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About Tour

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.

Highlights

  • Landmannalaugar
  • Hrafntinnusker
  • Álftavatn
  • Emstrur
  • Þórsmörk (Thorsmork)
  • Magni and Móði craters
  • Fimmvörðuháls

Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls

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.

 

Laugavegur Trail - The Most Famous Trek in Iceland
Availability Jun - Sept
Duration 6 days
Departs From Reykjavik
Level Moderate
Minimum age 14 years
Ratio 1:16
Accommodation Included
Pick Up Yes
Meet on Location No

From

2 007
Per
Adult

What's included

Included

  • Transport
  • Hut accommodation
  • All meals
  • Luggage transport

What to bring

  • Thermal underwear (top and bottom), at least two sets of shirts
  • Wool or fleece thermal mid layer
  • Hiking pants
  • Waterproof and breathable pants and jacket
  • Wool/fleece hat
  • At least one pair of gloves
  • 2 to 3 pairs of thick socks
  • Waterproof hiking boots
  • Sleeping bag and travel pillow
  • Sun glasses
  • Sunscreen / after sun cream
  • Travel sack for your baggage that is transported between huts/campsites
  • Day backpack, 25-40 L
  • River crossing shoes (old sneakers or similar for fording rivers)
  • Health supplies and prescription medicine
  • Personal medical kit to include personal medication
  • 1-2 liter water bottle
  • Towel

Not Included

  • Meet on location

Itinerary

The Laugavegur Trail

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′).

Day Highlights
  • Landmannalaugar
  • Stóri Hver hot spring
  • Mount Brennisteinsalda
  • Hrafntinnusker
Included
  • Scenic drive from Reykjavík
  • Lunch
  • Refreshments
  • Dinner
  • Hut accommodation

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′)

Day Highlights
  • Mount Reykjafjöll
  • Jökultungur area
  • Fjallabak
  • Álftavatn Lake
Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Refreshments
  • Dinner
  • Hut accommodation

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′).

Day Highlights
  • Black sand deserts
  • Volcano views
  • Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glacier views
  • Markarfljótsgljúfur Canyon
Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Refreshments
  • Dinner
  • Hut accommodation

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′).

Day Highlights
  • Emstrur
  • Mount Einhyrningur
  • Þórsmörk Valley
  • Glacier views
Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Refreshments
  • Dinner
  • Hut accommodation

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′).

Day Highlights
  • Fimmvörðuháls
  • Famous volcano eruption site of 2010
  • New craters Magni and Móði
  • Traditional Icelandic lamb meal
Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Refreshments
  • Dinner
  • Hut accommodation

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.

Day Highlights
  • Mt. Útgönguhöfði for a more challenging hike
  • Húsadalur Valley for a slower hike
  • Langidalur Valley
  • Seljalandsfoss (waterfall view)
Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Scenic drive to Reykjavík

Reviews

5
Based on 10 reviews

Laugavegur & Fimmvörðuháls Trek - 6 Day Tour

1- of 10 reviews

LAUGAVEGUR TREKKING & FIMMVORDUHALS – 6 DAY HIKE (HUTS)

Reviewed on September 08, 2021 by Nikos V Review from Tripadvisor

The scenery was out of this world (in reality it is even better than any pictures you will find on the web).
The food was delicious.
The Group was great. I met very interesting, like minded people from all over the world.
Our guide Sigurdur was amazing. He went above and beyond to make sure that everyone had a great time.

A Fantastic Trek, Amazing Guide, New Friends: a Lifetime Memory

Reviewed on September 01, 2021 by kevinkmp Review from Tripadvisor

About a week ago me, my wife and our friend went on the 6 day trek of the Laugavegur Trail. After coming to Iceland in 2019 and falling in love with it, we desperately wanted to return and experience the highlands in all of their glory. After a lot of research and video watching, we really wanted to see Landmannalauger and Þórsmörk so we decided on the Laugavegur Trail. We also decided to book with Arctic Adventures and we are so glad we did!

In short, the Trek was absolutely amazing. The beautiful mountains of Landmannalauger, geothermal areas, black rock and sand desert, and incredible peaks and valleys culminating in our arrival into Þórsmörk which blew our minds.

All of this would have been amazing by itself, but by booking with Arctic Adventures we were part of a group led by a guide, and we were so fortunate that our guide Birgir (“Biggi”) elevated this trip from amazing to unforgettable.

