1. Laugavegur Trail, Iceland

The 55-kilometer (34 miles) Laugavegur Trail is a multi-day hiking route in Iceland that takes hikers through a series of otherworldly landscapes which feature volcanic mountains, lava fields, glaciers, geysers, black sand desert, lakes, geothermal pools and so much more.

The hike starts in the Landmannalaugar area, known for its colorful rhyolite mountains, and ends in the Thórsmörk Valley. Along the way, you’ll experience some of Iceland’s most iconic sights, including the Hrafntinnusker geothermal area, the Fjallabak Nature Reserve, and the Eyjafjallajökull glacier.

The trail is well-marked with cairns and signs, and there are mountain huts and campsites along the way where hikers can rest and spend the night. Just be aware that the weather in Iceland can be extremely unpredictable, sometimes going through all four seasons in a single day, so always be prepared for sudden changes.

About the author

Marko Bucic

57hours Writer and Bouldering Enthusiast

For Marko, literature came first and the outdoors followed. Lermontov took him galloping across the Caucasus, Wordsworth brought him along for a tour of the Lake District, and Conrad sent him sailing down the Congo—but for better or worse, it was 57hours that got him to climb his first route outside. When he’s not penning articles, you can find him in the bouldering gym, taking photos on the streets of Zagreb, or at home brushing up on his Japanese skills.