Included: An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area 4-day backpacking adventure in Laugavegur Accommodation in private tents for 3 nights Sleeping pads Large assembly tents for dinner All meals from lunch on Day 1 through lunch on Day 4 Transportation to/from trek Free bus WiFi Luggage transport Add-ons (possible to add at checkout): Single tent — $35 Equipment rental Sleeping bag rental — $30 Not included: Transportation to Iceland Sleeping bag — you can rent it upon checkout Showers (usually cost 1,000 ISK) Guide gratuities — optional Travel and medical insurance — optional

How fit do I need to be?

In order to join this supported backpacking tour in Laugavegur, Iceland, you need to be able to hike for 4 full days, carrying just a daypack with things you’ll need throughout the day. Every day you will hike between 5 to 9 hours , which means great fitness is required. On top of that, volcanic terrain can be challenging. If you are looking for adventure and are up to the task of multiple days of full-day trekking, you’ll be rewarded immensely! The most you’ll hike within a day is 24 km (15 miles) for 8-9 hours, and you’ll gain 900 m (2,952 ft) in elevation. Day-by-day distances and elevation gains can be found in the itinerary. In terms of daypack weight, you will only need to carry a smaller daypack with your lunch, water bottle, medication, sunglasses, river crossing shoes, rain gear, and other items or clothing you might need for the day. The rest of your luggage will be transported by the guide from camp to camp.

What do I need to bring?

Clothing & footwear Sturdy hiking boots (waterproof with good ankle support) River crossing shoes — walking sandals or old running shoes with a good grip are a good choice, along with a pair of warm socks or neoprene socks Jacket with a hood (windproof, waterproof and breathable, e.g. Gore-Tex) Puffy jacket — optional Warm, down jacket Light wool or fleece sweater Long sleeve shirts T-shirts (avoid cotton) Soft-shell hiking trousers (strong and light material that dries quickly) Rain pants (windproof, waterproof and breathable) Full rain gear (poncho is not useful because of wind) Sunhat Wool hat Wool or synthetic gloves (2 pairs of different thickness) Wool or synthetic thermal underwear Wool or synthetic socks Change of clothes and comfortable shoes for the huts Swimwear Gaiters — optional but recommended Other gear and personal items Waterproof duffel bag for the transport of your overnight gear (up to 20 kg) Daypack (around a 25-40L bag) Sleeping bag Travel pillow Small thermal mat to sit on — optional but recommended Hiking poles — optional but recommended Quick dry, lightweight towel Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity) Lunch box Pocket knife Headlamp or flashlight Sunglasses Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.) Personal medication Earplugs Portable power bank Dry-bags for electronics and extra clothing Camera — optional but recommended Aperitif or other heart-warming spirits (liquor laws in Iceland prohibit the sale of alcohol) — optional Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. Iceland is home to infamously unpredictable weather, so it’s best to be prepared with the right gear. It is recommended to dress in layers. 3 or 4 upper layers are highly recommended such as a light T-shirt (preferably wool) next to the skin, then a fleece or heavy wool garment, topped off with a waterproof windbreaker. There is a limit of 1 piece of luggage per participant that can weigh up to 20 kg (+your daypack). Since there is limited space on the luggage trailer, try to pack light out of consideration for other passengers and use a waterproof duffel bag which is easier to store. If you have extra luggage that you would like to leave, we recommend storing luggage at the BSI Bus terminal (fees apply) or another luggage storage space in Reykjavik.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and prices: For this backpacking tour in Laugavegur, the maximum number of people is 14 with one guide. Two-person tents are included in the price of the tour. If you’re booking for more people, let us know your preferred sleeping arrangements at checkout. If you’re joining solo, you’ll be sharing the tent with a same-gender hiker. It’s possible to rent a single tent for $35. Backpacking in Laugavegur, Iceland can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements. Min. age requirements: If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. Minors older than 15 may join the hike, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Getting there and meeting location

To get to this backpacking Laugavegur Trail tour, most people fly into Keflavík International Airport (KEF). From there, it’s best to hop on a shuttle to Reykjavik, or you can take a taxi. It takes about 45 minutes to reach Reykjavik. It is recommended to arrive at least one day before the tour. If you’re flying in from the U.S. or will be landing early (4-6:30 am), you should be able to join the tour, but some risks would follow (i.e if the flight gets delayed) and could, therefore, miss out on the tour. This is, therefore, not recommended! Accommodation for the night prior to the tour is at your arrangement. The meeting location depends on the tour and which time you’re meeting with your guides. Options include the Reykjavik City Hall, Hallgrimskirkja, or the Reykjavik Campsite. Departure time is between 7 and 7:30 am at these stations. After joining your guides, a scenic 4-hour drive is the only thing separating you from your hiking adventure!

