Trail running in Iceland combines adventure, endurance, and breathtaking scenery in a way few destinations can match. The midnight sun of summer offers endless daylight for long-distance adventures, while autumn brings cooler air and vibrant colours to the highlands.
The sport has been growing in Iceland, as it has everywhere else in the world. Trail running groups can be found in nearly every town, heading out in all kinds of weather without hesitation—always prepared for whatever comes their way. In Iceland, it’s not unusual to experience sunshine, wind, rain, and snow all in a single run, almost regardless of the distance.
Whether you’re an experienced ultrarunner or a casual explorer, there’s a route for every level and you can get gpx files with train running routes everywhere.
After a long day on the trails, unwind like a local — go to the lagoons, the saunas that have popped up along or the swimming pools which have it all.
Organized Trail Runs in Iceland – high lights –
During the summer months, from May till October you can find organised trail‑running events almost every weekend across the country. These races showcase the country’s dramatic and varied landscapes — from coastal cliffs and glacial valleys to volcanic ridges and geothermal mountains.
Below are highlights from every corner of the country.
A more detailed overview can be found here on this local Icelandic site.: https://www.hlaupadagskra.is/en
1. Vestmannaeyjar – Puffin run – 2.May 2026
Distances: 5K, 10K, 20K
The Puffin Run is a family friendly run in beautiful scenario of Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Island). The start and endpoint is from the harbour and around the island. Vestmannaeyjar is one of many highlights of Iceland, magnetic place worth exploring either by the trail run or a nice visit.
More info: https://thepuffinrun.com/
2. Hveragerði – Hengill Ultra – 5.-6.June 2026
Distances: 5K, 10K, 26K, 53K and 106K
The race is one of only two 100K runs in Iceland, the other being the Súlur Vertical in Akureyri. Hengill Ultra takes runners through open highlands and dramatic mountain rifts in the Hengill area. Parts of the course follow well-maintained trails managed by the local geothermal company, while other sections vary in character, featuring narrow and steep paths that lead to the highest point of the route—Mount Skeggi (810 m).
More info: https://www.vikingamot.is/en/hengill-ultra-en/
3. Reykjavík – Esja Ultra – 13.June 2026
Distances: 21K, 43K
The Esja Ultra trail race takes place in the rugged hills of Mount Esja, the iconic mountain that stretches along Reykjavík’s coastline. The event features multiple routes across the mountain, all converging at a shared start, rest, and finish area—creating a unique and adventurous race format. Each route differs in distance, elevation, and terrain, offering a variety of challenges while allowing runners to experience the diverse landscapes and panoramic views that make Esja one of Iceland’s most beloved mountains.
More info: https://www.mtesjaultra.is/
4. East Fjords – Borgarfjörður Eystri – Dyrfjallahlaupið – 9.July 2026
Distances: 12K, 24K, 50K
Dyrfjallahlaupið is arguably one of the most authentic running events in Iceland, organized by locals in the captivating Eastern Fjords. The race takes place around the striking Dyrfjöll mountains, which rise majestically above the small village of Bakkagerði. These peaks form a natural “door” that seems to have fallen into the lake Stóra Urð, creating a dramatic and awe-inspiring landscape. The trails weave through rugged terrain and offer runners a true taste of Iceland’s raw beauty, combining challenging climbs with unforgettable views—making it a must-experience for adventurous trail runners.
More Info: https://www.dyrfjallahlaup.is/
5. The Highlands – Laugavegur Ultra Marathon – 11.July 2026
Distances: 55K
This is probably the first trail run organized in Iceland, or at least the most famous one. The Laugavegur Trail lies in Iceland’s southern highlands, linking the nature reserves of Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk. For many runners, the Laugavegur Ultra Marathon is considered the most enjoyable race in Iceland. Covering 55 kilometers, the course leads participants through landscapes of exceptional and unforgettable natural beauty.
More info: https://www.laugavegshlaup.is/en
6. West Fjords: Vesturgatan – Coastal fjords and cliffs – 17.-18.July 2026
Distances: 10K, 24, 45K
The running festival in the Westfjords offers a variety of race distances, allowing participants to choose the challenge that suits them best. Organized by local enthusiasts, the event reflects the strong community spirit of the region. The trails wind through the dramatic and almost magnetic mountains of the Westfjords, providing runners with a truly unique and unforgettable landscape to experience.
More info.: https://hlaupahatid.is
7. The Highlands – Kerlingafjöll Ultra – 25.July 2026
Distances: 12K, 22K, 63K
Though most of the trail runs here in Iceland are kind of new, this is probably the newest, starting in 2024. Participants pushed their limits across three routes that traverse rugged geothermal landscapes, deep canyons, and dramatic mountain peaks—passing, of course, the iconic “Kerling” rock pillar from which the mountains take their name. Interest in the event surpassed all expectations, with registration selling out in just a few days.
More info: https://highlandbase.is/kerlingarfjoll-ultra
8. Akureyri – Súlur Vertical – 1 August 2026
Distances: 18K, 29K, 43K, 100K
One of Iceland’s two longest trail races at 100K. The routes wind through the striking Súlur mountain range above Akureyri, with Mount Súlur standing as the defining landmark of the course. Each route has its own unique character, offering demanding climbs, technical trails, and sweeping views that challenge participants while showcasing some of the region’s most breathtaking scenery.
More info: https://www.sulurvertical.is/en-gb
9. The Highlands – Fimmvörðuhálshlaupið – 8.August 2026
Distance: 28K
One of the most beautiful and popular hiking trail ‘Fimmvörðuháls’ from Skógarfoss to Þórsmörk. The trail is a celebration of waterfalls and between the glaciers Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull, the glacier that erupted in 2008, you run through the new lava and two young mountains, Magni and Móði. This trail run is an adventure on its own ending in the magnetic place Þórsmörk.
More info.: https://natturuhlaup.is/keppnishlaup/5vh-trail-run-english-version/
10. Mosfellsbær – Tindahlaupið – 29.ágúst 2026
Distances: 12K, 19K, 34K, 38K
Tindur, which means “peak” in Icelandic, is aptly named the “Peaks Run.” Participants can choose to tackle 1, 3, 5, or 7 peaks, with the number of peaks corresponding to the race distance. While the mountains aren’t very high, they offer stunning, raw landscapes that are both rugged and breathtaking. The trails take runners through unspoiled terrain, providing a true sense of Iceland’s natural beauty and a challenging adventure across its dramatic, yet approachable, peaks.
More info.: https://mos.is/mannlif/vidburdir/tindahlaupid/