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The world famous Landmannalaugar to Thorsmork trek was named one of the ’20 Best Hikes in the World’ by National Geographic and more than lives up to its reputation.
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Taking you through an ever-changing landscape which has been crafted over the millennia by the violent volcanoes and mighty glaciers that give the land of fire and ice its nickname. It is a truly incredible adventure that will take you through some of the most awe-inspiring and varied landscapes on the planet.
Your Iceland adventure will be topped with a visit to Iceland’s South Coast, to see Seljalandsfoss & Skogafoss waterfalls and the majestic Solheimajokull for an exciting glacier hike.
The odyssey begins in Landmannalaugar, a geothermal paradise, populated by rainbow-colored mountains that change color in the sun. Then as we press deeper into this natural wilderness, we will find coal-black deserts, petrified lava, emerald valleys, mighty mountains, bubbling hot springs, glacial streams, deep canyons and much, much more. It is a place of myth and legend that offers an unforgettable experience in the land of fire and ice.
Our expert guides will help you to discover everything that this magical land has to offer, taking you to hidden places that lie off the beaten track, teaching you all about the rich flora and fauna, and ensuring that you know all about the myths and legends that have been passed down over the centuries.
We will spend our evenings in secluded huts, allowing you to really soak up the atmosphere of this incredible place. We will prepare traditional Icelandic meals together as a group, making it a great way to meet like-minded people and develop friendships that will last the test of time. (on the final night we will stay in a country hotel in Hella, close to the south coast of Iceland).
The Laugavegur trek is the perfect way to escape the modern world and have an adventure in an unspoiled wilderness, replete with more natural wonders than you could ever ask for. Its changing landscapes will make it feel like you have journeyed across an entire continent, making it an unforgettable experience that should occupy a place on everyone’s bucket list.
Our adventure begins bright and early when we collect you from one of our pick-up points in Reykjavik (Please note that this process could last up to 30 minutes depending on your location). From there we will make the 3 to 4-hour drive to Landmannalaugar, taking in some truly spectacular scenery along the way, including the violent Hekla, one of Iceland's most active volcanoes.
Upon arrival at Landmannalaugar, we will find ourselves in a magnificent geothermal wonderland, whose colorful rhyolite mountains have become famous across the world. Our first stop will be the Laugahraun lava field, whose moss-covered rocks were crafted by a massive volcanic eruption of the Brennisteinsalda Volcano in 1477. Then we will find ourselves at the foot of Brennisteinsalda, whose slopes have been dyed blood red, amber yellow, turquoise and deep green by the volcano's sulfur deposits over the centuries. This makes it one of the most photogenic places in all of Iceland and the perfect beginning to our odyssey into the Icelandic Highlands.
The next noteworthy stop before we return to our accommodation for the night is the Vondugil canyon. We will spend the evening in secluded Landmannalaugar huts - ideal for anyone who loves to gaze at the Icelandic night sky.
Meals included: lunch, refreshments & dinner.
Distance: 8 km / 4.9 mi
Hiking Time: 4 hours
Altitude: Ascent
Altitude value: 470 m / 1540 '
Day two begins with breakfast at the hut before we journey towards Hrafntinnusker, an obsidian desert that grants an otherworldly sight. Then follow the beautiful Reykjafjoll Mountains, famed for their snowy peaks and majestic views of the surrounding area. Once we have reached their summit, we will begin to descend into the Jökultungur area, a luscious green valley, spattered with rocks that have been dyed various shades of ruby and amber, by the volcanic activity that has occurred over the centuries. This part of the trek is really special, with a totally unique landscape that visitors are bound to enjoy.
The scenery will begin to change when we reach the other side of Jökultungur as we put the colorful rhyolite mountains in our rear-view mirror and enter an area with darker palagonite mountains. The taller mountains have peaks carpeted with snow, meaning that we will be walking through a place of spectacular natural beauty.
Then we will begin to climb the Jökultungur Mountain, weaving around the mountain path to its summit. At the top, we will be rewarded by breathtaking views over the famous Fjallabak Nature Reserve, famous for the large number of birds that reside there. In the distance is the idyllic Lake Alftavatn, ensuring a majestic view that you are bound to enjoy.
As we approach our accommodation in Lake Alftavatn (Whooper Swan Lake), we will pass the luscious green oasis that surrounds the River Grashagakvisl, which is a stark contrast to the otherwise dark landscape. Then we will ford a small stream, before pausing for the evening at the gorgeous Lake Álftavatn.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, refreshments & dinner.
Distance: 24 km / 14.9 mi
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
Altitude: Ascent
Altitude value: 900 m / 2950 '
Day three begins as day two ended, as we ford another stream and head deeper into Iceland’s sensational highlands. The first stop will be Stórasúla a grass-carpeted volcano that towers over the dark landscape, with a wide range of flora and fauna that surrounds it the perfect illustration of how rich volcanic soil is.
