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If you are planning to do one walk in Iceland and you are short on time, this is the logical choice. The best known of all treks in Iceland, the Laugavegur Trail offers all the colours of the rainbow over the course of this multi-day hike. Beginning in the geothermal valley of Landmannalaugar in the southern highlands, the route heads south past small gorges to the Thórsmörk valley. Arriving at the foot of Eyjafjallajökull volcano, which last erupted in 2010 and whose crater is completely covered by an ice cap, marks one of the many highlights of the trip. The trail then crosses the third biggest geothermal zone in the world, where steaming hot springs are dotted through the landscape, over the yellow rhyolite mountains, through black deserts, past great canyons and into the green valley of Thórsmörk. It is no coincidence that the Laugavegur hike each year attracts travellers from around the world, in addition to being a great favourite amongst locals. Throughout this guided trip you will stay in mountain huts and marvel at the changing landscapes with your fellow walkers.
Important note: This hike is moderate to challenging, grade 4 and suits those that are physically active and have experience walking in mountainous terrain with a backpack. You should expect to walk 6–7 hours per day over rough terrain with some river crossings. It is a requirement of joining this trip that you take full responsibility for meeting the physical fitness requirements of the trip. If you are not fit enough or not properly equipped for the trip you may be dismissed from the tour at your own expense.
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36kg of CO2-e PP per day
(144kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Early bus from Reykjavik to Landmannalaugar, walk to Hrafntinnusker (4–5 hrs)
Meet your guide and group in Reykjavik early this morning (at 6.30am). We take the early bus (7am sharp) that drives along the mountain tracks that lead to Landmannalaugar, passing by the Hekla volcano and others volcanoes in the Domadalur area. Arriving in Landmannalaugar around noon, we have lunch then walk south into the mountains. The trail takes us past small gorges, steaming hot springs and yellow mountain ridges. We arrive at Hrafntinnusker mountain hut in the late afternoon. Distance: 12km/7.5mi. Ascent: 470m/1540ft.
Meals: L,D
Day 2
Continue on foot to Álftavatn (4–5 hrs)
From Hrafntinnusker we descend in the gullies of Jökultungur, where there are hundreds of steaming hot springs and mud pools. We'll enjoy fascinating views to the south to the Álftavatn area (Swan lake) and the Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull glaciers. In the afternoon we arrive at Álftavatn hut, where we stay overnight. Distance: 12km/7.5mi. Descent: 490m/1610ft.
Meals: B,L,D
Day 3
Trek to Emstrur via the black deserts of Maelifellssandur (6–7 hrs)
We pass at the foot of the green conic volcano Stórasúla, before entering the black deserts of Maelifellssandur. Heading towards another ancient and verdurous volcano, the Hattfell, we enter the Emstrur region, where farmers used to graze their sheep in summer. Before arriving at the Emstrur-Botnar hut, where we stay overnight, we visit the magnificent Markarfljót canyon, which cuts almost 200m into the rocks south of Hattfell. Distance: 16km/10mi. Descent: 40m/130ft.
Day 4
Through valleys and gullies to Thórsmörk (6–7 hrs)
We continue up and down through the small valleys and gullies of Emstrur, where the great Mýrdalsjökull glacier rises only a couple of kilometres away. At the end of the day the vegetation starts to grow thicker and higher as we descend into Thórsmörk's green valleys (the 'woods of Thor'), filled with arctic birch forests and colourful flowers. We stay overnight in one of the huts in Thórsmörk. Distance: 19km/12mi. Descent: 300m/985ft
Day 5
Optional day walks at Thórsmörk, afternoon bus to Reykjavik, trip concludes
We spend the morning in Thórsmörk, where we walk along one of numerous paths - for example, we can visit the Sönghellir cave (a 'singing' cave'), or climb the small mountain of Valahnúkur which has magnificent views. We'll take the afternoon bus to Reykjavík, arriving at Reykjavik BSI bus terminal at 7.30 pm. Distance: 5–10km / 3–6mi
Meals: B,L
What's included
What's not included
During the trip you will be accommodated in mountain huts which are multi share. All of the huts are heated, some have electricity and some have hot water. They have bunk rooms with single and twin beds. Some huts have a continuous line of beds. Participants must be prepared to share a bunk with other travellers.
The Laugavegur trail features a constantly shifting, rugged, and unpaved surface that ranges from soft volcanic ash and sand to solid rock, snow, and moss-covered earth. The path is well-marked with wooden posts and yellow snow poles, but the terrain is considered "moderate to challenging" due to the steep, rocky, and often muddy nature of the trail, particularly in early summer. The trail includes multiple unbridged river crossings, requiring you to walk across rocky riverbeds.
GRADE 4 - The trip involves daily walks of six to seven hours per day. There are some hills but most are moderate, and a few steep sections which require care - but on average the trail is a descent. The accent is on keeping a steady pace to with time to stop and take photos. You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully. Weather conditions may be harsh at times and you will need to be comfortable walking in such conditions. We suggest up to one hour of strenuous exercise 3–4 times a week. The total walking distance is 56km / 34.8mi, at altitudes between 200m / 656ft and 1,100m / 3,609ft. The maximum ascent is 600m / 1,969ft. Participants will need to cross three rivers - Grashagakvísl (day 2), Bratthálskvísl (day 3), Þröngá (day 4). The water level in the rivers can change from time to time due to seasonal conditions. In some cases we will be able to step from stone to stone to get to the other side. In other cases we will need to take our shoes and socks off, put on river crossing shoes and wade the rivers. Your guide will provide you with advice on river crossing as well as help you to cross the river. Trekking poles can come in handy when wading rivers as well as crossing with a partner.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.
Our wide range of self-guided itineraries embody the UTracks philosophy of exploring Europe your way. We handle the logistics so all that's left for you to do is enjoy exploring Europe at your own pace. Most depart daily with a minimum of two people, meaning maximum flexibility.
With close to 400 trips in almost 50 countries, including the largest range of bike & boat holidays in Europe, we're confident that we can organise an Alps walk, Camino de Santiago or Via Francigena experience, Food Lovers' trip or a tour in a lesser-known pocket of Europe that you will love.
6Days
Moderate to Challenging
4Days
Moderate