Trekking the Laugavegur trail

The Laugavegur trek, located in the highlands of southern Iceland, is one of the most famous hiking trails in the world. The trail stretched approximately 55 kilometers (34 miles) and offers hikers an opportunity to experience the stunning and diverse landscapes of Iceland, including volcanic deserts, geothermal hot springs, colorful mountains. The trek is typically completed over four to five days and runs between the geothermal area of Landmannalaugar and the green valley of Þórsmörk (Thorsmork Valley)

Hiking distance and trekking days on Laugavegur

Laugavegur hike is 55 km (34 miles). It is common to hike the trail for four to five days.  In four days of trek, the trekkers miss the opportunity to spend the last day in the Þórsmörk (Thorsmork Valley). By adding the fifth day to the trek, the travelers get the opportunity for sightseeing in the beautiful Valley of Thor. Þórsmörk (Thorsmork Valley) is an integral part of the Laugavegur trek. We like to spend the night in Thorsmork in all our Laugavegur trek tours. We stay in Básar Cabin, which is our favorite cabin the area and the surroundings are beautiful.

Stakkholtsgjá Canyon part of Laugavegur trekking tour by Highlands of Iceland

Trekking into Stakkholtsgjá Canyon in the Valley of Thor.

Landmannalaugar hike: The Starting Point on the Laugavegur trek

The Laugavegur trail begins in Landmannalaugar, an area known for its colorful mountains and geothermal activity. Landmannalaugar is often described as a hiker’s paradise due to its stunning scenery and rich geothermal features, including hot springs that provide a perfect opportunity for a relaxing soak before setting off on the trek. The colurfule mountains gives the hikers a sense of stepping into another world.

This first section of the trek takes hikers through the striking lava fields of Laugahraun and up to the highland plateau of Hrafntinnusker, one of the coldest and most exposed parts of the trail. Along the way, hikers encounter steaming vents and boiling mud pools, a reminder of the active geothermal forces at work beneath the surface. The rugged terrain and ever-changing weather conditions in this region make it one of the more challenging parts of the trek, but the extraordinary beauty of the landscape more than compensates.

Stakkholtsgjá Canyon part of Laugavegur trekking tour by Highlands of Iceland. Group trekking in Stakkholtsgjá Canyon

Group trekking into Stakkholtsgjá Canyon in the Valley of Thor.

Hrafntinnusker to Álftavatn

After reaching the remote mountain hut at Hrafntinnusker, the trail descends toward the Álftavatn lake. This section offers incredible views of vast black sand deserts and towering volcanic peaks in the distance. The descent from Hrafntinnusker is a highlight for many hikers, as the path weaves through snowfields with panoramic views of the Icelandic highlands.

 

The destination at the end of this day’s hike is the Álftavatn (Swan Lake) area, a beautiful location where many hikers choose to camp or stay in mountain huts. Álftavatn provides a stunning setting for an overnight stay, with its tranquil waters and dramatic mountain backdrop. It’s an ideal spot to rest and take in the raw beauty of the Icelandic wilderness.

Waterfall in Stakkholtsgjá Canyon

Group trekking into Stakkholtsgjá Canyon in the Valley of Thor.

Álftavatn to Emstrur

From Álftavatn, the trail continues south, leading hikers through a vast volcanic desert. This section of the trek is characterized by its barren, otherworldly landscape, with black sand and ash stretching as far as the eye can see. The contrast between the barren desert and the snow-capped peaks in the distance creates a striking visual experience. Along the way, hikers cross a few rivers, some of which may require fording depending on water levels, adding a bit of adventure to the journey.

As the trail approaches the Emstrur region, the landscape begins to change again, becoming lusher. The campsite at Emstrur offers fantastic views of the surrounding valleys and glaciers. Just a short walk from the campsite is the Markarfljótsgljúfur canyon.

Emstrur to Þórsmörk: The Grand Finale

The final stretch of the Laugavegur trek leads hikers from Emstrur to Þórsmörk (Thorsmork Valley)., a lush valley located at the foot of the famous Eyjafjallajökull volcano. This section of the trail celebrates Iceland’s natural beauty, as the barren highlands give way to fertile valleys, birch forests, and rushing rivers. The contrast between the green, forested valley of Þórsmörk and the volcanic desert of the previous days is dramatic, offering hikers a fitting conclusion to their journey.

 

The valley of Þórsmörk (Thorsmork Valley). is a haven for hikers and nature lovers, with its birch forest, cliffs, and the glacial tongues of the Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull glaciers visible in the distance. Many hikers choose to spend an extra day or two in Þórsmörk (Thorsmork Valley)., exploring the numerous hiking trails that crisscross the valley and offer stunning views of the surrounding glaciers and mountains.

In Thorsmork we have barcecu dinner and the last day of the tour before we set up to Reykjavík in our 4×4 vehicle we will hike to some of the peaks in the ere or visit the magnificent Canyon Stakkholtsgjá

Best Time to Hike the Laugavegur Trail

The Laugavegur trail is generally accessible from late June to early September. The weather in Iceland can be unpredictable, even during the summer months, so hikers should be prepared for a range of conditions, including rain, wind, and cold temperatures, especially at higher elevations. However, the rewards of completing the trek far outweigh the challenges, as the stunning scenery and sense of accomplishment make for an unforgettable adventure.

Laugavegur trek – choice of accommodation in huts or tents?

 

Tent based trek on Laugavegur with accommodation in hut the last night

Laugavegur is among the most poplar treks in the world. The huts are fully booked long in advance of the trekking summer.

Highlands of Iceland offer the Laugavegur trek as tent-based tour. Then we use the group tent as canteen and as a mutual place for the group. First three nights of the tour the group stays in tents. Tents, sleeping bags and mattresses can be the tour operator. The final night of the tent-based tour we stayed in a hut at Thorsmork Valley, Básar Cabin.

Tend based Laugavegur trekking tour accommodation in tents and hut. Tent camp

Group in tents at Landmannalaugar the first day on Laugavegur trek

Laugavegur trek, hut-to-hut trek

Highlands of Iceland have four departures this season in hut-to-hut based tour. The tours are five days with the last night in our favorite place Básar Cabin in Thorsmork.

Supported trek on Laugavegur

In our trekking tours we include food, transport of luggage between huts or campsites. The travelers only carry a daypack. All our tours are guides with a local guide with local knowledge about the area.

Book a meeting with your guide

Contact us for meeting with guide: highlandsoficeland@highlandsoficeland.is

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