Description
An immersive Icelandic adventure through breathtaking wilderness on the Laugavegur Trail
7 DAYS | 6 NIGHTS
Challenge | Discover | Fulfil
Overview
Laugavegur Trail Adventure
Guided trek through Iceland’s dramatic wilderness
Cross Iceland’s legendary Laugavegur Trail on a fully supported adventure through volcanoes, glaciers, geothermal valleys and the breathtaking wilderness of Þórsmörk.
Experience one of the world’s most spectacular multi-day hikes on this unforgettable 7-day Iceland adventure. Beginning in Reykjavík, you’ll journey into Iceland’s rugged highlands to walk the iconic Laugavegur Trail, a route celebrated for its ever-changing landscapes, from colourful rhyolite mountains and steaming geothermal fields to black volcanic deserts, glacial rivers and lush alpine valleys. With experienced local guides, luggage transfers between huts and delicious meals included on the trek, you can simply immerse yourself in the adventure.
Over four incredible days, you’ll hike from Landmannalaugar to the beautiful valley of Þórsmörk, staying in traditional mountain huts along the way. Each day reveals a completely different side of Iceland’s dramatic wilderness, with highlights including the obsidian landscapes of Hrafntinnusker, the steaming geothermal slopes of Jökultungur, the vast Mælifellssandur black sand plains, the spectacular Markarfljót Canyon and the glacier-framed forests of Þórsmörk. The journey finishes with time to explore this magical nature reserve before returning to Reykjavík and spending your final night overlooking Keflavík marina.
Join us for an authentic Icelandic experience. It’s the perfect way to experience the raw beauty, geological wonders and unforgettable landscapes that have made the Laugavegur Trail one of the world’s great trekking adventures.
Itinerary
Day 1 | Arrive at Reykjavik
Arriving at Keflavik International Airport, we make our way to our central accommodation at the Hotel Alda, located on the main shopping street, Laugavegur, in the very heart of Reykjavik, Iceland’s vibrant capital city.
After checking in, you may choose to explore the local area or make the most of the many in-house services available within our accommodation. There’s a gym, hot tub and sauna, restaurant and bar, and even a barber for those wanting a quick tidy up.
We will meet in the hotel lobby before dinner to enjoy a bite to eat together (at own expense) before retiring to Alda’s spacious, well-appointed, Nordic-designed rooms for a good night’s sleep, ready to head out of the city and into the wilderness early tomorrow.
Meals Included: –
Walking Distance: –
Day 2 | Reykjavík to Landmannalaugar, Start the Laugavegur Trail
We’re up early to be at the bus terminal before 7am. Catching the public bus, we drive the mountain tracks that lead to Landmannalaugar, passing by the Hekla volcano in the Dómadalur area.
Arriving at Landmannalaugar by noon, we have lunch and then make our way to the start of the Laugavegur Trail, where we head south into the mountains. Throughout the afternoon, the trail takes us past small gorges, steaming hot springs and yellow mountain ridges. We arrive at the Hrafntinnusker mountain hut in the late afternoon. Here is where we stay the night in dorms spread across two floors. There’s a drying room for wet gear, a well-equipped kitchen, a composting toilet, and it’s efficiently heated by water from hot springs!
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Walking Distance: 12km
Day 3 | Laugavegur Trail - Hrafntinnusker to Hvanngil
After breakfast, we depart from Hrafntinnusker and descend into the gullies of Jökultungur with hundreds of steaming hot springs and mud pools. We’re rewarded with stunning views to the south, toward the Álfavatn area (Swan Lake) and the Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull glaciers.
In the afternoon, we arrive at Hvanngil hut, located at the foot of the green conic volcano Stórasúla. Enjoying the communal hut atmosphere, we stay another night in dorm-style accommodation.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Walking Distance: 16km
Day 4 | Laugavegur Trail - Hvanngil to Emstrur
We leave the green oasis of Hvanngil and continue our hike, entering the black deserts of Mælifellssandur. Heading towards another ancient and verdurous volcano, the Hattfell, we enter the Emstrur region where farmers used to graze their sheep in summer.
