Laugavegur Trail

Overview

The Laugavegur Trail stands as Iceland's premier multi-day hiking route, stretching 55 kilometres through some of the country's most spectacular volcanic terrain. Beginning at the geothermal wonderland of Landmannalaugar and concluding at the verdant valley of Þórsmörk, this challenging trek traverses landscapes so otherworldly they've served as training grounds for Apollo astronauts. The trail crosses four distinct geological zones: rhyolite mountains painted in vivid colours, black obsidian lava fields, ancient glacial valleys, and lush birch woodlands.

First established in the 1970s by the Icelandic Touring Association, Laugavegur—meaning "Hot Springs Road"—has evolved into one of the world's most celebrated hiking routes. The trail showcases Iceland's geological diversity in dramatic fashion, passing steaming fumaroles, glacier-fed rivers, volcanic craters, and the imposing Hekla volcano. Its popularity stems not merely from stunning scenery but from the accessibility of wilderness camping in designated mountain huts, making multi-day hiking feasible for international visitors.

Quick Facts

**GPS Coordinates:** 63.9922°N, 19.0581°W (Landmannalaugar trailhead)

**Entry Fee:** Free (hut accommodation 8,500-12,000 ISK per night)

**Best Time to Visit:** Late June to mid-September

**Difficulty:** Strenuous (requires multi-day hiking experience)

**Distance:** 55km (typically completed in 4-5 days)

**Elevation Gain:** 1,500m cumulative

**Nearest Town:** Hella (70km from Landmannalaugar)

**Hut Reservations:** Essential (book through fi.is)

How to Get There

Driving

From Reykjavík, drive 95km southeast on Route 1 to Hella, then turn north onto Route 26 towards Landmannalaugar. After 28km, turn east onto F208, a highland F-road requiring a 4WD vehicle with high clearance. The final 25km traverses several unbridged river crossings, with the largest at Bláhnjúkur requiring careful assessment of water levels. Total journey time: 3-4 hours depending on river conditions and vehicle capability.

Alternative access via Þórsmörk requires taking Route 1 east for 120km, then Route 249 north. The final 15km on F249 includes the notorious Krossá river crossing—attempt only with proper 4WD vehicles and highland driving experience.

Parking

Landmannalaugar offers free parking for approximately 200 vehicles in a gravel car park adjacent to the warden's hut. During peak season (July-August), arrive before 10:00 to secure spaces. No overnight parking restrictions, though vehicles are left entirely at owner's risk in this remote location.

Access

The trailhead begins directly from Landmannalaugar's facilities area, marked by distinctive orange posts. No additional walking required from the car park. Trail markers continue throughout the route at 500-metre intervals.

What to See and Do

The trail divides into four distinct stages, each offering unique geological spectacles. Day one leads through Landmannalaugar's multicoloured rhyolite peaks, passing the natural hot springs that give the area its name and ascending to viewpoints over Bláhnjúkur's blue-black obsidian slopes. The second day crosses the stark Hrafntinnusker plateau, characterised by steaming fumaroles and snow patches that persist through summer.

Day three presents the route's most dramatic transition, descending from volcanic highlands into the green Álftavatn valley, passing Stórihver's impressive geothermal area and crossing numerous glacial streams. The final section traverses beneath Mýrdalsjökull glacier's southern edge, offering close views of Iceland's fourth-largest ice cap before descending into Þórsmörk's protected birch forests.

Wildlife encounters include ptarmigan in the highlands, Arctic foxes throughout the route, and diverse birdlife in Þórsmörk including redwings and snow buntings. Photography opportunities peak during early morning and late evening when low-angle light illuminates the volcanic landscape's dramatic textures and colours.

Best Time to Visit

The hiking season runs from late June through mid-September, with conditions varying significantly by month. Late June and early July offer the longest daylight hours but increased likelihood of snow patches at higher elevations and swollen river crossings from glacial melt.

July and August represent peak season, with the most stable weather and fully operational mountain huts. However, these months bring the largest crowds and require advance hut bookings often made 6-12 months prior. Temperatures range from 5-15°C during the day, dropping below freezing at night in highland areas.

September provides the most stable weather conditions with fewer crowds, though daylight hours decrease rapidly after mid-month. Highland huts typically close by late September, making this period suitable only for experienced campers with appropriate cold-weather gear.

Safety

Highland weather changes rapidly and without warning—conditions can shift from sunshine to snow within hours, even in midsummer. Hypothermia poses the primary risk, particularly when combined with wet clothing and wind exposure on exposed ridges. Carry full waterproof layers, warm insulation, and emergency shelter regardless of forecast conditions.

River crossings present significant hazards, particularly the Krossá near Þórsmörk and multiple glacial streams throughout the route. Water levels fluctuate dramatically with rainfall and glacial melt—never attempt crossings during flood conditions. Several hikers require mountain rescue annually due to river-related incidents.

Weather-related helicopter evacuations occur regularly, costing 500,000+ ISK. Comprehensive travel insurance covering highland rescue is essential. Emergency shelters exist at major river crossings, but mobile phone coverage remains sporadic throughout the route.

Nearby Places

**Landmannalaugar Hot Springs** (0km) - Natural geothermal bathing pools adjacent to the trailhead, offering essential post-hike relaxation with temperatures around 40°C.

**Hekla Volcano** (25km northeast) - Iceland's most active volcano, visible throughout much of the trail's northern sections and accessible via separate F-road routes.

**Stakkholtsgjá Canyon** (15km from Þórsmörk) - Hidden canyon featuring 100-metre walls and a waterfall, accessible via marked day hike from the trail's terminus.

**Seljavallalaug Pool** (35km south of Þórsmörk) - Iceland's oldest swimming pool, built in 1923 and fed by natural hot springs, requiring a 15-minute walk from Route 1.

**Westman Islands** (visible from southern sections) - Volcanic archipelago clearly visible during clear weather from higher elevations, particularly near Álftavatn.

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