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Laugavegur Trail: Self-Guided Hiking Tour
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Equipment rental

Sleeping bag and hiking pole rentals are available at an additional fee. Price is per person and for the whole trip.

Add more flexibility to your trip

Things come up, and sometimes plans need to be changed. Check out our flexible cancellation options. Booking fees are non-refundable after 48hours in all cases.
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Deposits

When booking a trip, you can either pay for it in full or reserve your spot with a 30% deposit. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.

Cancellations

After 48 hours, booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. You can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:

Basic
  • If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  • If canceled 90 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  • If canceled within 89 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
  • Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48 hours grace period.
Flexible
  • If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  • If canceled 90 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  • If canceled 60-89 days before departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  • If canceled within 59 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
  • Booking fees are non-refundable after 48 hours grace period.
Super Flexible
  • If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  • If canceled 60 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  • If canceled within 59 days of departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  • Booking fees are non-refundable after 48 hours grace period.
Summary
Laugavegur Trail: Self-Guided Hiking Tour
Itinerary
Laugavegur Trail: Self-Guided Hiking Tour
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1 Person
  • Laugavegur Trail: Self-Guided Hiking Tour - 1
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Original price is defined in the guide’s local currency. The amount displayed in USD is based on the current exchange rate: Ikr1 ISK = $0.0078956344 USD
Cancel in the first 48h for free
Reserve your spot with a minimum deposit
Travel and medical insurance available

  • The Laugavegur Trail self-guided trek lets you explore Iceland’s most iconic route entirely on your own terms! Move at your own pace from Landmannalaugar’s bubbling geothermal fields to the green valleys of Þórsmörk, discovering vibrant rhyolite mountains, black sand deserts, deep canyons, and ancient volcanoes along the way. With all logistics handled, you’re free to hike how you want and see why this legendary trail ranks among the world’s best.

    • Take the public bus from the BSI bus terminal at 6:30 a.m., which, during the summer months, follows mountain tracks leading to Landmannalaugar, passing by the Hekla volcano and other volcanoes in the Dómadalur area. Arriving in Landmannalaugar at noon, this is the ideal time to have lunch before heading south into the mountains. The trail takes you through small gorges, past steaming hot springs, and along striking yellow mountain ridges. Arrive at the Hrafntinnusker mountain hut in the late afternoon, where you will spend the night.

      Hiking: 12 km (7.5 mi), 4-5 hours
      Elevation gain: +470 m (1,540 ft)
      Accommodation: Hrafntinnusker mountain hut

      Laugavegur Trail Hiking

    • From Hrafntinnusker, make your way down through the gullies of Jökultungur, where steaming hot springs and bubbling mud pools surround us. Along the way, take in breathtaking views of the Álftavatn area (Swan Lake) and the majestic Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull glaciers. In the afternoon, arrive at Hvanngil hut, nestled at the base of the striking green volcano Stórasúla, where you will spend the night.

      Hiking: 15-16 km (9.3-9.9 mi), 5 hours
      Elevation loss: -440 m (1,443 ft)
      Accommodation: Hvanngil mountain hut

    • Leaving the lush oasis of Hvanngil behind, today you journey into the vast black deserts of Mælifellssandur. As you approach the ancient, green-covered Hattfell volcano, you will enter the Emstrur region, once used by farmers for summer sheep grazing. Before reaching the Botnar hut for the night, you can take a detour to admire the breathtaking Markarfljót canyon, which plunges nearly 200 meters into the rugged landscape south of Hattfell.

      Hiking: 12 km (7.5 miles), 6 hours
      Elevation loss: -100 m (328 ft)
      Accommodation: Botnar mountain hut

      Laugavegur Trail Hiking

    • Continue up and down through the small valleys and gullies of Emstrur, where the great Mýrdalsjökull glacier rises only a couple of kilometers away. As our hike comes to an end for the day, the vegetation starts to grow thicker and higher as we descend into Þórsmörk’s green valleys (the woods of Thor), filled with arctic birch forests and colorful flowers. After arriving at the huts in Þórsmörk, you can settle in for the night or explore the area around the hut.

      Hiking: 19 km (12 miles), 6-7 hours
      Elevation loss: -300 m (985 ft)
      Accommodation: Mountain hut in Thórsmörk

      Laugavegur Trail Hiking

    • Spend the morning exploring Þórsmörk, following one of its many scenic trails. Options include visiting the Sönghellir cave (Song Cave) or hiking up Valahnúkur, a small mountain offering breathtaking panoramic views. In the afternoon, take the bus back to Reykjavík, arriving at the BSI bus terminal at 7:20 p.m., where your journey comes to an end.

