Hiking in Iceland: Laugavegur Trail from Skógar to Þórsmörk

Part 1 – Skógar to Þórsmörk

The Laugavegur Trail, often referred to as the “road of the hot springs,” is celebrated as one of the most beautiful hikes in the world. While it shares its name with Reykjavík’s bustling main street, this iconic route offers a completely different kind of adventure—one surrounded by Iceland’s untamed wilderness. Renowned travel guides, including Lonely Planet, frequently highlight it as a must-experience journey for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts alike.

Fimmvörðuháls, nestled between the mighty Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull glaciers, offers a dramatic landscape shaped by volcanic and glacial forces. Eyjafjallajökull, in particular, gained worldwide attention during its 2010 eruption, which grounded air travel across Europe with its colossal ash cloud. For those seeking a true hiking in Iceland experience, this addition transforms the Laugavegur Trail into an unforgettable adventure through raw, otherworldly beauty.

From Fimmvörðuháls

The decision to hike this route was driven by the allure of starting at the iconic Skógafoss waterfall on Iceland’s south coast. From there, hikers are treated to a series of nearly 20 waterfalls, each more stunning than the last. By taking this direction, one walks toward these breathtaking cascades, allowing their beauty to unfold in front of them with every step.

This section of the trail is both long and challenging, stretching 25 kilometers with an elevation gain of 1,200 meters. Carrying a loaded backpack filled with food, a tent, clothing, and cooking equipment only adds to the difficulty. However, the reward is undeniable—this stretch of hiking in Iceland offers some of the most unforgettable scenery imaginable. For those looking to break up the journey, there’s the option to stay overnight in a mountain hut perched on the ridge, turning the demanding trek into a more manageable and equally rewarding experience.

Þórsmörk

The trail continues toward Þórsmörk, weaving through snowfields and passing rustic mountain huts along the way. As hikers descend, they are treated to breathtaking views from remarkable heights, spanning over newly formed lava fields and the infamous bottleneck—a narrow ridge with sheer drops on either side.

While chains are installed in some sections to provide an added sense of security, the experience remains exhilarating. The absence of strong winds is certainly a relief, as this stretch of hiking in Iceland is thrilling enough on its own, blending natural beauty with a touch of adventure.

During the descent, certain sections of the trail can be tough on the knees and leg muscles, especially when carrying a fully loaded backpack. Every kilogram of gear impacts the entire body, not just the back, making careful packing essential for hiking in Iceland.

As hikers approach the valley, the landscape becomes increasingly lush and green. This vibrant scenery is nourished by several rivers along the way, including the picturesque Krossá, adding a refreshing element to the final stretch of the journey.

Campsites and Overnight Stays

The nature reserve offers three excellent campsites, each providing a unique experience for those hiking in Iceland. The first, Básar, is a large campsite nestled among the trees. While the facilities are quite basic, it provides a comfortable spot to rest after a long day on the trail.

Moving along, hikers will reach Langidalur, managed by the official tour organization Ferðafélag Íslands. This campsite stands out for its spacious lawns, a well-stocked shop, and breathtaking views of both glaciers traversed earlier on the hike. Langidalur’s stunning surroundings make it a favorite among hikers.

The third option is Húsadalur, also known as Volcano Huts. This campsite offers a variety of amenities, including large and small camping fields, cozy huts, and furnished tents. It even has outdoor showers, WiFi, and an excellent restaurant to refuel after a challenging day. Each campsite adds a special charm to the experience of hiking in Iceland, catering to a range of preferences and needs.

While Þórsmörk is widely regarded as one of the most stunning areas for hiking in Iceland, opinions can differ based on personal preferences. A Swiss traveler on the same reverse route described the landscape as reminiscent of their home country. However, for others, Þórsmörk offers a unique blend of Iceland’s rugged terrain and lush greenery, making it an unforgettable destination. The region also boasts a variety of hiking trails suitable for all skill levels, adding to its universal appeal.

For those planning to camp, it’s worth noting the logistics of reaching the sites. If traveling by 4×4 (required since regular cars are prohibited), Básar is the only campsite accessible without crossing the treacherous Krossá River. Backpackers and hikers, however, can safely cross the river using a mobile pedestrian bridge, ensuring accessibility without compromising safety.

For an additional glimpse of Þórsmörk, imagine visiting in mid-September. As the nights grow colder and the first snow begins to dust the peaks, the landscape transforms into an even more magical scene. This is exactly what was experienced during a memorable trip in 2019!

Discover what the second and third stages of this incredible journey have in store by checking out our next blog.

P.S. Interested in experiencing this adventure for yourself? We offer this guided walking tour! Our itinerary takes you in the reverse direction, complete with luggage transport, a spacious heated tent for relaxing in the evenings, and all the comforts you need to make hiking in Iceland truly unforgettable. Check it out!