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Be ready for an early pick-up and leave civilization for the magnificent Highlands, Iceland’s largest uninhabited wilderness. The drive to Landmannalaugar, the starting point of the hike, will take 3-4 hours. Pass by the magnificent volcano Hekla, the most active volcano in Iceland, and arrive in Landmannalaugar. Leave your bus behind and set foot onto the famous Laugavegur Trail Grab a quick lunch and begin your six-day trek across the Highlands. Hike through the Laugahraun lava field and Vondugil canyon and admire the incredibly vibrant colors of the rhyolite mountains this country is famous for. As you approach your accommodation at Landmannalaugar, you will see the Graenagil gorge and climb up to Blahnukur Volcano if time allows.
Hiking distance: 8 km / 4.9 mi
Walking time: 4-5 hours
Ascent: 470 m / 1,540 ft
Included meals: Lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Mountain hut in Landmannalaugar
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Start off your second day with a nutritious breakfast and descent from the snowy peaks into a green valley. En route, pass the colorful mountains and the Jökultungur area where the geothermal activity contrasts with the sandy hues and green meadows of the valley. Hike to the Fjallabak area and Álftavatn Lake, where you will be spending the night. Before reaching your accommodation, you will have to cross a river on foot—a very exciting experience for everyone! The water is chilly, but not too deep (up to the knee or thigh). Today’s hut will be bigger than the first, with a spacious kitchen and dining area. After a warm dinner, walk around the area if the weather is good and get some well deserved rest.
Hiking distance: 24 km / 14.9 mi
Walking time: 4-5 hours
Descent: 490 m / 1,610 ft
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Mountain hut in Álftavatn
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After an energizing breakfast, start your day by wading across another stream. The next part of the trail is quite flat and easy. Pass by the incredibly scenic Stórasúla and Hattafell volcanoes whose hills are covered by moss, making them stand out from the surrounding black desert. On your way to the next destination, Emstrur, you’ll get outstanding vistas of the nearby volcano glaciers, Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull. As you approach the hut, a green oasis unfolds in the midst of the black sand desert on the side of a stunning 200-meter (656 ft) deep glacier river canyon. Tonight’s hut is located by the side of a small stream, in an idyllic location.
Hiking distance: 15 km / 9.5 mi
Walking time: 6-7 hours
Descent: 40 m / 130 ft
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Mountain hut in Emstrur
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On the fourth day, hike the last leg of the Laugavegur trail. Walk along the mighty Almenningar Gorge of and pass by Mount Einhyrningur (also known as the Unicorn Mountain). As you continue along the trail, the vegetation will start to change and bushes and small trees will begin to appear here and there until you find yourself surrounded by a birch forest, reaching Thorsmörk Valley. Tonight’s accommodation will be in a hut surrounded by mossy slopes beneath the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull Glaciers.
Hiking distance: 15 km / 9.5 mi
Walking time: 6-7 hours
Descent: 300 m / 985 ft
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Mountain hut in Thorsmörk
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Today you’ll take on the most demanding and the most scenic leg of the trek, the magnificent Fimmvörðuháls Pass. The path leads from the valley along a steep path up to a broad plateau. As you climb higher, you might be able to see all of the scraggy mountain ranges, snowy peaks, and glaciers surrounding you. Visit the two new volcanic craters, Magni and Móði, which were formed during the Eyjafjallajökull eruption in 2010. After reaching the peaks of the craters, take the same path to return to Thórsmörk. Congratulate each other for completing the Laugavegur and Fimmvörduháls hike!
Hiking distance: 16 km / 10 mi
Walking time: 7-8 hours
Ascent: 800 m / 2,600 ft
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Mountain hut in Thorsmörk
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On the final day in the Icelandic wilderness, your group and guide will decide the itinerary for the day! You can either explore the area of the Katla and Eyjafjallajokull volcanoes located nearby or hike up the Valahnukur Mountain—the most spectacular viewpoint overlooking the Thorsmork Valley. It is also possible to simply stay in Thorsmork and relax after miles of hiking. Leave the Highlands behind, return to civilization and spend the night in a country hotel in Hella.
Included meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Country hotel in Hella
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After the exhausting multi-day trek, you will finally have enough time to sleep in. You will be picked up around 9:30 am and embark on a tour of Iceland’s spectacular South Coast. Visit the two most famous waterfalls in Iceland, Skógafoss, and Seljalandsfoss, both approximately 60 m (196 ft) high. As your adventure comes to an end, strap on crampons and climb up a glacier! Explore the glacier’s surreal formations, deep crevasses and ice sculptures. A professional glacier guide will be with you and tell you about the history and geology of the area as well as the features of glaciers in general. After a long day, head back to Reykjavík where you will spend the night at a hotel.