Safety measures and insurance

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection . To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible , simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner ! Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered. Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!

On recent volcanic activity in Iceland

Iceland, the “Land of Fire and Ice”, has forever lived with volcanic activity. Minor and major eruptions have been occurring every few years since the island was formed. Some of Iceland’s appeal, aside from sheer natural beauty, surely stems from this very fact. However, every new eruption, such as the recent Reykjanes Peninsula fissure, will make some travelers, tourists, and adventurers uneasy, especially given the fact that sensationalist media is not immune to misinformation and speculation. Since we work with a number of expert local guides in Iceland, we thought we’d share their input and fill you in on what’s actually going on. First of all, air traffic has not been affected. Flights to and from Keflavík International Airport and Reykjavík Domestic Airport are operating as they always do. Second, the effects of volcanic activity have been localized, with some roads closed, and all services in Iceland are operating as usual. Reykjavik, the capital, is around 40 km (25 miles) away from the volcanic fissure, and life there is as normal as ever. And third, trips offered by 57hours are taking place much further away, and are thereby even less likely to be affected by the volcanic activity, being perfectly safe for adventurers. Naturally, the authorities (and guides) are monitoring the situation and doing everything possible to keep both local residents and visitors safe and well informed. In case you have any additional questions or dilemmas, feel free to get in touch with either your guide or 57hours. For more information, please visit Volcanic activity and earthquakes in Reykjanes or Visit Iceland site . Or watch the video with Dr. Matthew Roberts from the Icelandic Meteorological Office explaining the recent volcanic activities in Iceland.

Secure your 2026 Early Bird spot with only a 10% deposit

Laugavegur | Iceland

4-Day Laugavegur Trail Tent-Based Tour

4.88

Hikers traversing the river crossing in Iceland.

You can enjoy camping in Laugavegur, either on the public or park areas.

Two hikers looking at the scenery of Iceland

Landmannalaugar mountain, Laugavegur trek

Lush valley colorful mountains, Laugavegur

Hiking Iceland’s Famous Laugavegur Trail

Markarfljótsgljúfur—a stunning canyon fashioned by a glacial river.

Hikers admiring the view of dark Thorsmork and its meandering rivers

vibrant Reykjafjöll mountains and the Jökultungur area whose colors contrast dramatically with the soft pale sand-toned peaks around them

As you get closer to Thorsmork, the landscapes around you will change—soon you’ll be surrounded by a dense birch forest for which Thorsmork is famous for.

Seljalandsfoss waterfall and a bridge in front of it

Stunning contrast of the Landmannalaugar

In Iceland, hot springs are a way of life. This Secret Lagoon and its misty hot waters are key to relaxation in Icelandic wilderness

From $1,660 ()

Duration

4 days

Season

July and August

Book a call

Intro
Itinerary
Brochure
Accommodation & food
Reviews
Things to know

If somebody would just describe Laugavegur to you, you’d be sure it’s a made-up place. But it’s not. National Geographic praised it as one of the world’s greatest hikes—and you’ll find out why by joining this supported, 4-day backpacking trip along the testing, 34-mile trail. Electric hues tinting the Landmannalaugar mountains—your starting point—will win you over as soon as you set foot in the valley. And with each new day, you’ll discover another one of Earth’s peculiarities: bubbling hot springs, black sand deserts, glistening glaciers, colossal volcanoes, or a surprisingly lush oasis of Thorsmork, among many, many other ones. Explore this rugged trail and blend into the wilderness by pitching your tent under the stars each night.

Adventure highlights

Surreal views all day long

Lose count of all the ever-changing landscapes you’ll be passing through
Challenging hike

By fording rivers and crossing rough terrain, the trail makes you work just a bit harder to discover its riches
Supported backpacking & camping edition

This is a supported backpacking adventure—sleep under the starry sky, but without the hassle of carrying your gear

Itinerary

Download itinerary

Backpacking the world-famous Laugavegur Trail is a promise of a true rugged adventure in Southern Icelandic Highlands. From the geothermal wonderland of Landmannalaugar to lush moss and forests of Thorsmork, you’ll see one natural marvel after another on this 34-mile trail. And you can join a fantastic local guide on this 4-day supported tour, which means that you won’t have to make the trek harder by carrying your camping gear—your extra luggage will be transferred to campsites! All food is taken care of, it’s just up to you to help with the prep, mingle, and bond with your group!

