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Laugavegur Trail is THE experience in Iceland. To make it one extra bit exciting—not that it needs it—backpacking is on the agenda. Every day will feel like we’ve been transported to another planet. From colorful mountains to basalt ridges covered in vibrant green moss. From babbling hot springs to fields as black as solar eclipse. From electric blue rivers to ever-white glaciers resting in the distance. Take your pick between a 4-day adventure or expand your journey by adding 2 extra days, unveiling volcanic wonders beyond Laugavegur’s endpoint. For a seamless experience, luggage transfers are included, along with meals, camping equipment, and transits to the trailhead and back to Reykjavik. It’s a guided journey of 35 miles and countless memories, the only thing missing is you!

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  • World-class trail

    Laugavegur, considered to be one of the world’s best hikes, is a must for any hiker wishing to explore Iceland

  • Feast for the eyes

    Lose count of all the ever-changing, otherworldly landscapes we’ll be passing through

  • Supported backpacking

    Feel the thrill of camping and sleeping under the starry sky—while only having to carry your daypack

Available itineraries

Laugavegur Trail Guided Backpacking Adventure

Join your guide for an exhilarating 4-day adventure along Iceland's renowned Laugavegur Trail. Immerse yourself in the stunning contrasts of nature, from vibrant mountains to obsidian fields and bubbling hot springs. This guided journey covers 35 miles of diverse landscapes, offering an unforgettable trek through Iceland's unique terrain. With expert guide, transit to the trailhead and back to Reykjavik, luggage transfers, and provided camping equipment, this Laugavegur Trail backpacking tour becomes an accessible and awe-inspiring experience.

  • Your Laugavegur hiking guide will meet you in Reykjavik, after which you’ll embark on a 3-hour journey along the South Coast to Landmannalaugar. Along the way, you’ll have a chance to see Hekla, Iceland’s most active volcano. Landmannalaugar, the starting point of the Laugavegur Trail, is where you’ll begin your hike through the magnificent Laugahraun lava field and Vondugil canyon, surrounded by spectacular vibrant Rhyolite Mountains, notably Mt. Brennisteinsalda. If time allows on your way back to the campsite, you’ll visit the Graenagil Gorge and climb up the Blahnukur Volcano. You can get to know each other better while enjoying a delicious dinner in the evening.

    Meals: Lunch and dinner
    Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
    Elevation gain: 470 m / 1,540 ft
    Hiking: 4 hours

    Colorful mountain in Landmannalaugar, part of the Laugavegur Trail, Iceland
  • Begin your day with a hearty breakfast, before the first stop at the pitch-black obsidian desert of Hrafntinnusker. Following that, you’ll make your way to the Reykjafjoll rhyolite mountains and the Jokultungur region. Geothermal activity has transformed these rugged gullies into vibrant hues of yellows and reds, strikingly contrasting with the pale sandy hues around them. The peak of Jokultungur presents an excellent vantage point to admire the Fjallabak area in its entirety and the stunning Alftavatn lake, where you’ll spend the night. Crossing a river en route to your campsite provides an enthralling experience for hikers.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
    Distance: 24 km / 15 miles
    Elevation gain: 900 m / 2,952 ft
    Hiking: 7-8 hours

    Pitch-black obsidian desert of Hrafntinnusker framed by two moss-covered volcanic cones.
  • Today, the hiking begins with crossing a stream and making your way towards Maelifellssandur. You will pass by the Storasula and Hattafell volcanoes before reaching Emstrur. In optimal weather, you will be treated to a magnificent view of the renowned Myrdalsjokull and Eyjafjallajokull volcano mountain glaciers. The latter caused air travel disruptions in 2010 during its last eruption, while the former conceals the dreaded Katla beneath its ice. Further along, you will witness the 200-meter deep Markarfljotsgljufur canyon, carved by a glacial river, before arriving at Botnar—a verdant oasis amidst a stark black sand desert where your campsite is located.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
    Distance: 15 km / 9.5 miles
    Elevation loss: 40 m / 130 ft
    Hiking: 6-7 hours

    A lush green canyon in Thorsmork, Iceland.
  • After your final breakfast, you’ll bid adieu to the Emstrur region and make your way onwards to Thorsmork. Passing through Almenningar, a gorge near the majestic Mt. Einhyrningur (also known as the Unicorn Mountain), you’ll continue to be mesmerized by the breathtaking glaciers until you finally reach your destination. The closer you get to Thorsmork, the more the landscape and nature transform, ultimately giving way to the dense birch forest which is the hallmark of Thorsmork. It’s time to rejoice as you’ve achieved the feat of completing the Laugavegur Trail. On your journey back to Reykjavik, you’ll catch a glimpse of the stunning Seljalandsfoss waterfall, before arriving at the BSI bus stop in town at approximately 9:30 p.m.

