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Your adventure begins bright and early in Reykjavik. From there, you will take a 3 to 4-hour drive to Landmannalaugar, taking in some truly spectacular scenery along the way, including Hekla—one of Iceland’s most active volcanoes. Upon arrival at Landmannalaugar, you will find yourself in a magnificent geothermal wonderland, whose colorful rhyolite mountains are famous across the world. Your first stop will be the Laugahraun lava field, whose moss-covered rocks were crafted by a massive volcanic eruption of the Brennisteinsalda Volcano in 1477. Hike to the foot of Brennisteinsalda, whose slopes have been dyed blood red, amber yellow, turquoise and deep green by the volcano’s sulfur deposits over the centuries. Continue your way to the Vondugil canyon before spending the evening in a secluded Landmannalaugar hut.
Distance: 8 km / 4.9 mi
Hiking time: 4 hours
Ascent: 470 m / 1540′
Included meals: Lunch, refreshments, dinner
Accommodation: Mountain hut in Landmannalaugar
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Day two begins with breakfast at the hut and a journey towards Hrafntinnusker, an obsidian desert that grants an otherworldly sight. Follow the beautiful Reykjafell Mountains, and once you’ve reached their summit, begin to descend into the Jökultungur area. This luscious green valley is spattered with rocks that have been dyed various shades of ruby and amber by centuries of volcanic activity. The scenery will begin to change as you approach the other side of Jökultungu. Begin climbing the Jökultungur Mountain and at the top, you will be rewarded by views over the famous Fjallabak Nature Reserve and the idyllic Lake Alftavatn. As you approach your accommodation in Lake Alftavatn, pass the luscious green oasis that surrounds the River Grashagakvisl.
Distance: 24 km / 14.9 mi
Hiking time: 7-8 hours
Ascent: 900 m / 2950′
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, refreshments, dinner
Accommodation: Mountain hut in Alftavatn
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After breakfast, ford another stream and head deeper into Iceland’s highlands. The first stop will be Stórasúla, a grass-carpeted volcano towering over the dark landscape surrounding it. Hike into the jet-black desert of Mælifellssandur, a gloomy, otherworldly landscape. The black sands are crisscrossed by a large number of icy blue glacial streams. At its center is the emerald Mt. Mælifell, which rises like a green turret out of the black and makes it one of the most spine-tinglingly beautiful places. Approach Emstrur, a narrow green valley where luscious vegetation abounds, and take a small detour to the deep canyon of Markarfljótsgljúfur. Finally, reach Botnar where you will spend the evening in a secluded mountain hut.
Distance: 15 km / 9.5 mi
Hiking time: 6-7 hours
Descent: 40 m / 130 ‘
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, refreshments, dinner
Accommodation: Mountain hut in Botnar
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Your last day in the Icelandic Highlands will take you to the famous Thorsmork Valley, a glorious oasis nestled between two massive glaciers. Approach the Myrdalsjokull Glacier, which seems like an endless ocean of pristine white snow. Pass by the uniquely shaped Einhyrningur (The Unicorn). Continue to the dense birch forest that signals the beginning of Thorsmork, an emerald valley, which is consistently rated as one of the most beautiful places in all of Iceland. Icelandic folklore believes that it was created by a mighty blow of the Norse Thor’s hammer. Leave at around 21:30, traveling to a comfortable country hotel in preparation for your visit to Iceland’s famous South Coast.
Distance: 15 km (9.5 mi)
Hiking time: 6-7 hours
Descent: 300 m / 985 ‘
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, refreshments, dinner
Accommodation: Country hotel
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The final day will take you to Iceland’s iconic south coast. You will be picked up from your hotel and make the scenic journey to the magnificent Seljalandsfoss Waterfall. It has a secret cave hidden behind it, allowing you to see the waterfall from a different perspective. Head to the equally beautiful Skogafoss Waterfall. There is a meandering path cut into the hillside next to Skogafoss, which offers visitors the chance to climb to the top and enjoy an awe-inspiring view of the entire area. The tour will end at the Solheimajokull Glacier, a vast body of ice that unfurls from the larger Mýrdalsjökull Glacier. Hike from the base camp at the foot of the glacier, where your expert glacier guide will provide you with all the equipment that you need. Step onto the mighty glacier, where your guide will teach you all about glaciers and how they helped to create the Iceland that you see today. After that, your guides will take you back to Reykjavik.
