Enjoy a 4-day trek through Iceland’s wild Highlands on a women-only journey along the legendary Laugavegur Trail, from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk. You’ll hike in a small group of women, where the miles pass naturally through shared experience and conversation.
The route winds through colorful rhyolite mountains, vast black sand plains, and lush green valleys. Each night, you’ll camp under open skies in private expedition tents and come together for communal meals, relaxed evenings, and moments of connection. Along the way, you’ll explore some of Iceland’s most beautiful highland landscapes—and may leave with friendships that last well beyond the trail.
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The Laugavegur Trail is a 55 km (34 mi) trek through Iceland’s Highlands, linking the steaming hot springs of Landmannalaugar to the lush birch forests of Þórsmörk. The route is anything but linear. You’ll climb the rainbow-colored slopes of Brennisteinsalda, drop into deep canyons like Markarfljótsgljúfur, and wade across shallow glacial rivers.
Each night, you’ll camp with landscapes too good to forget—whether it’s the geothermal glow of Landmannalaugar, the quiet mirror of Álftavatn, or the mossy valleys of Emstrur. Four days and three nights on this trail will leave you waiting for another adventure in the Highlands yet again.
Camping under the stars makes this adventure unforgettable:
Your tour starts with an early departure from Reykjavík and a scenic 3–4-hour drive along the South Coast. After passing Iceland's most notorious volcano, Hekla, you’ll reach the colorful highland oasis of Landmannalaugar.
Here, you’ll ease into the Laugavegur Trail with a gentle first-day warm-up loop of Laugahraun. Hike across the otherworldly and obsidian colored lava field, wander through the vibrant Grænagil gorge, and take in the views of the Bláhnjúkur volcano at a calm, gentle pace.
You’ll spend your first night in Landmannalaugar, enjoying a hearty dinner, good company, and the tranquility of Icelandic wilderness.
Distance: 8 km (4.9 mi), Walking Time: 4–5 hrs, Elevation Gain: 470 m (1,540 ft).
You’ll begin the day by navigating through the Laugahraun lava field. On the way to the steaming Reykjafjöll rhyolite mountains, you’ll pass the multicolored slopes of Mt. Brennisteinsalda. The landscape gradually shifts as you ascend through narrow gorges, past the Stórihver hot springs, and over yellow mountain ridges.
Soon, you’ll find yourself in the black obsidian desert of Hrafntinnusker—one of the most surreal spots on the trail. Here, your group will stop for lunch, surrounded by this stark and otherworldly terrain.
From Hrafntinnusker, the trail descends into the geothermal gullies of Jökultungur, where steaming vents and bubbling mud pots bring the ground to life. Over the years, minerals have stained the slopes in bright hues of yellow and red. At the top of Jökultungur, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views over the Fjallabak region. On a clear day, you might even spot the glaciers of Mýrdalsjökull, Eyjafjallajökull, and Tindfjallajökull in the distance.
To reach the campsite near Álftavatn lake, you’ll have to cross a shallow river—a fun and refreshing moment on the trail. The day concludes with a hearty dinner and a peaceful evening by the lake, surrounded by calm and quiet beauty.
Distance: 24 km (14.9 mi), Walking Time: 8–9 hrs, Elevation Gain: 900 m (2,952 ft).
After a hearty breakfast, you’ll set out for another exciting day on the trail. The morning begins with a stream crossing—by now, a familiar and fun part of the journey. Then, you’ll head to the vast black sand desert of Mælifellssandur. Along the way, you’ll pass the striking volcanoes of Stórasúla and Hattafell, and see their moss-covered slopes glowing green against the dark volcanic terrain.
If the sky is clear, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull—two of Iceland’s most famous glacier-volcanoes. Eyjafjallajökull made headlines in 2010 when its eruption disrupted air travel across Europe, while Mýrdalsjökull quietly hides the powerful and unpredictable Katla beneath its ice cap.
As the day unfolds, the dramatic Markarfljótsgljúfur canyon comes into view. Carved by a glacial river, this 200 m (656 ft) deep gorge is one of the most awe-inspiring sights on the trail. Eventually, you’ll reach Botnar—a peaceful green oasis in the middle of the black desert—where you’ll spend the night. After a well-earned dinner, you can relax and take in the quiet beauty of the evening landscape.
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, heading toward the lush valley of Þórsmörk. The trail winds through the scenic Almenningar gorge, with the jagged silhouette of Mount Einhyrningur—also known as Unicorn Mountain—rising against the skyline. Along the way, you’ll catch stunning views of Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers.
As you get closer to Þórsmörk, the scenery begins to shift. Sparse vegetation gives way to clusters of trees, and soon you’re walking through thick birch forests, with birds chirping and leaves rustling in the breeze. It’s an excellent place to celebrate completing the legendary Laugavegur Trail.
Distance: 15 km (9.5 mi), Walking Time: 6–7 hrs, Descent: 300 m (985 ft).
After the tour, you’ll board the highland bus and depart for Reykjavík, arriving in the city at around 9:30 PM.
Accommodation in tents and all meals are included. You can rest assured that a knowledgeable guide will show you the very best spots and lead you safely all the way. Your guide organizes the meals, although assistance from participants is appreciated. You will meet female travelers from all over the world – enjoy being part of a friendly team!
Pick-up times and places
Meeting points and times in Reykjavik:
Between 7:00 - 7:30 a.m.:
Meeting points and times outside Reykjavik:
*Note that it can take up to 30 minutes before the bus to collect you, depending on your location and traffic.
Please note that trek itineraries are subject to change due to various circumstances, 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 Laugavegur Trek Handbook
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.
