Laugavegur Trail: Iceland's Most Famous Hike

The Laugavegur is widely considered the finest multi-day hiking trail in Iceland and one of the best in the world — a 55km route through the highland interior from Landmannalaugar in the north to Þórsmörk in the south, crossing four distinct landscape zones over 4 days. The trail was created by hikers before it was formalised — it follows the geothermal river systems that early Icelanders used to navigate the highland interior. The landscape changes dramatically each day: from rhyolite mountains and obsidian lava, to snowfields and glacier views, to volcanic desert, to the lush green canyon of Þórsmörk at the end.

The Four Days

Day 1 (Landmannalaugar to Hrafntinnusker, 12km): Begins from the Landmannalaugar hot spring area, crossing obsidian lava fields before climbing to the snowfields around Hrafntinnusker hut at 1000m. The landscape is alien — vast snowfields with geothermal steam vents, visibility extending for 30km in clear conditions. Day 2 (Hrafntinnusker to Álftavatn, 12km): Descends from the snowfields to the Álftavatn lake area, with views of multiple glaciers. The day's end at the green lake is the most pastoral section of the route. Day 3 (Álftavatn to Emstrur, 15km): The longest day, crossing the black volcanic desert of Mælifellssandur. The barren landscape and river crossings make this the most demanding section. Day 4 (Emstrur to Þórsmörk, 15km): Descends into the birch woodland and canyon systems of Þórsmörk — the dramatic contrast with the highland landscape behind is one of the trail's great payoffs.

Difficulty and Equipment

The Laugavegur is a moderate to challenging trail. Fitness is required for consistent 12 to 15km days with 500m elevation changes. River crossings are typically ankle to knee depth but can be deeper after rain — trekking poles and proper footwear are essential. Full waterproof jacket and trousers, warm base and mid layers, and a 4-season sleeping bag for the hut accommodation are required. The trail is marked with cairns and GPS coordinates; navigation is straightforward in clear conditions.

Preparation and Training

The Laugavegur is a moderate-difficulty trail but requires specific preparation beyond general fitness. The river crossings require confidence — practise unbuckling your pack before crossing so you can discard it if you fall. Walking poles significantly help both the crossings and the daily elevation changes. The 4-day structure with 12 to 15km per day is achievable for any reasonably fit person who walks regularly, but the weight of a full pack (food for 4 days, warm layers, sleeping bag, waterproofs) on the first day is typically the most demanding section. Many hikers ship excess weight to Þórsmörk via the bus service and carry minimum weight on the trail.

Post-Trail: Thorsmork to the South Coast

After completing the Laugavegur, most hikers continue from Þórsmörk via the Fimmvörðuháls route to Skógar on the South Coast — adding one or two additional hiking days that cross the plateau between Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull and descend to Skógar via 20+ waterfalls. The Fimmvörðuháls section is arguably the most scenically varied single day of walking in Iceland. Alternatively, the Reykjavik Excursions Trex bus from Þórsmörk to Reykjavik provides an exit without additional hiking. The Skógar trail exit provides the reward of Skógafoss as a literal finish line — emerging from 6 days of highland hiking onto the South Coast with a 60-metre waterfall ahead.

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