4.9
Iceland is known for hosting the most diverse landscapes on Earth. The Laugavegur Trail opens up otherworldly landscapes, where you'll witness all kinds of weather conditions and discover unique geological formations.
Cross the 34 miles (55km) from Landmannalaugar to Thorsmork, where you can choose to continue to Fimmvörðuháls Pass, another 15 mi (25 km) trek. Discover why Iceland is called "the land of fire and ice" as you encounter everything from volcanic rock formations, to natural hot springs, and black sand deserts.
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The trek itself starts in Landmannalaugar, a geothermal wonderland known worldwide for its multicolored rhyolite mountains and warm hot springs that locals have enjoyed soaking in throughout the centuries. The scenery is breathtaking while we make our way to the highlands and throughout the 6-day hike, where you will be greeted with fields of obsidian, colorful mountains, black sands, hot springs, geysers, sparkling white glaciers, glacier rivers, elf churches, and so much more.
While absorbing all of Iceland’s natural beauty, our guides will tell you about these mysterious areas, landscapes, flora, fauna, and folklore tales. You will be guided safely through this magical area we call home, stopping at all the right places to make sure you get the absolute best experience of Laugavegurinn, as the locals call the trail.
We spend our nights in mountain huts at beautiful remote locations, which we think adds to the charm of the hike. The locations include gorgeous places like Alftavatn, Hrafntinnusker, and Thorsmork. In the huts, the guide will, along with the group, prepare great meals to enjoy together in a magical environment and atmosphere. Sometimes we even take an evening stroll to areas off the beaten track to visit some of the enchanting secret places we have found in past years.
At the end of the Laugavegur trail, we find ourselves in Thorsmork, a surprisingly green and fertile valley named after the Norse god of thunder Thor. Thor is believed to have struck down his hammer and formed the valley. Thorsmork is nestled at the foot of the glacier Eyjafjallajokull which became world-known in 2010 when it erupted, stopping almost all air traffic to and from Europe. The two new craters formed in that eruption were named Magni and Modi after the sons of Thor. These newly formed craters are some of the spectacular things you will see and experience on this 6-day trekking tour.
The tour starts with the Reykjavík tourist info at Reykjavik's City Hall (Ráðhúsið) by Tjörnin pond at 7.00 a.m. where you meet your guide. It's located in downtown Reykjavik and within walking distance from most hotels, hostels, and guesthouses in central Reykjavik. We also offer to pick up at selected locations around Reykjavik (see other pick-up locations in the tour description).
After introductions, we board the scheduled bus that takes us to Landmannalaugar. The drive takes about 3-4 hours. On the way, we travel along the south coast and then turn inland and pass Iceland's most active volcano, Hekla.
Our hike starts in Landmannalaugar as we walk through this geothermal wonderland and look at the colorful mountains and steaming hot springs. The trail takes us through the rough lava field, Laugahraun. From there, we move to the slopes of Brennisteinsalda, which is known worldwide for its incredible spectrums of colors and photogenic looks. We walk by the beautiful hot spring Storihver before crossing into the obsidian desert by Hrafntinnusker. Storihver is one of the very few green grounds we will encounter on this day.
We spend the night in the hut, one of the most remote huts in Iceland.
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Hiking: 4 hrs |
Distance: 8km / 4.9mi |
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Ascent: 470m |
Ascent: 1540 ft |
After a good sleep and a nutritious breakfast, we will be energized and ready to go again! Pitch-black obsidian desert called Hrafntinnusker, vibrantly colored Reykjafjöll rhyolite mountains, and the Jökultungur area are at the top of the agenda today. Geothermal activity has turned these craggy gullies into burnt and sometimes vivid yellows and reds over time. These colors contrast dramatically with the soft pale sandy hues around them. The top of Jökultungur is a great place to enjoy views over the whole Fjallabak (behind the mountain) area and Álftavatn lake, where we will be spending the night. We have to cross a river on foot to get to our accommodation. Wading a river is usually a fascinating experience for overseas hikers.
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Hiking: 7 hrs |
Distance: 24km / 14.9mi |
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Descent: 900m |
Descent: 2952 ft |
We start the day with another refreshing stream crossing as we make our way past the green volcano Stórasúla and into the black desert of Maelifellssandur. On our way, we will see Hattafell, a volcano with a strange flat top. We walk through this black glacial desert and into Emstrur, where there is a chance to enjoy a view of Eyjafjallajokull and Myrdalsjokull glaciers. Emstrur is a lush region where farmers used to graze their sheep during the summertime.
Before reaching the huts in Botnar, we turn off the path to look at Markarfljotsgljufur, an approximately 200 m deep canyon carved out by the glacial river Markarfljot. The hut in Botnar is in a little green oasis, a welcomed sight after walking through the black sands.
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Hiking: 6-7 hrs |
Distance: 15km / 9.5mi |
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Descent: 40m |
Descent: 130ft |
We put Emstrur behind us and continue on our way to Thorsmork. The trail takes us within a few kilometers from the great Myrdalsjokull glacier. As we descend towards Almenningar, a few trees can be seen, a sign we are getting closer to the coast. We walk under the characteristic mountain Einhyrningur (“The Unicorn”) and into the dense birch forest in Thorsmork. Thorsmork is a green valley nesting under the glaciers Eyjafjallajokull and Myrdalsjokull, a magnificent place to spend the night.
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Hiking: 6-7 hrs |
Distance: 15km / 9.5mi |
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Descent: 300m |
Descent: 985ft |
Today we leave Thorsmork early in the morning and head for the mountain pass between the two glaciers, Eyjafjallajokull and Myrdalsjokull. We will walk up to the two new craters formed in 2010, Magni and Modi, named after the sons of Norse god Thor.
On the way, we pass by a formation of lava in a waterfall shape made in the eruption. Here you have a chance to see how Iceland is still being built, formed, and shaped by its nature. We will be greeted with a fantastic view over the valley.
We spend the night in Thorsmork and have a goodbye party while enjoying a traditional Icelandic grilled Lamb for dinner.
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Hiking: 7-8 hrs |
Distance: 16km / 10mi |
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Ascent: 800m |
Ascent: 2600ft |
We have a leisurely breakfast in the hut in the morning before exploring the incredible surroundings. The volcanos Katla and Eyjafjallajokull surround the Thorsmork valley. For thousands of years, these volcanoes and the glaciers that cover them have carved the sandstone in Thorsmork into surreal sculptures dotted with moss and arctic birch trees. We hike up the mountain Valahnukur for a fantastic view of the valley. Those who wish can also spend the day relaxing and enjoying nature in this beautiful place.
We return to Reykjavik in the early evening at around 18:30 and offer drop off at Miklabraut 101 Orkan gas station (by Kringlan shopping mall), Reykjavik Campsite, and the City Hall on Vonarstræti. From there, taxis and local buses are available.
We also offer a drop-off at Hveragerði N1 gas station, Selfoss N1 gas station, and Hella bus terminal on the way back to Reykjavik. Please inform the guide on the tour if you wish to get off at one of these places.
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Hiking: 3 hrs |
Distance: 6km / 3.5mi |
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 departs the given locations.
