Five Reasons Iceland is Great for Backpackers

Iceland is a popular country for backpacking. It has a wealth of trails that are supported by smart amenities and relatively easy to access. The country has embraced the backpacker, with plenty of touring groups, sports shops and hostels. Here are some other reasons why it's a great choice for those who enjoy backpacking.

Incredible Scenery

Icelanders realize what makes the country special: incredible scenery. Much of the land is young since it straddles the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Some lava flows are just 20 years old. This creates some dramatic landscape unlike anything you'll see anywhere else. The scenery also changes quickly. Walk three miles, and the scenery changes completely.

High-Quality Huts

Major hiking routes have sturdy, high-quality huts ever eight miles or so. You can book reservations there, or just pitch a tent nearby (you're not supposed to camp outside designated areas along the hiking routes). "Hut" is a bit of a misnomer since these structures actually have bathrooms and cooking facilities. Those who are pitching tent can still use the bathrooms, but not the cooking gear.

No Dangerous Animals

I live in Arizona. Backpacking there brings the risk of rattlesnakes, scorpions and other potentially painful creepy-crawlies. Aside from sheep and harmless insects, the only animal you might encounter in the Icelandic back country is the Arctic fox - or possibly a Speedo-clad German taking a dip in a natural hot spring. In reality, the foxes are seldom seen and are too small to present a real threat.

Lots of Daylight During Summer

One of the challenges of backpacking can be the sudden drop in temperature when night falls. In Iceland, that's not much of a concern. That's because you'll have about 22 hours of daylight. Even when the sun dips below the horizon, the sky still stays fairly light. That means no rushing to set up camp and dive into your tent and sleeping bag before the temperature turns frigid.

Solitude for Your Inner Hermit

Iceland is a decent-sized country. But it has only about 300,000 people in in it. So it's slightly smaller than my home state, yet its population is about the size of a Phoenix suburb. That adds up to some empty space. Even at the popular Landmannalaugar hiking area, I hiked for hours at times without encountering another person. You'll feel like you're in some post-apocalyptic world with that sort of scenery, silence and solitude.

Words of Warning

Though Iceland's summer temperatures are often mild, things can change quickly. A driving rain can appear out of nowhere, with howling wind to accompany it.

The weather can do more than make you uncomfortably: It can kill you. In the mid-90s, a hiker died during a freak summer blizzard. He was just about 1 mile from the safety of one of the huts.

Plan ahead. Dress well. Bring the right gear.