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Duration
5 days
Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • multishare mountain huts
Meals

Price

$1690USD

 
 

Overview

Trip Code: ILT

Trip highlights


  • Hiking Iceland's best known trail
  • Crossing the third largest geothermal zone in the world
  • Experiencing the dramatic landscape and natural beauty of this classic trail
  • Staying in rustic mountain huts

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 the 5 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 icecap, 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 Þórsmörk. It is no coincidence that the Laugavegur attracts travellers from around the world in addition to being a favourite amongst locals. With your main luggage transferred each day you are free to relax and experience this special region, while at night you will stay in simple but heated mountain huts.

Trip Grading

moderate to challenging

More info about grading system

An early start this morning, taking the 7:00am bus from Reykjavik that drives along the mountain tracks that lead to Landmannalaugar, passing by the Hekla volcano and others in the Domadalur area. The bus arrives in Landmannalaugar at noon - so it's ideal to have lunch. Set out on foot from Landmannalaugar, heading south into the mountains. The trail takes you past small gorges, steaming hot springs and yellow mountain ridges. You'll arrive at Hrafntinnusker mountain hut in the late afternoon, where you stay overnight. Distance: 12km / 7.5mi. Ascent: 470m / 1540ft.

Meals:  Nil

From Hrafntinnusker the trail descends into the gullies of Jökultungur, where there are hundreds of steaming hot springs and mud pools. Enjoy fascinating views southwards to the Álftavatn area (Swan lake) and the Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull glaciers. In the afternoon, arrive at Álftavatn hut for your overnight stay. Distance: 12km / 7.5mi. Descent: 490m / 1610ft.

Meals:  Nil

Pass the foot of the green conic volcano Stórasúla before entering the black deserts of Maelifellssandur. Heading towards another ancient and verdurous volcano, the Hattfell, you enter the Emstrur region, where farmers used to graze their sheep in summer. Before arriving at the Botmar hut, where you stay tonight, you can visit the magnificent Markarfljót canyon, cut almost 200m into the rocks south of Hattfell. Distance: 16km / 10mi. Descent: 40m / 130ft.

Meals:  Nil

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 you descend into Thórsmörk's green valleys (the 'woods of Thor'), filled with arctic birch forests and colourful flowers. Accommodation is in one of the huts in Thórsmörk. Distance: 17km / 10.5mi. Descent: 300m / 985ft.

Meals:  Nil

Spend the morning in Thórsmörk, with the possibility of walking along one of its numerous paths - for example, visit the Sönghellir cave (a 'singing' cave'), or climb the small mountain of Valahnúkur from where you'll enjoy magnificent views. Take the afternoon bus back to Reykjavik, arriving in the evening (approx 7:30pm).

Meals:  Nil


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.


Inclusions

  • 4 nights in mountain huts on a multishare basis
  • Luggage transfers on walking days - max 18kg per person, no hard suitcases
  • Public bus from Reykjavik to the trailhead and return (day 1 and day 5)
  • Information pack including route notes and maps (1 per group booked)
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to and from Reykjavik and to/from the bus terminal
  • Meals - this is a self-catered trip
  • Accommodation in Reykjavik - required before and after the trip
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • Sleeping bag (bring your own or available for rent - supplement applies, must be pre-booked and pre-paid)
  • Items of a personal nature

Accommodation


Grading

moderate to challenging  

GRADE 4 - The trip involves daily walks of up to seven hours per day. There are some steep sections which require care and there are river crossings on most days. 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 in this adventure. Weather conditions may be harsh at times and you will need to be comfortable walking in such conditions. We suggest one hour of strenuous exercise 3-4 times a week in the lead up to your trip. The total walking distance is 56km, at altitudes between 200-1100m. The maximum ascent is 600m. While the minimum age for the trip is 7 years, children should be experienced and capable walkers.


Departure dates

Weekly on Friday from 21 Jun to 23 Aug

Notes

Note:
This trip is not suitable for solo travellers. Please contact our team for alternative tour suggestions.
Note:
Self catering is required.
Note:
Departures on Mondays and Wednesdays during the season may possible on request - please our consultants.

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$1690USD

Options & Supplements*
  • Hiking pole hireUSD$30
  • Sleeping bag hire with linerUSD$70
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews


Why travel with us

Making Europe Affordable

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.  

Self-Guided Specialists

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.

Our Wide Range

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. 

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