5-Day Laugavegur Trek in Iceland with Mountain Huts
Hike Iceland’s classic Laugavegur Trail from the geothermal landscapes of Landmannalaugar to the green valley of Þórsmörk on this 5-day guided trek, staying in mountain huts along the way.
Group
5 Days
Jun - Sep
High
Intermediate
Highlights
- Trek 59 km from the colorful geothermal landscapes of Landmannalaugar to the lush valley of Þórsmörk.
- Experience the striking contrasts of rhyolite mountains, steaming hot springs, black-sand deserts, glaciers, canyons and green birch forests.
- Stay in mountain huts along the trail while your main luggage is transferred between overnight stops.
Description
Cross some of Iceland’s most distinctive highland landscapes on the Laugavegur Trail, a 5-day guided trek from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk.
Led by the experienced team at Icelandic Mountain Guides, this journey follows 59 km of trail through an ever-changing volcanic landscape. You will hike among colorful rhyolite mountains and steaming geothermal areas, descend past hot springs and mud pools, cross stark black-sand terrain, pass deep canyons, and eventually reach the birch-covered valleys of Þórsmörk.
The trek begins with a transfer from Reykjavík to Landmannalaugar. From there, four main hiking stages connect the mountain huts at Hrafntinnusker, Hvanngil, Emstrur and Þórsmörk. Hiking days range from approximately 4 to 7 hours, with the longest stage covering 19 km. Your main luggage is transferred between the huts, allowing you to hike with a lighter daypack.
This is a challenging trek designed for hikers with good strength and previous experience walking for 6 to 7 hours in mountainous terrain. Nights are spent in shared mountain huts, while breakfasts, packed lunches and dinners are provided throughout the trek. The final evening in Þórsmörk is marked with a barbecue before a shorter hike and the return to Reykjavík on Day 5.
If you want to experience the Laugavegur Trail with an experienced local guiding team while taking care of accommodation, meals, transport and luggage transfers along the route, send a request to book this 5-day Iceland trekking adventure.
Price includes
- Accommodation included
- Guiding fee
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Transport during the trip
- Luggage transfer during the trip
Price details
- ✅What's included
- Experienced and qualified guide
- Mountain hut accommodation in shared dormitories
- Transportation at the beginning and end of the trek
- 4 breakfasts
- 5 lunches
- 4 dinners
- Luggage transfer between huts
- ❌What's not included
- Sleeping bag
- Hiking poles
- Showers in huts, payable locally where available
- Vegan, vegetarian or pescatarian meal plan
- Hotel pickup in Reykjavík
- ➕Optional extras
- Sleeping bag
- Hiking poles
- Vegan, vegetarian or pescatarian meal plan
Meeting point
Itinerary
Day 1: Reykjavík, Landmannalaugar and Hrafntinnusker
Meet at Reykjavík's BSÍ Bus Terminal before taking the public bus into the Icelandic highlands. The journey follows mountain roads towards Landmannalaugar, passing Hekla and other volcanic landscapes in the Dómadalur area.
After arriving around midday and having lunch, begin the trek south into the mountains. The first section passes small gorges, steaming hot springs and distinctive yellow mountain ridges before reaching the Hrafntinnusker mountain hut in the late afternoon.
Distance: 12 km Walking time: 4 to 5 hours Ascent: 470 m Accommodation: Hrafntinnusker mountain hut
Day 2: Hrafntinnusker to Hvanngil
Leave Hrafntinnusker and descend through the gullies of Jökultungur, an intensely geothermal landscape filled with steaming hot springs and mud pools.
Along the way, enjoy views south towards the Álftavatn area and the Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull glaciers. Continue to Hvanngil, situated near the green, cone-shaped volcano Stórasúla, where you spend the second night.
Distance: 15 to 16 km Active walking time: Approximately 5 hours Descent: 440 m Accommodation: Hvanngil mountain hut
Day 3: Hvanngil to Emstrur
Leave the green surroundings of Hvanngil and enter the dramatically different black deserts of Mælifellssandur.
