4.9
Conquer the well-known Laugavegur Trail on a 4-day adventure, listed by National Geographic as one of the “20 Best Hikes in the World.” Trek through rhyolite mountains, glacier-carved valleys, and black sand deserts.
From
Explore the legendary Laugavegur trail on the ultimate 4-day trek in Iceland. Travel from the geothermal fields of Landmannalaugar to the green birch forests of Þórsmörk. This multi-day adventure takes you through some of Iceland’s most striking highland terrain with expert guides leading the way.
Expect a mix of colorful mountains, dramatic rock formations, geothermal activity, and quiet wilderness. You’ll spend each night in comfortable tents at designated highland campsites.
Connect with Iceland’s wild side:
Your journey begins with an early pick-up in Reykjavík and a scenic 3–4-hour drive along the South Coast. After passing the well-known Hekla volcano, you’ll arrive in the vibrant geothermal area of Landmannalaugar.
Here, the adventure starts with a gentle warm-up hike across the Laugahraun lava field, into the colorful Grænagil canyon, and toward the Bláhnjúkur volcano.
You’ll spend the evening at the Landmannalaugar campsite, enjoying a warm dinner, good company, and tranquil surroundings.
Distance: 12 km (7.5 mi), Walking Time: 4–5 hrs, Elevation Gain: 470 m (1540 ft).
The day begins by crossing the Laugahraun lava field toward the colorful Reykjafjöll mountains. You’ll pass the vibrant-hued slopes of Brennisteinsalda and climb through narrow ravines toward the steaming Stórihver hot springs.
Reaching Hrafntinnusker, the landscape shifts into a black obsidian desert—one of the trail’s most surreal areas. After lunch, the route descends into the geothermal gullies of Jökultungur, where minerals color the slopes in bright yellow and red.
At the top, you’ll get panoramic views over the Fjallabak region and, on clear days, see glaciers of Mýrdalsjökull, Eyjafjallajökull, and Tindfjallajökull in the distance. A refreshing shallow river crossing leads you to the Álftavatn campsite for dinner and a quiet night by the lake.
Distance: 24 km (14.9 mi), Walking Time: 4–5 hrs, Elevation Gain: 490 m (1610 ft).
After breakfast, your group will head out for another big day on the trail. The morning kicks off with a stream crossing—at this point, a familiar and fun part of the routine. From there, the path takes you out onto the vast black sands of Mælifellssandur desert. You’ll walk past the volcanoes Stórasúla and Hattafell, their bright mossy slopes standing out against the dark landscape.
If the weather is on your side, you’ll get great views of Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull—two well-known glacier-volcanoes. Eyjafjallajökull made global news in 2010 for the eruption that grounded flights across Europe, while Mýrdalsjökull hides the powerful Katla beneath its ice.
As you keep going, the huge Markarfljótsgljúfur canyon appears in the distance. This 200-meter-deep glacial canyon is one of the real showstoppers of the trek. By the end of the day, you’ll reach Botnar, a small green oasis in the middle of the black desert, where your group will settle in for the night. After dinner, it’s all about relaxing and enjoying the quiet evening scenery and sharing stories.
Distance: 15 km (9.5 mi), Walking Time: 6–7 hrs, Descent: 40 m (130 ft).
On day 4, you’ll set out on the final stretch of the Laugavegur Trail and make your way toward the green valley of Þórsmörk. The path leads through the beautiful Almenningar gorge, with the sharp outline of Mount Einhyrningur, often called Unicorn Mountain, standing out on the horizon.
As you move closer to Þórsmörk, the landscape changes. The open, rocky terrain slowly shifts into patches of greenery, and soon you’re walking under tall birch trees with birds singing around you. It’s the perfect spot to wrap up your journey on this famous trail.
Once the hike ends, you’ll hop on the highland bus back to Reykjavík and be back in the city at around 9:30 PM.
Distance: 15 km (9.5 mi), Walking Time: 6–7 hrs, Descent: 300 m (985 ft).
Accommodation in comfortable tents and all meals are included. 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!
Please note that trek itineraries are subject to change due to various circumstances that can’t be controlled, such as weather, group ability, and safety. All adjustments to the itinerary will be made to ensure the best possible experience.
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.
The standard menu includes milk products, fish, nuts, meat, and bread. For trekkers with special dietary requirements, a supplement is required to cover the cost of purchasing additional food to accommodate these needs. This applies to those who are vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, have allergies, or have other specific dietary preferences. The supplementary fee can be paid at checkout, where customers are also asked to specify their dietary requirements.