Before arriving at the Botnar hut where we stay the night, we visit the magnificent Markarfljót canyon cut almost 200 m down into the rocks south of Hattfell. Carved by massive glacial floods from the Katla volcano roughly 2,000 years ago, the canyon is most definitely a highlight of the trail.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Walking Distance: 13km
Day 5 | Laugavegur Trail - Emstrur to Þórsmörk
Today, we continue through the small valleys and gullies of Emstrur, where the majestic Mýrdalsjökull glacier rises only a couple of kilometres away. It’s an incredible sight to see this vast ice cap atop the still-active Katia volcano. Mýrdalsjökull is Iceland’s fourth-largest glacier, covering a whopping 600 sq. km. As much as it is a time to capture epic photographs, it’s also an opportunity to pause, breathe and immerse yourself in its vast beauty. Allow the awe to wash over you.
As we descend into Þórsmörk’s green valleys filled with arctic birch forests and colourful flowers, we quietly acknowledge our final steps on the trail and reflect upon the incredible days we’ve spent out here in this breathtaking wilderness. Arriving at the huts in Þórsmörk, we end this fantastic part of our adventure with a barbecue dinner.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Walking Distance: 17km
Day 6 | Þórsmörk to Reykavik
We spend the morning in Þórsmörk, fully soaking up this picturesque nature reserve in the Icelandic highlands. You can walk along numerous paths, exploring the dense woodland and visiting the Sönghellir cave – an ancient lava tube with remarkable acoustics. Or you may choose to climb the small mountain of Valahnúkur, from where a magnificent view can be enjoyed. Þórsmörk is a nature-lover’s playground with plenty of activities to enjoy in the morning before we take the afternoon bus to Reykjavik and our final dinner together at our hotel. Overnight at Alda Hotel. Reykjavik.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Walking Distance: Optional
Day 7 | Departure Day / Onward Travel
You can depart anytime after breakfast on this day – you might consider extending your time in Iceland – please ask us how we can assist you to plan your extended time, flights and other travel arrangements.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Walking Distance: –
Need To Know
Inclusions
Travel
- Transfers between accommodation if unable to walk on any day
- Luggage transfers daily to accommodation (1 suitcase up to 20kg per person)
- Public Bus
- Private group transfers
Meals
- All meals and snacks as per the itinerary
- B x 5 | L x 5 | D x 5
Accommodation
- 2 nights Reykjavik accommodation (1 pre and 1 post trek – twin share)
- 4 nights mountain hut dormitory-style accommodation
Activities
- Professionally guided walk along the Laugavegur Trail
Safety
- Our local guide
- Group First Aid kit and emergency communication device
Environmental
- Small group guided experience
- Leave No Trace principles
- Invitations to connect with nature
- Reduce waste through recycling, reusing and composting
- National Park entry fees
Big Heart Extras
- Big Heart Adventures designed ioMerino hiking top
- Big Heart Adventures designed head sock
- Big Heart Adventures journal
- 4 pre-departure training walks and or training program (trip specific)
- Discounts for pre-departure purchases at Exurbia
- A charity contribution to our Give Back program
Exclusions
- International and domestic flights
(speak to us about the benefits of packaging your flights with us) - Travel arrangements to the start and from the end of the tour
- Comprehensive Travel Insurance (compulsory)
- Meals and drinks not stated on itinerary (Daily budget ‘AUD’ – lunch $15 and dinner $50)
- Items of a personal nature
Trail Notes
We grade the overall walking on this itinerary as MODERATE-CHALLENGING
(see our grading system)
This grading is provided as general advice only, and is based on our assessment and also feedback from past participants. Please consider your level of fitness and experience in regard to this rating, and if you’re unsure please contact us for more information
Landmannalaugar to Hrafntinnusker
Distance: 12km
Elevation Gain: 675m
Elevation Loss: 200m
Hrafntinnusker to Hvanngil
Distance: 16km
Elevation Gain: 400m
Elevation Loss: 875m
Hvanngil to Emstrur
Distance: 13km
Elevation Gain: 275m
Elevation Loss: 375m
Emstrur to Þórsmörk
Distance: 17km
Elevation Gain: 450m
Elevation Loss: 700m
Why choose us
10 REASONS TO WALK WITH US
Realistic Itineraries
we want you to love and be inspired by the Laugavegur trail. This tour itinerary is well-designed and realistic ….. we don’t over sell and under deliver
Be Fulfilled