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

    Lush green landscape with a river, grass field and grass-covered mountain, Laugavegur Trail, Iceland.
Laugavegur Trail & Fimmvörðuháls Backpacking Adventure

We totally understand if you can’t get enough of Iceland! This 6-day adventure addresses it. Apart from the Laugavegur Trail, you will also spend two additional days to explore more of Thorsmork and go on a scenic Fimmvörðuháls hike taking you to two recently created craters. With expert guide, transit to the trailhead and back to Reykjavik, luggage transfers, and provided camping equipment, this extended Laugavegur Trail backpacking tour becomes an accessible and awe-inspiring experience.

  • Your Laugavegur hiking guide will meet you in Reykjavik, after which you’ll embark on a 3-hour journey along the South Coast to Landmannalaugar. Along the way, you’ll have a chance to see Hekla, Iceland’s most active volcano. Landmannalaugar, the starting point of the Laugavegur Trail, is where you’ll begin your hike through the magnificent Laugahraun lava field and Vondugil canyon, surrounded by spectacular vibrant Rhyolite Mountains, notably Mt. Brennisteinsalda. If time allows on your way back to the campsite, you’ll visit the Graenagil Gorge and climb up the Blahnukur Volcano. You can get to know each other better while enjoying a delicious dinner in the evening.

    Meals: Lunch and dinner
    Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
    Elevation gain: 470 m / 1,540 ft
    Hiking: 4 hours

    Colorful mountain in Landmannalaugar, part of the Laugavegur Trail, Iceland
  • Begin your day with a hearty breakfast, before the first stop at the pitch-black obsidian desert of Hrafntinnusker. Following that, you’ll make your way to the Reykjafjoll rhyolite mountains and the Jokultungur region. Geothermal activity has transformed these rugged gullies into vibrant hues of yellows and reds, strikingly contrasting with the pale sandy hues around them. The peak of Jokultungur presents an excellent vantage point to admire the Fjallabak area in its entirety and the stunning Alftavatn lake, where you’ll spend the night. Crossing a river en route to your campsite provides an enthralling experience for hikers.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
    Distance: 24 km / 15 miles
    Elevation gain: 900 m / 2,952 ft
    Hiking: 7-8 hours

    Pitch-black obsidian desert of Hrafntinnusker framed by two moss-covered volcanic cones.
  • Today, the hiking begins with crossing a stream and making your way towards Maelifellssandur. You will pass by the Storasula and Hattafell volcanoes before reaching Emstrur. In optimal weather, you will be treated to a magnificent view of the renowned Myrdalsjokull and Eyjafjallajokull volcano mountain glaciers. The latter caused air travel disruptions in 2010 during its last eruption, while the former conceals the dreaded Katla beneath its ice. Further along, you will witness the 200-meter deep Markarfljotsgljufur canyon, carved by a glacial river, before arriving at Botnar—a verdant oasis amidst a stark black sand desert where your campsite is located.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
    Distance: 15 km / 9.5 miles
    Elevation loss: 40 m / 130 ft
    Hiking: 6-7 hours

    A lush green canyon in Thorsmork, Iceland.
  • Say goodbye to the Emstrur region and make your way onwards to Thorsmork. Passing through Almenningar, a gorge near the majestic Mt. Einhyrningur (also known as the Unicorn Mountain), you’ll continue to be mesmerized by the breathtaking glaciers until you finally reach your destination. The closer you get to Thorsmork, the more the landscape and nature transform, ultimately giving way to the dense birch forest which is the hallmark of Thorsmork. It’s time to rejoice as you’ve achieved the feat of completing the challenginging Laugavegur Trail. Set up your tent and celebrate your achievements with your guide and fellow backpackers, followed by a tasty dinner.