We will then move into the jet-black desert of Mælifellssandur: a gloomy landscape that is totally otherworldly. The black sands are crisscrossed by a large number of icy blue glacial streams that contrast with the dark sands. At its center is the emerald Mt. Mælifell, which rises like a green turret out of the black and makes it one of the most spine-tinglingly beautiful places that you will ever see.
From there we will approach Emstrur, a narrow green valley that where luscious vegetation abounds and the entire area throbs with life, a welcome sight after the black desert that we have just crossed. We will then take a small detour, to the deep canyon of Markarfljótsgljúfur, which has been carved into the earth by the icy glacial river that runs through it. Finally reaching Botnar, where we will spend the evening in a secluded mountain hut.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, refreshments & dinner.
Distance: 15 km / 9.5 mi
Hiking time: 6-7 hours
Altitude: Descent
Altitude value: 40 m / 130 '
Our last day in the Icelandic Highlands will take us to the famous Thorsmork Valley, a glorious oasis of green, nestled between two massive glaciers. We will begin by walking close to the huge Myrdalsjokull Glacier, which seems like an endless ocean of pristine white snow stretching far into the horizon. We will pass by the uniquely shaped Einhyrningur (The Unicorn), a strange mountain, which gets its name due to its similarity to the legendary creature.
Next, we will reach the dense birch forest that signals the beginning of Thorsmork, an emerald valley, which is consistently rated as one of the most beautiful places in all of Iceland. Icelandic folklore believes that it was created by a mighty blow of the Norse god of Thunder’s hammer, Thor and the valley more than lives up to this divine creation story.
Thorsmork is the kind of place that words fail to describe: an emerald valley, rimmed by mountains and massive glaciers, steeped in history and folklore. A place that everyone should visit once, which perfectly encapsulates everything that makes Iceland's Highlands so special. We will leave it at around 21:30, traveling to a comfortable country hotel in preparation for our visit to Iceland's famous South Coast, the next day.
*Please make sure that you notify the bus driver if you intend to get out at Hella.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch & refreshments. There are restaurants at Hella where you can get dinner.
Distance: 15 km (9.5 mi)
Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
Altitude: Descent
Altitude value: 300 m / 985 '
The final day of our odyssey will take us to Iceland’s iconic south coast, which will begin with a breakfast buffet at your hotel. Then, you will be picked up from your hotel and we will make the scenic journey to the magnificent Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, famed for its cone-shaped torrent of water that crashes around 60 meters into a beautiful valley below.
It has a secret cave hidden behind it, allowing us to see a waterfall from a totally different perspective. From there, we will head to the equally beautiful Skogafoss Waterfall, where a wider cascade of water vaults down into a teeming pool below. There is a meandering path cut into the hillside next to Skogafoss, which offers visitors the chance to climb to the top and enjoy an awe-inspiring view of the entire area. On our way up, we will see two fascinating rock formations, which local legend believes were a pair of trolls who were turned to stone, when they forget to take cover when the sun rose.
The tour will end at the Solheimajokull Glacier a vast body of ice that unfurls like a tongue from the larger Mýrdalsjökull Glacier. It is especially popular due to its unique topography, where craters, ice, and crevices combine together to create a sublime natural wonder. Our journey will begin at our base camp at the foot of the glacier, where our expert glacier guide will provide you with all the equipment that you need and give you a short safety briefing.
Then, we will travel out onto the mighty glacier itself, where our guide will teach us all about glaciers and how they helped to create the Iceland that you see today.
After that, we will return to Reykjavik, where we will drop you off at your accommodation or a nearby authorized location.
* Please note that only breakfast at your accommodation is included on this day. We will stop at shops & restaurants where you can purchase meals.
Meeting points and times in Reykjavik:
Between 7:00 - 7:30 a.m.:
- Reykjavik's City Hall (Ráðhúsið) on Vonarstræti
- Hallgrímskirkja Church
- Reykjavik Campsite
Meeting points outside of Reykjavik:
8:15 a.m. - Selfoss N1 gas station
9:00 a.m. - Hella Bus Terminal
*Note that it can take up to 30 minutes before the bus departs the given locations.
Get ready for the adventure through the highlands of Iceland with our trekking guide:
Don’t worry, you can always rent sturdy hiking shoes, a waterproof jacket and pants in the booking process or add them to your booking. You can book these items and more under the selection “Extras” in the booking widget when booking your tour on our website.
If you have already booked the tour and wish to add some rental gear to your booking, you can do so at least 24 hours prior to your tour starting by using our customer portal - My Adventures, or contacting our customer care.
Please keep in mind that we do not rent gear on location.