I seriously cannot sing his praises enough. He led the group with a cool calm presence even when some of the terrain was testing people’s limits. When anyone would struggle, he was there to help. My wife was having a hard time with one area in particular due to the height, and Biggi calmly took her by the hand and helped her through it. I watched with tears in my eyes as he gave her the confidence to get through this part and helped her achieve this huge goal of completing this trek, knowing all the while that she was completely safe with him. For that, and for truly being such a huge and important part of this adventure I simply cannot thank him enough.

Big thanks to Arctic Adventures, to all the crew - the support drivers, the wardens at the huts, everyone we encountered was so lovely and helpful. But the “biggest” thank you of all goes directly to Biggi. You are a legend!

I’ve attached a photo taken way up by the craters Magni and Moði of our awesome hiking crew and our amazing guide (front right in orange). We were so fortunate to have this glorious weather on this day!

Exceeded Expectations!

Reviewed on August 31, 2021 by Kaleen From our post-trip system

I can't even begin to express how much I loved this trip and participating in the Laugavegur 6 day hut tour. First and foremost, our guide, Hjalti, was OUTSTANDING! He had so much knowledge of the mountains and Iceland in general, and the stories he shared really enhanced the incredible scenery. He was also funny and we trusted him completely. He orchestrated delicious and plentiful meals like a Michelin rated chef and it was fun to prepare food and clean up together....though he always led the way and did more than anybody (even though we always wanted to pitch in). We had plenty of snacks for bringing with us each day and made sandwiches while eating breakfast and drinking coffee as we all got ready in the morning. We had a mix of weather, and that was no problem, everybody took it in stride. We could not do the Magni & Modi hike on day 5 due to weather, but we did a different hike that was great. We really enjoyed the huts (especially when it was torrential outside)....though be prepared for snoring and serious togetherness! The huts are clean and well maintained with bathrooms nearby where there was always TP, soap, hand sanitizer and running water. If you wanted a hot shower, I think it was 500 ISK for 5 minutes. In our group we had an age range of 26 to at least 65 with one undisclosed age of a phenomenal hiker who taught us to line dance, told some outrageous/hilarious narrative jokes and was super inspiring. We represented 8 different countries and everybody was prepared for the hike, ready to walk and we all got on well. It isn't exactly an easy hike, so make sure you understand what you need to do in order to be ready to hike for 10 - 15 miles a day and know that some of the terrain is challenging. A nice glacial river crossing makes your feet feel incredibly refreshed! Other logistics were also great: Pick-up was right on time, our bags always arrived at the huts either before us or soon after we arrived and were even brought inside by the driver at most huts. Arctic Adventures have got you covered on "bus ride bathroom stops" with a quick breakfast stop on the way to Landmannalaugar (I can finally say that!) and one on the way back from Porsmork. I was really excited about this trip to begin with and it was even better than I hoped. I would 100% book this tour again or another through Arctic Adventures. Thank you Arctic Adventures, Hjalti (the most amazing guide), and everybody in our group....we lucked out!

6 unforgettable days on the Laugavegur trail

Reviewed on August 08, 2021 by eric7s Review from Tripadvisor

Pascale was our guide on the incredible 6-day Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls trek. She was personable and had lots of great information, did a great job facilitating everyone's different hiking speeds, and made sure we all had what we needed.

6 day hut to hut hiking

Reviewed on September 13, 2019 by Astrid From our post-trip system

This hiking tour surpassed all my expectations! The scenery was breathtaking and we had a lovely Icelandic guide (Saga) who set a good pace, yet was patient with the varied levels of fitness and personalities of our group. I enjoyed the huts which meant sleeping in fairly close quarters, but also led to great camraderie with our group and other groups. (We made friends from all over the world by sharing our food with others):) It was so nice to have our main gear shuttled by a driver (Elva and her adorable dog Crume) who always put a pot of water on to boil for us when she arrived ahead of us at the huts. We were also fed really well-both on the trail and off! Although I have never been to Iceland before, I believe that this trip was probably the best way to see the most beautiful panoramas I have ever encountered.

Great trip

Reviewed on September 05, 2019 by Mike and Tina From our post-trip system

Many websites indicate that this is one of the top ten treks in the world. I can see why. This was fantastic! Everyday brought a complete new landscape, with colors and formations that you would think exist only in the imaginations of children. Arctic Adventures did a great job. Our guide, Zaho was very good. The food excellent. Bring REALLY good rain gear. And still plan to be soggy. My only comment is that I wish the 6 day trek ended in Skogar, not Thorsmork. If we're climbing the pass, then let's go up and over!

