Snaking its way through the Southern Highlands of Iceland, the Laugavegur Trail and its ever-changing landscapes are an inexhaustible source of wonder for any hiker. Moss-covered lava fields, polychrome mountains, black sand deserts, and turquoise lakes turn this age-old trail into a vivid riot of colors—it comes as no surprise that it bears the title of the most famous trail in Iceland. And even when you enter the home stretch of this iconic trek, the beauty doesn’t fade! You’ll find yourself in Thorsmork, a valley nestled between three glaciers with amazing hikes of its own and home to glacier-fed rivers, mossy greenery, and so much more. Immerse yourself in Iceland’s culture and recharge your batteries each day with a warm meal prepared in a heated mountain hut. Follow the ancient pathways under Iceland’s midnight sun and let this untouched wilderness deliver some unforgettable moments.
Witness the combined forces of volcanoes and glaciers
Explore black sand deserts, deep canyons, frosty rivers, and geothermal pools
Hike through Iceland’s famous valley without the burden of tents and heavy backpacks
Not every trip ends in a mythical place, but this one does. Following an ancient pathway across petrified lava, glacier-fed lakes and through ashen fields, you’ll explore all the iconic locations in Laugavegur — like the geothermal pools and the valley that Thor himself created. After each day full of adventure and Iceland’s untamed nature, you’ll warm up and recharge your batteries in authentic mountain huts. Make sure for yourself that Iceland’s most famous trek really does live up to the hype!
Arrive at the BSÍ Bus Terminal in Reykjavík and get ready for a scenic 4-hour drive to Landmannalaugar, making stops to explore amazing sights along the way. Once you arrive in Landmannalaugar, start getting to know each other as the guide goes over the itinerary for the next few days. In the evening, cook your first highland meal together and have a good time. Soak up the colors, mountains, and lava fields nestled in this huge and formidable environment. Head out for a short hike around the area to warm up for the coming days and in the evening, rest and have a delicious dinner with the group. Take a shower and get ready to hit the hay.
Those who are interested in really soaking in nature can take an evening dip into the geothermal pool (with temperatures up to 40°C!) that the name of the place derives from, as the name Landmannalaugar directly translates to “the People’s Pools”.
Kick things off with breakfast and make sandwiches for your lunch box. You and your group will hike through a moss-covered lava field over colorful rhyolite mountains and towards Hrafntinnusker, where you’ll usually find snow throughout the summer! On this day, you’ll witness the most drastic change of landscape! After passing different spots with geothermal activities, observe small lakes, pockets of hot water venting out of the ground, and beautiful hot springs. You’ll notice that there will be less and less plants. Reach the second hut, rest and have a warm meal with the group!
Hiking: 4-5 hours
Distance: 12 km (7.5 mi)
The biggest day of descending is ahead of you! Leave the warm hut, cross a river, and marvel at the glaciers in the background in case the visibility is good enough. The views will change rapidly from geothermal zones to tortuous mountain scenery. Reach your hut in Hvanngil after a long day of hiking and help your guide prepare a fabulous dinner before you get some well-deserved rest!
Hiking: 5-6 hours
Distance: 16 km (10 mi)
There won’t be much ascending or descending today and the day will be pretty much flat. Start today’s hike and cross a glacial river that is bound to wake you up faster than a double espresso ever could. Take in the views of mountain peaks rising out of black desert landscape and Mýrdalsjökull. This area was formed when glaciers covered the land and the volcanic activity caused the mountains to rise from underneath. After dinner in Emstrur, there might be a chance to hike to the Markarfljótsgljúfur Canyon, a sight you definitely don’t want to miss out on! Cap off the day with a filling dinner and prepare for the day ahead of you.
Hiking: 6-7 hours
Distance: 16 km (10 mi)
The fifth day of the trek has some ascending, descending, and flat parts in store. With the stunning Markarfljótsgljúfur Canyon on your right, you’ll gradually descend most of the day and start seeing more plants, hear more birds, and even see some trees. Today is the most difficult day of the hike—it’s the longest and there are two big hills you’ll have to go over before reaching Thorsmork. There’s one glacial river above a small canyon you’ll need to cross. There’s a sturdy bridge going over the river and the height might be an issue for people with vertigo. Today you’ll get to Thorsmork, one of the most spectacular places in Iceland. Take a moment to appreciate the three glaciers around it nestled in the valley and admire the ever-changing Krossá river which splits the area beautifully. After dinner, you’ll rest up for the last day.
Hiking: 6-7 hours
Distance: 15 km (9.5 mi)
The final day has arrived! Start the day off with a nice breakfast, pack up your bags and go for a hike around Thorsmork before heading to Reykjavik with private transport. Make your way to Valahnúkur and soak up the views. You’ll arrive in Reykjavík in the late afternoon. The official part of the trip ends here, but feel free to spend more time with the group and reminisce about the experiences from your hiking adventure!
Want to explore more of Iceland? Make sure to check out the hiking tours in Iceland provided by the best guides in the business!
What you get on this adventure:
What’s not included:
In order to participate in this hiking adventure, you need to have a moderate level of fitness. You’ll be hiking for 6 full days, covering around 7.5-10 miles per day (12-17 km) with moderate altitude change. Keep in mind that you’ll also be covering tricky volcanic terrain. The weather and trail conditions may affect the difficulty and you will encounter several river crossings along the trail.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
All of the huts have heating, showers and toilets, either flushable or outhouses. Using the showers costs 500 ISK and can be paid for at the warden’s hut at each hut/campsite. The showers have a 5-minute timer which might not sound like a lot, but it is more than enough time to wash up. The toilets have toilet paper and soap but anything else you might need (shampoo, bandages, towels, washcloths, nail clippers etc.), you will need to bring with you.
The huts feature kitchens and/or grills that the group will cook their meals with. You will be able to fill up your water bottle at each hut or in the rivers as you hike. The river water in Iceland is safe to drink and very delicious.
WiFi is not available, but internet connection can sometimes be received around the huts, or by walking a bit around the area. There are no power outlets in the huts. We encourage bringing your own power bank on the tour (you can pack that in your duffel bag which is transported by the support vehicle). In some cases, you can buy small portable chargers at the huts as well, but they are not always available.
Group sizes and prices:
Hiking in Iceland can be arranged for larger or private groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements:
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
For this year’s dates, a 30% deposit to secure your place is due upon booking. The remaining amount is paid 3 months (90 days) prior to departure. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies.
To get to Reykjavík, most people fly into Keflavík Airport (KEF) about 45 minutes away. From there, you can rent a car or take a bus or taxi to the BSÍ Bus Terminal in Reykjavík. From there, you’ll head to your adventure. On the last day, the bus will take you back to the BSÍ Bus Terminal in Reykjavík.
You will be meeting your guide at the BSÍ Bus Terminal in Reykjavik.
The guide will choose the appropriate terrain each day dependent on conditions and the ability of the group.
57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.
We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Thorsmork and on Laugavegur Trail, Iceland, please refer to the official Government of Iceland and Official Information about Covid in Iceland websites.
Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!
