Those who have been bitten by the wanderlust bug probably know that the most mesmerizing beauties are often hidden from the crowd’s eyes. You have to get out of your comfort zone to find them. But when you do, your prize is much more than a few nice views. The Laugavegur hiking trail is known as the best in Iceland - or possibly even in the whole world.
The Laugavegur Trail is a world-famous hike through some of Iceland’s most beautiful and fascinating landscapes.
Tours to this trail are among our most popular, including the 4-Day Laugavegur Hike, our 6-Day Laugavegur Hike, and the Grand Lauvagur Trek.
Here, we’ll give a little detail on what makes this journey so special.
The trail starts in Landmannalaugar, a colorful valley spotted with steaming hot springs that you can even bathe in if you would like to take a break. Completing the hike takes two to four days, with stops at the mountain huts and campsites along the way. At the end, you will arrive in a lush green oasis called Þórsmörk, ‘Thor’s valley’.
Those who have been bitten by the wanderlust bug probably know that the most mesmerizing beauties are often hidden from the eyes of the crowd. You have to get out of your comfort zone to find them and when you do, your prize is much greater than a few nice views.
Here’s why you should embark on this journey…
The uninhabited wilderness in the interior of Iceland is called the Icelandic Highlands. Endless black deserts, rough volcanic mountain ranges, glistening glaciers, lush geothermal oasis: these are just a few faces of the mysterious Highlands. This area is the essence of Iceland, soon to be declared the largest National Park in the country.
Rugged fields of solid lava stretch for tens of kilometers, covered with thick, green moss and snow patches here and there. Steam rises from the ground and snowy peaks sparkle in the distance. An enthralling blend of fire and ice surrounds the hiker in all directions.
Some of Iceland’s most active volcanoes are close to this trail. The word ‘Laugavegur’ translates as the ‘Hot Spring Route’ which refers to the impressive volcanic activity in the area. There is a natural hot spring at Landmannalaugar, just where the trail starts. Bathing in this naturally warm water in the middle of nowhere is the experience of a lifetime!
You will travel with like-minded adventurers from all over the world. Together, you will step out of your comfort zones, share in the challenges and the joy, and develop strong bonds. This is where lifelong friendships are forged.
The Laugavegur trail is the Arctic El Camino. Walking the trail has amazing psychological benefits. Hikers on this trail discover that it’s more than just a beautiful walk. Walking in the wilderness, facing the elements of, admiring indescribable natural sights…all of this leads to a higher level of thinking, another state of mind. A different, more peaceful mindset might be waiting for you at the end of the journey.
The Laugavegur trail can be challenging both physically and mentally. Making it your personal mission, you’ll discover more about yourself and improve your strength, resilience, and self-awareness.
This is a bucket-list, once in a lifetime experience that you’ll want to share, whether it’s on your blog, for your grandchildren, on a first date or around the campfire on your next adventure.
Iceland is the safest country in the world. Its other amazing benefits are that the nights are completely bright in summer and there are no dangerous animals. This is the main reason why it is one of the top destinations for solo travelers. Venturing into new territory still takes courage, so Iceland this hike is a perfect opportunity to test your mettle and resolve in a safe environment.
One of the latest volcanic eruptions took place in 2010 when the Eyjafjallajökull volcano made itself world famous. Its two new craters, Magni and Móði are located on the Fimmvörðuháls trail which starts in Þórsmörk, where the Laugavegur ends.
The Fimmvörðuháls trail leads between three glaciers and two volcanoes and ends at the stunning Skógafoss waterfall. Connecting the two trails, Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls will give you 5 or 6 days of pure adventures!
Earlier we mentioned that National Geographic chose the Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls trails as one of the top 20 best hiking trails in the world. They are definitely the most beautiful hiking trails in Iceland!
Check out our selection of multi-day Laugavegur trekking tours in Iceland.
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