Laugavegur Trail Guided Walk

Name: Laugavegur Trail Guided Walk
Brand: UTracks
SKU: ILG
Rating: 5.00 (1 reviews)

A hiker on the impossibly scenic Laugavegur Trail in Iceland

The Laugavegur Trail in Iceland | Rachelle Johnston

Cross the third largest geothermal zone in the world on the Laugavegur Trail in Iceland

Stay in rustic mountain huts on Iceland's famous Laugavegur Trail

Cross the third largest geothermal zone in the world on the Laugavegur Trail in Iceland

Hikers on the Laugavegur Trail

Experience the dramatic landscapes and natural beauty of the Laugavegur Trail in Iceland

A hiker on the impossibly scenic Laugavegur Trail in Iceland

The Laugavegur Trail in Iceland | Rachelle Johnston

Cross the third largest geothermal zone in the world on the Laugavegur Trail in Iceland

Hikers on the Laugavegur Trail

Experience the dramatic landscapes and natural beauty of the Laugavegur Trail in Iceland

24 Trips to Explore in 2024See the List

Duration

5 days

Activities

5 day guided walk

Accommodation

Meals

4 Dinners
5 Lunches
4 Breakfasts

Price

$3190USD

Overview

Trip Code: ILG

Trip highlights

Hiking Iceland’s best known trail
Crossing the third largest geothermal zone in the world
Walking through the colourful mountains of Landmannalaugar and witnessing the contrasts of black sand and green moss
Staying in rustic mountain huts
Enjoying the camaraderie of your fellow walkers

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 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 errupted 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 grade 4, moderate to challenging and suits those that are physically active and have experience walking in mountainous terrain with a backpack. You should expect to walk 6-7 hrs. 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.

Trip Grading

Moderate to Challenging

More info about grading system

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Itinerary

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Day 1
Bus from Reykjavik to Landmannalauger, walk to Hrafntinnusker (4-5hrs)

Meet your guide and group in Reykjavik early this morning (at 6.30am). We take the early bus 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 (4-5hrs)

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 (6-7hrs)

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.

Meals: B,L,D

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

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: 17km/10.5mi. Descent: 300m/985ft

Meals: B,L,D

Day 5
Optional day walks, 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 Reykjavik, where the trip ends in the evening (approx 7.30pm).

Meals: B,L

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Inclusions

What's included

4 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners. Special diets can be catered for on request (e.g. vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free diet) however a supplement will apply. Please advise us of any special dietary requirements at the time of booking.
4 nights in mountain huts on a multishare basis (dormitory style, sleeping bag needed)
Experienced English speaking walking guide for 5 days
Cooking gear
Luggage transfer during the trek - soft duffel bag is preferable, max weight 18kg pp (excess luggage can be stored in luggage lockers in Reykjavik)
Public transport Reykjavik to Landmannalaugar and from Þórsmörk back to Reykjavik

What's not included

Travel to and from Reykjavik
Transport to and from the meeting point in Reykjavik
Travel insurance - mandatory
Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
Pre & post tour accommodation in Reykjavik
Sleeping bag & hiking poles. Available for hire (must be pre-paid)
Showers in huts (payable locally)
Special dietary requirements (vegan, vegetarian, gluten free) - supplement applies
Tips
Items of a personal nature

Accommodation

Mountain Huts

All of the mountain huts are heated and some have hot water. There are bunk rooms with single and twin beds, participants have to be prepared to share a bed with a stranger.

Wholesome Meals

Expert Guides

An experienced and qualified guide ensures you have the best opportunity to learn about the landscapes and eat well.

Grading

Moderate to Challenging

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 in this adventure. 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, at altitudes between 200-1100m. The maximum ascent is 600m. If for any reason during the trip the guide considers, in his or her sole discretion, that your fitness or mental or physical health is likely to cause danger, distress or annoyance to others, he or she may direct you not to continue and you must follow the guide’s instructions. In this case you will not be entitled to any refund. Participants will need to cross some rivers. The water level in the rivers changes 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 might come in handy when wading rivers as well as crossing with a partner.

Departure dates

Notes

Note:

Sleeping bag is required for all departures. Hire facility is available.

Note:

Participants will need to cross some rivers - the guide will provide advice and assistance. Trekking poles are handy when wading rivers

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Priceper person from

$3190USD

Options & Supplements*

Hiking pole hireUSD$29
Optional sleeping bag hireUSD$70
Supplement for vegetarian/vegan/gluten free dietaryUSD$70

*Prices listed are per person

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