Great experience thanks to a great guide

Reviewed on September 01, 2019 by A. Susvilla From our post-trip system

I participated in the 6day tour (Huts) in August Positive points + The experience was great not only because of the amazing landscapes and hiking paths but due to the guide. I really think that it’s important to have a very good guide to make the experience round. Our guide Frimann was great: he makes sure that we all go all the way comfortable and safe by considering the members hiking experience and gear, in a way that every single member can enjoy the tour. He has a deep knowledge not only on hiking but also about the geophysics behind that nature that we see, his explanations are interesting and understandable. He is very competent and professional. It‘s interesting to hear the informations and stories of Iceland. An besides, before and after hiking it was a wonderful atmosphere. Also by breakfast and dinner he really considered the specific members needs (veggi, glutenfree,etc). + The tour offers a wonderful opportunity to meet people from other nationalities. The atmosphere was great. + I do believe that this trail is one of the most amazing in the world. The landscapes are just incredible. Every day has it’s own highlights. I‘ve never seen something comparable. + the luggage transport from hut to hut worked very good. It’s a huge advantage not having to carry the luggage and concentrate our energies and mood on the trail itself. Negative points: - actually there are no negative points. The fact of no having showers in the first day could be negative for some. And some times the cue for the showers in other huts could be a negative factor. Nice if this could be improved for the future but it’s not the end of the world and the conditions were known since the beginning. In general: An amazing experience. I would do it again.

Very well-run tour, fantastic guide, unforgettable experience

Reviewed on August 31, 2019 by Phai Hwong From our post-trip system

Many thanks to Arctic Adventures for the terrific experience on the Laugavegur & Fimmvörðuháls 6-Day Trek (huts), starting with the e-mail exchanges beforehand and the driver of the bus to Landmannalaugar (excellent explanations of places we passed by). Our hiking guide, Kata, was super personable, friendly, and had lots of interesting stories to share. There were no surprises in terms of the tour organization or logistics. For those signing up solo or with another person, I would ask to make sure the rest of the group is not a single, large group, which would make you an awkward outsider who can be ignored. My main suggestion for Arctic Adventures is to prepare more fresh fruit, skyr and yogurt for breakfast and deli meat for lunch sandwiches. There was a "little" competition among us 16 in the group for this food. There was more than enough food for dinner (which was delicious), though.

Laugavegur Trek

Reviewed on August 16, 2019 by Kate From our post-trip system

We did the six day, five night Laugavegur trek last week. It was absolutely incredible. Zaho, our guide, was excellent. He’s knowledgeable, safe, funny, supportive, a great team builder and an awesome cook. He’s also a great photographer! We learned so much about Iceland from Zaho. We’d trek again with him in a heartbeat and have already recommended the trip to friends. Simply superb.

6 day Laugavegur & Fimmvorduhals Trek - 6 Day Tour (Huts) / great experience

Reviewed on August 16, 2018 by dgast72 Review from Tripadvisor

Two friends and me booked the 6-days-Trek Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls with Arctic Adventures. We exspected a small group and were suprised that there were 50 people in the bus (different groups together). The trek startet in Landmannalaugar. We hoped, that we could take a short bath there before the tour, but that was impossible. The guide said, we had no time für that. So we startet our hike to Hraftinnusker. Very fast, no time to take pictures because of the bad weather conditions. The hut was very small for so many people, there were no showers, and it's true: You could be forced to share your bed with a stranger, if you travel alone...after the first "shock" it was absolutely okay, because we were happy to have booked sleeping in huts and not in tents, the weather was really terrible. And there is no other possibility to spend the night.
The next days were much better, the huts, too. We enjoyed the beautiful landscapes and got used to the overnight stays in huts. Our guide Francois from Belgium was very friendly, intelligent, knew a lot to tell about Iceland and was a very good cook. He showed us fantastic places and did a lot to make us happy. The grilled lamb was great. I'd never exspected such good food on this tour. If you had a demanding day, you are happy, if there is omeone, who cares for you (coffee, good food, nice smile) and Francois did.
First time in my life I used my hiking poles. Very good decision. The distances a day were 12-20km. I will never forget the hail in the black sandy desert.
I was a little bit disappointed, because we did not see the volcanic craters Magni and Móði. Francois said, it would took two hours more that day to go there. And it was raining. I think I was the only one that day who wanted to go there, because it was in the description of the tour and I really had loved it to see it.
In our group were people from Canada, Mexiko, Korea and Germany. We had much fun together.
I would do this tour again. It is not easy, but everything was well organized and a great experience. You meet so many nice and interesting people, don't have to carry a heavy backpack and can enjoy the beautiful landscape, cross rivers...I can highly recommend it.

Contact us for more Information about this tour

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FAQ

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.

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