Laugavegur trek and Thorsmork valley – tents and hut

Five day tour on the Laugavegur trek from Landmannalaugar to Thorsmork valley.

Tour Overview

Duration

5 days

Walking distance

60 km

Difficulty

Moderate

Accommodation

Tents & cabin

Group size

Min 4 persons

Group size

Max 12 persons

Minimum age

14 years

Season

Summer

Starting point

Reykjavík

Departure

08:00

Pick up

Yes

Drop off

Yes

Tour departures dates 2025

29.Jun. 2025
6.Jul. 2025
13.Jul. 2025
20.Jul. 2025
27.Jul. 2025
3. Aug. 2025
10. Aug. 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

1.959

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. On the second day the trek will take us to the Lake Álftavatn campsite and on the third day to Emstur campsite. 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.

During this tour, we will camp in tents for the first three nights, and on the last night, we will enjoy the comforts of the Básar hut. While camping, we will use a group tent as a communal dining area. Meals are included in the tour package. The trek is supported by luggage transport between campsites and led by an English-speaking local guide. Outdoor gear and equipment, such as tents and 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. The Laugavegur trek, traversing from Landmannalaugar to Thorsmork valley, is a premier hiking route in Iceland. Stretching approximately 55 kilometers, this trek can be completed typically in four to five days, depending on individual pace and weather conditions.
The journey begins in Landmannalaugar, a region renowned for its geothermal activity and colorful rhyolite mountains, which paint a backdrop of rich reds, yellows, and greens. The area is also famed for its natural hot springs, providing hikers a unique opportunity to relax in warm, mineral-rich waters amidst the rugged Icelandic wilderness.
From Landmannalaugar, the trail ascends through the Laugahraun lava field, presenting the first taste of the trek’s varied landscapes. This initial phase challenges hikers with a steep climb but rewards them with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. As the trail progresses, it leads to the highlands, where sweeping vistas of volcanic deserts and delicate moss beds illustrate Iceland’s contrasting environments. The Hrafntinnusker area, known for its obsidian remnants—volcanic glass formed by rapid cooling lava—offers a striking scene, particularly when the sun catches its glossy surface.
Descending from the highlands, the trek proceeds through lush valleys and past glittering glacial rivers, showcasing the diverse hydrology of Iceland. The path winds near the edges of mighty glaciers, where the power of ice has sculpted the land over millennia.
Further on, the trail crosses the black deserts of Maelifellssandur, a stark contrast to the earlier lush landscapes. This segment highlights the raw, untamed nature of Iceland’s interior, with vast expanses of volcanic sand interrupted only by beautiful mountain peaks. Crossing rivers and navigating rocky terrains adds to the adventure.
The trek ends in the valleys of Thorsmork, a nature reserve named after the Norse god Thor. This area is a dramatic end to the journey, nestled between three glaciers, providing hikers with awe-inspiring views of ice caps and rugged mountain ridges. Thorsmork offers a network of additional trails and is a popular spot for hikers to spend. In our tours we always stay in Thorsmork the last night. There we will have the final dinner in the cool and cozy mountain hut in Básar and next day we will enjoy in a hike and sightseeing this beautiful part of Iceland.

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

Not Included

What to Wear - Packing list

Day 1

Reykjavík city to Landmannalaugar

Your adventure begins in Reykjavík with a departure at 08:00. We pick up people on bus stops in Reykjavík and many hotels. We will head towards the highlands, with Landmannalaugar as our destination for the day. 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 and set up our camp before lacing up our hiking boots to explore the breathtaking surroundings. Known for its rugged landscapes, geothermal features, and vibrant mountains, Landmannalaugar offers a spectacular backdrop for our first hike, which is expected to last about three hours. This will leave us with some time to unwind in the natural geothermal hot springs, should anyone wish to take a dip.

After our day of exploration, the group will camp overnight in Landmannalaugar, where we will prepare dinner in our communal canteen tent. Travelers will need to pitch their own tents and may be asked to assist with setting up the group tent for the expedition.”

Distance: The first day hike is in the Landmannalaugar area 2 – 3 hours hike warm up for next days and get familiar to that beauty of the Landmannalaugar area.

  • Included:
  • Lunch pack for the day.
  • Transport of luggage between camp sites
    Professional guide.
  • Dinner
  • Facility fee.
  • Group tent as main facility in the evening.
  • Pickup at hotels and bus stops
  • Transport in 4×4 bus to Landmannalaugar.

Day 2

Landmannalaugar – lake Álftavatn

The day begins in our communal canteen tent, where we will enjoy breakfast together. 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 campsite.

Our trek kicks off with a journey through the Laugahraun Lava Field, leading us to the mountain Brennisteinsalda. Along the way, we will encounter bubbling rivers, geothermal hot springs, stunning lava formations, and vibrant mountains as we hike towards Hrafntinnusker, which sits at an elevation of 1,100 meters above sea level. The views from this vantage point are breathtaking, offering panoramic sights of the surrounding volcanic landscape and nearby glaciers. This area is also renowned for its abundance of obsidian, a striking black volcanic glass formed from rapidly cooled lava.

Hrafntinnusker is located approximately halfway between Landmannalaugar and Álftavatn, our destination for the day. From there, we will begin our descent towards Lake Álftavatn, where we will set up camp for the night. The group will stay in tents this night and we use our group tent for dinner and accommodation during the evening.

 

Distance: 24 kilometers (15 miles). Active trekking time is estimated to be 7 hours. Ascent: 900 m (2952′).

Accommodation: Tents, with access to group as communal canteen tent. There is access to showers and toilets

Included:

  • Breakfast and Lunch pack for the day
  • Transport of luggage between camp sites
  • Professional local guide
  • Dinner
  • Facility fee
  • Group tent as main facility in the evening.

Day 3

Lake Álftavatn – Emstrur

The day begins with breakfast in our communal canteen tent, 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 Emstrur, where we will set up our camp and enjoy dinner together in our group canteen tent. We sleep in our tent in Emstur that is going to be our last tenting day.

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 camp sites
  • Professional local guide
  • Dinner
  • Facility fee
  • Group tent as main facility in the evening.

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 warm and 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

This day we wake up in our camp in a natural birch forest in Básar in the Thorsmörk valley. We will have breakfast and then we do a hiki 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

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 guide
  • Facility fee
  • Transport to Reykjavík city 4×4 bus

Enjoy Amazing Tours In the Highlands of Iceland With Personal and Friendly Team Of Expert Guides.

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