Continue towards Hattfell and into the Emstrur region. Before reaching the Botnar hut, visit Markarfljót Canyon, which cuts almost 200 m into the surrounding rock.
Distance: 12 km Active walking time: Approximately 6 hours Descent: 100 m Accommodation: Botnar hut in Emstrur
Day 4: Emstrur to Þórsmörk
Continue through the valleys and gullies of Emstrur, with the Mýrdalsjökull glacier rising nearby.
As the stage progresses, the landscape changes again. Descend into Þórsmörk, the "Woods of Thor", where green valleys, Arctic birch and summer flowers contrast sharply with the volcanic terrain crossed earlier in the trek.
After reaching the huts in Þórsmörk, celebrate the final full hiking day with a barbecue.
Distance: 19 km Walking time: 6 to 7 hours Descent: 300 m Accommodation: Mountain hut in Þórsmörk
Day 5: Þórsmörk and return to Reykjavík
Spend the morning exploring Þórsmörk on one of the valley's hiking paths. Depending on the chosen outing, possible objectives mentioned by the guide include Sönghellir cave or the small summit of Valahnúkur.
In the afternoon, take the bus back to Reykjavík. The scheduled arrival at BSÍ Bus Terminal is approximately 7:20 PM.
Details
Accommodation
Accommodation during the trek is in heated mountain huts in shared dormitory-style rooms.
The huts do not offer private rooms. Sleeping arrangements are communal, and participants should be prepared to share sleeping spaces with other members of the group.
Cold running water is available at the huts. Facilities vary along the route. Some huts have flush toilets, while others use outhouses. Showers are only available at certain huts and require an additional payment where available.
A sleeping bag is required and is not included as standard, although it can be booked as an optional extra.
More info
Trip difficulty
Challenging
Participants should have good strength and previous experience hiking with a backpack for 6 to 7 hours per day in mountainous terrain.
Skill and fitness level required
You should be physically prepared for consecutive hiking days of approximately 4 to 7 hours over mountainous and uneven terrain.
Previous hiking experience is required, together with the fitness to complete stages of up to 19 km. The overall route covers approximately 59 km, and the trip information lists a maximum ascent of 600 m.
The minimum age for the trip is 16.
FAQs
How difficult is the Laugavegur Trek?
The trek is rated challenging. Participants need good strength and experience hiking in mountainous terrain for up to 6 or 7 hours per day.
How long is the Laugavegur Trek?
This guided itinerary lasts 5 days and covers approximately 59 km from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk.
Do I have to carry all my luggage?
No. Luggage transfer between the huts is included. You will still need to carry the equipment and supplies required during each hiking day.
Where do we sleep during the trek?
You stay in heated mountain huts in shared dormitory accommodation. Private rooms are not available.
Is a sleeping bag included?
No. A sleeping bag is required but not included in the standard trip price. It can be booked as an optional extra.
Are meals included?
Yes. The trip includes 4 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 4 dinners.
Are vegetarian or vegan meals available?
Vegetarian, vegan and pescatarian meal plans can be requested as an optional extra.
Can gluten-free meals be provided?
Gluten-free supplements are not provided. Participants requiring gluten-free food are advised to bring their own suitable items.
Can I shower in the mountain huts?
Some huts have shower facilities and others do not. Where showers are available, an additional local fee applies.
Can I charge my phone or camera in the huts?
Reliable electricity is not available, so bringing a power bank is recommended. In some cases, hut wardens may be able to provide charging for a fee, but this should not be relied upon.
What is the minimum age?
The minimum age is 16 years.
Where does the trip start and finish?
The trip starts and finishes at BSÍ Bus Terminal in Reykjavík. The meeting time on Day 1 is 6:30 AM, and the scheduled return on Day 5 is approximately 7:20 PM.
About the guide
Icelandic MG
Languages
English
Certificates
AIMG
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