Adventurer of the Week: Kristof on the Laugavegur Trek

The colorful rhyolite mountains seen as you trek from Landmannalaugar to Thorsmork on the Laugavegur trail in the Icelandic highlands.
Kristof
Landmannalaugar - Laugavegur Trail

This week has seen Kristof set off on the Laugavegur trail, the epic 55km hike between Landmannlaugar and Thorsmork. He experienced it all, stunning vistas, river fords and the traditional Icelandic weather. Read on for more!

What motivated you to visit Iceland?

Iceland has been on my travel list for a while, quite a lot of friends have been here the past few years and had great things to say about it. I wasn’t really planning to do it this year, but since a friend moved here recently, I decided to speed up my plans. 

How long was your stay? Did you travel solo or with a group?

In total 2 weeks. I came alone, but spend about a week with my friend who lives here and another with a group, while doing the trek. So not really solo.

Landmannalaugar
Kristof
Landmannalaugar

Which tour did you take and why did you choose it?

The Laugavegur Trek. from Landmmanalaugar to Thorsmork (Þórsmörk), I wanted a multiple-day trek across the mountains and canyons, so this 5-day tour was perfect. 

What is one thing you will always remember about your tour from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk?

The third day we started in heavy rain and I noticed the hard way that I should have prepared better for that (I was soaked after 2 hours). Combine that with the strong polar wind and an ice-cold river crossing and you get quite the experience. But that was only half the day: at the hut we had lamb on the bbq and afterwards I did an evening hike on my own and ended up seeing one the most spectacular views of my life. Quite a day.  

person looking at Gljúfrabúi Waterfall
Kristof
Gljúfrabúi

What is something that you learned about Iceland that surprised you?

They have very good salt. 

If you had more time in Iceland, what else would you like to see and do?

Do a full tour around the island and an extended visit to the Westfjords and the North. And maybe see a geyser, still haven’t seen one of those things. 

people walking on the Laugavegur Trail
Kristof
On the Laugavegur Trail

What tips do you have for people who want to visit Iceland?

Go. To. The. Highlands. And inform yourself about the delicateness of the nature there, it’s sometimes hard to understand how fragile rocks and moss can be. 

If you describe your tour in two words, what would they be?

Fancy mountains. 

What adventure are you off to next? What is your next dream adventure? 

Iran, it’s time to see it for myself.

Sunset at Sólfar, Reykjavik
Kristof
Sunset at Sólfar, Reykjavik

Kritsof’s adventure is only one of the many features that make for an unforgettable experience. Book your tour and join us for an excursion that is guaranteed to make memories that last a lifetime.  

Have you been on a tour with us in Iceland and would like to be featured as an “Adventurer of the Week”? Feel free to email Jewells at [email protected].

About the Author

Joseph Mattos-Hall

Joseph Mattos-Hall

Hailing from London and born into a British/Brazilian/Italian household, Joseph came to Iceland originally to complete a master’s degree in Environment and Natural Resources from the University of Iceland: the rest is history.

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