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Explore the infamous Laugavegur trail, starting in the steaming valley of Landmannalaugar and following the historic forests of Þórsmörk, across the lowest parts of the iconic Eyjafjallajökull volcano. National Geographic named Laugavegur among the "20 Best Hikes in the World," and you're sure to find out why. Join this tour and hike through the incredible glacier and volcano-formed nature, spending your nights in the cozy mountain huts.
From the geothermal wonderland of Landmannalaugar to the birch forests of Þórsmörk, this four-day trekking tour in Iceland is a great experience! Following the ancient trail during this perfect Laugavegur hike, we'll discover the legendary places and stunningly majestic scenery of the rugged Icelandic highlands. What’s more, the rustic mountain huts offer the perfect views of the landscapes around you, as well as charming shelter from the elements overnight.
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Looking for more availabilities? Check out our tour with tent accommodation to get a full experience of the Icelandic highlands!
Our hut-to-hut trek itinerary encompasses almost every possible landscape in Iceland. Hot springs, craters, and colorful rhyolite mountains await you from day 1, leaving you breathless - and not just from the hiking! Plus, our accommodation in huts, provides the ultimate Icelandic experience, right out in nature every night.
This four-day hut-to-hut trek through Icelandic highlands will reveal the otherworldly Landmannalaugar landscapes. The extraordinary red and green hues of the rhyolite mountains and soft caramel-colored peaks as surreal clouds of steam rise from the hot spring pool. And this is just the appetizer!
Laugavegur trail altitude profile:
Today we'll take the dream trail through Laugavegur. We'll start our day driving towards Landmannalaugar for about 3-4 hours. We'll go along the South Coast and finally reach the highlands where we'll spend the next few days. The road itself is fascinating - we'll pass close to the most active volcano in Iceland, Hekla. This volcano, called "The Gateway to Hell" by many Europeans during the Middle Ages, erupted every 10-15 years throughout the last century. Landmannalaugar will be where we'll start the Laugavegur trail through the most unique and varied landscapes to Þórsmörk (Thorsmork), a tender green valley with Arctic birch forests.
Landmannalaugar is the starting point of our 4-day trekking adventure. It all begins with the Laugahraun lava field and Vondugil canyon, where we'll see the incredibly vibrant color of the rhyolite mountains. The most famous one is Mt. Brennisteinsalda, an 855-meter rainbow-colored mountain in Landmannalaugar.
We'll spend our first night at Landmannalaugar. On the way there, we will see the Graenagil gorge, a green canyon that will take your breath away. If time allows, we'll also climb up to Blahnukar Volcano.
In the evening, we'll enjoy a delicious dinner, get to know each other better, and relax in the beauty and serenity of Icelandic nature.
Distance: 8 km (4.9 mi), walking time: 4 hrs, elevation gain: 470 m (1540 ft).
The second day of our trek adventure begins with a nourishing breakfast before we set off hiking once again.
Today's first major point of interest is Hrafntinnusker, a black obsidian desert. We will see the Stórihver (meaning large spring) hot spring on the way there.
The vibrantly colored Reykjafjöll rhyolite mountains and the Jökultungur area are also 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 sand-toned peaks around them. The top of Jökultungur is a marvelous place to enjoy spectacular views over the whole Fjallabak (behind the mountain) area and Álftavatn, the lake close to the mountain hut where we will stay for the night. To get there, we’ll have to cross a river on foot. River crossing will be a unique experience, especially for those who haven't tried it before.
We will relax with a great dinner and enjoy the beautiful vistas around us during the evening.
Hiking: 24 km (14.9 mi), walking time: 7-8 hrs, ascent: 900 m (2952 ft).
After a good night's sleep and an energizing breakfast, we're ready to set off again.
We'll begin our journey by wading across another stream as we proceed onto Mælifellssandur. We will pass the Stórasúla and Hattafell volcanoes on our way to Emstrur.
If we are lucky and have good visibility, there will be outstanding views of two very famous volcano mountain glaciers, Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull. These ominous twins have delivered some fantastic reminders of the power of nature. Eyjafjallajökull is the volcano whose eruptive power sent ash soaring to 30,000 ft, severely disrupting air traffic in 2010, and Mýrdalsjökull shrouds the much feared and capricious Katla under its ice cap.
On our way to Botnar, a green oasis amid a black sand desert area, we will see Markarfljótsgljúfur, a stunning 200 m deep canyon fashioned by a glacial river. Your mountain hut accommodation will be situated in this area.
We'll enjoy our final evening together with dinner and the spectacular scenery.
Distance: 15 km (9.5 mi), walking time: 6-7 hrs, descent: 40 m (130 ft).
After our final breakfast together, we will leave the Emstrur area and continue along the trail to Þórsmörk. We will still have a great view of the glaciers as we go through the Almenningar, a picturesque gorge by Mount Einhyrningur (the Unicorn Mountain). As we get closer to Þórsmörk, the landscape and nature will change. A few trees appear here and there, setting the tone for the characteristic dense birch forest for which Þórsmörk is famous. It is a place where you can finally celebrate your completion of the world-famous Laugavegur Trail!
Distance: 15km (9.5 mi), walking time: 6-7 hrs, descent: 300 m (985 ft).
One final highlight, on the way back to Reykjavík, you will get a glimpse of the elegant waterfall, Seljalandsfoss!
We will arrive back in Reykjavik at around 21:30. Drop off at the BSI bus stop in Reykjavik.
Accommodation is in mountain huts, however, if you prefer to get a full experience we could offer this tour with accommodation in tents. Your guide organizes the meals, although assistance from participants is appreciated. You will meet people from all over the world – enjoy being part of a friendly team!
Meeting points and times in Reykjavik:
Between 7:00 - 7:30 am:
- Reykjavik's City Hall (Ráðhúsið) on Vonarstræti
- Hallgrímskirkja Church
- Reykjavik Campsite
*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: Laugavegur Trek Information Package
We have a maximum of 16 participants on the hut tour. The group size just depends on how many books are 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.
