Included: An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area 5-day Landmannalaugar hike to Thorsmork valley Pick-up and drop-off in Reykjavík Road trip with sightseeing stops from Reykjavík to Landmannalaugar Road trip with sightseeing stops from Thorsmork to Reykjavík Accommodation for 4 nights in mountain huts Meals as indicated in the itinerary Snacks Luggage transfers between huts Add-ons Sleeping bag Hiking poles Pillows Water shoes Duffel bags Not included: Flights to and from Iceland Airport transfers Meals not included in the itinerary Alcoholic beverages Showers in the mountain huts Personal mountain gear Guide gratuities — optional Travel and medical insurance — optional

How fit do I need to be?

This Landmannalaugar hike to Thorsmork valley is a moderate to challenging adventure that requires good fitness and some hiking experience. You’ll walk between 12-17 km (7.5-10.6 mi) each day for 4-7 hours , except for a shorter final day. The route goes through Iceland’s volcanic areas, across rivers, over mountains and through canyons, reaching 1,100 m (3,609 ft) high at Hrafntinnusker. You only need to carry a day pack since your main gear moves between huts, but you should be comfortable walking uphill for several hours and handling different types of ground and weather . To prepare for this adventure, consider doing some long practice hikes and regular exercise before the trip. If you’ve never done a multi-day hike before, try some full-day hikes first to build up your strength. For more hiking adventures in Iceland, click here !

What do I need to bring?

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring: Day pack large enough to carry everything you might need throughout the day (around a 25-40L bag) Duffel bag for transport of overnight gear Hiking poles — recommended Thermal underwear (top and bottom) Wool or fleece thermal mid layer Waterproof and breathable hiking pants and jacket Wool hat Gloves Hiking socks (2-3 pairs) Waterproof hiking boots Casual shoes to wear when not hiking Warm clothes for the huts Lightweight, quick-drying water shoes (for river crossing) Bathing suit (for the geothermal pool in Landmannalaugar) Sleeping bag and travel pillow Fast-drying towel Water bottle (1-2L capacity) Lunch box Dry bag for electronics and extra clothing Powerbank Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.) Personal medication Headlamp or flashlight Sunglasses Camera — optional (but recommended) Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season and activity. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

What is the accommodation like?

On this Landmannalaugar hike, you’ll stay in different mountain huts, moving from one to the next each day. These are simple but cozy highland huts with shared sleeping areas where you’ll need a sleeping bag. While facilities are basic (some huts have showers, all have toilets), they’re a perfect match for this wilderness experience and a welcome sight after a day’s hike. The first night at Hrafntinnusker is the most basic (no showers), but from Lake Álftavatn onwards, all huts have both toilet and shower facilities. Our final night is in the comfortable Básar cabin in Thorsmork. If you don’t have a sleeping bag, you can rent one from your guide for an additional fee—just indicate this at checkout. Please note that showers are available for an additional fee and are not included in the price of the trip.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and pricing For this Landmannalaugar hike, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 10:1. It takes a minimum of 4 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 15 participants. A Landmannalaugar hike 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 younger than 18 may be permitted to join the Landmannalaugar hike on a case-by-case basis, 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

The starting point of your Landmannalaugar hike is Reykjavík, Iceland . To get there, most people fly into Keflavik Airport (KEF) . From there, you can take a shuttle service, public transport, or rent a car to reach Reykjavík. Once you’re there, you will meet your guide around 8am in front of your hotel or at a bus stop in Reykjavík. You will decide on the exact meeting spot after booking. Since your Landmannalaugar hike starts in the morning of Day 1, it’s best you arrive a day prior to the start of the 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!

LAUGAVEGUR | ICELAND

Hut-to-Hut Trek from Landmannalaugar to Thorsmork Valley

Two hikers crossing a small stream in Landmannalaugar, Iceland

Hikers exploring a rocky canyon near Thorsmork valley, Iceland

Snowy mountains and steam along the Laugavegur trail, Iceland

Hiker smiling next to Landmannalaugar signpost

Alftavatn lake along the Laugavegur trail

Icelandic landscape with volcanic terrain

Hikers crossing a rocky stream in Landmannalaugar

Signpost to Laugavegur, Landmannalaugar, and Blahnukur

Thorsmork valley with moss-covered cliffs, a river, and a glacier

View of Thorsmork valley and surrounding mountains

From $2,370 ()

Duration

5 days

Season

June to September

Book a call

Intro
Itinerary
Brochure
Guides
Things to know

There’s hiking, and then there’s hiking in Iceland’s highlands. Where else can you crunch across volcanic glass, warm up in natural hot springs, and end up in a valley hugged by three glaciers? This 5-day trek from Landmannalaugar to Thorsmork will take us through landscapes where the Earth just couldn’t make up its mind—turn one corner to find rainbow-colored mountains, the next steaming hot springs, then suddenly black sand with glaciers looming above green valleys. We’ll carry just day packs while our support vehicle handles the rest, and each night we’ll share hot meals in comfortable mountain huts. And because some places deserve more than a quick hello, we’ll take time to really explore Thorsmork valley at the journey’s end.