Meet your guide and your team in Reykjavik. From there, drive 3 hours along the South Coast to Landmannalaugar. You’ll pass by Hekla, the most active volcano in Iceland, which has erupted every 10-15 years throughout the last century. Once you reach Landmannalaugar, the starting point of the Laugavegur Trail, make your way through the Laugahraun lava field and Vondugil canyon. Rhyolite mountains, most notably Mt. Brennisteinsalda, will offer incredibly vibrant colors. On your way back to the campsite, you’ll see Graenagil gorge and climb up the Blahnukur Volcano if time allows. Get to know each other in the evening while enjoying your delicious dinner.

Meals: Lunch, dinner, refreshments
Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
Elevation gain: 470 m / 1,540 ft
Hiking: 4-5 hours
After a hearty breakfast, the first stop of the day is the pitch-black obsidian desert Hrafntinnusker, after which you’ll reach Reykjafjoll rhyolite mountains and the Jokultungur area. Geothermal activity has turned these craggy gullies into vivid yellows and reds, which dramatically contrast pale sandy hues around them. The top of Jokultungur is a great place to enjoy views of the entire Fjallabak area and Alftavatn lake (Swan Lake), where you’ll be spending the night. To reach your campsite, you must ford a river, which is a fantastic experience for hikers.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, refreshments
Distance: 24 km / 15 miles
Elevation gain: 900 m / 2,952 ft
Hiking: 8-9 hours
Begin by wading across another stream as you proceed onto Maelifellssandur and the volcano country. Pass by Storasula and Hattafell volcanoes on your way to Emstrur. Provided there’s good visibility, you’ll have a spectacular view of two very famous volcano mountain glaciers Myrdalsjokull and Eyjafjallajokull, with the latter one disrupting air traffic in 2010 and with the former one shrouding the much-feared Katla under its ice cap. On your way to Botnar, a green oasis in the midst of a black sand desert, you’ll see Markarfljotsgljufur, a 200-meter deep canyon, carved by a glacial river. Your campsite is in that area.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, refreshments
Distance: 15 km / 9.5 miles
Elevation loss: 40 m / 130 ft
Hiking: 6-7 hours
After your final breakfast, leave the Emstrur area and continue along to Thorsmork. As you go through the Almenningar, a gorge by Mt. Einhyrningur (the Unicorn Mountain), you’ll still have a great view of the glaciers as you advance towards Thorsmork. As you get closer to it, the landscape and nature change. And once you reach it, you’ll see the characteristic dense birch forest for which Thorsmork is famous. Celebrate your completion of the Laugavegur Trail! On the way back to Reykjavik, you’ll get a glimpse of the powerful waterfall Seljalandsfoss. Arrive back in Reykjavik at around 9:30 p.m., drop-off is at the BSI bus stop in town.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, refreshments
Distance: 15 km / 9.5 miles
Elevation loss: 300 m / 985 ft
Hiking: 6-7 hours

4-Day Laugavegur Trail Tent-Based Tour

Adventure Brochure

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If you have questions or need help with planning a trip, schedule a call with one of our adventure experts.

Meet your guide

5.00

Arctic Adventures

Certified Guides

The Arctic Adventures family consists of adventurous and highly qualified people from all over the world. Some people are passionate river rafters or mountain climbers, while others really thrive on numbers and calculations. There is one thing, though, which they all have in common: a tremendous love and passion for outdoor adventures and total respect for nature.

Accommodation & food

Camping under the stars

Campsites are situated next to the mountain huts, and each participant is assigned a two-person tent by default. Two-person tents are included in the price, and they are shared with a same-gender participants unless otherwise requested. If you’re booking for more people, leave us a note at checkout about your preferred sleeping arrangements.

For those seeking privacy, a single tent option is available for an additional fee of $35.

Bathrooms are available at all huts and campsites. Showers are available everywhere as well (apart from Hrafntinnusker) for a fee of 1,000 ISK, with tokens purchasable by cash or card at the warden’s huts. Bathrooms are stocked with toilet paper and hand soap, but travelers should bring their own toiletries, including shampoo, towels, and washcloths.

