Have you ever thought about experiencing a country differently? Hiking in Iceland is one of the most amazing experiences you will ever have in your life. For the experts, the amateurs or the inexperienced, hiking in Þórsmörk and Landmannalaugar will amaze you.
We have been talking a lot about visiting South Iceland, but we have a reason for that: we love it. Þórsmörk is a Natural Reserve located in the southern Icelandic highlands, and it is one of the most famous and favorite places for hiking and enjoying nature at a different level. And then it is Landmannalaugar, a geothermal area with an exotic and rare landscape made of rhyolite mountains, a rock type that creates a diverse spectrum of colors. Both Þórsmörk and Landmannalaugar have exciting hiking trails and beautiful views.
The trail from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk is called Laugavegur, and the trail from Þórsmörk to Skógar is known as Fimmvörðuháls. Here we have a complete guide for both routes and all the options you have to experience them. National Geographic included Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls as one of the 20 World’s Best Hikes: Epic Trails.
This trail connects Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk Nature Reserves. You can start the journey either two ways, but it is recommendable to go from north to south. The beautiful scenery you will encounter in this hike is endless: colored mountains, glaciers, a black desert, natural hot springs, and a forest. It's like all in one.
Distance
34 miles / 55km
Time
3 days aprox.
Season
Summer mid-July to mid-September.
Difficulty Level
Challenging. The trail requires endurance, and the right fitness level is needed.
Highlights
Bláhylur lake
Skógafoss waterfall
Mt. Brennisteinsalda
Hot Springs
Gear
A good waterproof jacket, pants, and gloves. Good hiking shoes if you have.
Where to stay
Along the Laugavegur trail, you will find six huts operated by the Touring Association. Booking in advance is required, and each hut counts with a free campsite for people staying in their sleeping bags or tents.
Landmannalaugar Huts – The facilities count with 78 beds and the price is 9.000 ISK per night/per person.
Campsites – 2.000 ISK per night/per person with water and toilet access. 500 ISK charge for the facility fee and other 500 ISK for using the showers.
Click here to book your stay. We recommend you to do this in advance, especially for Summer.
Fimmvörðuháls is the trail that connects Skógar on the South Coast to Þórsmörk. We have to say this is not an easy hike, but it is possible for everyone. From crossing two volcanoes, the beautiful Skógafoss Waterfall, ice caps and a river, this is a must when in Iceland.
Distance
15.5 miles / 25km long
Time
8 – 10 hours (1-2 days)
Season
Summer mid-July to mid-September
Difficulty Level
Challenging – unpredictable weather and steep terrain.
Highlights
Skógafoss Waterfall
Skógá river
Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull ice caps
Magni and Móði Peaks
Krossá river
Þórsmörk Valley
Gear
In the summertime, the trail doesn’t require any specialist in hiking or any equipment needed for you to wear. But as it happens in Iceland, you should be prepared for any weather, especially with wind and rain. Wearing hiking boots would also be good.
Where to stay
Fimmvörðuskáli Hut – 7.000 ISK per night
Food not included. Stove and a kitchen available.
Baldvinsskali Hut – 7.000 ISK per night
Food not included, but there are a kitchen and a dining room.
Click here to book your stay.
Volcano Huts
They offer different types of accommodation from a shared Mountain Hut Dormitory for 8.900 ISK, a single room with double bed for 26.000 ISK, a full cottage with bunk beds for 1-5 people for 29.000 ISK to amazing glamping for 32.000 ISK. You can also add any meal of the day starting at 2.300 ISK.
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