Adventure highlights

Geological wonderland

Walk through landscapes of obsidian, hot springs, and volcanic formations in Iceland’s colorful highlands
Full support

Stay fresh each day with hut accommodation and luggage transport between locations
Thorsmork exploration

Spend extra time in one of Iceland’s most beautiful valleys and discover its very heart

Download itinerary

Itinerary

Want to see what happens when glaciers meet hot springs and black sand dances with green valleys? Join this 5-day trek through Iceland's highlands, where we'll trek from the rainbow mountains of Landmannalaugar to glacier-wrapped Thorsmork. Each day brings new wonders as we follow a local guide across this out-of-this-world landscape. We’ll travel light with just day packs while our 4x4 moves the heavy stuff. Nights are for hot meals, cozy beds in mountain huts, and sharing stories from the trail. From Reykjavík pickup to accommodations and most meals, it’s all taken care of—you just bring your sense of wonder. You’ll need plenty!

Your adventure begins in Reykjavík, where you will be picked up at your hotel or a bus stop starting from 8am. We’ll enjoy a scenic drive as we make our way to Landmannalaugar, the starting point of our trek to the hut in Hrafntinnusker. On the way up, we’ll stop for sightseeing at some memorable places.

When we arrive 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 m (3,600 ft) 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.

Meals: Lunch and dinner
Hiking distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
Hiking time: 4 to 5 hours
Accommodation: Mountain hut in Hrafntinnusker
We will enjoy breakfast together in the hut and prepare our lunch packs for the day ahead. Each hiker will carry a day pack containing snacks, lunch, and extra clothing for the trek. The rest of our gear will be transported by 4×4 vehicle to the next hut.

The area we’ll hike through today is known for obsidian, a striking black volcanic glass formed from rapidly cooled lava. Our route for the day will take us to the beautiful Lake Álftavatn, where we will stay in a mountain hut during the night.

Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner
Hiking distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
Hiking time: 4 to 5 hours
Accommodation: Mountain hut at Lake Álftavatn
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. We’ll make our way to Mælifellssandur, where black sands contrast with lush green hills in the background, and get a spectacular view of the magnificent Mýrdalsjökull glacier which rests above the Katla volcano. 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.

Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner
Hiking distance: 15 km / 9.3 miles
Hiking time: 6 to 7 hours
Descent: -40 m / -130 ft
Accommodation: Emstrur Hut
After breakfast and preparation for the day, we set off to Thórsmörk 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’s hike in a local favorite accommodation: the cozy Básar cabin in Thórsmörk.

Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner
Hiking distance: 17 km / 10 miles
Hiking time: 7 hours
Descent: -300 m / -985 ft
Accommodation: Básar cabin
We’ll spend our last day together winding through birch forests and climbing to peaks with panoramic views of glaciers such as Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull, as well as the surrounding valleys and mountains of the Thórsmörk. We’ll enjoy lunch at the Básar cabin before heading back to Reykjavík. On the way, we may visit the Strákgil Canyon and stop at the stunning Seljalandsfoss waterfall on our way to the main road. We’ll be back in Reykjavík around 6pm, where we’ll say our goodbyes after an unforgettable adventure.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Hiking distance: 5-6 km / 3-3.7 miles
Hiking time: 3 hours
Descent: -600 m / -1,969 ft

Hut-to-Hut Trek from Landmannalaugar to Thorsmork Valley

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 guides

5.00

Jósep Gísla

Jósep has years of experience in mountaineering and hiking and has worked as a mountain and glacier guide for much of that time. He’s passionate about leading hiking and trekking tours. Outside of guiding, Jósep is a graphic designer, publisher, and musician. He has also been an active member of Icelandic rescue teams for many years.

5.00

Sigurlaug Sól

Sigurlaug has been exploring and trekking through Iceland's highlands since she was young, starting out with her father. Over the years, she has become a skilled mountain guide with extensive experience in trekking and backpacking. She knows the highlands of Southern Iceland very well and shares a deep passion for the area with her fellow guides. Sigurlaug holds a university degree in English literature and linguistics. She’s currently working on her master’s degree while living in Sweden during the winter. Each summer, she reconnects with Iceland's highlands to guide tours and share her love for the region.

5.00

Icetrek

Icetrek specializes in unveiling the captivating beauty of the Icelandic highlands, known as “Hálendið'' in Icelandic. Their guiding team is dedicated to showcasing the rugged terrain and natural wonders of this unique region. From the colorful landscapes of Landmannalaugar to the expansive volcanic canyon of Eldgjá, they offer tailored experiences for individuals and groups, whether it’s day tours or hiking and trekking adventures. Discover the allure of the Icelandic Highlands with Icetrek.

