Laugavegur Trek
179.900 ISK
Tour duration
4 days
Availability
June – September
Pick-up
6:30 – 7:00 AM
Difficulty
Difficult (3/5)
Distance
54 km / 34 miles
Elevation
500 m / 1.640 ft
Included
- Transport from Reykjavík to Landmannalaugar
- Professional Local Guide
- Transport of backpack between huts
- Accommodation in huts
- Breakfast and dinner
- Transport from Thórsmörk to Reykjavík
What to bring
- See detailed list below
Tour highlights
Laugavegur trail
Landmannalaugar Nature Reserve
Thorsmörk Valley
Hrafntinnusker Obsidian field
Álftavatn Lake
Emstrur
Markarfljótsgljufur canyon
Beautiful Laugavegur Trail
Laugavegur trail was listed by National Geographic as one of the most beautiful trails in the world and is by far the most famous hiking trail in Iceland. The Laugavegur trail, between Landmannalaugar and Thórsmörk, includes breathtaking views and amazing nature, colourful rhyolite mountains, black obsidian lava, black sandy desert, rivers, geothermal pools and views to glaciers, such as Vatnajökull, Eyjafjallajökull, Mýrdalsjökull and Tindfallajökull.
Tour Program
DAY 1
Reykjavík – Landmannalaugar – Hrafntinnusker. 12 km / 7.46 miles, 5-6 hours, Ascent 470 m / 1.542 ft.
Bus from Reykjavík to Landmannalaugar (about 4 hour drive). We spend few hours in Landmannalaugar, before the hike starts, to enjoy the beautiful landscape or (and) relax in a geothermal hot spring. The guide will go over the plan for the hike adventure, before starting the hike to Hrafntinnusker.
Today we hike 12 km through rugged lava field, hot springs and beautiful multicoloured rhyolite mountains. The total ascent is about 470 m, but we walk slowly to enjoy the most of the landscape on this first leg of the trail.
The hike begins by crossing the beautiful Laugahraun lava field, formed by the Brennisteinsalda volcanic eruption in 1477. We continue uphill, passing whizzing Stórihver hot spring, and a field of rainbow coloured hills, green, yellow, red, black from the moss, sulphur, ash and plant life, making them one of the most beautiful mountains in the world. We continue through the vast field of the black and glassy obsidian with occasional white patches from snow. Obsidian is black and classy from the quick cooling of rhyolitic volcanic eruption and is protected geological formation. So, please do not pick any on your trip.
After passing the spectacular obsidian desert, we reach the first hut in Hrafntinnusker, where we spend the night. This remote place does no have network and electricity is powered by solar panels only and is for limited use.
DAY 2
Hrafntinnusker – Álftavatn Lake. 12 km / 7.46 miles, 6 hours. Descend 490 m / 1.608 ft.
Today we hike 12 km along the slopes of Rreykjafjöll mountains, descending into the Jökultungur and Álftavatn area where we spend the night.
After leaving Hrafntinnusker we continue through the stunning landscape of geothermally active and multicoloured Reykjafjöll mountains. We continue through dark palagonite mountains with sporadic white dots from the snow. If weather and visibility allow we will hike Mt Haskerdingur, which offers unforgettable panoramic view of the surrounding glaciers, multicoloured valleys, mountains and volcanoes.We descend into the gullies of Jökultungur with offers an incredible view of the Fjallbak area and Lake Álftavatn, which looks like a scene from Lord of the Rings. As we descend, the landscape becomes greener and more fertile. The next accommodation is the Álftavatn hut, located next to the beautiful Álftavatn lake.
DAY 3
Álftavatn – Emstrur. 16 km / 9.94 miles, 7-8 hours, Descend 40 m / 131 ft
Today we hike 16 km from Lake Álftavatn to Emstrur.
If weather condition allow we will hike much more beautiful unconventional trail, that goes along the lake Álftavatn and crosses beautiful valley after where it meets the Emstrur trail. On this day we need to cross rivers, so keep your river shoes on top of your backpack. If weather condition is bad we hike the conventional trail, over Brattháls, through Hvanngil and then along the main road until the river Innri Emstruá. We will have to cross few rivers. Kaldaklofskvísl river can be crossed on a footbridge, while Bláfjallakvísl river is without a bridge and in most cases not difficult to cross, except after heavy rain when the river can grow fast.
