Laugavegur Trail: Iceland's Greatest Multi-Day Hike

The Laugavegur trail (also spelled Laugavegurinn) is Iceland’s most famous long-distance hiking route. It runs 55km from Landmannalaugar in the southern Highlands south to Þórsmörk, passing through some of the most dramatically varied landscape in Europe: coloured rhyolite mountains, black obsidian lava, geothermal areas, glacial rivers, and the lush birch valleys of Þórsmörk.

It’s one of the world’s great moderate-difficulty treks — challenging enough to be memorable but accessible to hikers with standard fitness and proper gear.

Trail Overview

Day	Section	Distance	Ascent/Descent	Notes
1	Landmannalaugar → Hrafntinnusker	12km	+650m	Rhyolite mountains, geothermal areas
2	Hrafntinnusker → Álftavatn	12km	-550m	Snow fields possible early season, lake views
3	Álftavatn → Emstrur	15km	Relatively flat	River crossings, black sand desert
4	Emstrur → Þórsmörk	15km	-300m	Canyon scenery, lush valley arrival

Most hikers spend 4 nights (with travel days to Landmannalaugar and from Þórsmörk).

Day 1: Landmannalaugar to Hrafntinnusker (12km)

The iconic first day. The route begins with the Laugahraun obsidian lava field, then climbs into the rhyolite mountains above Landmannalaugar. The summit plateau at Hrafntinnusker (1,100m) is a geothermal snowfield — steam vents, fumaroles, and lingering snow even in August. The mountain hut sits at the edge of a dramatic plateau with 360° highland views.

Difficulty: Moderate. Steep ascent at the start, exposed plateau section. Crampons or microspikes recommended early season (June).

Day 2: Hrafntinnusker to Álftavatn (12km)

Descent from the plateau with views of Mount Hekla volcano in the distance, crossing several small rivers. Arrives at Álftavatn lake (a turquoise glacial lake in the valley). This is arguably the most scenic section — the descent into the Álftavatn valley with the lake below is one of the trail’s best views.

Difficulty: Moderate. Snow-covered sections possible early season.

Day 3: Álftavatn to Emstrur (15km)

The longest day. Crosses the black sand desert (Mælifellssandur) with Mælifell — a perfect cone volcano — visible to the west. Multiple river crossings (knee-deep, cold, fast-moving — use trekking poles). The Emstrur/Botnar hut sits above a canyon of the Markarfljót river.

Difficulty: Moderate with river crossings that require care. Do not attempt in very high water conditions — wait for water to drop.

Day 4: Emstrur to Þórsmörk (15km)

The final day drops into the increasingly lush Þórsmörk valley. Canyon scenery, birch woodland, and views of all three surrounding glaciers. The arrival at Þórsmörk is a genuine contrast to the stark highlands — green, sheltered, warm.

Difficulty: Moderate. Some steep descent sections.

Hut Booking

All FÍ mountain huts book at fi.is. Sleeping bag accommodation approximately ISK 8,900 per person per night as of 2026. The Þórsmörk huts book separately at volcanohuts.com (Húsadalur) and fi.is (Langidalur).

Book for July and August immediately when the booking system opens (typically February). The trail is limited to a fixed number of hikers per night at each hut.

Getting There and Back

To Landmannalaugar: Highland Bus (Reykjavík Excursions, re.is) from Reykjavík BSÍ terminal or from Selfoss. Approximately ISK 8,900 one way. July and August daily service. 4WD required for self-drive (multiple river crossings).

From Þórsmörk: Highland Bus back to Reykjavík approximately ISK 7,900–9,500 one way.

Gear List (Essential)

• Waterproof jacket and trousers (mandatory — Icelandic weather changes rapidly)
• Warm mid-layers (fleece, insulated jacket)
• Hiking boots with ankle support — waterproofed and worn in
• Trekking poles (highly recommended for river crossings and steep descents)
• Sleeping bag (huts provide mattresses but not bedding)
• Headtorch
• Emergency whistle and basic first aid kit
• Sunscreen (highland UV can be strong)
• Trekking food — huts sell limited snacks but not full meals

Extending to Fimmvörðuháls

The Fimmvörðuháls trail (25km) continues from Þórsmörk over the pass between Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull to Skógafoss on the South Coast. Adding this makes a 5-day route from Landmannalaugar to the coast — one of the greatest hikes in Europe.