Laugavegur Trek & Glacier Hike - 7 Day Tour (Huts)

The journey starts as we pick you up at one of our meeting points in Reykjavik or along the South Coast. We enjoy the scenic 3 - 4 hour drive along the coast before turning inland and passing one of Iceland’s most famous and active volcanoes, Hekla.

Upon arriving in Landmannalaugar around midday, we pack our lunches and lace up our boots—this is where the road ends and the trail begins. Known for its multicolored mountains, hot springs, and lava fields, Landmannalaugar marks the start of our journey.

With everyone ready, we’ll start the Laugavegur trail trek. Our path will take us through the Laugahraun lava field and Vondugil Canyon, past fascinating rhyolite mountains, like Brennisteinsalda, and green valleys. Depending on the time, we’ll also visit Graenagil Gorge and Bláhnjúkur Volcano. You’ll spend the night in a cozy hut.

Distance: 4.9 mi (8 km). Walking time: 4-5 hrs. Ascent: 1540 ft (470 m).

Day Highlights

• Scenic drive from Reykjavik
• Landmannalaugar
• Hekla Stratovolcano
• Laugahraun Lava Field
• Brennisteinsalda Volcano

Included

• Accommodation: Landmannalaugar

After a good sleep and a nutritious breakfast, we'll be ready to hit the trail again. Our first challenge is crossing the pitch-black obsidian desert of Hrafntinnusker. From there, we'll hike through the vibrantly colored Reykjafjöll rhyolite mountains, with their craggy gullies transformed by geothermal activity into striking yellows and reds. Next, we’ll reach the Jökultungur area, where a sharp descent brings us to the green slopes surrounding Álftavatn. 

Before we head down, we'll pause at the top to take in the breathtaking views of the Fjallabak area. Afterward, we’ll cross our first river on foot before reaching Lake Álftavatn, so make sure to bring wading shoes or sandals with straps. In the beautiful surroundings of Lake Álftavatn, we’ll enjoy a shared dinner and perhaps some ghost stories as we settle in for the night.

Distance: 14.9 mi (24km). Walking time: 7 - 8 hrs. Ascent: 2952 ft (900 m).

Day Highlights

• Hrafntinnusker Desert
• Reykjafjöll Rhyolite Mountains
• Jökultungur Summit
• Álftavatn Lake
• Fjallabak Nature Reserve

Included

• Hut Accommodation: Áfltavatn

On the third day, we’ll continue our adventure to the depths of the Highlands. Our hike starts with another stream cross and a hike through the Mælifellssandur, a volcanic desert. Our small group will get the chance to enjoy the sight of Stórasúla and Hattafell and, beyond them, the views of Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers.

Before reaching our hut in Botnar, we'll pause to explore the impressive Markarfljótsgljúfur Canyon, a 656-foot (200-meter) deep gorge carved by a glacial river. We’ll spend the night in Botnar (Emstrur), surrounded by this dramatic landscape.

Distance: 9.5 mi (15 km). Walking time: 6 - 7 hrs. Descent: 130 ft (40 m).

Day Highlights

• Stórasúla Volcano
• Mælifellssandur Desert
• Mt. Mælifell
• Emstrur Valley
• Markarfljótsgljúfur Canyon

Included

• Accommodation: Emstrur

Today, we start by making our way out of Emstrur towards Þórsmörk, the Valley of Thor. We pass through Almenningar Gorge, where we’ll cross a narrow bridge over a river. As we continue, we’ll pass striking basalt columns and deep canyons, keeping the uniquely shaped mountain Einhyrningur (The Unicorn) in our sight. Its horn-like peak earns it the mythical name, though some say it resembles a rhino.

By the afternoon, we’ll arrive at the stunning birch forest in Þórsmörk. We’ll spend the night in a cozy hut between the Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull glaciers. Enjoy a well-deserved moment to celebrate your completion of the famous Laugavegur Trail!

Distance: 9.5 mi (15 km). Walking time: 6 - 7 hrs. Descent: 985 ft (300 m).

