Laugavegur Trek - 4 Days (Guided- Camping) – Iceland – FlashpackerConnect Adventure Travel

Iceland's most famous hiking trail Laugavegur, is known worldwide for its astounding and breathtaking sceneries. Join us on this 4 day trekking adventure where we experience the highlands of Iceland and its diverse landscapes. Glaciers, bubbling hot springs, fields of lava, multi colored mountains and much much more!

Overview:

Departures (Every Monday): June - September

Duration: 4 days/ 3 nights

Distance: 55 km (34 mi)

Difficulty: moderate

Accommodation: Camping

Upgrade to the Hut to Hut version: Laugavegur Trek Hut to Hut

The Laugavegur Trek, recognized by National Geographic as one of the “20 Best Hikes in the World,” offers an unforgettable journey through Iceland's highlands. Over four days, you'll explore the stunning landscapes of Landmannalaugar, with its vibrant red and green rhyolite mountains and caramel-colored peaks, all set against the surreal backdrop of steaming geothermal vents—a perfect introduction to the adventure ahead.

One of the highlights of this trek is the chance to immerse yourself in nature by staying in tents. If you're unsure about tent camping, here are some benefits:

Smaller group sizes create a more intimate experience.
Tents provide greater privacy compared to shared hut accommodations.
Large communal tents at overnight stops offer space for meals and gatherings, adding comfort and convenience.

This trek combines adventure, natural beauty, and a unique connection with the wild Icelandic landscape.

Trip Itinerary

REYKJAVIK - LANDMANNALAUGAR - HRAFNTINNUSKER

Distance: 12km / 7.5 miles

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Elevation Gain: 470m / 1,550ft

The tour starts by the Reykjavík tourist info at Reykjavik's City Hall (Ráðhúsið) by Tjörnin pond at 7.00 a.m. It's located in downtown Reykjavik and within walking distance from most hotels, hostels and guesthouses in central Reykjavik. We also offer pick up at selected locations around Reykjavik (see other pick up locations in tour description). After introductions, we board the scheduled bus that takes us to Landmannalaugar. The drive takes about 3-4 hours, on the way we travel along the south coast and then turn inland and pass Iceland's most active volcano, Hekla. Our hike starts in Landmannalaugar as we walk through this geothermal wonderland and look at the colorful mountains and steaming hot springs. The trail takes us through the rough lava field, Laugahraun. From there we move to the slopes of Brennisteinsalda, which is known worldwide for its incredible spectrums of colors and photogenic looks. We walk by the beautiful hot spring Storihver before crossing into the obsidian desert by Hrafntinnusker. Storihver er one of the very few green grounds we will encounter on this day. We spend the night at Hrafntinnusker.

Meals included: lunch, refreshments & dinner.

‍

HRAFNTINNUSKER - LAKE ALFTAVATN

Distance: 12km / 7.5 miles

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Elevation Gain: 490m / 1,610ft

After a communal breakfast, we head out again and walk along the Reykjafjoll mountains and then descend into the Jökultungur area. The geothermal activity has turned these gullies yellow and red. We will leave the colorful rhyolite mountains and enter into an area with dark palagonite mountains and a breathtaking glacier view. If the visibility is good we hike up to Mt. Haskerdingur were the view greets you with countless glaciers, mountains and volcanoes. During the next steps, the landscape will be a lot greener and you might notice a considerable increase in vegetation. From the top of Jökultungur, there is a great view over the Fjallabak area and lake Álftavatn which is our next overnight stop. The trail down Jökulstungur is rather steep but once you are down you have landed in a fertile paradise on the banks of the river Grashagakvísl. Before reaching Álftavatn we cross an unbridged stream on foot. We spend the night at the camping site right next to the lake.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, refreshments & dinner.

‍

LAKE ALFTAVATN - EMSTRUR

Distance: 15km / 9.5 miles

Hiking Time: 6-7 hours

Elevation Loss: 40m / 130ft

We start the day with another refreshing stream crossing as we make our way past the green volcano Stórasúla and into the black desert of Mælifellssandur. On our way, we will see Hattafell, a volcano with a strange flat top. We walk through this black glacial desert and into Emstrur where there is a chance to enjoy a view of Eyjafjallajokull and Myrdalsjokull glaciers. Emstrur is a lush region where farmers used to graze their sheep during the summertime. Just before reaching Botnar we turn of the path to look at Markarfljótsgljúfur, approximately 200 m deep canyon carved out by the glacial river Markarfljot. Botnar is a little green oasis, a welcomed sight after walking through the black sands. We put up our tents and spend the night at Botnar.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, refreshments & dinner.

EMSTRUR - THORSMORK

Distance: 15km / 9.5 miles

Hiking Time: 6-7 hours

Elevation Loss: 300m / 985ft (decent)

We put Emstrur behind us and on our way to Thorsmork. The trail takes us within a few kilometers from the great Myrdalsjokull glacier. As we descend towards Almenningar a few trees can be seen, which is a sign we are getting closer to the coast. We walk past the characteristic mountain Einhyrningur (“The Unicorn”) and into the dense birch forest in Thorsmork. Thorsmork is a green valley nesting under the glaciers Eyjafjallajokull and Myrdalsjokull, a truly magnificent place. In the afternoon we take the bus back to Reykjavik where we will be returning at around 21:30.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch & refreshments.

‍

Additional Trip Info

Transportation To/From the Trail
Guiding Service - Professional Mountain Trekking Guide
Accommodation in tents
Meals
Luggage Transport from camp to camp
Small Group Experience
Tents (2-3 persons)
Insulated mattress

Tips
Travel Insurance - We recommend World Nomads, or Global Rescue
Showers are not included in the price but can be purchased at all huts but Hrafntinnusker (500 ISK).

Hiking boots - good sturdy boots with sufficient ankle support, robust sole and waterproof
Thermal underwear (long sleeve top and bottom) made of wool or synthetics (not cotton)
Wool or fleece thermal mid layer
Hiking pants (we don't recommend cottons as they take long to dry if wet)
Hiking socks made of wool or synthetic (at least 2-3 pairs)
Waterproof and breathable (fabric such as Gore-Tex or similar) both pants and jacket (preferably with a hood)
Gloves and mittens - wool or synthetic (waterproof over gloves/mitts recommended)
Warm hat and/or balaclava
HEALTH SUPPLIES AND PRESCRIPTION MEDICINE IF NEEDED
Day backpack about 25-40 L
Travel sack for your baggage that is transported between huts. (Suitcases are not recommended, we recommend a waterproof duffel bag)
River crossing shoes -for example quick drying trail runners, sandals (with straps) or neoprene shoes
Sleeping bag and travel pillow
Towel
Toothbrush and personal toiletries
Sunglasses/sunscreen
1-2 L Water bottle
Hiking poles
Gaiters
Penknife
Camera, batteries & memory card
Book
Headlamp for trips in late season (after August 10th)
Earplugs
Money for the showers (500 kr in coins)
Power bank / portable charging device