Late June through mid September
Reykjavik, Iceland, is 3 hours away
6 days
Beginner to advanced
There’s a reason National Geographic named this 34-mile trek through Iceland’s Southern Highlands one of the most beautiful hikes in the world. The geothermal features give Yellowstone a run for its money, with looming glaciers, hidden waterfalls, inviting thermal springs, and black sand deserts dotted with huge shards of obsidian. This legendary all-women hike will have you sleeping under the midnight sun as you trek from place to place on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure! Explore the neverending beauty of Laugavegur by hiking the trail in 3 or 4 days—depending on your fitness. With each mile, you’ll feel more confident and get a more refined sense of self than you had before. Learn more about this hiking adventure that combines wellness and adventure in the ancient land of the Vikings from Saga Lif, a local guide and the owner of Viking Women.
One of the most incredible shorter thru-hikes in the world
Landscapes formed by millennia of glaciers and volcanoes
Explore glacier-fed lakes, deep canyon, and hidden waterfalls
Saga lead us through a memorable experience. I found the pace and distance covered to be just right. Laugavegur trail in Iceland is rated one of the top through hikes in the world for good reason. This hike is a great way to experience the land of fire and ice.
What a fantastic experience! Hiked with 16 women from all over the world through sunshine, wind and cold rain! Sometimes tough, rugged terrain but stunning! When you complete something like this hike you can’t help but grow and come away feeling incredible! A wonderful bonding experience and Saga our guide was knowledgeable, patient and very accommodating! Highly recommend! Saga was wonderful! Always making sure we were doing well, patient with those who were more beginner hikers and helped to create an extremely memorable experience I’ll cherish forever! She’s very knowledgeable and was able to answer a variety of questions we continually threw at her. She also provided this hike exclusively for women which I’m certain is appealing to many. She made hiking in Iceland feel safe, welcoming and like anyone could do it.
Saga Lif is aptly named as she and her Viking Woman Tours will lead you on an unforgettable and EPIC Icelandic adventure. The group dynamic that she facilities creates a fun and supportive environment for any traveller of any ability. Saga\’s organization, attention to detail, patience, and problem solving made this trip run so smoothly that the only thing we had to do was lace up our boots and enjoy the scenery. Our advice to anyone who is thinking about travelling with Viking Women is – Don\’t hesitate and say yes to everything she suggests (even when your tired) because she knows all of the best places off the beaten track. The Great Voyage Trip has left us with memories and friends that will last a lifetime.
Waiting for Saga to plan her next adventure, Lisa and Natalie.
A fabulous adventure led by an incredible guide, which I will never forget!
Saga is a very nice person, well organise, calm and patient with all the clients. The trekk is fantastic, the food good, but i would have prefer better bread for the sandwiches (hi hi) , the group was not homogenous in the physical fitness, but it was ok. Every one help each others. Generosity was present in the group.
Very nice saga, calm and ready for the adventure, speak to every one of the group but respect the rythm of every one.
Saga is extremely well versed in the area and the lore and history of the Laugavegur Trail. She was extremely well organized, ensured there was balanced nutrition for the hikes and ensured that we enjoyed our time on the adventure. When unexpected circumstances came up, she was quick to execute contingency plans which made for a great side adventure. She is knowledgeable, personable and has everyone participating to ensure in a great camaraderie and atmosphere. Would extremely recommend her company if you truly want to explore Iceland! Amazing and breathtaking views, rustic facilities, incredibly adventurous transportation to, during and from the hike. This is not for people that like to “Glamp”. Go in with a great attitude, manage your expectations for accommodations, they are mountain hostels, but you will not be disappointed with the scenery, the sounds, the views or the memories and the sense of accomplishment. Would not recommend this hike if you don’t plan to train for it or do not hike regularly.
If you are looking for an authentic and unique Icelandic experience then you must do the Laugavegur. Breathtaking and surreal landscape with varied terrain and vegetation. A wonderful opportunity to build real connections and memories. An unforgettable experience. Saga’s endless energy, positivity and sense of fun made the trek even more enjoyable. Saga was able to respond to challenging and changing circumstances with calm and excellent problem solving skills. I felt safe and had complete confidence in her ability. A true brave and strong Viking woman!
Excellent, very knowledgeable. Iceland’s terrain was amazing, the hike was not too difficult. We were lucky to have great weather too
I’m sitting in the airport waiting for the final leg home and as the participants photos begin to arrive on our WhatsApp group chat, I can’t help but marvel at the beauty of the Laugavegur trail, the connections that were made, and the physical challenges of the trail. We experienced Mother Nature’s powerful winds which closed roads on our first day, but she was kind and always had us arriving at our destinations in the sunshine. But the hero of our trip was our guide Saga. Despite all the challenges she managed to get us up to the top of the mountain via super jeep (an experience not one of us will ever forget), encouraged each and everyone of us to give our best effort, fed us very well, entertained us with Icelandic stories and most importantly showed us the marvels of the trail with the enthusiasm of someone experiencing Iceland for the first time. Was it challenging for a senior citizen? Yes. Would I do it all again? In a heartbeat.
