6-Day Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls Premium Trek

We take the regular public bus from BSI bus terminal, that during the summer months drives the mountain tracks that lead to Landmannalaugar, passing by the Hekla volcano and other volcanoes in the Dómadalur area. Arriving in Landmannalaugar at noon, we have a lunch before climbing the Bláhnjúkur peak with for amazing view of this magnificent and colourful area.

Distance: 6,5 km (4.5 mi)

Walking time: 3- 4 hrs.

Ascent: 385 m (1256 ft)

We head south into the mountains. The trail takes us past small gorges, steaming hot springs and yellow mountain ridges. We will arrive at Hrafntinnusker mountain hut, where we will have lunch. From Hrafntinnusker we descend down in the gullies of Jökultungur with hundreds of steaming hot springs and mud pools. Fascinating views to the south to the Álftavatn area (Swan Lake), and the Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull glaciers. In the afternoon we arrive at Álftavatn hut where we stay the night.

Distance: 24 km (15 mi)

Walking time: 7-8 hrs.

Ascent: 470 m (1600 ft) Descent: 490 m (1610 ft)

We pass at the foot of the green conic volcano of Stórasúla before entering the black deserts of Mælifellssandur. Heading towards another ancient and verdurous volcano, the Hattfell, we enter the Emstrur region where farmers used to graze their sheep in summer. Before arriving at the Botnar hut where we stay the night, we visit the magnificent Markarfljót canyon cut almost 200 m down into the rocks south of Hattfell.

Distance: 16 km (10 mi)

Walking time: 6 - 7 hrs

Descent: 40 m (130 ft)

We continue up and down through the small valleys and gullies of Emstrur, where the great Mýrdalsjökull glacier rises only a couple of kilometers away. At the end of the day, the vegetation starts to grow thicker and higher as we descend into Þórsmörk’s (the woods of Thor) green valleys filled with arctic birch forests and colorful flowers. We cross the river Krossá on a footbridge entering the magic landscapes of Goðaland, the abode of the Gods. Nesting at the foot of two glaciers this is a wonderland of ridges and cliffs covered by a multitude of flowers and grasses, certainly fit for gods and humans alike. Even the elves have made themselves at home here. We spend the night in the Básar hut.

Distance: 18 km (11 mi)

Walking time: 6 - 7 hrs

Descent: 300 m (985 ft)

We climb up the hills leading to the pass of Fimmvörðuháls, walking along the Kattarhryggir ridges with views to the impressive mountain of Útigönguhöfði up to Morinsheiði heath. At the end of the Morinsheiði plateau we enjoy the view of the lava stream that flowed down from the Fimmvörðuháls volcano in March and early April 2010. As we gain height above Morinsheiði we come to the lava and then to the two craters Magni and Móði that erupted prior to the main Eyjafjallajökull crater. We spend the night in Fimmvörðuháls hut between the two glaciers

Distance: 12 km (7 mi)

Walking time: 6 - 7 hrs

Ascent: 900 m (2953 ft)

After a night between the two glaciers, we head down to Skógar. At the beginning, the path takes us over a desolate heath to the Skógará River and follow the river exploring its many hidden gorges, and waterfalls all the way to the famous Skógafoss waterfall. The river and its surroundings offer great scenery. The coast seems to be within arm´s reach and you can almost feel the surf on your cheeks. Arriving at Skógafoss we hop on our bus to Reykjavik.

Distance: 12-13 km (7-8 mi)

Walking time: 6-7 hrs.