The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Hreðavatn
4.5
(113)
924
hikers
13
hikes
Family friendly hiking trails around Hreðavatn are set within a diverse landscape in West Iceland, characterized by a picturesque lake, volcanic craters, and forested areas. The region offers varied terrain, from accessible paths around natural features like Grábrók Crater to well-maintained trails within Jafnaskarðsskógur Forestry. Hikers can experience a mix of heathland, small forest plantations, and views of distant glaciers and mountains. The area's natural features provide a suitable environment for family-friendly outdoor activities.
Best family friendly hiking trails around…
Last updated: October 2, 2026
4.0
(14)
69
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(3)
28
hikers
9.03km
02:27
130m
130m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(3)
8
hikers
1.05km
00:16
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
hikers
1.61km
00:25
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(22)
143
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Paradisalaut translates to Paradise - hollow. A small crystal-clear pond where there are also beautiful reflections. A few wooden steps lead down
1
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It's not crowded and you can best enjoy nature 🙃. We had the viewing platform all to ourselves.
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The Glanni waterfall car park 🅿️ costs 1000 ISK. There is a toilet at the car park. The path to Glanni is easily accessible and not far. You can also do longer hikes in this area. It is also nice to make a detour to the Paradies Senke 😉
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On the way from the Glanni waterfall to the Paradies -Senke you have beautiful views of the surrounding mountains 🙂
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A top view. Definitely take the time for it.
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The view into the crater is not very spectacular. But overall it is a worthwhile round, also around the volcano.
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The Grábrók crater, on the other hand, offers a welcome opportunity for a short photo break halfway north on the Ring Road. Coming from Reykjavík, you will find the crater shortly after the rest stop at the Grábrók guesthouse on the left side. There is also a parking lot here. By the way, if you are wondering: yes, you have actually passed a university on the way. The University of Bifröst is located a proud 100 km away from Reykjavík, in the middle of nowhere for students. Here, students are trained in law, business administration, or management, among other fields. In the middle of the beautiful bush and moss steppe of Borgarfjörður, they can at least not complain about a desolate campus... -Grábrók is the largest of three craters in the surrounding area, lying on a volcanic fissure. From the parking lot, you can follow a newly made footpath that branches off somewhat to the edge of the crater. Wooden footbridges are my favorite motif in the landscape, by the way; you can create wonderful graphic accents. -The crater is overgrown with colorful moss and lichens, and even though the climb is a bit steep, the short effort is definitely worth it. From the top, there is a great view over the other craters, the "university campus," and the rest of the bush and mountain landscape of the area. Usually, it is quite quiet here, and only a few travelers find their way along the steps. -The path leads at a height of 170 meters once around the crater, and I can only recommend this circular walk. The Icelandic wind can whistle through you quite a bit here, but the scenery impressively lets you feel the vastness of the landscape and excites me. This so-called cinder cone was formed about 3,600 years ago and has been under nature protection since the 1960s. -You can plan about 20-30 minutes for this short stop. So, even if you have little time on your trip, you can discover something in the west! (Source: https://guidetoiceland.is/de/island-blog/rebecca-23/unbekannter-schatz-an-der-ringstrasse)
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View into the impressive volcanic crater. Caution, it can be very windy up there.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many family-friendly hiking trails are available around Hreðavatn?
There are 13 family-friendly hiking trails around Hreðavatn, with 9 of them rated as easy and 4 as moderate, offering a good variety for different family preferences.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the family-friendly trails in Hreðavatn?
The komoot community rates the trails around Hreðavatn highly, with an average score of 4.4 stars. Hikers often praise the diverse natural features, including the Grábrók Crater and Glanni Waterfall, as well as the well-maintained paths and stunning views of the lake and surrounding landscapes.
Are there any trails suitable for very young children or strollers?
Yes, for very young children or those with strollers, consider shorter, easy routes. The Glanni Waterfall – Glanni Fish Ladder loop from Hreðavatn is a short, easy option that allows families to experience the beautiful waterfall area without extensive walking.
Which trails feature waterfalls or other water attractions?
Several trails lead to the charming Glanni Waterfall and the picturesque Paradísarlaut Pond. For a short, easy walk to the waterfall, try the Glanni Waterfall – Glanni Fish Ladder loop from Hreðavatn. A slightly longer, easy option that includes both is the Paradísarlaut Pond – Glanni Waterfall loop from Hreðavatn.
What natural landmarks can we explore on these family hikes?
The area is rich in natural landmarks. You can explore the impressive Grábrók Crater, a volcanic crater with accessible paths, or visit the beautiful Glanni Waterfall and Paradísarlaut Pond. The Grábrók Crater – Paradísarlaut Pond loop from Háskólinn á Bifröst is a moderate route that connects these two distinct features.
Are there any circular routes that are good for families?
Yes, many of the family-friendly trails around Hreðavatn are circular, making them convenient for families. Examples include the easy View of Eldborg Crater – Grábrók Crater loop from Háskólinn á Bifröst, which offers a great view of the craters, and the moderate Paradísarlaut Pond – Glanni Waterfall loop from Háskólinn á Bifröst.
What kind of terrain can we expect on the family-friendly trails?
The terrain varies from well-maintained paths with wooden planks and steps, especially around Grábrók Crater, to more natural trails through moss, heather, and birch bushes. Some areas, like Jafnaskarðsskógur Forestry, offer varied terrain with both easy paths and steeper slopes, providing diverse experiences for families.
Are there good viewpoints along the family hiking trails?
Absolutely! From the hills above Jafnaskarðsskógur Forestry, you can enjoy magnificent panoramic views of Hreðavatn lake, the surrounding countryside, and even distant glaciers like Eiríks- and Langjökull. The paths around Grábrók Crater also offer great vantage points of the volcanic landscape.
Is parking available at the trailheads?
Yes, the main attractions and trailheads, such as Grábrók Crater and Glanni Waterfall, typically have dedicated car parks, making them easily accessible for families traveling by car.
Can we bring our dog on the family-friendly hikes?
While many outdoor areas in Iceland are dog-friendly, it's always best to check local regulations for specific trails and nature reserves. When hiking with dogs, ensure they are kept on a leash to protect the delicate vegetation and wildlife, especially in areas like the Grábrók nature reserve.
What is the best time of year to visit Hreðavatn for family hiking?
The warmer months, typically from late spring to early autumn, are ideal for family hiking around Hreðavatn. During this time, the weather is milder, the paths are generally clear, and the natural landscape is vibrant with moss, heather, and birch. This also helps protect the delicate vegetation that is more vulnerable in colder, wetter conditions.
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