Laugavegur Trail

Highlights

• Landmannalaugar's rhyolite mountains and geothermal terrain are visually unique
• Black volcanic deserts, lingering snow, and green valleys create constant contrast
• Thorsmork is one of Iceland's great hiking sanctuaries
• Strong hikers can extend onward over Fimmvorduhals to Skogar

Suitable For

• Travellers wanting a first Icelandic highlands trek
• Hikers drawn to volcanic landscapes
• Those with some prior multi-day trekking experience

Important Notes

• Weather can turn severe within hours, with wind, cold, and rain arriving together
• Several river crossings are unbridged and vary in difficulty
• The bus and hut season is short and highly seasonal
• Peak-season huts and campsites require advance booking

Getting There

Seasonal highland buses run from Reykjavik to Landmannalaugar, with return buses from Thorsmork at the finish.

Suggested Itinerary

1. Day 1: Landmannalaugar to Hrafntinnusker across rhyolite slopes and geothermal terrain.
2. Day 2: Hrafntinnusker to Alftavatn, descending into lakes and wide valleys.
3. Day 3: Alftavatn to Emstrur with classic river crossings and open highland plains.
4. Day 4: Emstrur to Thorsmork through canyons and greener terrain.

Season & Permit Notes

Season notes: The main hiking season is concentrated in July through early September. Late June and late September can be heavily affected by snow and transport interruptions.

Permits: No separate trail permit is usually needed, but hut, campsite, and highland bus bookings are essential.

Supplies & Accommodation

Supplies: Commercial resupply is essentially absent. Most hikers carry all food for the route, with only very limited snacks available at some huts.

Accommodation: Walkers usually use huts or designated campsites at Hrafntinnusker, Alftavatn, Emstrur, and Thorsmork.

GPX Track