Laugavegur Trail

Days

7

Activity Level

Moderate

Host City

Reykjavik, Iceland

From

$4,495 USD

Laugavegur Trail

The Laugavegur Trail is one of the most remarkable hikes you can do on the island nation of Iceland, known informally as the Land of Fire and Ice. The trek traverses a dramatic, sometimes almost alien landscape dotted with geothermal activity, where Mother Nature reigns supreme.

Crossing the mountains east of Reykjavík, it’s a multi-day journey from Landmannalaugar to Thorsmork (Þórsmörk), near Eyjafjallajökull volcano. On this trek, you will pass by petrified lava fields and snowy peaks, alongside waterfalls and glacial rivers, and over tussock meadows interspersed with ancient rock formations. With so much raw nature along the route, it’s no surprise that the Laugavegur Trail is considered one of the greatest hikes on Earth.


Explore Iceland with TEP

Trip Highlights

Explore Reykjavik, the world’s most northerly capital city, which impresses visitors with its “smallest big city” atmosphere.

Journey along the famous Laugavegur Trail, one of the most incredible treks on the planet, which features the splendor of multi-colored mountains, scenic gorges, steaming hot springs, and much more.

Our world-class trip leaders are the premier guides in Iceland and have been leading adventures on the Laugavegur Trail for over 15 years!

Relax in the serenity of the Blue Lagoon, a natural geothermal spa renowned for its soothing properties.

Let’s Plan Your Trip Today:


TRIP COST

From $2,350 per person

*More info on Pricing

More questions? Read more about pricing here

Start dates

Group and Custom Dates are available to Hike the Laugavegur Trek from June through September.

To inquire about a custom date,
please contact us!

Duration

Starts at 4 Days / 3 Nights

Accommodations

Various Options*

TBD

*Read about your Accommodations in Iceland

max group size

No Minimum or Maximum

*16 Trekkers

ACTIVITY LEVEL

Moderate*

Activities: multi-day hiking on the Laugavegur route (total trekking distance: ~58 kms / ~34 miles)

*Please refer to our Trip Activity Level Guide for more information

6 Day / 5 Night Trip Daily Overview

Sample Trip Itinerary

Custom Trip Itineraries are available for any size group. Please contact us for a complete detailed itinerary.

The Laugavegur Trail adventure takes you through Iceland’s southern highlands, as you explore the spectacular scenery of this unique and captivating region.

Want more information? Download a detailed itinerary.

Itineraries include detailed descriptions of each day, tips on travel arrangements, regional highlights, and more. It’s the perfect tool to help you choose!

Request Itinerary

Day 1: Iceland

Welcome to Iceland! Get ready to experience one of the most enchanting landscapes on earth, where you will see vistas truly out of this world. A private transport will be waiting to take you to your hotel outside of the airport. Once you settle into your hotel, you will have the rest of the day to explore on your own.

Accommodations: Fosshotel Reykjavik

Day 2: Laugavegur Trail

We journey into the southern highlands to experience the magical Landmannalaugar area where we begin the famous Laugavegur Trail, one of the most incredible treks on the planet. The Laugavegur Trail features the splendor of rainbow colored mountains where you will see a spectrum of shades, the brilliance of which is unparalleled.

Accommodations: Mountain Huts

Day 3: Jökultungur

From the Hrafntinnusker Ridge, we journey down into the gullies of Jökultungur. This unique Icelandic vista features mud pools and hot springs, and offers fantastic views towards Álftavatn in the south (also known as Swan Lake). Pale stone and lush green sit side by side in this luxurious landscape. Mýrdalsjökull glacier is in sight here, which covers an active volcano called Katla. Eyjafjallajökull is also visible, and active, and recently erupted as 2010.

Accommodations: Mountain Huts

Day 4: Black deserts of Mælifellssandur

Passing the green conic volcano of Stórasúla, we traverse into the black deserts of Mælifellssandur. This is a mythical location like no other, a truly unique and otherworldly experience, on our way through to the ancient volcano of Hattfell. The black sands appear alien, the closest experience to a moonlike surface on earth. This is known as the Emstrur region, a place armers transported their sheep from across the canyon of Markarfljot river before bridges opened up for vehicles in the area.

Accommodations: Mountain Huts

Day 5: Þórsmörk – the Woods of Thor

We continue on the Laugavegur Trail through Þórsmörk – the Woods of Thor. Þórsmörk is named after Thor, the God of Thunder. This idyllic spot is filled with flowers and arctic birch forests, making for an oasis of lush beauty. You will have the chance to experience a color spectrum that is truly the stuff of fairy-tales.

Accommodations: Mountain Hut

Day 6: Þórsmörk Continued

We spend the morning in Þórsmörk where we walk along one of numerous paths. For example, we can visit to the Sönghellir cave (Song cave), climb up the small mountain of Valahnúkur from where magnificent view can be enjoyed, before taking the afternoon bus to Reykjavík.

Accommodations: Fosshotel Reykjavík

Day 7: Blue Lagoon

Finish up the day with a restorative soak in the Blue Lagoon, a natural geothermal spa renowned for its salving properties. You will have the morning to explore this magnificent site. We spend our final night back in Keflavík, where you will have free time to relax and explore the city.

Accommodations: Keflavik Airport

Day 8: Returning Flight from Keflavik

As your Icelandic adventure comes to a close, board your flight from Keflavík International Airport. Departing from this gateway to Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes, you’ll soon be heading home with a camera full of stunning photos and memories to last a lifetime. Safe travels and we look forward to welcoming you on your next adventure!

