Laugavegur Trail
The Laugavegur Trail is arguably the most renowned hiking trail in all of Iceland, traversing breathtaking landscapes between Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk. It is known as the “Hot Springs Route.”
A multi-day trek, the Laugavegur hike is about 55 kilometers (34 miles) end to end and most backpackers take 3 to 4 days to complete it. The hike allows you to experience the highlands of Southern Iceland up close.
Typically hiked in the summer, when the weather is relatively more stable and the landscapes at their gorgeous best, the Laugavegur Trail should definitely be on your itinerary for Iceland if you are an avid backpacker.
In this article we provide information about how to hike the Laugavegur Trail: what to expect along the hike, where to stay en route, and more.
Laugavegur Trail Quick Stats
Distance: 55 kilometers (about 34 miles)
Elevation Change: 1,700 meters (about 5,577 feet) over the entire route
Difficulty: Moderate, not technical but conditions can be challenging at times
Time Taken: 3-4 days
Start and End: Most hikers do the Laugavegur Trail from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk
Trailhead: Landmannalaugar Campsite, look for signs
Tacking on the Fimmvörðuháls Trail: Additional 25 kilometers (15.5 miles), 1,400 meters of elevation gain, end at Skogafoss in Skogar
Hiking the Laugavegur Trail
Below we’ve described a 4-day Laugavegur trek. Taking four days allows you more time to appreciate the truly spectacular and diverse terrain you will be hiking.
Day 1: Landmannalaugar to Hrafntinnusker
If you are based in Reykjavik, plan to arrive in Landmannalaugar at least the day before, so you are well rested and can begin the Laugavegur Trail early in the day.
Enjoy the colorful rhyolite mountains in Landmannalaugar and take in the dip in the hot spring near the Landmannalaugar campsite!
The Laugavegur Trail takes you across the Laugahraun lava field, so you will get to observe the volcanic landscapes, with steam vents and bubbling mud pools, up close as you hike.
The trail passes by the colorful mountain of Brennisteinsalda, before continuing uphill to Stórihver, a lush valley with colorful hills.
You will continue uphill along black volcanic slopes (this part of the hike involves quite a bit of elevation gain). You may see snow here even at the height of summer.
Your final destination for the day is the Hrafntinnusker Hut, which is located at the highest elevation on the Laugavegur hike.
Snow dark gray and brown slopes, streaked with sow, surround the hut. The campsite here is rather bare, so be prepared to brave the cold.
Day 2: Hrafntinnusker to Álftavatn
Today you will walk towards Álftavatn, passing by the base of Reykjafjoll Mountain before heading up to the Jökultungur plateau, which offers panoramic views back from where you hiked.
If it is a clear day, you should look for the three glaciers that surround the plateau: Tindfjallajökull, Eyjafjallajökull, and Mýrdalsjökull.
Walking across the plateau of Jökultungur, you will be treated to views over the Álftavatn Valley.
The view is stunning, with bright green mountains holding the gleaming Lake Álftavatn. Ribbons of water run across the floor of the valley, creating a memorable scene.
The Laugavegur Trail descends into Álftavatn Valley — the climb down is somewhat steep — before it flattens out as you cross the valley floor.
Cross the Grashagakvísl River to continue along the trail. Unless there is a bridge (which is only available sometimes), you will need to wade across. The water is icy!
Your destination is the campsite and hut at Lake Álftavatn, where you can enjoy a well-deserved hot shower and some food and drink.
Day 3: Álftavatn to Emstrur
Today is a day for multiple scenic river crossings, so be prepared!
The trail leads across the valley to the Bratthálskvísl River, the first river you will cross. Be careful, because the water flow can be forceful, especially if it’s rained recently.
Continue on to Hvanngil, a lovely valley clothed in green in the summer. You may see wildflowers in bloom, and the scenery is beautiful.
After Hvanngil is the second river crossing you will encounter: the Kaldaklofskvísl River. There’s a pedestrian bridge here though, so you won’t have to wade through the ice-cold waters.
Next is the Bláfjallakvísl River, which you have to wade across, and finally the Innri Emstruá River, which does have a pedestrian bridge.
The trail continues south towards Emstrur, the green landscapes of the valley giving way to more stark volcanic landscapes of the Mælifellssandur Desert.
Your final destination for the day is the campsite at Emstrur, located in a small valley with a stunning view of distant glaciers.
Day 4: Emstrur to Þórsmörk
The Laugavegur Trail heads east across the dark volcanic landscape, and you will descend through sand and gravel into the deep canyon of the Syðri-Emstruá River.
Cross the footbridge over the river and head up the other side of the gorge to higher ground.
The trails continues south through Almenningar, crossing two ravines, Slyppugil and Bjórgil, before you come to the steep climb to the top of Kápa.
There is a final river crossing over the Pronga River before you get to Þórsmörk. This river is braided, so you’ll be in and out of the water multiple times before you get across.
The landscape in this valley is much greener, with wooded areas. You’ll head down the valley to the end of the trail and the campsite at Langidalur.
You can either end your hike here, or continue along the Fimmvörðuháls Trail.
Where to Stay along the Laugavegur Trail
There are six lodging/camping sites along the Laugavegur Trail. Each site has a “hut” (one of more buildings with beds and amenities) and adjacent campsites where you can pitch tents. The sites are managed by the Icelandic Touring Association.
Wild camping is not permitted along the Laugavegur Trail.
These are the six huts:
Landmannalaugar
Hrafntinnusker
Álftavatn
Hvanngil
Emstrur
Þórsmörk
Volcano Huts Þórsmörk, run by a private company, offer a more comfortable stay at the end of the trail.
The huts are open from somewhere in June to somewhere in September. Make your reservations well in advance as the hiking season is short and the huts fill up.
Reservations are not required for tent sites.
If you join a guided Laugavegur trek such as this one, the outfitter will arrange for your accommodation and food as well as transporting your luggage. Sleeping bags and other equipment can be rented. And you will be transported from and back to Reykjavik.
>> Check price and availability for this guided Laugavegur trek now!