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Day one starts bright and early, at 7:00 – 7:30 am when you’ll meet your guides in Reykjavik and make the scenic journey to Landmannalaugar. During the 3-4 hours drive, you’ll see Hekla, Iceland’s most active volcano, along with a host of other incredible sights. Once you reach Landmannalaugar, you will be greeted by a geothermal paradise, replete with colorful rhyolite mountains and bubbling hot springs. Hike across the craggy Laugahraun lava field, until you reach the awe-inspiringly beautiful Brennisteinsalda volcano, whose slopes have been dyed various shades of green, red and blue by sulfur deposits. Spend the night at a remote Landmannalaugar hut.
Distance: 8 km (4.9 mi)
Walking time: 4 hrs
Ascent: 470 m (1540′)
Included meals: Lunch, refreshments, dinner
Accommodation: Mountain hut in Landmannalaugar
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Day two begins with a traditional Icelandic breakfast before heading towards the obsidian desert Hrafntinnusker. Continue hiking to Reykjafell Mountains and descend into the Jökultungur area, a luscious green valley whose rocks have been dyed various shades of red and yellow by the volcanic activity. Proceed through Jökultungur and watch the scenery change to a dark shade of palagonite black. If the weather is good, head towards Mt. Haskerdingur. If not, proceed towards the Jökultungur Mountain and begin to weave your way through its meandering paths to its summit, where we will be rewarded with majestic views over the Fjallabak Nature Reserve. Descent will take you past the River Grashagakvisl and through a small stream before arriving at Lake Álftavatn, where you’ll spend the night.
Distance: 24 km (14.9 mi)
Walking time: 7-8 hrs
Ascent: 900 m (2950 ‘)
Included meals: Lunch, refreshments, dinner
Accommodation: Mountain hut in Álftavatn -
After breakfast, ford a stream and push deeper into the stunning Icelandic Highlands. Skirt around Stórasúla, an emerald green volcano that rises out of the jet-black volcanic desert of Mælifellssandur. Mælifellssandur is a completely unique black desert, crisscrossed by icy blue glacial streams, which make it one of the most beautiful places in the world. Your penultimate stop will be Emstrur, a luscious valley where Icelandic farmers have traditionally grazed sheep. Finally, you’ll stop at the Markarfljótsgljúfur Canyon, carved into the earth by the glacial river that runs through it. Rest amidst yet more stunning scenery of Botnar and prepare for the next day’s adventures.
Distance: 15 km (9.5 mi)
Walking time: 6-7 hrs
Descent: 40 m (130 ‘)
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, refreshments, dinner
Accommodation: Mountain hut in Markarfljótsgljúfur Canyon -
Start your day with a traditional Icelandic breakfast and head towards the iconic Thorsmork Valley, a green oasis that rests between two imposing glaciers. The journey begins near to the colossal Myrdalsjokull Glacier which dominates the skyline of the area. Pass the uniquely shaped Einhyrningur (the Unicorn) before reaching the dense birch forest that signals your arrival at Thorsmork, the most famous place in Iceland’s Highlands. Spend the evening in this incredible valley, which is steeped in myth and surrounded by mighty glaciers and majestic mountains.
Distance: 15km (9.5 mi)
Walking time: 6-7 hrs
Descent: 300 m (985 ‘)
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, refreshments, dinner
Accommodation: Mountain hut in Thorsmork
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Day five will take you to the mountain pass, which bisects the mighty Eyjafjallajokull and Myrdalsjokull Glaciers. This ever-evolving landscape has two new features known as Magni and Modi that were created by the notorious eruption of 2010. You’ll notice a lava waterfall that is literally frozen in time and is a stark reminder of just how powerful nature is. Once you reach the summit of the mountain pass, you’ll be rewarded with awe-inspiring views of the surrounding area. Return to the gorgeous Thorsmork Valley, enjoy a delicious grilled lamb dinner, and rest for the day.
Distance: 16 km (10 mi)
Walking time: 7-8 hrs
Ascent: 800 m (2600 ‘)
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, refreshments, dinner
Accommodation: Mountain hut in Thorsmork -
The final day in the Icelandic Highlands is more flexible with the itinerary. Go and explore the area surrounding the volcanoes of Katla and Eyjafjallajokull or hike up Valahnukur Mountain, whose summit provides sublime views over the valley. It is also possible to simply relax in Thorsmork and enjoy all of its majestic beauty or go off in smaller groups to explore something else. In the afternoon, return to civilization and spend the night in a lovely country hotel in Hella.
Distance: 6 km / 3.5 mi
Walking time:: ~3 hours
Ascent: 275 m / 902 ‘
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, refreshments, dinner
Accommodation: Country hotel in Hella
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Head towards Iceland’s famous South Coast, renowned for its incredible cascading waterfalls, impressive glaciers, jet-black beaches, and capricious volcanoes. Your first stop will be the iconic Seljalandsfoss waterfall. There is a secret cave hidden behind the waterfall, allowing you to see the beauty of this majestic natural wonder from a different angle. Next stop is the mighty Solheimajokull Glacier, famous for its many icy crevices, deep craters, and craggy rock formations. Upon arrival at the base camp at the foot of the glacier, your guide will provide you with all the equipment that you need and give you a short safety briefing. Then you will head out for an incredible 1-hour hike on a glacier, where you can explore all the magic that this icy wilderness has to offer. The final stop on the tour is the majestic Skogafoss waterfall, famed for its roaring cascade of water that tumbles 60 meters down the cliff face into a beautiful valley below. Iceland’s stunning south coast is the ideal way to finish your time in the country, providing access to everything that makes the land of fire and ice so special!
Included meals: Breakfast
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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)
- Travel and medical insurance — optional
- Guide gratuities — optional
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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.
Please check your chosen itinerary to learn about day-by-day distances,
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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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We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!
Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!
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Iceland, the “Land of Fire and Ice”, has forever lived with volcanic activity. Minor and major eruptions have occurred every few years since the island was formed. Some of Iceland’s appeal, aside from sheer natural beauty, surely stems from this very fact.
However, every new eruption, such as the recent Reykjanes Peninsula fissure, will make some travelers, tourists, and adventurers uneasy, especially given the fact that sensationalist media is not immune to misinformation and speculation.
Since we work with a number of expert local guides in Iceland, we thought we’d share their input and fill you in on what’s actually going on.
First of all, air traffic has not been affected. Flights to and from Keflavík International Airport and Reykjavík Domestic Airport are operating as they always do.
Second, the effects of volcanic activity have been localized, with some roads closed, and all services in Iceland are operating as usual. Reykjavik, the capital, is around 40 km (25 miles) away from the volcanic fissure, and life there is as normal as ever.
And third, trips offered by 57hours are taking place much further away, and are thereby even less likely to be affected by the volcanic activity, being perfectly safe for adventurers. Naturally, the authorities (and guides) are monitoring the situation and doing everything possible to keep both local residents and visitors safe and well informed.
In case you have any additional questions or dilemmas, feel free to get in touch with either your guide or 57hours. For more information, please visit:
https://safetravel.is/
https://www.visiticeland.com/article/volcano-infoOr watch the video with Dr. Matthew Roberts from the Icelandic Meteorological Office explaining the recent volcanic activities in Iceland.
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