Tour Overview
Duration
5 days
Walking distance
60 km
Difficulty
Moderate
Accommodation
Mountain huts
Group size
Min 4 persons
Group size
Max 15 persons
Minimum age
14 years
Season
Summer
Starting point
Reykjavík
Departure
08:00
Pick up
Yes
Drop off
Yes
Tour departures dates 2025
17. Jun. 2025
21. Jun. 2025
31. Aug. 2025
7. Sept. 2025
Tour departures dates 2025
7.Jul.25
14.Jul.25
21.Jul.25
28.Jul.25
11.Aug.25
18.Aug.25
Price from
2.245
Tour description
Join us for a five-day trekking adventure featuring five active trekking days along the Laugavegur trail. The journey begins with a pickup at bus stops and hotels in Reykjavík city, followed by a scenic drive to Landmannalaugar in the Highlands, the starting point of the Laugavegur trek. On the first day, we will explore the Landmannalaugar area and trek to the mountain hut at Hrafntinnusker where we will stay overnight. On the second day the trek will take us to Lake Álftavatn and on the third day to Emstur. The expedition concludes in the Thorsmork valley, where we will spend our final night at the Básar hut. On the last day, we will hike in the Thorsmork valley before the group is picked up and transferred back to Reykjavík City. This tour is hut to hut hike where we will stay in huts at Hrafninnusker, Lake Álftavatn, Emstrur and Básar in Thorsmork.
Meals are included in the tour package. The trek is supported by luggage transport between huts and led by an English-speaking local guide. Outdoor gear and equipment, such as sleeping bags, can be rented from ICETREK, the tour operator.
Our group size typically ranges from 4 to 10 people, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience. We use our own vehicles for transportation, making the journey to and from the hike an integral part of the adventure. Along the way, we make scenic stops, turning the travel itself into a memorable experience.
After signing up on the tour the guide will contact group members to give advice and support the preparation. There will be an online meeting with everyone with the guide at some point.
What you can expect to see and experience
Landmannalaugar, Landmannalaugar lava field, Hrafntinnusker and the obsidian stones, Fjallabak Nature Reserve, Geothermal activity, glaciers, black desert sands and colurfulle mountains, Thorsmork and the birch forest in Thorsmork. Glaciers Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökukull. The canyon Markafljótsgljúft and more.
Tour briefing
Included
- Pickup and drop off inn Reykjavík City
- Small group tour to Landmannalaugar where the trek start and back from Thorsmork where the trek ends
- Professional local guide.
- The trek is supported. All luggage is transported between campsites and the trekkers travel light during the day.
- Food and lunch pack for the day during the trek.
- Accommodation at campsites and the final day of the trek in mountain hut
- Facility fee
- Online meeting with the guide
Not Included
- Soft drinks
- Alcohol beverages
What to Wear - Packing list
- Thermal underwear (top and bottom)
- At least two sets of shirts
- Wool or fleece thermal mid layer.
- Hiking pants
- Waterproof and breathable pants and jacket
- Wool hat
- Gloves
- 2 to 3 pairs of hiking socks
- Waterproof hiking boots.
- Sleeping bag
- Travel Pillow
- Shoes to wear when not hiking, like Teva-type sandals or similar.
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen & aftersun
- Water shoes, for river crossing (lightweight and quick drying)
- Health supplies and prescription medicine
- Personal medical kit to include personal medication.
- Water bottle 1-2L
- Towel (fast drying)
- Swimming clothes for those that like to test the geothermal hot pool in Landmannalaugar.
- A duffel bag for transport of overnight gear
- Backpack to use as a daypack (25 – 40L is recommended)
- Hiking poles are recommended.
- Wear warm clothes to where are the campsite for example, a down jacket or warm sweater.
- Wear warm clothes to where are the campsite for example, a down jacket or warm sweater.
- Lunch box to carry the day’s lunch.
- Head lamp or flashlight.
- Dry bag for electronics and extra clothing
- Camera is optional.
- Power bank to charge mobile devices.
Day 1
Reykjavík city – Landmannalaugar – Hrafntinnusker
Your adventure begins in Reykjavík. We start pickup at hotels and bus stops at 08:00. We will head towards the highlands, with Landmannalaugar as our destination where we will start the trekking and hike to the hut in Hrafntinnusker. The group will enjoy a scenic drive as we make our way to this stunning area. On the way we will stop for sightseeing at some memorable places.
