Laugavegur Trail
Subregion

Laugavegur Trail

Iceland's legendary trek through volcanic rainbow landscapes

The Laugavegur Trail isn't just Iceland's most famous trek – it's a 55-kilometer journey through landscapes that look like they belong on another planet. Over four days, you'll walk from the steaming geothermal valley of Landmannalaugar to the glacial river crossings near Þórsmörk, passing through rainbow-colored rhyolite mountains, black sand deserts, and emerald crater lakes. The trail gets busy in summer, but there's a reason thousands of hikers make this pilgrimage each year. This isn't a casual weekend stroll – you'll need proper gear, advance planning, and decent fitness. But if you can handle sleeping in mountain huts and crossing unbridged rivers, you'll experience some of the most surreal scenery on Earth.

Itineraries coming soon

We're working on adding amazing itineraries for Laugavegur Trail. In the meantime, try the app to create your own!

The classic Laugavegur runs 55 kilometers from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk over four days, though many hikers extend it by continuing to Skógar for a fifth day. Stage one covers 12 kilometers from Landmannalaugar to Hrafntinnusker, climbing through the rainbow rhyolite mountains that make this trek famous. You'll gain 470 meters of elevation and pass steaming fumaroles and obsidian fields. Day two drops 16 kilometers down to Álftavatn lake, descending through the dramatic Jökultungur canyon. Here's where you hit the black sand desert – it's stark and beautiful, but can be brutal in bad weather. Stage three is the longest at 15 kilometers to Emstrur, crossing the Mælifellssandur highland desert. The final day covers 12 kilometers to Þórsmörk, including several river crossings that can be knee-deep in meltwater season. Most hikers book the Fimmvörðuháls extension to Skógar, adding another 22 kilometers past Eyjafjallajökull glacier. The terrain varies wildly – from volcanic gravel to boggy marshes to river stones. GPS is essential since weather can reduce visibility to meters.

Money-Saving Tips

  • 1.Book mountain huts early in December when reservations open - popular summer dates sell out in hours
  • 2.Rent gear in Reykjavik rather than buying - full packages cost around 15,000 ISK ($110) for 4 days
  • 3.Mix camping and huts to save money - camping costs 2,500 ISK vs 9,500 ISK for hut beds
  • 4.Pack all your own food from Reykjavik supermarkets - no shops exist along the trail
  • 5.Book bus transport in advance online for better prices than paying at the station
  • 6.Consider extending to Skógar for better value on transport costs back to Reykjavik
  • 7.Travel in early June or September for lower accommodation demand and cheaper bus fares
  • 8.Join group tours if traveling solo - per-person costs are often lower than independent travel

Travel Tips

  • •Download offline maps to your phone - GPS signal can be spotty in valleys and bad weather
  • •Pack extra food for delays - weather can force extended stays at huts
  • •Wear gaiters to keep volcanic sand out of your boots - it gets everywhere
  • •Test all gear before leaving Reykjavik - mountain weather is unforgiving
  • •Carry cash for hut fees - card readers don't always work in remote locations
  • •Start early each day to avoid afternoon storms and secure good camping spots
  • •Practice river crossing techniques before the trek - some crossings can be dangerous
  • •Bring duct tape for emergency gear repairs - sharp volcanic rock tears fabric easily
  • •Check weather forecasts obsessively at vedur.is - conditions change rapidly
  • •Pack toilet paper and trowel - facilities are basic and sometimes out of supplies

Frequently Asked Questions

Laugavegur is moderately challenging, requiring good fitness and hiking experience. Daily distances range 12-16km over varied terrain including river crossings, volcanic rock, and steep descents. The main challenges are unpredictable weather, carrying 4 days of gear, and navigation in poor visibility.

Explore Laugavegur Trail

Things to Do in Laugavegur TrailWhen to Visit Laugavegur Trail3 Days in Laugavegur Trail7 Days in Laugavegur Trail

Ready to explore Laugavegur Trail?

Get a personalized itinerary in seconds with Takeoff.

Free on iOS. No credit card required.