Anonymous asked: Absolutely love the blog, it's fantastic! I'm not sure if you're still taking questions, but I have one regarding hiking in Iceland. I've seen some info on the "traditional" hikes - the ones around the Golden Circle, Landmannalaugar, and Thorsmork. But beyond those two, it's difficult or next to impossible to get details on other interesting car-accessible backpacking trips - maybe something more adventurous than the 1 or 2 the tourists do Where do people in Iceland go backpacking themselves?
Thanks!
There are no well known popular hikes around the Golden Circle. You usually do the Golden Circle in a day by car or bus and there is minimal walking required at each site.
The Laugavegur hike (Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk) that you mention is however super popular and a true hike. You can read more about that in previous posts.
I have also written some stuff about hiking in Iceland, which might give you some ideas. This post about hikes in Iceland is particularly relevant.
Since you mention “around the Golden Circle”, you remind me of one possibility. There is a hike called “Leggjabrjótsleið” (E. Leg Breaking Route) from here close to Þingvellir and down into the Botnsdalur valley. This is a long day hike or an easy hike if you overnight on the way. However there is no marked trail, only a difficult to see trodden path after the 4x4 track ends. This is not a loop though, so transport could be an issue.
You could also do a really nice day hike in Botnsdalur and see Iceland’s formerly highest waterfall.