Thank you Saga, you are not only a Viking woman but a Viking Princess. ❤️
Brilliant Adventure! Scenery a hard trail but well worth it. My only regret was that the huts were a bit of a challenge being overcrowded and noisy. Even so I would do it again. Saga lead an incredible adventure in the Laugavegur trail of Iceland. She was mindful of the details and So incredibly knowledgeable. Saga\’s energy was amazing and she inspired me to Believe in my learning and ability — some thing I\’m very proud of having accomplished. I would definitely join Saga on another adventure and hope to go back to Iceland to do another Trail as soon as possible.
I spent a week traveling around the gorgeous scenery of Iceland with Saga and let me say–she is an incredible host. Not only is her knowledge of the country vast, she is also patient and caring for all of her guests. As a solo female traveler, Saga made me feel like I was just on a holiday with friends! Whether it was a glass of wine, history lesson, or trek on a glacier – she guided us through those experiences with ease and intrigue. Her itinerary was the perfect combination of adrenaline-packed adventures and relaxation. All said and done, I can’t recommend Saga and Viking Women enough, solo female travelers and friend groups alike.
My time in Iceland was truly life-changing and I have to give a special thanks to Saga for leading such a memorable experience! From her passion for her country, the culture, and adventure in nature, every moment was truly inspiring. Now when I think of “happy places” my favorite memories were our hike up Reykjadalur Valley to the hot river and our walk on Sólheimajökull Glacier that ended with a meditation underneath the sun and a rainbow! I will absolutely be back to explore even further with Viking Women.
Saga will take you on an amazing journey through Iceland! Whether it be a hike or a cave dive! Or even a road trip! Get ready to be shown highlights and small gems off the beaten paths! Filled with wonderful moments you will never forget! Listen to tales of elves and trolls while being surrounded by Iceland’s natural splendor! If you want a guide who has the knowledge and is passionate about showing you their country look no further than Saga!
What you get on this adventure:
Note: Any special dietary requirements (gluten-free, vegan, or vegetarian) can be accommodated, just let us know in advance!
What’s not included:
To make the most of this hiking adventure, you’ll need to be able to:
The trails are not paved, but in some places, paths have formed. Some trails are rocky but are easily accessible to anyone used to hiking in uneven terrain. Participants will need to cross rivers every day on the trail except on the first day. The water level in the rivers changes from time to time due to seasonal conditions. In some cases, you will be able to step from stone to stone to get to the other side. In other cases, you will need to take your shoes and socks off, put on river-crossing shoes and wade the rivers. Neoprene socks and sandals or neoprene shoes (beach shoes) are the best choice. Your guide will provide you with advice for river crossing, as well as help you to cross the river. Trekking poles might come in handy when wading rivers, as well as crossing with a partner.
In your daypack – large enough to carry all the items listed below (around a 25-40L bag)
In your luggage:
What to wear on the trail:
Your main luggage will be transported by transport vehicle, and you will not have access to it until you reach the huts in the afternoon. This also includes your sleeping bag. Everything needed for the day’s trek must be in your daypack.
You are allowed to take one piece of luggage on the tour. Your guide advises you not to bring a massive one, as the huts don´t have much room to spread out our stuff. There are luggage lockers at four centrally located places in Reykjavik where you can store your extra luggage.
For your own well-being and safety, we strongly suggest following the advice of this equipment list. This includes having good quality rain gear, tops, and bottoms. Cotton clothing is not appropriate for any strenuous outdoor activity – nor are jeans and cotton t-shirts. Modern outdoor clothing is by far more comfortable and will greatly improve your experience.
Group sizes and prices:
Hiking in Laugavegur can be arranged for larger 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 regular dates, a 30% deposit to secure your place is due upon booking. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies, and deposits are no longer refundable. The remaining 70% of the amount is paid the latest 3 months (90 days) prior the departure.
In the event that the minimum number of people to confirm the adventure is not reached, your guide can cancel the departure at most 2 months before the start of the trip. Please note the adventures for 2024 are expected to reach the minimum number of people soon, and the likelihood of trip not happening is very low.
In case you need to cancel the adventure, the following cancellation costs would be incurred:
All policies regarding cancellation will be clearly laid out by your guide after booking your adventure.
To get to Iceland, most people fly into Keflavík International Airport, located 45 minutes from the city center. From there, the best and the cheapest way is to take one of the public busses like Airport Direct or Flybus. Buses leave 35-40 minutes after the arrival of each flight, 24/7.
Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, whether that’s at the BSÍ bus terminal in Reykjavík or a predetermined location. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain 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, their guides, and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Laugavegur, Iceland, please refer to the official COVID-19 guidelines for traveling to and from Iceland.
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!
After meeting your guide, you’ll take the public bus from the BSI Bus terminal at 06:45 in the morning. Come dressed for the hike and have your daypack ready. As you pass by the Hekla volcano and other volcanoes in the Dómadalur area, you’ll reach Landmannalaugar by noon. After lunch, enjoy a warm-up hike in the area. Landmannalaugar is a geothermal wonderland, whose colorful rhyolite mountains have become famous across the world, so you’ll have plenty of things to see. After dinner, spend some free time relaxing in the natural hot spring, or join the wardens in a fun game of KUBB.
Distance: 5-6 km (3.1 – 3.8 mi)
Walking time: 3 hrs
Day two begins with breakfast at the hut before heading towards Hrafntinnusker, an obsidian desert that looks out of this world. Then, proceed along the beautiful Reykjafjoll Mountains, famed for their snowy peaks and majestic views of the surrounding area. From Hrafntinnusker, descend down in the gullies of Jökultungur, with hundreds of steaming hot springs and mud pools sprinkled throughout. Don’t forget to stop and take in the fascinating views of the Álftavatn area (Swan Lake), and the Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull glaciers. Arrive at Álftavatn hut in the afternoon, and spend the night there.
Distance: 20 km (12.4 mi)
Walking time: 7 – 8 hrs
Ascent: 900 m (2950 ft)
After a hearty breakfast, continue hiking and pass the iconic green volcano of Stórasúla before entering the black deserts of Mælifellssandur. Heading towards another ancient and verdurous volcano, the Hattfell, you’ll enter the Emstrur region where farmers used to graze their sheep in summer. Before arriving at the Botnar hut where you’ll stay the night, visit the magnificent Markarfljót canyon cutting almost 200 m down into the rocks south of Hattfell.
Distance: 16 km (10 mi)
Walking time: 6 – 7 hrs
Descent: 40 m (130 ft)
Continue your hike through the small valleys and gullies of Emstrur, where the great Mýrdalsjökull glacier rises only a couple of kilometers away. At the end of the day, descend into Thorsmork’s green valleys filled with arctic birch forests and colorful flowers. Spend the night in a simply magnificent location, beneath the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers. You can now celebrate your completion of the world-famous Laugavegur Trail!
Distance: 17 km (10.5 mi)
Walking time: 6 – 7 hrs
Descent: 300 m (985 ft)
Today, you get to enjoy a full day in Iceland’s day-hike paradise. Thorsmork offers a number of excellent trails with breathtaking views. Depending on the group’s fatigue and fitness levels, your guide will help you pick a trail that everyone’s comfortable with to spend the day on.
Spend the morning in Thorsmork, visit the Sönghellir (Song cave) and climb up the small mountain of Valahnúkur before taking the afternoon bus to Reykjavík. You should arrive at the Reykjavik BSI bus terminal around 18:30 in the evening (6:30 pm).
After meeting your guide, you’ll take the public bus from the BSI Bus terminal at 06:45 in the morning. Come dressed for the hike and have your daypack ready. As you pass by the Hekla volcano and other volcanoes in the Dómadalur area, you’ll reach Landmannalaugar by noon. After lunch, enjoy a warm-up hike in the area. Landmannalaugar is a geothermal wonderland, whose colorful rhyolite mountains have become famous across the world, so you’ll have plenty of things to see. After dinner, spend some free time relaxing in the natural hot spring, or join the wardens in a fun game of KUBB.
Distance: 5-6 km (3.1 – 3.8 mi)
Walking time: 3 hrs
Day two begins with breakfast at the hut before heading towards Hrafntinnusker, an obsidian desert that looks out of this world. Then, proceed along the beautiful Reykjafjoll Mountains, famed for their snowy peaks and majestic views of the surrounding area. From Hrafntinnusker, descend down in the gullies of Jökultungur, with hundreds of steaming hot springs and mud pools sprinkled throughout. Don’t forget to stop and take in the fascinating views of the Álftavatn area (Swan Lake), and the Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull glaciers. Arrive at Álftavatn hut in the afternoon, and spend the night there.
Distance: 20 km (12.4 mi)
Walking time: 7 – 8 hrs
Ascent: 900 m (2950 ft)
After a hearty breakfast, continue hiking and pass the iconic green volcano of Stórasúla before entering the black deserts of Mælifellssandur. Heading towards another ancient and verdurous volcano, the Hattfell, you’ll enter the Emstrur region where farmers used to graze their sheep in summer. Before arriving at the Botnar hut where you’ll stay the night, visit the magnificent Markarfljót canyon cutting almost 200 m down into the rocks south of Hattfell.