Food

Meals will be prepared by all participants, guides, and the team—make food and friends at the same time!

Special dietary supplements, such as vegetarian, pescatarian, vegan, gluten-free, or other supplements, can be ordered at some extra cost. It is suggested that you purchase the special food extra. This will help your guides in supplying the best meals possible for everyone. If you have any special dietary requirements, please let us know prior to booking to make arrangements.

Bring a water bottle that you can then fill with the tap water at the huts/campsites. Iceland’s water is perfectly safe to drink. There are also several streams along where people tend to get more water from!

4.88(8 reviews)

michael k.

|August 2024

JASON G.

|September 2023

Loved the hike.

Cassandra W.

|July 2023

Show all reviews

Things to know

Included:
- - An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - 4-day backpacking adventure in Laugavegur
  - Accommodation in private tents for 3 nights
  - Sleeping pads
  - Large assembly tents for dinner
  - All meals from lunch on Day 1 through lunch on Day 4
  - Transportation to/from trek
  - Free bus WiFi
  - Luggage transport
Add-ons (possible to add at checkout):
- - Single tent — $35
  - Equipment rental
  - Sleeping bag rental — $30
Not included:
- - Transportation to Iceland
  - Sleeping bag — you can rent it upon checkout
  - Showers (usually cost 1,000 ISK)
  - Guide gratuities — optional
  - Travel and medical insurance — optional
In order to join this supported backpacking tour in Laugavegur, Iceland, you need to be able to hike for 4 full days, carrying just a daypack with things you’ll need throughout the day. Every day you will hike between 5 to 9 hours, which means great fitness is required. On top of that, volcanic terrain can be challenging. If you are looking for adventure and are up to the task of multiple days of full-day trekking, you’ll be rewarded immensely!

The most you’ll hike within a day is 24 km (15 miles) for 8-9 hours, and you’ll gain 900 m (2,952 ft) in elevation. Day-by-day distances and elevation gains can be found in the itinerary.

In terms of daypack weight, you will only need to carry a smaller daypack with your lunch, water bottle, medication, sunglasses, river crossing shoes, rain gear, and other items or clothing you might need for the day. The rest of your luggage will be transported by the guide from camp to camp.
Clothing & footwear
- - Sturdy hiking boots (waterproof with good ankle support)
  - River crossing shoes — walking sandals or old running shoes with a good grip are a good choice, along with a pair of warm socks or neoprene socks
  - Jacket with a hood (windproof, waterproof and breathable, e.g. Gore-Tex)
  - Puffy jacket — optional
  - Warm, down jacket
  - Light wool or fleece sweater
  - Long sleeve shirts
  - T-shirts (avoid cotton)
  - Soft-shell hiking trousers (strong and light material that dries quickly)
  - Rain pants (windproof, waterproof and breathable)
  - Full rain gear (poncho is not useful because of wind)
  - Sunhat
  - Wool hat
  - Wool or synthetic gloves (2 pairs of different thickness)
  - Wool or synthetic thermal underwear
  - Wool or synthetic socks
  - Change of clothes and comfortable shoes for the huts
  - Swimwear
  - Gaiters — optional but recommended
Other gear and personal items
- - Waterproof duffel bag for the transport of your overnight gear (up to 20 kg)
  - Daypack (around a 25-40L bag)
  - Sleeping bag
  - Travel pillow
  - Small thermal mat to sit on — optional but recommended
  - Hiking poles — optional but recommended
  - Quick dry, lightweight towel
  - Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
  - Lunch box
  - Pocket knife
  - Headlamp or flashlight
  - Sunglasses
  - Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
  - Personal medication
  - Earplugs
  - Portable power bank
  - Dry-bags for electronics and extra clothing
  - Camera — optional but recommended
  - Aperitif or other heart-warming spirits (liquor laws in Iceland prohibit the sale of alcohol) — optional
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. Iceland is home to infamously unpredictable weather, so it’s best to be prepared with the right gear. It is recommended to dress in layers. 3 or 4 upper layers are highly recommended such as a light T-shirt (preferably wool) next to the skin, then a fleece or heavy wool garment, topped off with a waterproof windbreaker.

