5-Day Laugavegur Trek in Huts

Iceland’s most famous trek from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk lives up to the hype. The magical and diverse landscape combined with the long and bright Icelandic summer days, will capture your nature loving heart. We top off this amazing adventure with a ce

Hands down the best known trek in Iceland. This trail takes adventurers from the geothermal valley of Landmannalaugar and the southern highlands, over the southern highlands to the Þórsmörk valley, at the foot of world famous Eyjafjallajökull volcano. The trail crosses many spectacles including the third biggest geothermal zone in the world, through yellow rhyolite mountains, over black deserts, past great canyons and finally into the verdurous valley of Þórsmörk. It is no coincidence that the “Laugavegur” hike each year attracts travellers from around the world in addition to being a great favourite amongst locals. Come see what all the fuss is about!

Trekking: 5 days Walking per day: 4-7 hours Total walking distance: 56 km. (35 miles) Altitude: 200-1100 m. (650-3600 feet) Maximum Ascent: 600 m. (1900 feet)

Day 1: Reykjavík – Landmannalaugar – Hrafntinnusker.

We take the scheduled bus from the BSI bus terminal at 07:00, that during the summer months drives the mountain tracks that lead to Landmannalaugar, passing by the Hekla volcano and other volcanoes in the Dómadalur area. Arriving in Landmannalaugar at noon, we have a lunch and then head south into the mountains. The trail takes us past small gorges, steaming hot springs and yellow mountain ridges. Arrival at Hrafntinnusker mountain hut, were we will stay the night, in the late afternoon.

Day 2: Hrafntinnusker – Álftavatn.

From Hrafntinnusker we descend down in the gullies of Jökultungur with hundreds of steaming hot springs and mud pools. Up there we enjoy fascinating views to the south to the Álftavatn area (Swan Lake), and the Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull glaciers. In the afternoon we arrive at Álftavatn hut where we stay the night.

Day 3: Álftavatn – Emstrur.

We pass at the foot of the green conic volcano of Stórasúla before entering the black deserts of Mælifellssandur. Heading towards another ancient and verdurous volcano, the Hattfell, we enter the Emstrur region where farmers used to graze their sheep in summer. Before arriving at the Botnar hut where we stay the night, we visit the magnificent Markarfljót canyon cut almost 200 m down into the rocks south of Hattfell.

Day 4: Emstrur – Þórsmörk.

We continue up and down through the small valleys and gullies of Emstrur, where the great Mýrdalsjökull glacier rises only a couple of kilometers away. At the end of the day the vegetation starts to grow thicker and higher as we descend in to Þórsmörk's (the woods of Thor) green valleys filled with arctic birch forests and colourful flowers. Night in one of the huts in Þórsmörk.

Day 5: Bus from Þórsmörk to Reykjavík.

We spend the morning in Þórsmörk where we walk along one of numerous paths. For example, we can visit to the Sönghellir cave (“Song cave”), climb up the small mountain of Valahnúkur from where magnificent view can be enjoyed, before taking the afternoon bus to Reykjavík. Arrival at Reykjavik BSI bus terminal where the trip ends at 19:20

Qualified guide for 5 days
Food for 5 days (from lunch on day 1 to lunch on day 5)
Public transportation to and from Reykjavík
Accommodation in mountain huts dormitory style
Transfer of luggage
Final evening barbecue party in Þórsmörk

We take the regular bus from BSI bus terminal at 07:00, that during the summer months drives the mountain tracks that lead to Landmannalaugar, passing by the Hekla volcano and other volcanoes in the Dómadalur area. Arriving in Landmannalaugar at noon, we have a lunch and then head south into the mountains. The trail takes us past small gorges, steaming hot springs and yellow mountain ridges. Arrival at Hrafntinnusker mountain hut, were we will stay the night, in the late afternoon.

Boots and Clothing

Sturdy Hiking Boots – waterproof with good ankle support.

Long sleeve shirt (thermal underwear) – Wool or synthetic.

T-shirt (thermal underwear) – Wool or synthetic.

Light wool or fleece sweater (2nd layer).

Trousers – Strong and light material that dries quickly e.g. soft-shell.

Jacket with a good hood – windproof, waterproof and breathable, e.g. Gore-Tex or comparable.

Rain trousers – windproof, waterproof and breathable. Please note that full rain gear is mandatory in Iceland.

Gloves – Wool or synthetic 2 pairs of different thickness.

Socks – Wool or synthetic. Two or three pairs.

Warm hat – Wool or synthetic.

Other Gear:

A duffel bag for the transport of your overnight gear between huts. Please avoid bringing a suitcase!

Backpack for extra clothes and food during the day. 25 – 40L (1500 – 2500 cu in)

River shoes – Walking sandals or old running shoes with a good grip are a good choice, along with a pair of warm socks or neoprene socks. Open sandals or flip-flops will not do the job.

Light Sleeping bag Towel – light weight and pack-able.

Sunglasses & sun protection.

Water container – thermos flask or water bottle 0,5 – 1L.

Headlamp for reading and getting around the hut.

Casual clothes / change of clothes for wearing in the hut.

Personal first aid kit – including blister care.

Prescription medication and other personal health items.

Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap etc.

Earplugs

Optional gear:

Walking pole(s).

Gaiters Neoprene socks – highly recommended for river crossings.