Included meals: Breakfast
Your guide will stop at shops & restaurants where you can purchase meals
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Here’s what’s included:
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- An experienced, local, English-speaking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
- 4 to 8 days of hiking and sightseeing along the Laugavegur Trail and South Coast
- Accommodation in mountain huts and hotels as indicated in the itinerary
- Most meals during the trek, as indicated in the itinerary
- Kitchen and cooking equipment
- Transport at the beginning and end of the trek
- All required safety equipment
- Luggage transfer during the trek
What’s not included:
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- Transportation to and from Iceland
- Accommodation before and after the tour
- Meals not indicated in the itinerary
- Sleeping bag and personal hiking equipment (can be rented)
- Showers in huts (payable on-site, approx. $3.50 per shower)
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You need to be able to hike for full days, carrying a daypack full of your gear which means you should be physically very fit. Each day you will hike between three and eight hours. On top of that, volcanic terrain can be challenging. If you are looking for adventure and up to the task of multiple days of full-day trekking, you’ll be rewarded immensely!
In terms of backpack weight, you will only need to carry a smaller daypack with your lunch, water bottle, medication, sunglasses, river crossing shoes, rain gear, and other items or clothing you might need for the day. The rest of your luggage will be transported by the guide from hut to hut.
There are no requirements for the glacier walk. Your guide will teach you the basics of glacier walking, show you how to use the equipment, and lead you safely through the spectacular scenery at a relatively slow pace.
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Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
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- A duffel bag for the transport of your overnight gear (up to 20 kg)
- Daypack (around a 25-40L bag)
- Sleeping bag — no specific temperature rating as the mountain huts are heated
- Travel pillow
- Small thermal mat to sit on — optional but recommended
- Hiking poles — optional but recommended
- Gaiters — optional but recommended
- Sunhat
- Wool hat
- Wool or synthetic gloves (2 pairs of different thickness)
- Jacket with a hood (windproof, waterproof and breathable, e.g. Gore-Tex)
- Puffy jacket — optional
- Warm, down jacket
- Light wool or fleece sweater
- Long sleeve shirts
- T-shirts (avoid cotton)
- Soft-shell hiking trousers (strong and light material that dries quickly)
- Rain pants (windproof, waterproof and breathable)
- Full rain gear (poncho is not useful because of wind)
- Wool or synthetic thermal underwear
- Wool or synthetic socks
- Sturdy hiking boots (waterproof with good ankle support)
- River crossing shoes — walking sandals or old running shoes with a good grip are a good choice, along with a pair of warm socks or neoprene socks
- Gaiters — optional but recommended
- Change of clothes and comfortable shoes for the huts
- Quick dry, lightweight towel
- Swimwear for the hot geothermal pool in Landmannalaugar
- Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
- Lunch box
- Pocket knife
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Sunglasses
- Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
- Personal medication
- Earplugs
- Portable power bank
- Dry-bags for electronics and extra clothing
- Camera — optional but recommended
- Aperitif or other heart-warming spirits (liquor laws in Iceland prohibit the sale of alcohol) — optional
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. Iceland is home to infamously unpredictable 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.
When glacier hiking, you will be provided with an ice axe, crampons, harness and helmet. This will help you to complete the tour safely. The minimum shoe size to attach crampons is EU 35.
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Meals will be prepared by all participants, guides, and the team—make food and friends at the same time!
Special dietary supplements, such as vegetarian, pescatarian, vegan, gluten-free, or other supplements, can be ordered at some extra cost. It is suggested that you purchase the special food extra. This will help your guides in supplying the best meals possible for everyone. If you have any special dietary requirements, please let us know prior to booking to make arrangements.
Bring a water bottle that you can then fill with the tap water at the huts/campsites. Iceland’s water is perfectly safe to drink. There are also several streams along where people tend to get more water from!
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During the Laugavegur tour, you’ll experience the magic of living in rustic mountain huts scattered along the trail. All of the mountain huts are heated, some have electricity and some have hot water. Showers are found in every hut and cost 500 ISK per use. Huts have bunk rooms with single and twin beds. Participants have to be prepared to share a bunk with other travelers from the group. There are no power outlets in the huts so please bring a power bank.
During the 8-day South Coast tour, you will also stay at a local hotel for 2 nights.
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. Accommodations in Reykjavík are not included in the price in case you arrive early before the trip or if you’re staying after your trip.
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Groups on these hiking tours usually consist of 6-16 hikers.
Anyone over the age of 18 can join these day-hiking tours. Teens as young as 14 can join on a case-by-case basis, accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
If you plan to hike with anyone under the age of 18, please contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
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If you happen to be a solo traveler, you’re more than welcome to join these tours of Iceland’s south coast! There are no supplements for solo travelers, as they’ll share a room. In case the tour includes hotel accommodation, single room is possible according to availability for an added fee.
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To tour the south coast of Iceland, most people fly into Keflavík International 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.
The meeting location depends on the tour and which time you’re meeting with your guides. Options include the Reykjavik City Hall, Hallgrimskirkja, or the Reykjavik Campsite. After joining your guides, a scenic 4-hour drive is the only thing separating you from your hiking adventure!
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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 travelling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures on Laugavegur Trail, Iceland, please visit 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!
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