Jöklaleiðin is a 250 km long hiking route extending from Núpsstaðarskógur to the remote landscapes of Lónsöræfi. As the longest planned hiking trail in Iceland, it weaves together some of the country’s most striking terrains — glacial forelands, black sands, birch valleys and high mountain ridges — and connects 45 of Iceland’s 100 highest peaks.

To date, 42 km of the full 254 km route have been formally planned and designed.

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HAX has led the design, development and project management of Jöklaleiðin, working across multiple years and project phases. The work includes route planning, spatial design, site analysis, stakeholder coordination, interpretive concepts and infrastructure development in close collaboration with local landowners, municipalities, Vatnajökull National Park and national agencies.

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The project aims to cultivate slow, nature-based travel deeply rooted in ecological sensitivity. Old tracks, historic paths and new connections are integrated to create a coherent and safe route that enhances access while protecting fragile environments. Each segment of the trail is developed with careful attention to landscape character, sustainability and long-term stewardship.

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Jöklaleiðin is ultimately a framework for understanding Iceland’s glacial and volcanic landscapes — a continuous thread that invites visitors to move gently through shifting terrains while strengthening the relationship between nature, community and sustainable tourism.