Enjoy a four-day journey through the Icelandic Highlands, where rhyolite mountains, black sand plains, and lush green valleys unfold one step at a time. In a women-only group, the miles pass with conversation and shared discovery. Over the 55 km (34 mi) Laugavegur Trail, you’ll sleep in tents under open skies and wake to incredible highland views.
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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.
After the tour, you’ll board the highland bus and depart for Reykjavík, arriving 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 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 departs the given locations.
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