Distance: 16 km (10 mi)
Walking time: 6 – 7 hrs
Descent: 40 m (130 ft)
Continue your hike through the small valleys and gullies of Emstrur, where the great Mýrdalsjökull glacier rises only a couple of kilometers away. At the end of the day, descend into Thorsmork’s green valleys filled with arctic birch forests and colorful flowers. Spend the night in a simply magnificent location, beneath the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers. You can now celebrate your completion of the world-famous Laugavegur Trail!
Distance: 17 km (10.5 mi)
Walking time: 6 – 7 hrs
Descent: 300 m (985 ft)
Today, you get to enjoy a full day in Iceland’s day-hike paradise. Thorsmork offers a number of excellent trails with breathtaking views. Depending on the group’s fatigue and fitness levels, your guide will help you pick a trail that everyone’s comfortable with to spend the day on.
Spend the morning in Thorsmork, visit the Sönghellir (Song cave) and climb up the small mountain of Valahnúkur before taking the afternoon bus to Reykjavík. You should arrive at the Reykjavik BSI bus terminal around 18:30 in the evening (6:30 pm).
Secure your spot for next year with a 10% deposit!
Laugavegur hiking tours with VikingWomen get sold out very quickly, but with early-bird booking, you will be the first one to know about any new upcoming dates. Pick your preferred dates without risk of your bucket list adventure selling out!
Once the trip has been confirmed, the regular cancellation policy applies.
After meeting your guide, you’ll take the public bus from the BSI Bus terminal at 06:45 in the morning. Come dressed for the hike and have your daypack ready. As you pass by the Hekla volcano and other volcanoes in the Dómadalur area, you’ll reach Landmannalaugar by noon. After lunch, head south into the mountains. The trail takes us past small gorges, steaming hot springs and yellow mountain ridges. In the late afternoon, you’ll arrive at the Hrafntinnusker mountain hut, where you will stay the night.
Distance: 12 km (7.5 mi)
Walking time: 4 – 5 hrs
Ascent: 470 m (1540 ft)
From Hrafntinnusker, descend down in the gullies of Jökultungur with hundreds of steaming hot springs and mud pools. Enjoy fascinating views to the south to the Álftavatn area overlooking the Swan Lake, and the Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull glaciers. In the afternoon you’ll arrive at Álftavatn hut.
Distance: 12 km (7.5 mi)
Walking time: 4 – 5 hrs
Descent: 490 m (1610 ft)
After a hearty breakfast, continue hiking and pass the iconic green volcano of Stórasúla before entering the black deserts of Mælifellssandur. Heading towards another ancient and verdurous volcano, the Hattfell, you’ll enter the Emstrur region where farmers used to graze their sheep in summer. Before arriving at the Botnar hut where you’ll stay the night, visit the magnificent Markarfljót canyon cutting almost 200 m down into the rocks south of Hattfell.
Distance: 16 km (10 mi)
Walking time: 6 – 7 hrs
Descent: 40 m (130 ft)
Continue your hike through the small valleys and gullies of Emstrur, where the great Mýrdalsjökull glacier rises only a couple of kilometers away. At the end of the day, descend into Thorsmork’s green valleys filled with arctic birch forests and colorful flowers. Spend the night in a simply magnificent location, beneath the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers. You can now celebrate your completion of the world-famous Laugavegur Trail!
Distance: 17 km (10.5 mi)
Walking time: 6 – 7 hrs
Descent: 300 m (985 ft)
Fimmvörðuháls is the magnificent high mountain pass between Mýrdalajökull and Eyjafjallajökull – the infamous volcano that erupted in 2010. Today you will be visiting the two new volcano craters, Magni and Móði, which were formed in the first eruption in 2010 and named after the sons of Þór (Thor). The scenery on the Fimmvörðuháls Pass is absolutely stunning. After arriving back at the huts in Thorsmork, top off this amazing adventure with a barbecue!
If the weather or the group’s energy don’t suit this hike, your guide will offer another hike for that day as Þórsmörk has so many trail options.
Distance: 16 – 18 km (10 – 11 mi)
Walking time: 7 – 8 hrs
Ascent: 800 m (2600 ft)
Spend the morning in Thorsmork, visit the Sönghellir (Song cave) and climb up the small mountain of Valahnúkur before taking the afternoon bus to Reykjavík. You should arrive at the Reykjavik BSI bus terminal around 18:30 in the evening (6:30 pm).
Secure your spot for next year with a 10% deposit!
Laugavegur hiking tours with VikingWomen get sold out very quickly, but with early-bird booking, you will be the first one to know about any new upcoming dates. Pick your preferred dates without risk of your bucket list adventure selling out!
Once the trip has been confirmed, the regular cancellation policy applies.