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Experience the highlands of Iceland on a 6-day trekking tour along the iconic Laugavegur trail. This trail is popular with hikers hoping for a real trekking experience in Iceland’s center. You will see the best Icelandic nature has to offer - glaciers, volcanoes, lava fields, geothermal hot springs and colorful mountains, a real mix of landscapes on your trek.
Hiking the Laugavegur trail is a unique experience in Iceland, one that many people add to their bucket lists. Adding Fimmvörðuháls into the equation is absolute magic! The 55-kilometer-long Laugavegur trek connects Landmannalaugar Nature Reserve with Þórsmörk Valley. Among breathtaking views of volcanoes, hot springs and more, see the new craters from the 2010 eruption at Fimmvörðuháls. Learn about what you should be packing and other exclusive information below.
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The Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls trek has been listed by National Geographic as one of the "World's Best Hikes" due to the unique and extremely diverse landscape encountered on the trail. You'll see everything from sizzling hot springs and volcanoes to icy white glaciers. We walk through geothermally active lands of colored rhyolite mountains, obsidian fields, cross glacier rivers, and so much more on our journey. We stay in rustic, but charming highland huts located in remote areas. Each area is unique, revealing new features in the ever-changing landscapes of the trail.
We depart early in the morning from the center of Reykjavik to make the most of the day. The drive to Landmannalaugar will take about 3-4 hours, first of all along the south coast, and then up into the highlands, where we will spend the rest of the week. The journey is highly scenic and fascinating, taking us by the magnificent volcano mountain, Hekla, the most active volcano in Iceland. This volcano, said by many Europeans in the Middle Ages to be 'The Gateway to Hell,' has erupted every 10 – 15 years throughout the last century.
Landmannalaugar is the starting point for the Laugavegur trail. We will make our way through the Laugahraun lava field and Vondugil canyon. We will also admire the incredibly vibrant colors of the rhyolite mountains, most notably Mt. Brennisteinsalda. On the way back to our accommodation for our first night at Landmannalaugar, we will see the Graenagil gorge and climb up to Bláhnjúkur Volcano if time allows.
Distance: 8 km (4.9 mi) Walking time: 4 hrs Ascent: 470 m (1540′).
After a good sleep and a nutritious breakfast, we will be energized and ready to hit the trail again! The pitch-black obsidian desert called Hrafntinnusker, vibrantly colored Reykjafjöll rhyolite mountains, and the Jökultungur area are at the top of the agenda today. Geothermal activity has turned these craggy gullies into burnt and sometimes vivid yellows and reds over time. These colors contrast dramatically with the soft pale sandy hues around them. The top of Jökultungur is a wonderful place to enjoy views over the whole Fjallabak (behind the mountain) area and Álftavatn lake, where we will be spending the night. We have to cross a river on foot to get to our hut accommodation. Wading a river is usually an extremely exciting experience for overseas hikers.
Distance: 24 km (14.9 mi) Walking time: 7 hrs Ascent: 900 m (2952′)
After an energizing breakfast, we are ready to set off again! We begin by wading across another stream as we proceed onto Mælifellssandur and into the volcano country. We will pass the Stórasúla and Hattafell volcanoes on our way to Emstrur, from where, in clear visibility, we will get outstanding views of the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull volcano mountain glaciers. On our way to Botnar, a green oasis amid a black sand desert, we will see Markarfljótsgljúfur, a stunning 200 m deep canyon fashioned by a glacial river. We will spend the night in this area.
Distance: 15 km (9.5 mi) Walking time: 6-7 hrs Descent: 40 m (130′).
After a good breakfast, we leave Emstrur and hike to Þórsmörk. As we go through the Almenningar gorge by Mount Einhyrningur (the Unicorn Mountain), we will still have a great view of the glaciers as we advance towards Þórsmörk. As we get closer to the landscape and nature change, a few trees appear here and there, setting the tone for the characteristic dense birch forest for which Þórsmörk is famous. Our accommodation will be in a simply magnificent location to spend a night, beneath the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers. You can now celebrate your completion of the world-famous Laugavegur Trail!
Distance: 15 km (9.5 mi) Walking time: 6-7 hrs Descent: 300 m (985′).
Fimmvörðuháls is the magnificent high mountain pass between Mýrdalajökull and Eyjafjallajökull – the infamous volcano that erupted in 2010. Today, you will visit the two new volcano craters, Magni and Móði, formed in the first eruption in 2010. Magni and Móði are named after the sons of Þór (Thor), the Norse God, their names meaning "strong" and "brave."
The scenery on the Fimmvörðuháls Pass is fantastic and stunning. The new lava focuses on the way Iceland is still being formed by volcanic activity.
We will spend a final night among the other-worldly vistas of Þórsmork. Your completion of the Laugavegur and Fimmvorðuháls trails will be celebrated in the traditional Icelandic way with a delicious grilled lamb dinner.
Distance: 16 km (10 mi) Walking time: 7-8 hrs Ascent: 800 m (2600′).
We will spend the last day exploring Þórsmörk and the surrounding area. A hike up Mount Útigönguhöfði will give outstanding views over the valley and the glaciers. For those who are not up for a serious hike, a stroll to Húsadalur might be an option, or just relaxing around Langidalur before returning to Reykjavík. On our way to the city, you can glimpse Seljalandsfoss waterfall, one of the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland. We return to Reykjavik in the early evening at around 18:30.
Distance: 6 km (3,5 mi) Walking time: 3 hrs.
Drop-off is offered at Miklabraut 101 Orkan gas station (by Kringlan shopping mall), Reykjavik Campsite and the City Hall on Vonarstræti. Taxis and local bus services are available from these points.
PICK UP TIMES & PLACES:
Meeting points and times in Reykjavik:
Between 7:00 - 7:30 a.m.:
- Reykjavik's City Hall (Ráðhúsið) on Vonarstræti
- Hallgrímskirkja Church
- Reykjavik Campsite
Get ready for the adventure through the highlands of Iceland with our trekking guide: Laugavegur Trek Information Package
We have a maximum of 16 participants in the hut. 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: 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.