this itinerary is designed to maximise your awe and leave you fulfilled. You will walk the 56km Laugavegur Trail mindfully and with minimal eco-footprint ….. you won’t leave feeling unfulfilled
Group Fitness
we want you to succeed and maximise your enjoyment, so pre-tour training walks, training programs, and group chats online are provided leading up to your walking tour (included as part of the tour price). These will assist you to practice on terrain that you are likely to encounter, meet our guides and other group members, ask questions on what to expect, receive advice on the trail, travel, and the destination, and gauge your level of fitness….. so we invest in your preparation
Travel Assistance
our in-house travel specialists can assist you with travel insurance. If you want to see more of Scandinavia or Europe, we can also package any accommodation, flights, and add-ons in addition to this tour. Package your walk with us and save stress, time and money
Meaningful Moments
we will bring your Iceland experience alive …..through our local guides
Safety
our local guides carry group first-aid kits, communication devices, and safety equipment. In addition, safety procedures are in place, and constant communication is undertaken with local emergency services
Nature Connection
we want you to feel de-stressed and re-energised. So, our guides also immerse you with your surrounds. Not only do we safely guide you and share our knowledge, we also provide invitations for you to slow down and connect deeper with nature ….. we’re pioneers of hiking with deep nature immersion
Timing
we go at the best time of the year for comfortable walking conditions. We can’t guarantee perfect weather everyday, but you can book with confidence
Small Groups
a maximum of 12 only on each departure. Meaning, it’s better for the environment and you won’t feel like you’re just a number in the crowd
Packing List
A detailed packing list is provided prior to travel
- Gear you will need:
- Rainproof jacket and pants
- Daypack (35 litre approx.)
- Water bottles/hydration kit (min 2Ltrs)
- Personal medications
- Clothing suitable for walking that is quick drying and breathable – consider merino/synthetic clothing
- Sun protection such as hat, sunglasses and suncream, insect repellent
- Sleeping attire
Accessibility
Requires following trails through diverse Icelandic terrain, carrying a day pack with some steep sections, river crossings, black sand ash deserts, forest, and moss-covered lava fields. Accommodation and transport includes stairs. Please talk to us about your accessibility needs before booking
Details
- Type: All Genders Guided
- Adventure: Laugavegur Trail Adventure
- Destination: Iceland, Nordic Islands
- Group Size: Max 12 plus leaders
Fitness Requirement
- A good level of fitness is required to walk the trails on this trip
- You will be walking pack free (day packs only)
- You will walk on a variety of surfaces on undulating trails
- Our longest walking day is 17km and we walk 4 consecutive days on this adventure
- Trip rating: Moderate-challenging
Important Information
- *Eligible Past Traveller Discount applies if you’ve travelled with us on any of our guided tours which were 5 days duration or longer
- Read terms and conditions before booking
- Itinerary and price subject to change at any time
- Travel Insurance is recommended. Get a quote from Covermore or Go Insurance
- Note weather, group member welfare and a range of circumstances outside our control can mean last minute changes to our itinerary are necessary once on tour
- A limited number of single rooms are available on a first-come basis (for city stays only) – hut rooms are request only and not guaranteed
- Please contact us before booking any flights. Depending on flight arrival and departure times extra nights accommodation may be required at own expense
- A minimum number of travellers are required for this trip to depart so ask someone to join you. If minimum numbers aren’t reached, we may decide to still go or we will provide a full refund, subject to third party conditions
- Training walks start 6 weeks prior to departure. We recommend you attend these walks to maximise your enjoyment and for the groups welfare when away
- Rooming is twin share (some huts might be dorm style)
- This is a guided walk with day-packs only – your luggage will be transferred each day between huts
- If you have additional needs please connect with us, we’re committed to being inclusive and accessible
Adventure Leaders
Our experienced and knowledgeable local guide is with you for the journey. Our team is qualified, experienced and super friendly. We will ensure you have a fun and connecting adventure.