      Hiking: 5-8 km (3-5 miles), 3-4 hours

      Laugavegur Trail Hiking

    • Included:

        • 5-day Laugavegur Trail self-guided tour
        • Accommodation for 4 nights in mountain huts
        • Public transport from Reykjavík to Landmannalaugar and from Þórsmörk to Reykjavík
        • Hiking map and detailed travel information/travel vouchers
        • Luggage transfers — 1x duffel bag up to 18 kg (40 lb) per person
        • VAT and city tax

      Add-ons (available to add at checkout):

        • Sleeping bag
        • Hiking pole

      Not included:

        • Travel to Iceland
        • Meals
        • Anything not mentioned above in the “Included” section
        • Insurance — recommended, available to add at checkout

    • For this Laugavegur Trail self-guided tour, you need to be in great shape and have experience in hiking in mountainous terrain with a backpack, 4-7 hours per day, 5 days in a row. On top of that, volcanic terrain can be challenging and the weather unforgiving. That said, if you are looking for adventure and up to the task of multiple days of full-day trekking, you’ll be rewarded immensely!

      The most you’ll hike within a day is 19 km (12 mi), up to 7 hours, with up to 470 m (1,540 ft) of elevation gain. For day-by-day distances and elevation changes, check out the itinerary!

      In terms of backpack weight, you will only need to carry a smaller day backpack with your lunch, water bottle, medication, sunglasses, river crossing shoes, rain gear, and other items or clothing you might need for the day. A great thing about this trip is that luggage transfers are included, making your hiking experience far more comfortable.

      Want to see what else is there in the area? Discover more Iceland hiking tours here!

    • Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

        • A duffel bag for the transport of your overnight gear between mountain huts
        • Day backpack for extra clothes and food during the day (around a 25-40L bag)
        • Food for the 5-day trek
        • Your own sleeping bag – a basic sleeping bag with no specific temperature rating is sufficient for this entire trek since all the mountain huts are heated (available to rent)
        • Small thermal mat to sit on — optional
        • Hiking poles — optional (available to rent)
        • Gaiters — optional but recommended for departures in June and early July
        • Gloves – wool or synthetic 2 pairs of different thickness
        • Long sleeve shirt (thermal underwear) – wool or synthetic
        • T-shirt (thermal underwear) – wool or synthetic
        • Light wool or fleece sweater (2nd layer)
        • Warm, down jacket
        • Puffy jacket e.g. Primaloft — optional
        • Jacket with a good hood – windproof, waterproof and breathable, e.g. Gore-Tex or comparable
        • Soft-shell trousers – strong and light material that dries quickly
        • Rain pants – windproof, waterproof and breathable — full raingear is mandatory in Iceland, poncho is not useful because of wind
        • Socks – wool or synthetic
        • Change of clothes for wearing in the hut
        • Sunhat
        • Wool hat
        • 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
        • Comfortable shoes for the camp
        • Quick dry towel – lightweight and packable
        • Swimwear if you want to bathe in the hot geothermal pool in Landmannalaugar
        • Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, etc.)
        • Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
        • Pocket knife
        • Aperitif or other heart-warming spirits – liquor laws in Iceland prohibit the sale of alcohol, so having a thermos flask to share with your fellow travelers in front of the campfire can be the crowning of a good day — optional
        • Headlamp or flashlight
        • Sunglasses
        • Earplugs
        • Portable power bank
        • Dry-bags for electronics and extra clothing — optional
        • Camera — optional (but recommended)

      Dress comfortably and for the weather in warm clothes you can move in. Iceland is home to infamously unpredictable weather, so you need to be prepared with the right gear.

      Luggage space on the trailer is limited, so we ask all guests to pack light for everyone’s comfort. Please bring one soft, waterproof duffel bag of about 6 L, weighing no more than 18 kg (40 lb), as this size and style are easiest to store. If you have extra luggage, we suggest leaving it at the BSI Bus Terminal in Reykjavik (fees apply) or another local storage facility.

    • Self-guided tours are perfect for those who enjoy exploring on their own terms—at their own pace, and with the company they choose. By joining this Laugavegur Trail self-guided, we take care of:

        • Accommodation for 4 nights in mountain huts
        • Public transport from Reykjavík to Landmannalaugar and from Þórsmörk to Reykjavík
        • Hiking map and detailed travel information/travel vouchers
        • Luggage transfers

      Rather than joining a guided group, you’ll navigate the tour yourself, using resources provided by the tour operator. For a hassle-free journey with everything arranged for you in advance, there’s no better option!

      As a self-guided tour is built around your preferred travel dates, your guide will take care of arranging accommodations and details after you book. Note that exact dates might shift slightly, so don’t make any travel arrangements until the details of your adventure are confirmed.

    • Group sizes and pricing

        • This Laugavegur Trail self-guided tour operates even with just one person signed up.
        • Single supplement is not available as you’ll be staying at mountain huts with dormitory-style rooms.

      Laugavegur Trail self-guided tours can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

      Min. age requirements

        • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
        • Minors above the age of 8 may be permitted to join the Laugavegur Trail self-guided tour on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

      If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

    • Since you’ll be staying at mountain huts with dormitory-style rooms, a single occupancy room is not available on this Laugavegur Trail self-guided tour.

    • To get to this 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.

      You will board the bus to get into the highlands at 6:30 a.m. on Day 1 at the BSI Bus Terminal in Reykjavik.

    • We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.

      Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors 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.

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