Laugavegur Trail Self Guided Walk

Hike Iceland's best known trail, the Laugavegur Trail, on a guided tour

A hiker on the Laugavegur Trail in Iceland

The Laugavegur Trail, Iceland | Todd Parris

A beautiful rainbow on the Laugavegur Trail in Iceland

Traverse deep gorges and breathtaking valleys on the Laugavegur Trail in Iceland

Reykjavik, Iceland | Valerie Deltour

The wild untamed natural beauty of Iceland

Hike Iceland's best known trail, the Laugavegur Trail, on a guided tour

A hiker on the Laugavegur Trail in Iceland

A beautiful rainbow on the Laugavegur Trail in Iceland

Traverse deep gorges and breathtaking valleys on the Laugavegur Trail in Iceland

24 Trips to Explore in 2024See the List

Duration

5 days

Activities

self guided walk

Accommodation

multishare mountain huts

Meals

Price

$1590USD

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

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Itinerary

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Day 1
7:00am bus from Reykjavik to Landmannalaugar, walk to Hrafntinnusker (4-5hrs)

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

Day 2
Continue on foot to Álftavatn (4-5hrs)

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

Day 3
Trek to Emstrur via the black deserts of Maelifellssandur (6-7hrs)

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

Day 4
Through valleys and gullies to Thórsmörk (6-7hrs)

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

Day 5
Optional day walks, afternoon bus to Reykjavik, trip concludes

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

What's included

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

What's not included

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
Sleeping bag (bring your own or available for rent - supplement applies, must be pre-booked and pre-paid)
Items of a personal nature

Grading

moderate to challenging

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.

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

Priceper person from

$1590USD

Options & Supplements*

Hiking pole hireUSD$29
Optional sleeping bag hireUSD$70

*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews

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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.

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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.