There is a limit of 1 piece of luggage per participant that can weigh up to 20 kg (+your daypack). Since there is limited space on the luggage trailer, try to pack light out of consideration for other passengers and use a waterproof duffel bag which is easier to store. If you have extra luggage that you would like to leave, we recommend storing luggage at the BSI Bus terminal (fees apply) or another luggage storage space in Reykjavik.
Group sizes and prices:
- - For this backpacking tour in Laugavegur, the maximum number of people is 14 with one guide.
  - Two-person tents are included in the price of the tour. If you’re booking for more people, let us know your preferred sleeping arrangements at checkout. If you’re joining solo, you’ll be sharing the tent with a same-gender hiker.
  - It’s possible to rent a single tent for $35.
Backpacking in Laugavegur, Iceland can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements:
- - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  - Minors older than 15 may join the hike, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
To get to this backpacking Laugavegur Trail tour, most people fly into Keflavík International Airport (KEF). From there, it’s best to hop on a shuttle to Reykjavik, or you can take a taxi. It takes about 45 minutes to reach Reykjavik.

It is recommended to arrive at least one day before the tour. If you’re flying in from the U.S. or will be landing early (4-6:30 am), you should be able to join the tour, but some risks would follow (i.e if the flight gets delayed) and could, therefore, miss out on the tour. This is, therefore, not recommended! Accommodation for the night prior to the tour is at your arrangement.

The meeting location depends on the tour and which time you’re meeting with your guides. Options include the Reykjavik City Hall, Hallgrimskirkja, or the Reykjavik Campsite. Departure time is between 7 and 7:30 am at these stations. After joining your guides, a scenic 4-hour drive is the only thing separating you from your hiking adventure!
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!

Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!
Iceland, the “Land of Fire and Ice”, has forever lived with volcanic activity. Minor and major eruptions have been occurring every few years since the island was formed. Some of Iceland’s appeal, aside from sheer natural beauty, surely stems from this very fact.

However, every new eruption, such as the recent Reykjanes Peninsula fissure, will make some travelers, tourists, and adventurers uneasy, especially given the fact that sensationalist media is not immune to misinformation and speculation.

Since we work with a number of expert local guides in Iceland, we thought we’d share their input and fill you in on what’s actually going on.
- - First of all, air traffic has not been affected. Flights to and from Keflavík International Airport and Reykjavík Domestic Airport are operating as they always do.
  - Second, the effects of volcanic activity have been localized, with some roads closed, and all services in Iceland are operating as usual. Reykjavik, the capital, is around 40 km (25 miles) away from the volcanic fissure, and life there is as normal as ever.
  - And third, trips offered by 57hours are taking place much further away, and are thereby even less likely to be affected by the volcanic activity, being perfectly safe for adventurers. Naturally, the authorities (and guides) are monitoring the situation and doing everything possible to keep both local residents and visitors safe and well informed.
In case you have any additional questions or dilemmas, feel free to get in touch with either your guide or 57hours. For more information, please visit Volcanic activity and earthquakes in Reykjanes or Visit Iceland site. Or watch the video with Dr. Matthew Roberts from the Icelandic Meteorological Office explaining the recent volcanic activities in Iceland.
Deposits

Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.

Cancellations

Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options—Basic, Flexible, or Super Flexible. Depending on which one you choose, a different cancellation policy will apply to your booking.

Basic
- - If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If canceled 60 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If canceled within 59 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
Flexible
- - If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If canceled 60 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If canceled 30-59 days before departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If canceled within 29 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
Super Flexible
- - If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If canceled 30 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If canceled within 29 days of departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
Early Bird booking

Want to be the first one to know when we publish new dates or secure your spot well in advance? Select a future month that suits you best and lock in your Early Bird spot in time with just a 10% deposit.

As soon as our guides publish new tour dates, you’ll be the first one to know. We’ll hold your spot for 2 weeks until you choose the date that suits you best.

More about how Early Bird bookings work below:
- - Only a 10% non-refundable deposit must be paid upon booking, but this deposit can be transferred to any other 57hours adventure in case the dates don’t end up working for you.
  - Once our guides publish new tour dates, we’ll reach out to you so you’ll be the first one to choose from newly released dates.
  - When you pick your date, you’ll confirm your booking by paying another 20% of the total trip amount (amounting to the standard 30% deposit).
  - Once the trip has been confirmed, the regular cancellation policy (found above) applies.
  - The remaining balance is due 90 days before the trip.