Arrive at the BSÍ Bus Terminal in Reykjavík  and get ready for a scenic 4-hour drive to Landmannalaugar, making stops to explore amazing sights along the way. Once you arrive in Landmannalaugar, start getting to know each other as the guide goes over the itinerary for the next few days. In the evening, cook your first highland meal together and have a good time. Soak up the colors, mountains, and lava fields nestled in this huge and formidable environment. Head out for a short hike around the area to warm up for the coming days and in the evening, rest and have a delicious dinner with the group. Take a shower and get ready to hit the hay.

Those who are interested in really soaking in nature can take an evening dip into the geothermal pool (with temperatures up to 40°C!) that the name of the place derives from, as the name Landmannalaugar directly translates to “the People’s Pools”.

Kick things off with breakfast and make sandwiches for your lunch box. You and your group will hike through a moss-covered lava field over colorful rhyolite mountains and towards Hrafntinnusker, where you’ll usually find snow throughout the summer! On this day, you’ll witness the most drastic change of landscape! After passing different spots with geothermal activities, observe small lakes, pockets of hot water venting out of the ground, and beautiful hot springs. You’ll notice that there will be less and less plants. Reach the second hut, rest and have a warm meal with the group!

Hiking: 4-5 hours
Distance: 12 km (7.5 mi)

The biggest day of descending is ahead of you! Leave the warm hut, cross a river, and marvel at the glaciers in the background in case the visibility is good enough. The views will change rapidly from geothermal zones to tortuous mountain scenery. Reach your hut in Hvanngil after a long day of hiking and help your guide prepare a fabulous dinner before you get some well-deserved rest!

Hiking: 5-6 hours
Distance: 16 km (10 mi)

There won’t be much ascending or descending today and the day will be pretty much flat. Start today’s hike and cross a glacial river that is bound to wake you up faster than a double espresso ever could. Take in the views of mountain peaks rising out of black desert landscape and Mýrdalsjökull. This area was formed when glaciers covered the land and the volcanic activity caused the mountains to rise from underneath. After dinner in Emstrur, there might be a chance to hike to the Markarfljótsgljúfur Canyon, a sight you definitely don’t want to miss out on! Cap off the day with a filling dinner and prepare for the day ahead of you.

Hiking: 6-7 hours
Distance: 16 km (10 mi)

The fifth day of the trek has some ascending, descending, and flat parts in store. With the stunning Markarfljótsgljúfur Canyon on your right, you’ll gradually descend most of the day and start seeing more plants, hear more birds, and even see some trees. Today is the most difficult day of the hike—it’s the longest and there are two big hills you’ll have to go over before reaching Thorsmork. There’s one glacial river above a small canyon you’ll need to cross. There’s a sturdy bridge going over the river and the height might be an issue for people with vertigo. Today you’ll get to Thorsmork, one of the most spectacular places in Iceland. Take a moment to appreciate the three glaciers around it nestled in the valley and admire the ever-changing Krossá river which splits the area beautifully. After dinner, you’ll rest up for the last day.

Hiking: 6-7 hours
Distance: 15 km (9.5 mi)

The final day has arrived! Start the day off with a nice breakfast, pack up your bags and go for a hike around Thorsmork before heading to Reykjavik with private transport. Make your way to Valahnúkur and soak up the views. You’ll arrive in Reykjavík in the late afternoon. The official part of the trip ends here, but feel free to spend more time with the group and reminisce about the experiences from your hiking adventure!

Want to explore more of Iceland? Make sure to check out the hiking tours in Iceland provided by the best guides in the business!