The Laugavegur Trek — Four Days in the Highlands

Iceland’s most celebrated trail. Fifty-five kilometres through the highlands, from the geothermal colour of Landmannalaugar to the sheltered birch valleys of Þórsmörk. Simply one of the finest multi-day walks on earth.
The landscape shifts daily, sometimes hourly. Rhyolite ridges give way to obsidian fields. Snow bridges cross steaming fumaroles. Black sand deserts stretch to the edge of ice. Nothing quite prepares you for any of it.
We keep groups small and pace comfortable. Your luggage travels between huts by vehicle. You carry only what you need for the day. All meals are included.

Day 1 — Landmannalaugar to Hrafntinnusker

12 km · Ascent 470 m · Descent 80 m · 5–6 hours
The trail begins in one of Iceland’s most extraordinary places. A wide geothermal basin where hot springs bubble up beside lava fields and the mountains glow green, yellow, and rust.
You cross the Laugahraun lava field before the path rises steadily past Brennisteinsalda, the sulphur mountain, and through the steaming vents at Storihver. The final push brings you to Hrafntinnusker at just over 1,100 metres, Iceland’s highest mountain hut, sitting in a field of obsidian, also known as dragonglass.

Day 2 — Hrafntinnusker to Álftavatn

12 km · Ascent 160 m · Descent 540 m · 4–5 hours
The trail stays high for a while. Snow patches in July are common here, even in summer. Then the ridge opens and you get your first long view south towards the lowlands. The descent stops people mid-stride every time.
The valley below opens all at once. Álftavatn, Swan Lake, sits in a green bowl below glacier-draped ridges. After a day and a half above the treeline the colour is almost disorienting. The hut sits right at the water’s edge. Prepare to cross your first river on the trail as you near the Álftavatn hut. The river fording feels rejuvenating at the end of the day and brings relief to tired feet.

Day 3 — Álftavatn to Emstrur

15 km · Ascent 270 m · Descent 310 m · 5–7 hours
The character of the trail changes here. The landscape opens into something wider and darker. We cross Mælifellssandur, which is a black sand desert, made from volcanic residue.
There are a few river crossings on this part of the trail and your guide will read conditions on the day and find the right lines. The Emstrur huts sit above the Markarfljót canyon, and offers out-of-this-world settings, appearing like an oasis after the long desert hike.

Day 4 — Emstrur to Þórsmörk

15 km · Ascent 340 m · Descent 580 m · 5–6 hours
The last day earns its finish. The trail rolls as you go below the tree line. The final descent drops you into a different world. Exploring canyons, birch scrub, soft ground, the smell of something living. Þórsmörk is sheltered, green, almost warm. On this last day we enjoy our final meal together in one of the oldest hiking huts in Iceland and allow ourselves a well earned rest, surrounded by the breathtaking views of the north face of Eyjafjallajökull glacier. A voluntary hike to the summit of Valahnúkur is the cherry on the top, offering great view over Þórsmörk, the riverbeds and surrounding glaciers. The route to Valahnúkur is right by the hut and the trip is around 1,5 hours both ways.

What’s included

Transfer by bus from Reykjavík to Landmannalaugar with return from Þórsmörk · Hut-to-hut accommodation throughout · All meals · Luggage transfer between huts · Licensed guide for the full duration

You carry a daypack. We take care of the rest.