Laugavegur Trail Express

Reykjavik - Landmannalaugar. We set off early in the morning, at 7:00 from the heart of Reykjavik (see the tour Trip Notes and your booking documentation for information about the pick up point). Our drive to Landmannalaugar will take around 3-4 hours, beginning with a journey along the stunning south coast before we ascend into the rugged highlands, where we’ll be spending the rest of the week. The drive itself is a visual feast, offering breathtaking views, not least of the mighty Hekla, Iceland's most active volcano. This formidable mountain, ominously referred to by medieval Europeans as the 'Gateway to Hell,' has erupted with fierce regularity every 10 to 15 years over the past century.

Landmannalaugar marks the starting point of the legendary Laugavegur trail. We’ll venture through the otherworldly Laugahraun lava field and the dramatic Vondugil canyon, taking in the kaleidoscope of colours that make the rhyolite mountains so unique, with the vibrant Mt. Brennisteinsalda standing out as a highlight. As we head to our accommodation, we’ll have the chance to marvel at the Graenagil gorge and, if time permits, ascend the Blahnjukur Volcano for even more awe-inspiring views.

Accommodation & Equipment: On this tour we stay in private tents at dedicated campsites. There is normally a small kitchen with stoves, hot water and utensils. A communal shower/toilet block is available for travellers on this tour and can be used communally by anyone else staying at the accommodation. Everyone on the tour will participate in camp chores such as cooking and washing up. You will need to bring with you on this tour: Thermal underwear (top and bottom), at least two sets of shirts, wool or fleece thermal mid layer, hiking pants, waterproof and breathable pants and jacket, wool/fleece hat, at least one pair of gloves, 2 to 3 pairs of thick socks, waterproof hiking boots, sleeping bag and travel pillow, sun glasses, sunscreen / after sun cream, travel sack for your baggage that is transported between campsites, day backpack, 25-40 L, river crossing shoes (old sneakers or similar for fording rivers), health supplies and prescription medicine, personal medical kit to include personal medication, 1-2 liter water bottle, towel. Please note that we can arrange rental of many of these items for you, including sleeping bag, boots, jacket and waterproof pants. Please enquire with our team at the time of booking.

Distance: 8 km (4.9 mi)
Walking time: 4 hrs
Ascent: 470 m (1540 ft)

Landmannalaugar - Hrafntinnusker - Jokultungur - Alftavatn. After a restful sleep and a hearty breakfast, we’ll be raring to hit the trail once more! Today’s adventure takes us through the pitch-black expanse of the Hrafntinnusker obsidian desert, past the vibrantly coloured Reykjafjoll rhyolite mountains, and into the mesmerising Jokultungur region. Here, geothermal forces have sculpted the rugged gullies into a striking palette of burnt and vivid yellows and reds, a vivid contrast to the soft, pale sandy tones that surround them.

Reaching the summit of Jokultungur, we’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views across the entire Fjallabak region and Alftavatn Lake, where we’ll be spending the night. To reach our campsite, we’ll need to ford a river on foot, a thrilling experience for many overseas hikers and one that adds an extra layer of excitement to our day’s journey.

Distance: 24 km (14.9 mi)
Walking time: 7 hrs
Ascent: 900 m (2952 ft)

Alftavatn - Emstrur - Botnar. Our journey today kicks off with a thrilling wade across a gushing stream, as we head towards Maelifellssandur and delve into the dramatic volcano terrain. Along the way, we’ll encounter the imposing Storasula and Hattafell volcanoes, guiding us towards Emstrur. If the weather is on our side, we’ll be treated to stunning vistas of the majestic Eyjafjallajokull and Myrdalsjokull glaciers.

As we make our way to Botnar, a green sanctuary nestled amidst a black sand desert, we’ll marvel at the Markarfljotsgljufur canyon, an awe-inspiring 200-metre-deep gorge carved by a glacial river. We’ll spend the night in this captivating area, soaking in the rugged beauty and tranquil ambiance.

Distance: 15 km (9.5 mi)
Walking time: 6-7 hrs
Descent: 40 m (130 ft)

Botnar - Emstrur - Thorsmork Valley - Reykjavik. After breakfast, we bid farewell to Emstrur and Botnar and set off on our hike to Thorsmork. As we traverse the Almenningar gorge near Mount Einhyrningur (the Unicorn Mountain), we’ll continue to enjoy breathtaking views of the glaciers. But as we draw nearer to Thorsmork, the landscape begins to transform. We’ll start to see clusters of trees, heralding the onset of the lush birch forests that make Thorsmork so renowned.

We did it! You can celebrate the completion of the world-famous Laugavegur Trail! we will be collected at the trail's end and shall drive back to Reykajvik. We can glimpse the cascading Seljalandsfoss on our way back, arriving in the city at around 21:30.

Drop-off is offered at the City Hall on Vonarstraeti in Reykjavik.

Distance: 15 km (9.5 mi)
Walking time: 6-7 hrs
Descent: 300 m (985 ft)