Depart early in the morning from the center of Reykjavik to make the most of the day. The drive to Landmannalaugar and the Icelandic Highlands, will take 3-4 hours. The journey is highly scenic and fascinating, taking your group by the magnificent volcano mountain Hekla—the most active volcano in Iceland. You’ll also make your way through the Laugahraun lava field and Vondugil canyon and admire the incredibly vibrant colors of the rhyolite mountains, most notably Mt. Brennisteinsalda. On the way to the accommodation at Landmannalaugar, you’ll get a chance to see the Graenagil gorge and climb up to Bláhnjúkur Volcano (time permitting).

Distance: 8 km / 4.9 miles
Walking time: 4 hours
Ascent: 470 m / 1,540 ft
Accommodation: Mountain hut
Meals: Lunch, refreshments, and dinner

After a nutritious breakfast, it’s time to hit the trail again! Today you’ll hike through the pitch-black obsidian desert called Hrafntinnusker, next to vibrantly colored Reykjafjöll rhyolite mountains, and in the Jökultungur area. Here you’ll witness how the continued geothermal activity has turned craggy gullies into vivid yellows and reds, colors that contrast dramatically with the soft pale sandy hues around them. The top of Jökultungur is a great place to enjoy views over the whole Fjallabak area and the Álftavatn lake, where you’ll be spending the night (after an exciting river crossing!)

Distance: 24 km / 14.9 miles
Walking time: 7 hours
Ascent: 900 m / 2,952 ft
Accommodation: Mountain hut
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, refreshments, and dinner

Today, your hiking begins with another river crossing, entering onto the otherworldly Mælifellssandur plain. Pass by the Stórasúla and Hattafell volcanoes on your way to Emstrur. From here, you’ll get to enjoy outstanding views of the mighty volcanic glaciers Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull (if there’s good visibility). On our way to Botnar, a green oasis amid a black sand desert, you’ll see Markarfljótsgljúfur, a stunning 200-meter deep canyon formed by a glacial river. Your overnight hut is located nearby.

Distance: 15 km / 9.5 miles
Walking time: 6-7 hours
Ascent: 40 m / 130 ft
Accommodation: Mountain hut
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, refreshments, and dinner

After breakfast, leave Emstrur and start your hike to Thorsmork (Þórsmörk in Icelandic). Enjoy the view of glaciers as your group goes through the Almenningar gorge by Mount Einhyrningur (the Unicorn Mountain). Moving forward, the landscape will eventually turn into the characteristic dense birch forest found in Thorsmork. Your accommodation is in a scenic location—beneath the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers. You can now celebrate the completion of the world-famous Laugavegur Trail with your guide and fellow hikers!

Distance: 15 km / 9.5 miles
Walking time: 6-7 hours
Ascent: 300 m / 985 ft
Accommodation: Mountain hut
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, refreshments, and dinner

Fimmvörðuháls is a magnificent high mountain pass between Mýrdalajökull and Eyjafjallajökull – the volcano that erupted in 2010 and caused havoc in airfare. Today, you will visit the two new volcano craters formed during the eruption—Magni and Móði—named after the sons of Þór (Thor). The places you’ll see bear testimony to Iceland’s continued volcanic activity—which has never ceased to shape its landscapes. Spend the final night among the vistas fit for tourist posters. The completion of the Laugavegur and Fimmvorðuháls trails will be celebrated in the traditional Icelandic way—with a delicious grilled lamb dinner!

Distance: 16 km / 10 miles
Walking time: 7-8 hours
Ascent: 800 m / 2,600 ft
Accommodation: Mountain hut
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, refreshments, and dinner

The last day is reserved for exploring Thorsmork and the surrounding area. A hike up Mount Útigönguhöfði will reward you with outstanding views over the valley and the glaciers. For those who are not up for a serious hike, a stroll to Húsadalur might be an option, or just relaxing around Langidalur before returning to Reykjavík. On your way to the city, you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of the Seljalandsfoss waterfall, one of the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland. Return to Reykjavik is scheduled for early evening, around 18:00. Say goodbye to your guide and fellow hikers and say goodbye to Iceland—or continue touring on your own.

Distance: 6 km / 3.5 miles
Walking time: 3 hours
Meals: Breakfast and lunch