Accommodations: N/A

Create your OWN Unique Experience

Customizing Your Adventure

Are you interested in another activity or destination in Iceland that isn’t listed above? Planning to spend extra time in the region, or interested in specific travel dates? No problem. As experts in tailored trip planning, we can weave your interests and your timeframe into our customizable itineraries so that every detail of your extraordinary trip unfolds just the way you want it to.  Click the options below to learn more:

With The Explorer’s Passage, you can choose between a variety of additional activity options in Reykjavik:

  • Golden Circle Tour
  • Reykjanes Peninsula
  • Horseback Riding
  • Whale Watching
  • Northern Lights Tour

While in/around Iceland, you can choose to add on one or several of the following:

  • Akureyri
  • Lake Mývatn
  • Dynjandi Waterfall
  • Latrabjarg Cliffs
  • Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
  • Vatnajökull Glacier

In addition to their time in Europe, many travelers choose to add in other destinations to their trips, including (but not limited to) some of the following:

  • Mont Blanc

Contact us today to get started customizing your dream trip to Iceland!

Our Travelers Tell Their Own Tale

5-Star Review Average on Trip Advisor! Read More >
5 star rating
5 star rating
5 star rating
5 star rating
5 star rating
“I can not recommend the Explorers Passage highly enough. The expedition exceeded all expectations and I would recommend to everybody that their next adventure is with this group.”
– Winston C.
5 star rating
5 star rating
5 star rating
5 star rating
5 star rating
“It didn’t matter how big or small my question or concern was….Explorers Passage was there. On the trip itself, we felt very well taken care of with everything we did. I have no regrets…”
– Tina K.
5 star rating
5 star rating
5 star rating
5 star rating
5 star rating
“I cannot rate TEP highly enough. From my initial enquiry about trekking in the Himalayas, Jeff was so helpful and an itinerary was planned for me to suit my requirements. The whole service was seamless.”
– Allison S.
relax in comfort

Trip Accommodations

For the nights before and after the Laugavegur Trek, you can relax in the comfort of 3.5 – 4 Star accommodations – featuring some of the finest hotels in Iceland.

3.5 / 4 Star Accommodations

Fosshotel Reykjavík | Reykjavík, Iceland

Fosshotel Reykjavík – Iceland’s largest hotel – stands prominently in Reykjavík’s business district, only a short walk from the main shopping area. Here, from the heart of the city, you can easily explore Reykjavík’s magnificent architecture, captivating history, vibrant markets and rich culture – ideal starting points to experience the best of everything the city has to offer. Unwind at the beer garden with local Icelandic draught beer and enjoy select dining at Fosshotel Reykjavík’s restaurant, Haust.

Fosshotel Reykjavík Website

Hótel Drangshlíð | Drangshlíð, Iceland

Hótel Drangshlíð is small and family owned, and has been in operation since 1992. The hotel is situated in southern Iceland, only four kilometers from the world famous Skógafoss waterfall and within 50 kilometers of many of the biggest tourist attractions in Iceland, such as Seljalandsfoss waterfall, Reynisfjara black beach, Eyjafjallajökull glacier, Þórsmörk Natural Reserve, Dyrahólaey island, and many more. Hótel Drangshlíð offers simple and clean rooms in the beautiful mountain surroundings of Eyjafjöll.

Hótel Drangshlíð Website NA

While experiencing the Laugavegur trek in Iceland, you can choose to stay in mountain huts or camping tents (or, Hotel Las Torres or geodesic domes in the Central Sector). These accommodation sites feature bathroom facilities with showers, personal lockers (*in huts only), and some even have pay-as-you-go internet available in common areas. Drinks (including beer and wine) and snacks are available for purchase at these sites along the trail. You will also receive a park ‘welcome kit’ which includes a sleeping bag liner. See below for more information:

Laugavegur trek Mountain Huts | Iceland

Huts on the Laugavegur trek offer communal dorm-style accommodation with bunk beds, comparable to many other mountain huts or lodges in other parts of the world. These huts can be rustic but comfortable (especially after long days of trekking!), though the best part are the warm communal dining areas where you can meet and mingle with other fellow adventurers. These mountain huts include Hrafntinnusker, Alftavatn, Botnar / Emstrur, and Langidalur.

we’re always happy to help

Frequently Asked Questions

The Laugavegur Trail is a renowned multi-day hiking route in Iceland, stretching approximately 55 kilometers (34 miles) from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk. It features diverse landscapes, including volcanic terrains, geothermal areas, glaciers, and lush valleys.

The best time to hike the Laugavegur Trail is during the summer months, from late June to early September. This period offers the most stable weather conditions and minimal snow coverage. However, the trail can be hiked outside this window with proper preparation.

The Laugavegur Trail is considered moderate to challenging. It involves diverse terrain, including volcanic landscapes, river crossings, and fluctuating weather conditions. A good level of physical fitness and some hiking experience are recommended.

Yes, the trail includes several river crossings. Some rivers have bridges, but others may require wading or crossing on foot. Conditions can vary, so it’s important to use available safety equipment and assess each crossing carefully.

Weather conditions can be highly variable. Expect cold temperatures, strong winds, and rain, even in summer. Be prepared for sudden changes and have appropriate gear for all weather conditions.

There are no medical facilities along the trail. It is essential to carry a personal first aid kit and know basic first aid. In case of a serious emergency, you would need to contact emergency services or arrange for evacuation.

Wildlife encounters are rare on the trail. If you do encounter animals, such as birds or Icelandic sheep, observe them from a distance without disturbing their natural behavior.


ICELAND TRIP SUPPORT

There is no other operator in the travel industry that will provide the same level of personal attention to your travel experience.


More Trip Inspiration:

We look forward to helping you plan your next big adventure!