by afternoon. Waterproof boots with grip and trekking poles are not optional. If you are based in Reykjavík, the nearest genuinely reliable options are within an hour's drive, which is why staying in the capital or in nearby towns like Hafnarfjörður or Mosfellsbær makes sense for a short November trip.

Open Trails Within an Hour of Reykjavík

The paths around Elliðaárdalur in Reykjavík stay open year-round and are flat, lit in places, and perfect for a short daylight walk; you can reach them by city bus. Mount Esja, 10 km north of the city, is the classic half-day hike, but in November only the lower section to the viewpoint at 200 metres is sensible — the upper slopes are often icy and unmarked. The trailhead at Esjumelar is a 15-minute drive from central Reykjavík and has a car park that is usually ploughed. For something wilder, the coastal path from the Blue Lagoon area to Grindavík is open but exposed to wind; the 5 km route takes about 1.5 hours and offers lava fields and sea views, with Grindavík's harbour as a turnaround point. None of these require a guide, but a map and compass are wise because phone batteries drain fast in the cold.

Within the same radius, the hike to the Reykjadalur hot river near Hveragerði (45 km from Reykjavík) remains accessible in November, though the 3 km trail can be icy and the river's temperature varies. The drive takes about 45 minutes on Route 1, and the car park at the trailhead is usually cleared. This is the one November trail where you might still bathe, but check conditions locally and never enter if the water feels scalding. South of the city, the path around Lake Kleifarvatn on Route 42 is open and takes about two hours; the road can be icy but is generally passable. I would book a hotel in Reykjavík or Hveragerði for these, as both give you flexibility when weather turns.

West and South Coast Options That Stay Accessible

Beyond the capital region, the most reliable November hiking is on the Snæfellsnes peninsula, where the coastal trail from Arnarstapi to Hellnar (2.5 km) stays open and is usually free of snow. The drive from Reykjavík takes about two hours on Route 54, and the path is well marked, passing basalt cliffs and sea stacks. Further west, the easy loop around Djúpalónssandur beach is open but can be slippery; the car park is 30 minutes from Hellnar on sometimes icy roads. On the south coast, the short walk to Seljalandsfoss waterfall (1.5 km from the car park) is open year-round, but the path behind the falls is usually closed in November due to ice. The nearby Gljúfrabúi waterfall is visible from a safer viewpoint. These are not wilderness hikes, but they deliver big scenery with minimal risk.

For a longer half-day, the trail from Vík to the Reynisfjara black sand beach is open but dangerous — sneaker waves have caused fatalities, so stay well back from the water and never turn your back on the sea. The 3 km walk from Vík's church down to the beach takes about 45 minutes each way and is exposed to wind. If you want a guided option, several operators run short hikes from Vík in November, but I would not commit unless the forecast is stable. For accommodation, Vík has a cluster of hotels that remain open year-round, but if you are driving from Reykjavík, consider staying in Hvolsvöllur (1.5 hours from the capital) as a base for both Seljalandsfoss and the Vík area, cutting down on winter driving.

What to Skip and How to Choose Your Base

Skip the Golden Circle's launchpad for hiking: Þingvellir's trails are open but often icy, and the Almannagjá gorge path can be treacherous without spikes. Gullfoss and Geysir are worth seeing but are not hikes in November. Similarly, the highland trails around Landmannalaugar and the Laugavegur are firmly closed — do not attempt them. The Blue Lagoon area is fine for a short walk but not a hiking destination. If you have your heart set on a mountain, Mount Keilir near Keflavík is a 2-hour round trip and sometimes doable in November, but only with local advice; the path is not marked and can be icy. I would skip it unless conditions are unusually mild.

For a November hiking trip, I would base myself in Reykjavík for the first two nights and then move to Hveragerði or Vík for a night to reduce driving. Reykjavík has the widest range of hotels and guesthouses that stay open, and from there you can reach Esja, Elliðaárdalur, and Reykjadalur within an hour. Hveragerði itself has a handful of guesthouses that remain open and is closer to the hot river. Vík is the best base for the south coast waterfalls and Reynisfjara, but the drive from Reykjavík is 2.5 hours on potentially icy roads. Book accommodation with free cancellation, as November weather can force a change of plan. The 579 hotel views in the last week suggest demand is there — secure your room early.

Questions, answered

Is it safe to hike in Iceland in November?

Yes, if you stick to lowland and coastal trails, check vedur.is and road.is daily, and carry waterproof gear and a charged phone. Avoid highland routes and unmarked paths. Daylight is limited, so start early and plan short walks.

Which trails near Reykjavík are open in November?

Elliðaárdalur, the lower slopes of Mount Esja, the Reykjadalur hot river trail near Hveragerði, and the coastal path from Grindavík are usually accessible. Lake Kleifarvatn's loop is also open but can be icy.

Do I need a guide for November hiking in Iceland?

For the trails mentioned, no guide is necessary, but joining a guided walk can be worthwhile if you are unsure about conditions. Guides provide local knowledge and safety equipment, especially for icy sections.

What should I pack for a November hike in Iceland?

Waterproof boots with good grip, trekking poles, a waterproof and windproof jacket, warm layers, a hat and gloves, a headlamp, and a power bank for your phone. Ice spikes are useful for icy paths.

Can I hike to the Reykjadalur hot river in November?

Yes, the 3 km trail from Hveragerði is usually open, but it can be icy and the river's temperature varies. Check conditions locally and never enter water that feels scalding. The drive from Reykjavík takes about 45 minutes.

Where should I stay for November hiking in Iceland?

Reykjavík is the best base for trails within an hour's drive. Hveragerði is convenient for Reykjadalur, and Vík works for south coast walks. Book hotels with free cancellation, as weather may change plans.

Are the Golden Circle trails open in November?

Yes, but they are often icy and not ideal for hiking. Þingvellir's Almannagjá gorge can be treacherous without spikes. The main attractions are still worth visiting, but treat them as sightseeing rather than hiking.

How many hours of daylight are there in November in Iceland?

Around six hours, from about 10:30 to 16:30, decreasing as the month progresses. Plan your hike to start and finish within this window, and carry a headlamp in case of delays.

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