Day Highlights

• Mount Einhyrningur
• Views of Icelandic glaciers
• Thorsmork Valley

Included

• Accommodation: Þórsmörk

On the fifth day, we’ll trek up to Fimmvörðuháls, the mountain pass that divides the massive Mýrdalsjökull and the infamous Eyjafjallajökull, which erupted in 2010. 

Along the way, we’ll explore the volcanic craters of Magni and Móði, which were formed by the eruption and named after Thor’s sons. Since Þórsmörk Valley itself is named after the pagan thunder god Thor, it’s fitting that these new craters bear the names of his sons, Magni and Móði. The craters are at about a kilometer above sea level which means that we are likely to have to hike through snowfields before reaching them.

After conquering the Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls trails, we’ll treat ourselves to a delicious grilled lamb dinner, a real Icelandic classic. We will stay in a cozy hut in Þórsmörk for the night.

Distance: 10 mi (16 km). Walking time: 7 - 8 hrs. Ascent: 2600 ft (800 m).

Day Highlights

• Fimmvörðuháls Pass
• Magni and Móði craters
• Eyjafjallajökull eruption site
• Grilled Icelandic lamb dinner

Included

• Accommodation: Þórsmörk

We enjoy breakfast in the hut before heading out on our adventure. Thorsmork is surrounded by endless beauty and multiple hiking trails, which give us several options for the day.

On this day, some participants choose to spend the day by the hut, soaking in the surroundings before returning to civilization. Others can choose to hike around the area. Mount Valahnukur is a popular hiking location, situated just next to the hut. It is a fun and short hike with an amazing view of the valley and fantastic photo opportunities.

Once we have enjoyed the beautiful landscapes, we will take the bus back to Hella, where we will spend the night at a hotel.

Distance: 3.5 mi (6 km). Walking time: ~3 hrs. Ascent: 902 ft (275 m).

Day Highlights

• Katla / Eyjafjallajökull (optional)
• Mt Valahnukur (optional)
• Exploring Thorsmork (optional)

Included

• Accommodation: Hotel in Hella

Our last day will be spent exploring the most beautiful waterfalls on the South Coast and hiking on an Icelandic glacier. But first, enjoy a nice breakfast at your accommodation, and then we’ll pick you up in Hella for a day full of adventures.

You’ll discover the epic cascades of Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss, whose heights reach up to 197 ft (60 m). Your guide will tell you about the surrounding grounds and even take you to some great viewing locations.

Next, prepare for an epic hike on the brilliant blue Solheimajokull Glacier. Your guide will give you everything you need - crampons, a harness, an ice ax, and a helmet. Together with your guide, hike atop the glistening glacier tongue of Mýrdalsjökul, the fourth-largest glacier in Iceland.

Explore sinkholes, crevasses, and jagged ridges as you walk across the ice. Your guide will tell you all about the glacier and nearby surroundings. Never hiked on a glacier before? Don’t worry. No previous experience is needed to take part in this glacier adventure.

Our day ends in Reykjavik, where you’ll be dropped off at your hotel or a nearby location.

Day Highlights

• Solheimajokull Glacier
• Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
• Hike on Solheimajokull Glacier
• Skogafoss Waterfall

Included

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Transportation
• Guided glacier hike
• Guided nature sightseeing tour

Pick up

Meeting points and times in Reykjavik:

Between 7:00 - 7:30 a.m.:

- Reykjavik's City Hall (Ráðhúsið) on Vonarstræti

- Hallgrímskirkja Church

- Reykjavik Campsite

Meeting points outside of Reykjavik:

8:15 a.m. - Selfoss N1 gas station
9:00 a.m. - Hella Bus Terminal

*Note that it can take up to 30 minutes before the bus departs the given locations.

Drop off

After the south coast and glacier hike tour on day 7, you will be dropped off at your accommodation in Reykjavik at around 7 - 8 p.m.

Get ready for the adventure through the highlands of Iceland with the Laugavegur Trek Information Package.

Prepare for your trip through the highlands of Iceland with our guide:

Laugavegur Trek Handbook