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Trek the famous Laugavegur Trail on an overnight adventure. Chosen as one of the “20 Best Hikes in the World” by National Geographic, this trail lets you experience the best of Icelandic nature.
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Discover the legendary Laugavegur trail on the ultimate Iceland 4-day hike. From the geothermal paradise of Landmannalaugar to the wild birch forests of Þórsmörk, join our expert guides on an exciting adventure through the rugged Icelandic highlands.
Along the way, you'll witness the wonderfully diverse landscapes featuring colorful rhyolite mountains, volcanic rock formations, and natural hot springs. Spend the night in either a rustic mountain hut or a comfortable camping tent.*
Not sure which option to choose? Or perhaps you don’t know much about the experience of living in a tent or a hut? Here are some benefits that a trekking tour with a stay in a tent provides:
What about staying in a hut?
*Please specify your chosen accommodation of either a hut or tent at checkout.
Laugavegur trail altitude profile:
Pick-up for a tour starts at 7:00 am at the Tourist Information Center at Reykjavík's City Hall in Vonarstræti. You also have an option of meeting us at one of our other meeting points (see tour description).
We begin our Laugavegur adventure with a scenic drive to Landmannalaugar! The total trip takes about 3-4 hours and follows the famous South Coast route, renowned for its beautiful natural attractions. Further inland, we pass the infamous Hekla Volcano, which was known to people in the Middle Ages as "The Gateway to Hell." Hekla is the most active volcano in Iceland and has erupted every 10 – 15 years throughout the last century.
The Laugavegur trail begins at the geothermal oasis of Landmannalaugar or the "People's Pools." The area contains a wealth of hot springs and is surrounded by dramatic rhyolite mountains. Right at the edge of Landmannalaugar sits the coal-black Laugahraun lava fields, an immense field of dried magma formed in 1477 during an eruption.
The highlight of today's trek is Mt. Brennisteinsalda (the Sulphur Wave), Iceland's most colorful mountain. The volcanic mountain is colored with black and blue lava and ash, green mosses, and red iron.
We will spend the night in the mountains, where you will be served a tasty dinner surrounded by nature.
Distance: 12 km (7.5 mi), Walking Time: 4-5 hrs, Elevation Gain: 470 m (1540 ft).
The second day of your trek begins with a delicious breakfast.
Today we will pass the steaming vents of Stórihver ("large spring") hot spring and will enjoy the beauty of the black obsidian desert Hrafntinnusker.
The highlights of today’s agenda are the vibrant Reykjafjöll rhyolite mountains and the stunning Jökultungur pass. Geothermal activity has painted these craggy gullies in vivid shades of yellow and red, contrasting dramatically with the sand-toned mountains surrounding them. The peak of Jökultungur offers spectacular views over the whole Fjallabak (“behind the mountain”) area and Álftavatn lake, a remote oasis only accessible by this trail. The descent down Jokultungur ends in an oasis of flora and fauna beside the Grashagakvisl river. To reach our Álftavatn campsite, we have to cross the river on foot, a refreshing experience after a day of hiking!
In the evening, enjoy dinner next to beautiful lake vistas.
Distance: 24 km (14.9 mi), Walking Time: 4-5 hrs, Elevation Gain: 490 m (1610 ft).
We begin our day by wading through another stream as we head into the volcanic deserts of Maelifellssandur. Along the way, we will pass two breathtaking volcanoes, Stórasúla and Hattafell. The first volcano is a verdant cone-shaped mountain, while the second boasts a distinct flat top. The trail leads to Emstrur, a grassy area where farmers used to graze their sheep.
If we are lucky enough to get good visibility, there are outstanding panoramic views of the famous Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull mountain glaciers. These twin mountains both keep mighty volcanoes beneath, including the capricious Katla. On the way to our campground will diverge from our path to gaze at the wondrous Markarfljótsgljúfur canyon, a 656 ft (200 m) deep valley hallowed out by the powerful Markarfljót river. Our campground for the night is in Botnar, a peaceful nature oasis surrounded by a black sand desert.
Distance: 15 km (9.5 mi), Walking Time: 6-7 hrs, Descent: 40 m (130 ft).
After our final breakfast together, we leave the Emstrur area and head to Thórsmörk, the last section of the trail!
Thorsmork translates to "Valley of Thor "because legend has it the valley was created by Thor's mighty hammer Mjölnir, which split open the mountain range and formed a deep gorge. Thorsmork is an Mt. Einhyrningur lush area with dense birch forests and various wildlife. On our way to the valley, we will trek past (Unicorn Mountain), a peak shaped like its mythical namesake. The summit offers beautiful views of Iceland's fourth-biggest glacier, Mýrdalsjökull. As we get closer to our final destination, the landscape will begin to change with more trees popping up. Our trek ends in the stunning Thorsmork valley. Snap celebratory photos and enjoy the scenery before getting ready for our ride back to Reykjavík!
During our ride back, we will stop at the photogenic Seljalandsfoss Waterfall. These falls are famous for the unique footpath that stretches all the way around so tourists can stand behind the cascade.
We will arrive back in Reykjavik at around 8:30 pm. Drop off is available at Miklabraut 101 Orkan gas station (by Kringlan shopping mall), Reykjavik Campsite, and the City Hall on Vonarstræti.
Distance: 15 km (9.5 mi), Walking Time: 6-7 hrs, Descent: 300 m (985 ft).
Accommodation in rustic mountain huts or comfortable tents (please choose your accommodation during the booking process) and all meals are included, you can rest assured our knowledgeable guide will show you the very best spots and lead you safely and sound all the way. 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!
Prepare for your trip through the highlands of Iceland with our guide:
Meeting points outside of Reykjavik:
8:15 a.m. – Selfoss N1 gas station
9:00 a.m. – Hella- Bus Terminal
*Note that it can take up to 30 minutes before the bus departs the given locations.
Drop off: Please check the tour itinerary for drop-off points and times.
