4.9
Iceland’s landscapes are among the most diverse on Earth, and the Laugavegur Trail lets you experience them up close. Discover rugged terrain, glacier views, rainbow-colored mountains, and stay in cozy mountain huts. You’ll understand why Iceland is called the “land of fire and ice” as you walk past lava rock formations, natural hot springs, and black sand deserts. The trail stretches 34 mi (55km) from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk and continues along the part of the volcanic Fimmvörðuháls Pass for 15 mi (25 km).
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Spanning 55 km (34 mi), Laugavegur connects geothermal wonders of Landmannalaugar with lush Þórsmörk valley. You will hike past glaciers, black sand deserts, and colorful rhyolite mountains. Then, you’ll continue along the scenic section of the Fimmvörðuháls Trail. Here, the Magni and Móði craters reveal volcanic features formed during the 2010 eruption.
This hut-to-hut trek immerses you in Iceland’s breathtaking wilderness, with nights spent in cozy, well-equipped mountain huts. Dormitory-style accommodations feature bunk beds or mattresses shared in a communal room that fosters a friendly and social atmosphere. Light sleepers might appreciate bringing earplugs and a sleep mask for extra comfort.
Your adventure begins with an early pick-up in Reykjavík and a scenic drive deep into Iceland’s Highlands. The journey takes 3 to 4 hours, revealing sweeping views of the South Coast and the country’s most active volcano, Hekla.
The Laugavegur Trail officially begins in the geothermal area of Landmannalaugar. Before the main trek starts the next day, you’ll head out on a warm-up hike to explore some of the area’s most scenic spots. You’ll walk past the rugged Laugahraun lava field, the colorful Grænagil canyon, and the dark slopes of Bláhnjúkur volcano. It’s a gentle first look at the trail’s wild beauty.
In the evening, you’ll settle into your accommodation at Landmannalaugar. After a hearty dinner, take time to unwind, connect with your fellow travelers, and soak in the quiet, untouched nature all around you.
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Hiking time: 4 hrs |
Distance: 8km / 4.9mi |
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Ascent: 470m |
Ascent: 1540 ft |
Begin the day by hiking through the Laugahraun lava field, passing the slopes of Brennisteinsalda and heading toward the steaming Reykjafjöll mountains. You’ll climb through narrow gorges, the Stórihver hot spring area, and striking mineral-painted ridges. Soon, the landscape changes dramatically to the black obsidian desert of Hrafntinnusker, where you’ll stop for lunch surrounded by this unique terrain.
From Hrafntinnusker, the path descends into the gullies of Jökultungur—a geothermal wonderland dotted with steaming springs and bubbling mud pools. Over time, the geothermal activity has painted these gullies in vivid yellows and reds, contrasting beautifully with the beige peaks nearby. At the top of Jökultungur, enjoy the views of the Fjallabak region and, if the weather is clear, catch glimpses of Mýrdalsjökull, Eyjafjallajökull, and Tindfjallajökull glaciers.
To reach your stay near Álftavatn lake, you’ll safely cross a river on foot. The day ends with a satisfying dinner and time to unwind, soaking in the peaceful beauty of the lake and its calm surroundings.
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Hiking time: 7 hrs |
Distance: 24km / 14.9mi |
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Descent: 900m |
Descent: 2952 ft |
After a filling breakfast, your group will continue another exciting day of the hike. You’ll start by crossing a stream and walking into the wide black sand desert of Mælifellssandur. Along the way, you’ll pass two striking volcanoes, Stórasúla and Hattafell, and see their green moss-covered slopes stand out against the dark rocks.
If the sky is clear, you’ll see the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers. Eyjafjallajökull caused big travel problems in 2010 with its eruption, and Mýrdalsjökull hides the active Katla volcano beneath its ice cap.
As you continue, the dramatic Markarfljótsgljúfur canyon comes into view. This deep, 200 m (656 ft) gorge, carved by a glacial river, is one of the day’s highlights. Finally, you’ll reach Botnar, a green oasis in the middle of the black desert, where you’ll spend the night. After a tasty dinner, you can relax and enjoy the peaceful scenery as the evening falls.
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Hiking time: 6-7 hrs |
Distance: 15km / 9.5mi |
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Descent: 40m |
Descent: 130ft |
Today you’ll start the last part of the Laugavegur Trail, leaving behind the dramatic views of Emstrur as you head toward Þórsmörk. The path takes you through the beautiful Almenningar gorge, with the sharp Mount Einhyrningur (Unicorn Mountain) peak standing tall against the sky. Along the way, you’ll enjoy incredible vistas of the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers.
As you get closer to Þórsmörk, the scenery changes. Small trees begin to appear, slowly turning into thick birch forests that make this valley special. The air feels fresh, filled with birdsong and the sound of leaves rustling. Finally, you’ll arrive at Þórsmörk—a green oasis surrounded by high mountains and glaciers. This is the perfect place to celebrate the finishing of the famous Laugavegur Trail.
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Hiking time: 6-7 hrs |
Distance: 15km / 9.5mi |
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Descent: 300m |
Descent: 985ft |
Today’s hike takes you along a section of the Fimmvörðuháls Trail toward the Magni and Móði craters. It begins and ends in the green Þórsmörk valley, surrounded by tall mountains and glaciers. The path goes through a barren, almost surreal landscape shaped by Eyjafjallajökull’s 2010 eruption. Along the way, you’ll walk over black sand plains, sharp lava ridges, and signs of recent volcanic activity, all set against distant glaciers and wide-open skies.
As you get closer to the craters, the scenery turns into a raw, otherworldly place with fresh lava fields and steaming vents. The craters, named after Thor’s sons in Norse mythology, reveal their rugged edges and surrounding volcanic landscapes. On clear days, you can see far across the Mýrdalsjökull glacier and the Highlands. The trail is moderately challenging, with some steep parts and loose gravel, so sturdy shoes and a basic fitness level are needed.
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Hiking time: 7-8 hrs |
Distance: 16km / 10mi |
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Ascent: 800m |
Ascent: 2600ft |
On your final day, you'll have time to explore Þórsmörk and its beautiful surroundings. If you're up for a challenge, you can hike up Mount Útigönguhöfði. For a gentler activity, enjoy a scenic stroll to Húsadalur valley. You can also relax around Langidalur valley until it’s time to return to the capital.
On the way back to Reykjavík, there will be an opportunity to stop at Seljalandsfoss waterfall, one of Iceland’s most famous sights. You'll be back in the city by early evening, around 6:30 PM.
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Hiking time: 3 hrs |
Distance: 6km / 3.5mi |
Prepare for your trip through the highlands of Iceland with a handy guide:
Meeting points and times in Reykjavik:
Between 7:00 - 7:30 a.m.:
- Reykjavik's City Hall (Ráðhúsið) on Vonarstræti
- Hallgrímskirkja Church
- Reykjavik Campsite
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 to collect you, depending on your location and traffic.
Please note that the trek itineraries are subject to change due to various uncontrolled circumstances, such as weather, group ability, and safety. All adjustments to the itinerary will be made to ensure the best possible experience.
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.