First of all, check the weather forecast but keep in mind that the weather in Iceland can be extremely unpredictable, as you may have heard. We have a saying “If you don’t like the weather in Iceland, just wait 5 minutes” which is sometimes disturbingly accurate!
The weather can be anything from sunny to snowy in almost any season although snow is rare during summer time. We do suggest that you dress accordingly. This means in layers, thermal closest to you and waterproof on top. We’ve prepared a guide to help you get ready for your adventures, check out – How to prepare for hiking and trekking in Iceland.
No, please do not wear jeans and sneakers on this tour, it’s not appropriate clothing for this type of tour. Check the list of what to bring to see what kind of clothing is appropriate.
There is a saying in Iceland, if you don’t like the weather just wait 5 minutes. This might sound like a joke but it is strangely true! Thanks to the beloved Gulf Stream, our country enjoys a cool, temperate maritime climate, this means refreshing summers and fairly mild winters. So basically, Iceland maintains a surprisingly moderate temperature all year around. For further information about the weather in Iceland and how to dress for it.
If your tour includes a glacier activity it’s very important to dress appropriately. Dress in 3 or 4 upper layers such as a light t-shirt (preferably wool) next to the skin, then a fleece or heavy wool garment, topped off with a waterproof windbreaker. Jeans are not recommended for our trips as they become very heavy, cold and uncomfortable to wear when they get wet. Lightweight hiking pants, track pants or long cotton pants are best and then wind/waterproof pants over. We also recommend using sunglasses and sunscreen even if it is cloudy due to the high UV and sunlight reflection from the glacier.
You will need sturdy hiking boots that fit crampons for the glacier hiking tours.
We have a maximum of 16 participants on the hut tour. The group size just depends on how many bookings for each departure.
Yes, we recommend to bring a water bottle that you can then fill with the tap water at the huts/campsites. It’s perfectly safe to drink and delicious. There are also several streams along where people tend to get more water from. It’s safe just ask the guide.
We always recommend our participants to use gaiters. The weather in Iceland can be quite wet so the trails subsequently get wet as well. They are not necessary but do help a lot and keep you from getting drenched when the rain starts to pour.
We recommend bringing hiking poles on the trek. However, they are not necessary and it depends on your personal preference. Many people prefer to have them for the river crossings and if you are used to hiking with poles then you should bring a pair with you. It’s also possible to rent a pair from us in the booking process.
Showers are found in every hut/campsite. Using the showers costs 500 ISK and can be paid for at the warden’s hut at each hut/campsite.
The WC have toilet paper and soap for washing your hands. Anything else you might need for example shampoo, bandages, towels, washcloths, nail clippers etc. you will need to bring with you.
There are no power outlets in the huts that are accessible to travelers. We encourage bringing your own power bank on the tour (you can pack that in your duffel bag which is transported by the support vehicle). In some cases, you can buy small portable chargers at the huts as well, but they are not always available.
The huts are shared. They have dormitories with single and twin bunk beds so do be prepared to share a room with your fellow travelers.
The main luggage is transported between huts by a support vehicle provided by us. You will only need to carry a smaller day backpack with your lunch, water bottle, medication, sunglasses, river crossing shoes, rain gear, and other items or clothing you might need for the day.
There is a limit of 1 piece of luggage for each participant that can weigh up to 20 kg (+ your day backpack). Since there is limited space on the luggage trailer we kindly ask that you try to pack light out of consideration to other passengers on the tour. If you have extra luggage that you would like to leave, we recommend storing luggage at the BSI Bus terminal (fees apply) or another luggage storage space in Reykjavik.
The supported car will need to cross rivers to get between huts so we recommend a waterproof duffel bag since your luggage can get wet along the way. We also recommend that you put dry clothing and items in a plastic bag.
Our standard menu includes milk products, fish, nuts, meat and bread so if you are vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, have allergies or have other specific food preferences then we strongly suggest that you purchase the special food extra. This will help us in supplying the best meals possible for everyone.
Yes, you can rent a sleeping bag from us. You can purchase the rental when booking the tour OR you can add it to your booking at least 2 days before the tour starts. If you rent a sleeping bag, please bring a sleeping bag liner.
Please note: that a sleeping bag cannot be rented once you are on the tour.
The only information we would appreciate from you is whether you have any medical issues we should be aware of.
IF you have any food restrictions, then please have a look at our Special Food Extra.
There is no WiFi in the huts but there are spots along the trail and by the huts where you can get 3G/4G connections. However, the connection is very flaky so we don’t really count on it.
The meals are prepared by all participants, guides and the team. Although the guide is usually the leader on the project this can go all ways. We have found that this brings the group together and makes a nice, fun and cozy atmosphere. Make food and friends at the same time.