Included meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Reykjavík
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On the final day, you will explore the natural attractions of the famous Golden Circle. Your first stop will be the Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Thingvellir was the location of the first parliament in the world which was founded around 930 AD. Next stop is a geothermal area. The main attraction of the site is Strokkur Geyser, which is famous for spouting water up to 40 m (130 ft). Stop by the gigantic waterfall Gullfoss and finally, head to a geothermal hot pool called the Secret Lagoon. Don’t forget your bathing suit and relax in the warm and therapeutic water. Head back to Reykjavík where your adventure ends.
Included meals: Breakfast
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Included:
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- An experienced, local, English-speaking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
- 4/5/6/7/8-day tour in huts and hotels
- Accommodation during the tour in huts/hotels, as listed in the itinerary
- Most meals during the trek, as in the itinerary (all meals on the trail as well as refreshments)
- Kitchen and cooking equipment
- Transport at the beginning and end of the trek (round-trip Reykjavik-Laugavegur)
- Transport during the tour, as listed in the itinerary
- All required safety equipment
- Luggage transfer during the trek
Not included:
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- Flights to 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. 1,000 ISK per shower)
- Travel and medical insurance — optional
- Guide gratuities — optional
Add-ons (available to add upon checkout):
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- Equipment rental (hiking boots, hiking poles, waterproof jacket, waterproof pants)
- Sleeping bag rental
- Supplement for special dietary requirements
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You need to be able to hike for 4 to 8 full days, carrying a daypack full of things you might need throughout the day—which means you should be physically very fit. Please check out your chosen itinerary to learn about day-by-day distances and elevation changes. 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 you’re 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 every day to your lodging for the night.
As for the glacier walk, there are no requirements. 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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Clothing & footwear
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- 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
- 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)
- Sunhat
- Wool hat
- Wool or synthetic gloves (2 pairs of different thickness)
- Wool or synthetic thermal underwear
- Wool or synthetic socks
- Change of clothes and comfortable shoes for the huts
- Swimwear
- Gaiters — optional but recommended
Other gear and personal items
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- Waterproof duffel bag for the transport of your overnight gear (up to 20 kg)
- Daypack (around a 25-40L bag)
- Sleeping bag
- Travel pillow
- Small thermal mat to sit on — optional but recommended
- Hiking poles — optional but recommended
- Quick dry, lightweight towel
- 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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Group sizes and pricing
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- Groups on these hiking tours usually consist of 6-16 hikers.
- Price is per person.
- Accommodation is in shared huts, while nights in hotels are based on double occupancy (single supplement for the hotel night is available).
Min, age requirements
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- Anyone over the age of 18 can join these hiking tours. Teens as young as 15 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! 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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Group sizes and pricing
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- Groups on these hiking tours usually consist of 6-16 hikers.
- Price is per person.
- Single supplement is an option only for the nights when you are staying at a hotel. While in huts, you’ll sleep in shared rooms.
Min, age requirements
-
- Anyone over the age of 18 can join these 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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To get to these South Coast & Laugavegur Trail tours, most people fly into Keflavík International Airport (KEF). From there, it’s best to hop on a shuttle to Reykjavik, or you can take a taxi. 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 U.S. 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 miss out on the tour. This is, therefore, not recommended! Accommodation for the night prior to the tour is at your arrangement.
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. Departure time is between 7 and 7:30 am at these stations. After joining your guides, a scenic 4-hour drive is the only thing separating you from your hiking adventure!
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Located at around 64 degrees north latitude, Iceland offers an ideal vantage point for witnessing the northern lights. However, spotting Northern Lights in Iceland depends on two things: the time of the year and the location.
Essentially, the darker it is, the better the chances of seeing vibrant colors of aurora. This means that the prime time is between September and April. And with favorable conditions, the northern lights can be seen from anywhere in Iceland, including the South Coast. One of the better spots in the south is Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon.
If you decide to join these South Coast & Laugavegur tours in late August/September, there’s a chance of seeing northern lights!
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The number of days you need on the South Coast of Iceland depends on how much you want to explore! Our tours range from 4 to 8 days and all include the iconic Laugavegur trail.
The longer the tour is, the more your guides can show you. Check out the itineraries and find your favorite. For a more comprehensive experience of Iceland’s South Coast, we recommend a longer tour.
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Both North and South Iceland offer unique attractions, so which is “better” depends on what you’re looking to experience!
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- South Iceland is more accessible and known for iconic spots like the Laugavegur trail, waterfalls like Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss, black sand beaches, glaciers, and the famous Golden Circle. The South is ideal if you’re interested in diverse, dramatic landscapes in a relatively compact area.
- North Iceland is quieter and less visited but offers its own rugged beauty, with highlights like Lake Mývatn, Goðafoss waterfall, the geothermal area of Húsavík (a whale-watching hotspot), and the Arctic wilderness in the Highlands. North Iceland can be especially appealing if you want fewer crowds and a more off-the-beaten-path feel.
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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 been occurring 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.
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- 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 Volcanic activity and earthquakes in Reykjanes or Visit Iceland site. Or watch the video with Dr. Matthew Roberts from the Icelandic Meteorological Office explaining the recent volcanic activities in Iceland.
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