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

    Lush green landscape with a river, grass field and grass-covered mountain, Laugavegur Trail, Iceland.
  • Today, you will visit the impressive Fimmvörðuháls, a tall mountain pass situated between Mýrdalajökull and Eyjafjallajökull – the volcano famous for its 2010 eruption. During your hike, you will have the opportunity to explore the two recently formed volcano craters, Magni and Móði, which arose as a result of the first eruption in 2010. These two craters are named after the sons of the powerful Norse God, Þór (Thor), with their names meaning “strong” and “brave.”

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
    Distance: 18 km/11 miles
    Elevation gain/loss: 1,000 m/3,280 ft
    Hiking: 6-7 hrs

    Magni and Modi volcanic craters in Iceland.
  • On the final day, we will spend time exploring Þórsmörk and its surrounding areas. A trek up to Mount Útigönguhöfði can offer an incredible panoramic view of the valley and glaciers. For those not keen on a challenging hike, a leisurely stroll to Húsadalur could be a suitable alternative, or simply relaxing at Langidalur before making our way back to Reykjavík. En route to the city, you will have a glimpse of Seljalandsfoss waterfall, one of the most visited tourist attractions in Iceland. Our return to Reykjavik is scheduled for early evening, approximately at 18:30.

    Meals: Breakfast and lunch

    A path in a birch forest in Husadalur, Thorsmork, Iceland.
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Meet your guides

Jamie
5.00
Jamie
Jamie is the owner and guide at Auroratrails. He has extensive experience leading adventures in some of Earth's most beautiful locations. Specializing in activities like kayaking, glacier guiding, and trekking, Jamie possesses a profound passion for wilderness exploration. Join him on the renowned Laugavegur trail to uncover the beauty of Iceland with an experienced guide.
Auroratrails
5.00
Auroratrails
Founded by Jamie and led by a team passionate about wilderness, Auroratrails serves as your gateway to extraordinary adventures in Iceland's otherworldly landscapes. With a specialization in trekking, their journeys, including exploration on the renowned Laugavegur trail, are crafted to immerse you in the stunning beauty of the Land of Ice and Fire with expert guidance.
5.00 (3 reviews)
Extraordinary experience!
Galinka P (source: Tripadvisor)

With Jamie you soon know that you are embarking on a safe and wonderful adventure! Jamie is a guide with a lot of responsibility for his people. He makes contact easily, ensures safety and has an incredible amount of knowledge and skills!

A thoughtful and effective guide for a great Laugavegur trek
E Haick (source: Tripadvisor)

Did a 6 day Laugavegur trek with Jamie, a really great time. Had some tricky weather which he effectively guided our group through with optimism, then had some spectacular weather where he could share geology/history facts along the trail. Food was excellent; he set a good pace and kept an eye that the group didn’t get too separated while not crowding us. Really enjoyed my time!

Phenomenal guide and experience!
jcalero5 (source: Tripadvisor)

The hike was memorable, and the views were spectacular! Jamie, our guide was very respectful, attentive and conscious of all of our needs and hiking skill levels. He is very knowledge of the terrain and history of Iceland! Not to mention, an excellent chef! Highly, highly recommend!!!

Things to know

  • What you get on this adventure:

      • An experienced hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
      • 4 or 6 days of backpacking along the Laugavegur Trail depending on your chosen itinerary
      • Tents and camping equipment (two-person tents from MSR/Vango and inflatable sleeping pads)
      • All meals from lunch on the first day to lunch on the last day
      • Luggage transfers
      • Pick-up and drop-off in Reykjavik before and after the trek

    What’s not included:

      • Transportation to Reykjavik
      • Accommodations in Reykjavik before and after the tour
      • Travel and medical/rescue insurance — highly recommended
      • Guide gratuities — optional
  • In order to join this supported backpacking tour in Laugavegur, Iceland, you need to be able to hike for 4 or 6 full days, carrying just a daypack with things you’ll need throughout the day. Every day you will hike between 6 to 8 hours, which means great fitness and strong experience of hiking in hilly terrain are required. However, you don’t need to have backpacking or multi-day trekking. It’s worth noting 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!

