Overview
On this magnificent tour, you will explore the most famous trail in Iceland – Laugavegur, named one of the best in the world by National Geographic magazine. By joining Laugavegur Guided Trek, you will be part of a small group on an unforgettable adventure that will take you from Landmannalaugar’s bubbling geothermal area to the lush, green Þórsmörk valley, exploring the magnificent nature around you, including sights of yellow rhyolite mountains, black sand deserts, great canyons and mighty volcanoes.
- The colourful mountains of Landmannalaugar
- Contrasts of black sand and green moss
- The green valley of Þórsmörk
Click to view map
*This map is only for general reference; detailed route maps will be provided in your pre-departure package.
Itinerary
Day 1: Reykjavík/Landmannalaugar – Hrafntinnusker | 12km
We will take the public bus from the BSI bus terminal, leaving at 7am (meeting time with the group and the guide at 6:30am), which during the summer months drives along the mountain tracks that lead to Landmannalaugar, passing by the Hekla volcano and other volcanoes in the Dómadalur area. Arriving in Landmannalaugar at noon, it is a good time to have lunch and then head south into the mountains. The trail takes us past small gorges, steaming hot springs and yellow mountain ridges. In the late afternoon, we will arrive at Hrafntinnusker mountain hut, where we will stay for the night.
- Walking for the day: 12km, 4-5h, ↑470m
- Overnight in Hrafntinnusker hut
Day 2: Hrafntinnusker – Álftavatn | 12km
From Hrafntinnusker, we descend into the gullies of Jökultungur with hundreds of steaming hot springs and mud pools. Here we enjoy fascinating views of the south to the Álftavatn area (Swan Lake) and the Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull glaciers. In the afternoon, we will arrive at Álftavatn hut, where we will stay overnight.
- Walking for the day: 12km, 4-5h, ↓490m
- Overnight in Álftavatn hut
Day 3: Álftavatn – Emstrur | 16km
We pass at the foot of the green conic volcano of Stórasúla before entering the black deserts of Mælifellssandur. Heading towards another ancient and verdurous volcano, the Hattfell, we enter the Emstrur region where farmers used to graze their sheep in summer. Before arriving at the Botnar hut, where we will stay overnight, we visit the magnificent Markarfljót canyon, cut almost 200m down into the rocks south of Hattfell.
- Walking for the day: 16km, 6-7h, ↓40m
- Overnight in Botnar hut
Day 4: Emstrur – Þórsmörk | 17km
We continue up and down through the small valleys and gullies of Emstrur, where the great Mýrdalsjökull glacier rises only a couple of kilometres away. The vegetation starts to grow thicker and higher as we descend into Þórsmörk’s green valleys (the woods of Thor), filled with arctic birch forests and colourful flowers. We will stay overnight in one of the huts in Þórsmörk.
- Walking for the day: 17km, 6-7h, ↓300m
- Overnight in Thorsmork Mountain Huts
Day 5: Þórsmörk – Reykjavík | 5-10km
We spend the morning in Þórsmörk where we walk along one of its numerous paths. For example, visit the Sönghellir cave (“Song cave”) or climb the small mountain of Valahnúkur, from where magnificent views can be enjoyed before taking the afternoon bus back to Reykjavík. Arrive at Reykjavik Central Bus Station at around 7:30pm. No overnight is included.
- Walking for the day: 5-10km, 2-5h
What to expect
Accommodation
Accommodation on the Laugavegur Trail is in basic, mixed gender dorms in mountain huts, all heated, some with electricity and hot water. Where showers are available, there is a small fee of €3-4 to use them, payable in situ. Bring cash in local currency for the showers to the value of approximately €4/£4/$4 depending on exchange rates at the time. NOTE: In some cases, lower bunks have double beds and you may be expected to share with another traveller. We will endeavour to accommodate those travelling together side by side, if this is the case. However, on rare occasions, it is possible that you may sleep alongside someone you don’t know. If this is the case, and you are travelling solo in a group, we will ensure that you are booked to sleep alongside someone of the same gender.
Mountain huts on the Laugavegur Trail have equipped kitchens with running water and gas cookers. Be prepared for outside toilets in some huts. Bring your own sleeping bag, or advise us if you need to rent one locally. As electricity is limited, we recommend bringing a power bank to charge personal devices.
Click to view default accommodation
Meals
All meals from the lunch on Day 1 to the lunch on Day 5 are included in the price. Special dietary meals, such as vegetarian, pescatarian, vegan, gluten-free or other, can be pre-ordered at some extra cost.
Difficulty and terrain
This is a demanding but rewarding trek (read more about difficulty grades). It is appropriate for physically active walkers with some experience in trekking in mountainous terrain with a backpack. Children under 14 years are not allowed on this tour. The tour is not suitable for solo walkers. The walks are 6 – 7h per day.
Customers who are physically unfit or not equipped properly can be dismissed from the tour at their own expense.
When to go
This small-group tour can start every Monday from 19 June to 8 September 2023. Please click the See Dates and Prices link above to check availability. There are limited seats available, and the groups are 6-16 people.
The climate of Iceland’s coast is subarctic. The warm North Atlantic Current ensures generally higher annual temperatures than in most places of similar latitude in the world. The south coast is warmer, wetter, and windier than the north. The average daily temperatures in June – August are 11C – 13C and at night – 6C – 7C.
Getting there
Click here to view travel options
By plane
Recommended airport: Reykjavík
By train or bus
Keflavík International Airport (KEF) is located about 50km southwest of the capital. It is a 45min drive to Reykjavík. To reach the city, you can take Flybus, operating every day, all year long, in connection with all incoming flights. Click here for more information or use the Omio travel planner above. Private airport shuttles can be booked here. It is also possible to take a taxi from the airport to the city.
Inclusions
Included
- 4 nights’ accommodation in mountain huts dormitory-style
- 4 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
- Transport from Reykjavík to Landmannalaugar on Day 1 and from Þórsmörk to Reykjavík on Day 5 by public bus
- Professional and qualified English-speaking guide
- Luggage transfers (don’t bring hard suitcases, duffel bags are preferable)
Excluded
- Airfare and airport transfers
- Accommodation and meals in Reykjavík (highly recommended to book at least one night before and one night after the tour)
- Travel insurance (required – get a quote online)
- Personal expenses
- Any items not specifically mentioned as included in the programme
Options, extras and supplements
- Sleeping bag rental
- Accommodation in Reykjavík before and after the tour
- Hiking poles rental
- Special dietary requirements (vegetarian, pescatarian, vegan, gluten-free etc.) – with a supplement
- Shower in the huts, where showers are available
Gallery
