The Laugavegur Trail 

The Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls trek has been listed by National Geographic as one of the “World’s Best Hikes” due to the unique and extremely diverse landscape encountered on the trail. Everything from sizzling hot springs and volcanoes to icy white glaciers. We walk through geothermally active lands of multicolored rhyolite mountains, fields of obsidian, cross glacier rivers and so much more on our journey. We stay in rustic but charming highland huts, located in remote areas. Each area is unique, revealing new features in the ever-changing landscapes of the trail.

 

Hiking from Landmannalaugar to Thorsmork

Day 1 We leave Reykjavík early in the day for the 3 to 4 hours drive to Landmannalaugar. We pass through South Iceland before going up into the highlands to the geothermal hot spring area. The gentle green farmlands of the lowlands will give way to the awe inspiring volcanic scenery around the glorious Hekla Volcano. Your trek begins at Landmannalaugar where the incredibly colorful rhyolite mountains will set the color palette for the scenery; fields of obsidian, red, green and yellow mountains, black sands and sparkling white glaciers.  

 

Day 2 will take you to the Reykjafjöll geothermal rhyolite mountains and the area around the Jökultungur peak with dramatic views over the Fjallabak area. We will need to wade a river on the way to our accommodation at Álftavatn lake! Hiking 12 km.

 

Day 3 we wade another stream as we trek into volcano country. Crossing Mælifellssandur, and passing the Stórasúla and Hattafell volcanos on the way to Emstrur, will give us outstanding views of the famous Eyjafjallajökull glacier and Mýrdalsjökull glacier, with the mighty Katla Volcano lurking ominously beneath it.  On our way to Botnar, a green oasis in the black sand desert where we will spend the night, we will see Markarfljótsgljúfur, a 200 m deep canyon shaped by powerful glacier activity. Hiking 15 km.

 

Day 4 we will complete the Laugavegur trail to Þórsmörk, passing through stunning Almenningar you will get great views of Mount Einhyrningur (Unicorn Mountain). Your accommodation for the night will be in a stunning location at Þórsmörk beneath Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull. Hiking 15 km.

 

Hiking the Fimmvörðuháls Pass and Thorsmork Valley

Day 5

Fimmvörðuháls Pass and the new volcanic craters, Magni and Móði. These craters were formed in the first 2010 eruption, their names mean strong and brave, they were named after sons of the Norse Thunder God, Þór. Your knowledgeable guide will explain the unique geological features which surround you – outstandingly spectacular scenery all the way is guaranteed! Hiking 16 km. Your accommodation will be at Þórsmörk. We celebrate the trek with a traditional Icelandic lamb grill dinner. This is something really special. The Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls trek has been listed by National Geographic as a world top 20 hike.

 

Day 6

Hike up Mount Útigönguhöfði, or just maybe relax or stroll around Þórsmörk or perhaps a gentle wander to Húsadalur will be appealing? Glimpse Seljalandsfoss waterfall on the journey back. Return to Reykjavík will be early in the evening at around 18:30.