    In terms of daypack weight, you will only be carrying a daypack with your lunch, water bottle, medication, sunglasses, river crossing shoes, rain gear, and other items or clothing you might need in one day. The rest of your luggage will be transported from camp to camp.

    If you’d like to stay in mountain huts, check out this hut-to-hut hiking tour of the Laugavegur Trail. If you’d like to focus on Thorsmork, this hiking tour of Thorsmork might be for you. There’s also an all-women version or a co-ed tour of Thorsmork for over 50s. If you’d like a bit more flexibility with duration, check out our hiking tour of Laugavegur and Iceland’s South Coast.

  • Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

      • Day pack large enough to carry things you’ll need throughout the day (around a 25-40L bag)
      • A travel sack for the transport of your overnight gear (up to 20 kg)
      • Waterproof hiking boots
      • Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
      • Spare clothes for layering
      • Sleeping bag — possible to rent (let us know in advance)
      • Travel pillow
      • River crossing shoes (old sneakers or similar for fording rivers)
      • Thermal underwear (top & bottom), at least 2 sets of shirts
      • Gaiters — optional, but recommended
      • Wool or fleece thermal mid-layer
      • Hiking pants
      • Waterproof and breathable pants and jacket
      • Wool or fleece hat
      • At least one pair of gloves
      • 2-3 pairs of thick socks
      • Personal medical kit, including personal medication
      • Towel
      • Hiking poles — optional
      • Sunhat
      • Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, etc.)
      • Headlamp or flashlight
      • Portable charger — optional, but recommended as access to electricity is very limited
      • Sunglasses
      • Camera — optional (but recommended)

    Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. Iceland is home to infamously volatile 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 these group adventures, the maximum client-to-guide ratio is 8:1.
      • This tour can operate with only 1 participant.
      • Two-person tents from MSR/Vango are included in the price of the tour. There are enough tents for everyone to have their own.

    Backpacking along the Laugavegur Trail can be arranged for private groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

    Min. age requirements:

      • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
      • Minors older than 14 may be permitted to join the 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.

  • To get to Laugavegur Trail, you’ll fly into Keflavik Airport (KEF). From there, you can rent a car, take a taxi or hop on a bus. 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 US 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. Also, it’s wise to recuperate a bit before joining a multi-day trek if flying from afar.

    You’ll meet your guide in the early morning on Day 1 at a predetermined (usually central) location in the city. After joining your guides, a scenic 3-hour drive is the only thing separating you from your Laugavegur backpacking adventure!

  • We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance. With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the mountain, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more.

    Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans.

    We also expect you to respect local regulations and take measures to protect yourselves, your guides, and the communities you’re traveling to. For more information on travel recommendations and restrictions in Westfjords, Iceland, please refer to Iceland’s foreign travel advice.

    If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, 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 occurred 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:
    https://safetravel.is/
    https://www.visiticeland.com/article/volcano-info

    Or watch the video with Dr. Matthew Roberts from the Icelandic Meteorological Office explaining the recent volcanic activities in Iceland:
    https://youtu.be/QA3-BXYuYrw?feature=shared

  • Secure your spot for 2025 with a 10% deposit! This tour gets sold out very quickly, but with early-bird booking, you’ll be the first one to know. Pick the month that suits you best and we’ll let you know once the dates are live—don’t risk missing out on your bucket list adventure!

      • Only 10% of the total amount should be paid as a deposit upon booking. This deposit is non-refundable, but can be transferred to another 57hours adventure in case the dates don’t suit you by the end of the year.
      • Once the set dates for the following season are live, you can confirm your booking by the end of this year by paying another 20% of the total amount.
      • The final balance is due 3 months (90 days) prior to departure.

    For set 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.

      • Fully refundable in the first 48 hours after booking. Thereafter the deposit is non-refundable.
      • If the customer cancels the booking within thirty (30) calendar days before the trip that is the subject of the booking, he/she is entitled to a refund of 50% of the total amount paid at the time of booking minus the deposit.
      • After this period, the customer is no longer entitled to a refund. Any refundable expenses incurred by the tour guide prior to the date of cancellation (including but not limited to airline tickets, rental cars and accommodation or transportation costs) will not be refunded once incurred by the tour guide.
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