Upon arrival in Landmannalaugar, we will have lunch, before lacing up our hiking boots and hiking to the hut in Hrafntinnusker where we will stay overnight.
Hrafntinnusker, sits at an elevation of 1,100 meters (3.500 feet) above sea level. The views from this vantage point are breathtaking, offering panoramic sights of the surrounding volcanic landscape and nearby glaciers. Along the way, we will encounter bubbling rivers, geothermal hot springs, stunning lava formations, and vibrant mountains.
The first day from Landmannalaugar to Hrafntinnusker is 12 kilometers (7.5 miles). Estimated 4 to 5 hours.
Included:
- Lunch pack for the day.
- Transport of luggage between huts
- Professional local guide.
- Dinner
- Facility fee.
- Pickup at hotels and bus stops
- Transport in 4×4 bus to Landmannalaugar with sightseeing stops.
- Sleeping bag accommodation in Hrafntinnusker hut
Day 2
Hrafntinnusker – Emstrur
We will enjoy breakfast together in the hut. During this time, trekkers will prepare their lunch packs for the day ahead. Each hiker will carry a day pack containing snacks, lunch, and extra clothing for the trek. All other gear will be transported by 4×4 vehicle to the next hut.
This area is known for obsidian, a striking black volcanic glass formed from rapidly cooled lava. On this day the group will trek to the beautiful Lake Álftavatn where we will stay in a mountain hut during the night.
Distance: 12 kilometers (7.5 miles). Estimated 4 to 5 hours.
Included:
- Breakfast and Lunch pack for the day
- Transport of luggage between mountain huts sites
- Professional local guide
- Dinner
- Facility fee
- Sleeping bag accommodation in Lake Áftavatn hut
Day 3
Lake Álftavatn – Emstrur
The day begins with breakfast in the hut, where we will also prepare our lunch and snacks for the day’s hike. Our trek starts with a view of Lake Álftavatn, nestled in the heart of the Icelandic Highlands and surrounded by stunning volcanic landscapes. The lake is renowned for its natural beauty, with crystal-clear waters that reflect the majestic mountains and lava fields around it.
As we continue our hike, we will experience a variety of landscapes, making our way to Mælifellssandur, where black sands contrast with lush green hills in the background, offering a spectacular view of the magnificent Mýrdalsjökull glacier, which rests above the volcano Katla. Along the way, we will have the chance to explore the impressive Markarfjótsgljúfur canyon.
We will spend the night in the mountain hut at Emstrur, where we will enjoy dinner together.
Distance: 15 kilometers (9.3 miles). Active hiking time is estimated to be 6 – 7 hours. Descent: 40 m (130′).
Included:
- Breakfast and Lunch pack for the day
- Transport of luggage between huts sites
- Professional local guide
- Dinner
- Facility fee
- Sleeping bag accommodation in Emstur hut
Day 4
Emstrur – Thorsmork valley
After breakfast and preparation for the day we set of to Thorsmork valley. This part of the hike offers breathtaking views of volcanic landscapes, lush valleys, and glacier-carved mountains. Highlights include the rugged beauty of the Thorsmork valley itself, with its lush birch forests and dramatic river crossings. Keep an eye out for unique geological features and opportunities to capture memorable photos. We end this day hike in our favorite cabin in Thorsmork, Básar where we enjoy the luxury of staying inside the cozy cabin in Básar.
Distance: 17 km (10 mi) Walking time: 7 hours. Descent: 300 m (985′).
Included:
- Breakfast and Lunch pack for the day
- Transport of luggage between camp sites
- Professional local guide
- Dinner
- Facility fee
- Sleeping bag accommodation in Básar cabin
Day 5
Thorsmork valley – Reykjavik City
On this day we hike to the Peak Útigönghöfði. From there we have panoramic views of glaciers, including Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull, as well as the surrounding valleys and mountains of the Thórsmörk. After the hike to the Peak Útigönguhöfði we will have lunch in the Básar cabin before the take of too Reykjavik City. Estimated arrival time to Reykjavík is 18:00. On the way to the city, we will have few sightseen stops like at the waterfall Seljalandsfoss and more.
Distance: 5-6 kilometers (3-3.7 miles) 3 hours of active hiking time. Descent: 600 m
Included:
- Breakfast and Lunch pack for the day
- Professional local guide
- Facility fee
- Transport and sightseen to Reykjavík city 4×4 bus