Things to know

Included:
- - An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - 5-day Landmannalaugar hike to Thorsmork valley
  - Pick-up and drop-off in Reykjavík
  - Road trip with sightseeing stops from Reykjavík to Landmannalaugar
  - Road trip with sightseeing stops from Thorsmork to Reykjavík
  - Accommodation for 4 nights in mountain huts
  - Meals as indicated in the itinerary
  - Snacks
  - Luggage transfers between huts
Add-ons
- - Sleeping bag
  - Hiking poles
  - Pillows
  - Water shoes
  - Duffel bags
Not included:
- - Flights to and from Iceland
  - Airport transfers
  - Meals not included in the itinerary
  - Alcoholic beverages
  - Showers in the mountain huts
  - Personal mountain gear
  - Guide gratuities — optional
  - Travel and medical insurance — optional
This Landmannalaugar hike to Thorsmork valley is a moderate to challenging adventure that requires good fitness and some hiking experience. You’ll walk between 12-17 km (7.5-10.6 mi) each day for 4-7 hours, except for a shorter final day.

The route goes through Iceland’s volcanic areas, across rivers, over mountains and through canyons, reaching 1,100 m (3,609 ft) high at Hrafntinnusker. You only need to carry a day pack since your main gear moves between huts, but you should be comfortable walking uphill for several hours and handling different types of ground and weather.

To prepare for this adventure, consider doing some long practice hikes and regular exercise before the trip. If you’ve never done a multi-day hike before, try some full-day hikes first to build up your strength.

For more hiking adventures in Iceland, click here!
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
- - Day pack large enough to carry everything you might need throughout the day (around a 25-40L bag)
  - Duffel bag for transport of overnight gear
  - Hiking poles — recommended
  - Thermal underwear (top and bottom)
  - Wool or fleece thermal mid layer
  - Waterproof and breathable hiking pants and jacket
  - Wool hat
  - Gloves
  - Hiking socks (2-3 pairs)
  - Waterproof hiking boots
  - Casual shoes to wear when not hiking
  - Warm clothes for the huts
  - Lightweight, quick-drying water shoes (for river crossing)
  - Bathing suit (for the geothermal pool in Landmannalaugar)
  - Sleeping bag and travel pillow
  - Fast-drying towel
  - Water bottle (1-2L capacity)
  - Lunch box
  - Dry bag for electronics and extra clothing
  - Powerbank
  - Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
  - Personal medication
  - Headlamp or flashlight
  - Sunglasses
  - Camera — optional (but recommended)
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season and activity. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
On this Landmannalaugar hike, you’ll stay in different mountain huts, moving from one to the next each day. These are simple but cozy highland huts with shared sleeping areas where you’ll need a sleeping bag. While facilities are basic (some huts have showers, all have toilets), they’re a perfect match for this wilderness experience and a welcome sight after a day’s hike.

The first night at Hrafntinnusker is the most basic (no showers), but from Lake Álftavatn onwards, all huts have both toilet and shower facilities. Our final night is in the comfortable Básar cabin in Thorsmork. If you don’t have a sleeping bag, you can rent one from your guide for an additional fee—just indicate this at checkout.

Please note that showers are available for an additional fee and are not included in the price of the trip.
Group sizes and pricing
- - For this Landmannalaugar hike, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 10:1.
  - It takes a minimum of 4 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 15 participants.
A Landmannalaugar hike 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 younger than 18 may be permitted to join the Landmannalaugar hike on a case-by-case basis, 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.
The starting point of your Landmannalaugar hike is Reykjavík, Iceland. To get there, most people fly into Keflavik Airport (KEF). From there, you can take a shuttle service, public transport, or rent a car to reach Reykjavík.

Once you’re there, you will meet your guide around 8am in front of your hotel or at a bus stop in Reykjavík. You will decide on the exact meeting spot after booking.

Since your Landmannalaugar hike starts in the morning of Day 1, it’s best you arrive a day prior to the start of the 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!
Deposits

You can secure one of the set dates with a 30% deposit upon booking. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.

Cancellations

Booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:

Basic
- - In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
  - For cancellations 60 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a 70% refund of the trip price.
  - For cancellations 0-59 days before the trip, there is no refund.
Flexible
- - In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
  - For cancellations 60 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
  - For cancellations 30-59 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
  - For cancellations 0-29 days before the trip, there is no refund.
Super Flexible
- - In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
  - For cancellations 30 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
  - For cancellations 0-29 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
57hours partners with Redpoint Travel Protection, offering you a fully integrated program with a single point of contact for all your needs, from emergency services to travel assistance and protection claims. We highly recommend purchasing a comprehensive protection policy from Redpoint, which will protect you both before and during your travels. Before your departure, your investment is protected by the trip cancellation benefit. Once you depart, your policy provides coverage for trip interruption, medical assistance and rescue, baggage loss, trip delay, and more. Once you complete booking with 57hours, we'll create bespoke quote for you (and your group), making sure you're fully protected for the adventure ahead.