We then continue hiking along Mælifellssandur, a black sand desert formed by a unique combination of ice and fire. Hiking here feels like being on another planet, dark black sand as far as the eye can see, except for occasional green patches, such as Mt Mælifell. When we approach Emstrur the landscape changes and offers an amazing view over two glaciers, Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull. After unloading the backpacks in Emstrur we will visit the magnificent. Markarrfljótscanyon, carved over thousands of years by the glacial river that runs through it.
DAY 4
Emstrur – Thórsmörk. 15 km / 9.3 miles, 7-8 hours, Descend 300 m / 984 ft
Today we hike 15 km from Emstrur to Thórsmörk, the final stretch of the Laugavegur trail. This final day offers a great variety of sceneries, valleys, canyon, mountains, glacier views and dence birch forest.
After leaving the Emstrur hut we hike close to the mighty Mýrdalsjökull glacier, and follow the river Syðri-Emstruá along a narrow and deep canyon that stretches to Entujökull glacier. Leaving the river, we continue through Almenningar and pass the a unique mountain called Einhyrningur, the Unicorn, a mountain of tuff and carved by the glaciers and rivers to form a unicorn like shape. Soon, the landscape becomes more vegetated until we arrive into a lush birch forest, Langidalur in Thórsmörk. Congratulations! You have just finished one of the world’s most beautiful hikes!
Thórsmörk – Reykjavík.
After arriving in Thórsmörk, we go back to Reykjavík and arrive in the evening. For those interested, we can book an additional night in Thórsmörk, so that you can enjoy the amazing Thórsmörk Nature Reserve, or continue hiking Fimmvörðuháls trail, on your own. For a private guide for Fimmvörðuháls trail, please contact our office.
What to bring for the Laugavegur Trek
Hiking Boots, good, waterproof hiking boots (no sneakers).
River crossing shoes, sandals or neoprene socks.
Base-layer, two sets of warm long-sleeved top and bottom (no cotton).
Mid-layer, a medium thickness wool or fleece top to go over your base layer.
Shell jacket, wind and water proof, gore-tex or similar, is mandatory and extremely important in Icelandic climate. The jacket must be waterproof, have a hood, and make sure you are dry even if it rains or snows all day. We recommend jackets with pit zips for ventilation.
Medium insulated jacket, use a synthetic or down jacket that fits over your base layer and mid layer, yet underneath your rain shell. Should be comfortable with full range of movement when all layers are on.
Extra top layer, bring an extra medium thick layer to add underneath your medium insulated jacket in case you get cold quickly.
Wateproof shell pants, gore-tex or similar, and preferably with zips for ventilation.
Gloves, one thin pair of warm gloves and one pair of over mittens with windproofing.
Hat, preferably with a windproof lining.
Hiking socks, three pairs, one thin, one thick, and one pair that is extra thick for evenings.
Quick drying towel
Backpack, day pack, 20-40 litres.
Rain cover for your backpack or poncho that covers your backpack.
Trekking poles are necessary for the river crossing
Sunglasses, UV rated, we recommend a strap so they don’t get lost.
Sunscreen / chapstick, make sure the chapstick has UV rated sunscreen in it.
Water bottle, insulated water bottle, 2 litre capacity. You can fill the bottle in the cristal clear icelandic rivers.
Toiletries, personal basics, toothbrush and -paste, hairbrush, shampoo, conditioner, ear plugs, sleeping mask etc.
Personal medications, make sure you bring any personal meds you need on your trip and ensure the office is updated on your allergies or needs.
Headlamp, make sure you bring extra batteries.
Snacks, chocolate, nuts or energy bars, or anything you like to take with you.
Cash or credit card, a shower costs about 500 ISK.
Recommended by the experts:
Compression sacks, or plastic bags, for gear to keep it dry.
Balaclava or buff, to protect your neck and face.
Thermos, we recommend 1 litre thermos for hot drinks on the hike.
Sitting mat, nice to have on brakes during the hike.
Camera, it is important of course to be present while hiking, but also a great joy to bring home memories.