Laugavegur Trail – 4 days

DAY 1

Landmannalaugar - Álftavatn Lake

We depart early in the morning from Reykjavík to make the most of the day, as the drive takes about three to four hours. Don’t worry - the journey to the Highlands is captivating itself. We will drive along the south coast and by Hekla, an active monumental stratovolcano. Due to frequent eruptions, it earned its name ‘The Gateway to Hell’ in the Middle Ages.

The starting point of the Laugavegur trail is Landmannlaugar. Among today’s highlights are Reykjafjöll rhyolite mountains and the Jökultungur area. Geothermal activity has caused some ravines to turn deep yellows and reds. Those vivid colors are in contrast with the pale sandy hues surrounding them. The reward for scaling Jökultungur is breathtaking views of the Fjallabak region and Álftavatn Lake. We’ll have to ford a river to get to our accommodation at Álftavatn Lake, which is an exciting experience!

Distance: 24 km Walking time: 7 hrs Ascent: 900 m

Camping Álftavatn

DAY 2

Álftavatn - Emstrur

Let’s set off! There is one more river to cross before we enter the black sand plains of Mælifellssadur. We’ll pass the Stórasúla and Hattafell volcanoes on the way to Emstrur. Emstrur is the perfect place to enjoy magnificent views of Eyjafjallajökkul and Mýrdalsjökull volcano mountain glaciers. We proceed to Botnar, a green oasis in the sea of black sand, where we will stay for the night. Don´t forget to admire Markarfljótsgljúfur, a 200-meter-deep canyon with a glacial river along the way.

Distance: 15 km Walking time: 6-7 hrs Descent: 40 m

Camping Emstrur

DAY 3

Emstrur - Þórsmörk

Today, we will embark on our hike towards Þórsmörk. Passing through the Almenningar Gorge near Mount Einhyrningur, also known as Unicorn Mountain, we have a spectacular view of the glaciers. The landscape and nature will gradually transform, with a few trees scattered here and there, giving way to the dense birch forest that Þórsmörk is renowned for. Our accommodation is in a breathtaking place, beneath the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers. You have just completed the world-famous Laugavegur Trail!

Distance: 15 km Walking time: 6-7 hrs Descent: 300 m

Camping Þórsmörk

DAY 4

Þórsmörk

Let’s make the most of the last day! The Fimmvörðuháls trail features all the best views of Þórsmörk and offers versatile terrain. It leads you along parts of the Laugavegur Trail through the birch woods of the Húsadalur Valley and up to the foothills of the Tindfjöll Mountains.  You can reach the Þórsmörk Valley by taking the Slyppugilshryggur Ridge or the Slyppugil Canyon. At the bottom of the valley, you will find the Langidalur Hut, where you can rest and fill up your water bottle. Then we will climb back up and over the Valahnúkur Mountain for a lasting impression of Þórsmörk before descending back to the Volcano Huts. This trail is marked and accessible. It is possible to extend or shorten the trail at convenient points.

In the afternoon, transportation will be provided for you to reach Reykjavík.

Own bed