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Join us for an incredible journey along the Laugavegur Trail, recognized by National Geographic as one of the world’s top 20 treks. Starting in Landmannalaugar, you’ll traverse Iceland’s largest uninhabited wilderness, staying in hut accommodations each night. After the trek, go sightseeing to Iceland’s iconic South Coast and Golden Circle, completing your expedition!
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Spend a week walking the legendary Laugavegur Trail. Together with fellow travelers, you’ll explore the expansive lava fields and obsidian landscapes as your guide takes you to some of the most astonishing views in Iceland. Experience the vibrant mountains in shades of red, brown, yellow, and blue. Climb snow-capped peaks before descending into lush green valleys.
On your seventh day, descend to the South Coast, where you’ll witness powerful waterfalls and walk on black sand beaches. Finish your journey with a drive through the iconic landmarks of the Golden Circle - Thingvellir, Gullfoss, and Geyser Geothermal Area. After all the sightseeing, relax in the naturally heated waters of the Secret Lagoon.
Curious, what more awaits you? Check out the full itinerary below!
On the first day, wake up early for a 7 am pick-up and leave civilization behind. The 3-4 hour drive to Landmannalaugar takes us along rough roads through Iceland’s largest uninhabited wilderness. During the journey, enjoy stunning views of Hekla, Iceland's most active volcano. Upon arrival in the geothermal wonderland of Landmannalaugar, we’ll begin our 6-day trek to Þórsmörk.
The Laugavegur Trail starts in Landmannalaugar, in the geothermal wonderland of a nature reserve called Fjallabak, “Mountain’s Back.” We’ll trek through the Laugahraun lava field and Vondugil Canyon, admiring the incredibly vibrant colors of the rhyolite mountains, like Brennisteinsalda. If the time allows, we’ll see the Graenagil Gorge and climb up to Blahnukur Volcano.
We will hit the path again with full bellies and fully energized, descending from the snowy peak into a green valley. We’ll first explore Hrafntinnusker, an obsidian desert whose sand is pitch-black. Later, we will pass the colorful Reykjafjöll rhyolite mountains and the Jökultungur area, where we will have beautiful views over the entire Fjallabak area and of Álftavatn Lake.
The lake sits in a protected green valley. Before we reach our cozy accommodation, we’ll cross a chilly river on foot. It’s not too deep - just up to the knee or thigh - and perfectly safe to wade through. After a good dinner, everyone will have the option to explore the area around the lake.
After an energizing breakfast, we’ll start the day by crossing another stream. By now, we will be experienced streamcrossers! Entering volcanic country, you’ll walk through the Mælifellssandur black sand desert. We will pass the scenic Stórasúla and Hattafell volcanoes as we get closer to Emstrur. Their hills are covered by green moss, allowing them to stand out stunningly from the surrounding black, rocky desert.
On our way to our next destination, Botnar, in clear weather, we will get outstanding vistas of the nearby volcano-glaciers, Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull. As we approach our accommodations, a green oasis unfolds amid the black sand desert on the side of a stunning 656 ft (200 m) deep glacier river canyon. The hut is located by the side of a small stream in an idyllic location.
On the fourth day, we’ll hike to Þórsmörk, Thor’s Valley. We’ll start by trekking through the Almenningar, a stunning gorge nestled between the Kapelluhraun and Afstapahraun lava fields. Along the way, we’ll pass by Mount Einhyrningur, also known as “Unicorn Mountain,” a striking peak that looks just like a unicorn’s horn.
As we make our way into the valley, you’ll notice the vegetation changing. Bushes and small trees will start popping up until we find ourselves in a charming birch forest. This marks our entry into Þórsmörk, Thor’s Forest, where the enchanting woodlands make it feel like a fairytale setting.
In the evening, we’ll celebrate completing the world-famous Laugavegur Trail. After the festivities, you’ll cozy up in a hut right in the heart of the valley, surrounded by lush green mossy slopes beneath the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers.
Today, we’ll go on another hike to the magnificent Fimmvörðuháls Pass. It lies between the Mýrdalajökull and Eyjafjallajökull glaciers, the latter covering the infamous volcano that erupted in 2010. We will visit the two new volcanic craters, Magni and Móði, formed during it. They’re named after the sons of the Norse god Þór (Thor), Mighty, and Wrath.
The views along the way are jagged, mossy slopes and scenic green valleys. In good weather, as we climb higher, we'll see rugged mountain ranges, snowy peaks, and glaciers all around us.
After reaching the craters' peaks, we will take the same path to return to Thórsmörk. On the way back, we will face the valley again and will be able to enjoy the scenery for the second time, even more so as we walk down. Back at the huts, we’ll celebrate another victory, the completion of the Fimmvörduháls trail.
The final day in the Icelandic wilderness will allow us to be more flexible. We will decide together on the day's itinerary. We can explore the area of the nearby volcanoes Katla and Eyjafjallajokull.
We could also hike up Valahnukur Mountain, the most spectacular viewpoint over Thorsmork Valley. It is also possible to simply stay in Thorsmork and relax. We can even divide into smaller groups and explore something else.
After our day in Thórsmörk, we will leave the Highlands behind and return to civilization. We will spend the night in a country hotel in Hella, where we will probably sleep like babies.
Today is a bit more laid-back but just as stunning as we explore Iceland’s incredible South Coast. We’ll visit two of the island’s most famous waterfalls: Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss. They’re just a half-hour drive apart and stand about 196 ft (60 m) tall each.
Seljalandsfoss is narrower but offers the unique experience of walking behind its gorgeous cascade. Skógafoss, on the other hand, is 78 ft (24 m) wide, and you can get up close to feel its mist on your face!
For an adventurous grand finale, we’ll strap on crampons and climb up a thrilling glacier! We’ll hike across the ancient ice, marveling at surreal formations, deep crevasses, and stunning ice sculptures.
A professional glacier guide will accompany us and tell us about the area's history and geology and the glaciers' general features. After our long day, we will head back to Reykjavík, where we will spend the night in a hotel.
In the early morning, we’ll start exploring the famous Golden Circle route. Our first stop is Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the founding location of the oldest parliament in the world. You’ll walk through the gap between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates!
Next, we’ll visit the Geysir geothermal area. This active geothermal field is packed with steaming fissures, bubbling hot springs, and geysers. The highlight is Strokkur Geyser, known for its spectacular eruptions, shooting water up to 65 - 131 ft (20 - 40 m) every 5-8 minutes.
Our third stop is the massive Gullfoss waterfall. It plunges 105 ft (32 m) in two stages into a rugged canyon that’s 229 ft (70 m) high. The first drop is 36 ft (11 m), and the second is 69 ft (21 m), making Gullfoss a true showstopper.
To wrap up the day, we’ll head to the Secret Lagoon, a relaxing geothermal hot pool surrounded by hot springs and mini geysers. After a day full of incredible sights and relaxation, we’ll head back to Reykjavík, where you'll be dropped off.
Pick-up times and places in Reykjavik:
Between 7:00 - 7:30 AM
Get ready for the adventure through the highlands of Iceland with our Laugavegur Trek Information Package.
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.
