The Laugavegur Hiking Trail Guide

What is the Laugavegur Trail?

Laugavegur is a hiking trail in the Fjallabak region of the highlands of south Iceland. Traditionally, the Laugavegur trek begins in the yellow and orange rhyolite hills of Landmannalaugar, and winds over rocky terrain through to Þórsmörk. Some trails take you the entire way, from Landmannalaugar to Skógar on the south side of the Mýrdalsjökull glacier. The classic route runs from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk and takes between 4 and 5 days to complete. Those hiking from Landmannalaugar to Skógar can enjoy a full 7-day trek.

Here is the day-to-day itinerary on the Classic Laugavegur Trek:

Day 1: Reykjavik - Landmannalaugar - Hike to Hrafntinnusker (Obsidian Skerry)

Day 2: Hike from Hrafntinnusker to Álftavatn lake

Day 3: Álftavatn Lake to Emstur via the Mælifellssandur black sand desert

Day 4: Emstrur to Thorsmork and final BBQ dinner

Day 5: Thorsmork to Reykjavik

Click to see the full itinerary.

Landmannalaugar is 182km away from Reykjavik, and there are several ways you can reach it.

Tour transportation to Laugavegur

If you are going on an organized tour with a company, bus transport from Reykjavik is included.

Public bus to Landmannalaugar

A public bus regularly runs from the BSI bus terminal in Reykjavik to Landmannalaugar, taking approximately 4 hours. During the summer, the bus takes you through the mountains for some spectacular views. For some guided tours, there will be a pre-determined time where you will meet your guide at the BSI terminal before departing.

By car

Experienced drivers will relish the chance to have a completely independent driving trip to Landmannalaugar. You will also need someone else with you to take the car back once you have arrived. Make sure you have a 4x4 vehicle and experience with crossing rivers before setting off. The drive will take around 3 hours, and you can enjoy the passing scenery at your own pace. Take Route 1 to Route 26 (Landvegur). Continue on Route 26 and turn right at Landmannaleið. From here, you will spot signs to Landmannalaugar.

What do I pack for the Laugavegur trail?

You always need layers when visiting Iceland, but days spent hiking the Laugavegur trail mean you will be exposed to the temperamental elements. You will need to pack the right clothes, shoes, and equipment if you want to make the most of your tour. On all Laugavegur trail tours, you will need:

Clothing:

Waterproof jacket. Though you’ll be hiking the trail in the summer, you will still need a light, waterproof jacket to shelter you from the rain.

Sturdy hiking boots. You will be hiking over long distances, making comfortable hiking boots an essential item. It is best if they are waterproof or GORE-TEX.

Layers. Outsmart fickle Iceland weather by packing layers that you can easily take off.

-Thermal underwear.

-Fleece or wool sweater.

-Hiking socks.

Weatherproof trousers. Along with flexible, breathable pants, you will also need some weatherproof trousers that you can quickly pull on when it starts to rain.

Woolen essentials. Summer means warmer days, but hiking in the highlands can expose you to biting temperatures. Pack your best gloves and hat to avoid discomfort.

A swimsuit and towel. You can bathe in the hot springs at the beginning of the tour, so make sure you keep a swimsuit and towel on hand for this part of the tour.

Other items:

Day pack. Aside from your larger duffel bag, you will need a light day pack to keep all your essentials close to your hand.

Sleeping bag. The huts do not provide sleeping bags, so you will need a thick sleep sack for cold evenings. On the Laugavegur Basic tour, sleeping bags are provided.

Towels. We don’t mean to pack your plush bathroom towels, but a lightweight microfibre one.

Sun protection. You’ll be spending lots of time outdoors, so bring some sturdy sunglasses, sunscreen, and SPF lip balm.

Water container. Do your part to save the environment by bringing a water container, such as a steel flask, to reduce the use of plastic.

Lunch box. Don’t be surprised if you are hungrier than usual on the trail. Food is provided on all guided tours, but you will need to pack some energy-boosting food for daytime snacks on the go.

First aid kit. Any medical prescriptions, personal care items, and blister care packs should make up your first aid kit.

Is the Laugavegur trail family-friendly?

Since the terrain along the Laugavegur trail is so challenging, people are always pleasantly surprised to learn that hiking can be a family activity. Providing children are at least 14 years old, they can accompany the adults in their family on some eye-opening tours across the rolling mountains of Iceland.

The minimum age requirement on the Laugavegur Trail Self-Guided tour is 7 years old.

When is the best time to hike the Laugavegur Trail?

It is no secret that the Icelandic highland landscape is more accessible in the warmer, summer months, and the Laugavegur trail is no exception. Generally speaking, you can hike the trail whenever the roads to the highlands are open, which is usually from June to September. Catch the hustle and bustle of peak season during July and August, when visitors flock to the trail. To avoid the crowds, you can experience the same golden summer scenery towards mid-September. Keep in mind that visiting at this time means shorter days and colder nights.

Bear in mind that the trek is not offered in winter, and huts are closed from October to May. There is a possibility of visiting Landmannalaugar in winter, but only for cross country skiing or in a super jeep.

Accommodations along the Laugavegur hiking trail

The Laugavegur trail’s length means that travelers can enjoy an abundance of natural attractions and several accommodation options along the trail:

Does the Laugavegur hiking trail have hot springs to bathe in?

If there’s one thing every traveler dreams of one day doing, it’s taking a dip in one of Iceland’s soothing, hot springs. You’ll be pleased to know that amongst the steaming lava and mossy hills, there are some natural hot springs at the start of the trail, in Landmannalaugar. Laugavegur literally means ‘Hot Spring Route’ for this very reason.