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Conquer the Laugavegur Trail on a 4-day adventure. This route is listed by National Geographic as one of the 20 best hikes in the world. It takes you across some of Iceland’s most diverse Highland landscapes, from steaming geothermal areas to glacier-carved valleys. Trek through colorful rhyolite mountains, birch forests, and black sand deserts as your expert guide leads the way. Sleep in private tents under the stars and wake up to the crisp Highland air and serene mountain surroundings.
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Explore the legendary Laugavegur Trail on a 4-day trek through 55 km (34 mi) of Iceland’s Highlands. The route runs from Landmannalaugar’s geothermal fields to the birch forests of Þórsmörk. Along the way, you’ll see rhyolite mountains, lava fields, glacial rivers, obsidian deserts, and the calm waters of Álftavatn lake.
Landmannalaugar welcomes you with steaming hot springs and bubbling mud pools. As your group moves forward, the scenery shifts. Bright mountain slopes change to Þórsmörk’s green forest, surrounded by glaciers and rugged peaks. 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. Walk across the Laugahraun lava field, into the colorful Grænagil canyon, and toward Bláhnjúkur volcano—the main viewpoint of this hike. From the top, you’ll get outstanding views over the Landmannalaugar area.
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 massive Markarfljótsgljúfur canyon appears in the distance. This 200 m (656 ft) 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.
Distance: 15 km (9.5 mi), Walking Time: 6–7 hrs, Descent: 300 m (985 ft).
Once the hike ends, you’ll hop on the Highland Bus to Reykjavík and be back in the city around 9:30 PM.
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 and be 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 a handy guide:
Meeting points and times in Reykjavik:
Between 7:00–7:30 AM:
- Reykjavik's City Hall (Ráðhúsið) on Vonarstræti
- Hallgrímskirkja Church
- Reykjavik Campsite
Meeting points outside of Reykjavik:
8:15 AM – Selfoss N1 gas station
9:00 AM – Hella- Bus Terminal
*Note that it can take up to 30 minutes before the bus to collect you, depending on your location and traffic.
Drop off: Please check the tour itinerary for drop-off points and times.
Prefer to travel light? You can rent waterproof pants & jackets, hiking boots, poles, and sleeping bags at checkout or add them via My Adventures after booking.
Don’t worry, you can always rent sturdy hiking shoes, a waterproof jacket and pants in the booking process or add them to your booking. You can book these items and more under the selection “Extras” in the booking widget when booking your tour on our website.
If you have already booked the tour and wish to add some rental gear to your booking, you can do so at least 24 hours prior to your tour starting by contacting our customer care.
Please keep in mind that we do not rent gear on location.
We have a maximum of 16 participants on the hut tour. The group size just depends on how many bookings for each departure.
Yes, we recommend to bring a water bottle that you can then fill with the tap water at the huts/campsites. It’s perfectly safe to drink and delicious. There are also several streams along where people tend to get more water from. It’s safe just ask the guide.
We always recommend our participants to use gaiters. The weather in Iceland can be quite wet so the trails subsequently get wet as well. They are not necessary but do help a lot and keep you from getting drenched when the rain starts to pour.
We recommend bringing hiking poles on the trek. However, they are not necessary and it depends on your personal preference. Many people prefer to have them for the river crossings and if you are used to hiking with poles then you should bring a pair with you. It’s also possible to rent a pair from us in the booking process.
Showers are found in every hut/campsite. Using the showers costs 1000 ISK and can be paid for at the warden’s hut at each hut/campsite.
The WC have toilet paper and soap for washing your hands. Anything else you might need for example shampoo, bandages, towels, washcloths, nail clippers etc. you will need to bring with you.
There are no power outlets in the huts that are accessible to travelers. We encourage bringing your own power bank on the tour (you can pack that in your duffel bag which is transported by the support vehicle). In some cases, you can buy small portable chargers at the huts as well, but they are not always available.
The huts are shared. They have dormitories with single and twin bunk beds so do be prepared to share a room with your fellow travelers.
The main luggage is transported between huts by a support vehicle provided by us. You will only need to carry a smaller day backpack with your lunch, water bottle, medication, sunglasses, river crossing shoes, rain gear, and other items or clothing you might need for the day.
There is a limit of 1 piece of luggage for each participant that can weigh up to 20 kg (+ your day backpack). Since there is limited space on the luggage trailer we kindly ask that you try to pack light out of consideration to other passengers on the tour. If you have extra luggage that you would like to leave, we recommend storing luggage at the BSI Bus terminal (fees apply) or another luggage storage space in Reykjavik.
The supported car will need to cross rivers to get between huts so we recommend a waterproof duffel bag since your luggage can get wet along the way. We also recommend that you put dry clothing and items in a plastic bag.
Our 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, and we will arrange for the necessary food to meet those needs, ensuring the best meals for everyone.
Yes, you can rent a sleeping bag from us. You can purchase the rental when booking the tour OR you can add it to your booking at least 2 days before the tour starts. If you rent a sleeping bag, please bring a sleeping bag liner.
Please note: that a sleeping bag cannot be rented once you are on the tour.
Yes, you can purchase the single tent rental either when you book the tour or by adding it to your booking at least 2 days before the start of the tour.
The only information we would appreciate from you is whether you have any medical issues we should be aware of.
If you have any food restrictions, please have a look at our Special Food Extra.
There is no WiFi in the huts but there are spots along the trail and by the huts where you can get 3G/4G connections. However, the connection is very flaky so we don’t really count on it.
The meals are prepared by all participants, guides and the team. Although the guide is usually the leader on the project this can go all ways. We have found that this brings the group together and makes a nice, fun and cozy atmosphere. Make food and friends at the same time.
No, our guides are not able to provide information on these matters, but our team will be happy to assist you. We kindly ask that you reach out to our customer care team regarding any questions or concerns.
