Laugavegur

The Laugavegur leads from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk in Iceland. Those who wish can continue over the Fimmvörðuháls pass to Skógar. The area lies in the Fjallabak region between the Vatnajökull and the Mýrdalsjökull glaciers.

This hike is one of the top trails in the world. It is very diverse and leads through various landscapes that change in type and color. Green moss-covered lava mountains, glaciers, waterfalls, rivers, and steaming hot springs accompany the hiker during their tour. Only trees are absent here, except for dwarf birch forests in Þórsmörk.

The tour is about 51 km long and takes around 4 days. Only parts of it are uphill. The trek is not particularly difficult and suitable for beginners with endurance. The trail is very well marked, making it difficult to get lost.

Stock up on supplies beforehand. There is only a small shop with a very limited selection in Landmannalaugar and at the hike's end in Þórsmörk. Hikers generally need to carry their own food and a camping stove.

Water can be taken from streams and is generally potable. Tap water at huts is safe.

You can camp or stay in huts (fee up to 7,500 kr). A reservation is essential. The huts have a kitchen with cooking utensils.

The route is only accessible from late June to mid-September. Be prepared for rapid weather changes, including wind and rain, requiring high-quality waterproof gear.

From Reykjavík, a bus departs in the morning to Landmannalaugar (approx. 3 hr, in high summer possibly reserve in advance).

Landmannalaugar - Hrafntinnusker

 11 km 6 hr

The route leads through the lava field Laugahraun. From there up the slopes of Brennisteinsalda; a detour to the summit is possible. The view offers an incredible spectrum of colors. After 3 to 4 hours you reach Stórihver, a hot spring and actually the only green spot far and wide. Most of the rest of the trail to the hut is usually covered in snow. The chance of fog is high. Although the trail is well marked, caution is necessary. Upon arriving at Hrafntinnusker Hut, you should definitely take a walk to the ice caves (approx. 1.5 km). However, entering can be life-threatening as the glacier is constantly moving.

• 63.990713-19.0614391 Landmannalaugar hut.  
• 63.933391-19.1679252 Hrafntinnusker hut.  

Hrafntinnusker - Álftavatn

 11 km 5 hr

The first part of the trail leads through a valley with some small gorges. Caution is advised as they may be covered with snow. If visibility is good, a detour to the summit of Háskerðingur (1281 m) is worthwhile. Now you leave the colourful rhyolite mountains behind and enter a darker area of mountain and glacier landscape. Vegetation increases significantly. The path down into Jökultungur is quite steep, but then you reach an oasis on the bank of the Grashagakvísl river, a spot inviting you to rest. From there, the trail to the two huts at Lake Álftavatn is almost level.

• 63.8578-19.22733 Álftavatn hut.  

Álftavatn - Botnar

 16 km 7 hr

From here, the trail goes over the ridge Brattháls into the Hvanngil Gorge, and further wading across the Bratthálskvísl river. Then comes the Hvanngil Hut. A short distance further comes the Kaldaklofskvísl with a bridge. Less than a kilometer later, the next river must be forded. After about 4 km, you reach the Nyrðri Emstruá, but this time there is a bridge to cross. It won’t take much longer and the stage is over. A nice evening walk is to the Markarfljótsgljúfur Canyon.

• 63.7663-19.37414 Botnar hut.  

Botnar - Þórsmörk

 13 km 7 hr

The trail curves around the Syðri-Emstruá gorge before descending steeply to a bridge. From there, it leads through the wide plains of Almenningar and across the Þröngá river. As Þórsmörk approaches, the scenery shifts noticeably, with greenery returning to the landscape. Accommodation is available at two huts in Þórsmörk: Skagfjörðsskáli and Básar.

• 63.6826-19.51485 Skagfjordsskali hut.  
• 63.676-19.48356 Basar hut.  

Þórsmörk - Fimmvörðuháls

 12 km 5 hr

From Þórsmörk, the route climbs out of the birch-covered valley and onto the exposed ridges leading toward the Fimmvörðuháls pass. In clear weather, this is one of the most scenic parts of the walk, with views back over Þórsmörk and towards the surrounding glaciers. The path includes a ridge section and usually a snowfield crossing of about 200 meters, but in good summer conditions it does not normally require technical skills. The route is very exposed and should be avoided in poor visibility, strong wind or bad weather.

• 63.621761-19.4509497 Fimmvörðuháls hut.  

Fimmvörðuháls - Skógar

 12 km 5 hr

From the pass, the trail descends towards 63.524722-19.5069441MISSING WIKILINK Skógar, passing between the glaciers Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull before following the upper Skógá river. The descent is long but rewarding, with many waterfalls along the way as the river drops towards the coast. In good conditions the section is straightforward, but the high ground can still be affected by snow, fog and sudden weather changes. Hikers continuing all the way from Þórsmörk to Skógar should start early, ideally by 08:00, and should not rely on evening bus connections from Skógar.

The primary danger is the volatile Icelandic weather, which can cause hypothermia even in summer. Check the forecast at Vedur.is and register your itinerary at Safetravel.is before starting. Use caution during river crossings; always wear wading shoes and unbuckle your backpack's waist strap. If visibility drops due to fog, rely on a GPS to stay on the path.

• Head south to the South Coast of Iceland, with sights like Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, the black sand beaches of Vík í Mýrdal, and the glacier lagoons near Jökulsárlón.
• Explore Reykjavík, Iceland's capital, which offers museums, restaurants, and easy access to the Golden Circle highlights such as Þingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss.
• For more remote hiking, consider the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve in the Westfjords, known for its isolation, wildlife, and dramatic cliffs.