In Iceland, you can find the well-known Laugavegur Trail. This 4-day hike takes you thru some of Iceland’s exceptional nature. In approximately 53 kilometers you hike from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk. It is not the longest hike, but this makes it a perfect hike for beginners or when you don’t have a lot of time. You hike thru rugged and remote areas with only yourself and your backpack. Along the way, you sleep in your own tent and prepare your own food. There is also an option to sleep in simple mountain huts. Despite the short duration of the trail, you will see a large variety of landscapes: multi-colored mountains, lava fields, hills, hot springs, and even some forest! Still have some energy left after these four days? You can extend the trail for two days by hiking to Skógar. Sounds good, right?
Tip: you can easily book this trail via The Iceland Trail.
Landmannalaugar – Hrafntinnusker 10 km
On the first day, you leave from Landmannalaugar, which can be reached by bus from Reykjavik. From here the trail starts on a large lava field and takes you to a snow-covered higher plain. Hike past lava flows, colored mountains, and geysers: you have the feeling you are in another world. On the first day, you need to work those calf muscles, because there are a lot of altimeters before you reach Hrafntinnusker, where you can pitch your tent. If you feel energized, you can also decide to continue to Álftavatn.
Hrafntinnusker – Álftavatn 11 km
From Hrafntinnusker you walk into another world. The colored mountains make place for a dark mountainous landscape with black lava fields. Because you started from the higher plains, there is a lot of descending on this part of the trail. The moss-covered mountains and hills make you feel like you’re walking on a movie set. After crossing several rivers and 11 kilometers of hiking, you arrive in Álftavatn (which translates to The Swan Lake).
Álftavatn – Emstrur 16 km
On the third day, the landscape keeps changing. You start on dark lava fields which give you the feeling of a desolate and remote desert landscape. When you are almost at the end of the 16 kilometers, you reach Emstrur. Here you can pitch your tent. After you pitch your tent, it is worthwhile to take a short walk towards the canyon of the Markarfjót river. Enjoy the amazing view of the canyon, because this rugged landscape is one of the highlights of the Laugavegur trail.
Emstrur – Þórsmörk 16 km
The final day takes you from Emstrur to Pórsmörk. The surroundings slowly change along the way. The mountains will become greener and provide amazing views of the massive ice caps. You even walk thru a forest. Þórsmörk is a protected nature reserve with many birch trees. This is unique for a country that has almost no trees. The further you go, the more you get back into civilization. After a descent, you reach Þórsmörk: the end of the trail. If you want, you can continue the trail towards Skógar. This will take you another two days and 25 kilometers. It is definitely recommended to do so, but you will see fewer fellow hikers along the way!
Good to know
The best time to hike the trail is during the summer months, July and August are the most suitable. If you are unlucky, you can even encounter bad weather during the summer months. There might be snow and the wind can be harsh and cold. Therefore, it is important to bring the correct clothing and adjust your gear list accordingly. Wear layers and a good wind- and waterproof jacket. Prefer not to sleep in a tent? Book your place in one of the mountain huts. Make sure to book these in advance because they can be crowded on the trail. Even though the trail is only 4 days, it is advised to train properly. You walk through rugged mountain landscapes with a lot of climbing. Here you can read how to train for long-distance hikes.
More info: The Iceland Trail
