Small-Group 5-Day Laugavegur Trail Summer Hiking Tour from Reykjavik
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable adventure in Iceland on this small-group five-day hiking tour of the Laugavegur hiking trail. Travelers seeking a once-in-a-lifetime hike amid a world-famous trail with breathtaking landscapes should book this summer tour from Reykjavik now.
The Laugavegur hiking trail is the most well-known in Iceland and has been named one of the 20 best treks in the world by National Geographic. It attracts travelers from around the globe and is also a favorite with locals.
The journey starts in the Landmannalaugar geothermal valley in the Icelandic Highlands. It traverses the southern area of the Highlands to the Thorsmork valley, located at the foot of the Eyjafjallajokull volcano.
Throughout the trek, you will encounter diverse and stunning landscapes. These include otherworldly geothermal areas, colorful rhyolite mountains, black deserts, magnificent canyons, and lush valleys.
Each day involves four to seven hours of walking, so it’s suitable for those with a good fitness level. Hikers should have some experience trekking in the mountains with a backpack. However, this trip includes luggage transfer, so you only need to carry a day pack.
Over the five days, you'll cover 35 miles (56 kilometers) at altitudes ranging from 650 to 3,600 feet (200 to 1,100 meters). The maximum ascent during the trek is 1,900 feet (600 meters).
All meals are included, from lunch on day one to lunch on the final day. Vegan, vegetarian, and pescatarian meal plans are available for an extra fee.
Accommodation is in sleeping bag-equipped mountain huts, with showers available on-site for an additional cost.
The tour begins at 07:00 on day one from the BSI bus terminal in Reykjavik. After meeting the rest of your group, your bus will depart for the Highlands. Along the way, you'll enjoy spectacular views of Iceland's rugged terrain.
An experienced English-speaking guide will lead the trek, ensuring your safety and providing insights into the landscape and its history. The small group size of 6 to 16 participants allows quality interaction with the guide and a more personalized experience.
After lunch on day one, you'll hike to the Hrafntinnusker hut. You’ll witness small gorges, geothermal springs, and vibrant mountain ridges along the way.
On day two, the walk passes steaming hot springs and mud pools. Enjoy incredible lake and glacier vistas before spending the night at the Alftavatn hut.
Day three's hike boasts diverse scenery. Marvel at volcanoes, black deserts, farmland, and a majestic canyon. Tonight you’ll stay at the Botnar hut.
Day four descends into the lush green valley of Thorsmork. This enchanting area is the trek's final destination, and you’ll spend the night in one of the huts there.
Enjoy a walk in the Thorsmork area on the final day before taking the afternoon bus back to Reykjavik. The tour finishes in Reykjavik at about 19:20.
This five-day hike on the Laugavegur trail offers an unparalleled experience of Iceland's natural beauty. Check availability now by choosing a date.
Included
Activities
Daily itinerary
Day 1 - Reykjavik to Landmannalaugar and the Hrafntinnusker hut
Day one of your trek along the Laugavegur trail begins early, with a 07:00 departure from the BSI bus terminal in central Reykjavik. You'll travel in a comfortable bus to the Icelandic Highlands.
Depart Reykjavik’s urban landscape and head into the countryside, anticipating the adventures that await.
The scenic ride offers breathtaking views as you travel through the Domadalur area. Marvel at Hekla, one of Iceland’s most active volcanoes and a majestic sight. Soon, the landscape transitions from lush greenery to rugged highland terrain, giving you a taste of the diverse environments you'll explore on this trek.
Arriving in Landmannalaugar around noon, you'll have lunch and get your first glimpse of this remarkable area.
Landmannalaugar is renowned for its stunning rhyolite mountains, which display a spectrum of colors from red and pink to green and gold. The area's geothermal activity creates a surreal landscape of steaming hot springs and bubbling mud pots, adding to its otherworldly beauty.
You'll begin the day’s hike in the afternoon, heading south into the mountains. The trail offers a variety of landscapes, from deep gorges and steaming hot springs to dramatic ridges. The path is a visual feast, with every turn revealing new and spectacular scenery.
After a walk of about 7.5 miles (12 kilometers), with an ascent of 1,540 feet (470 meters), you'll reach the Hrafntinnusker mountain hut. Your accommodation provides a cozy and rustic setting for the night. You'll have dinner here and can relax after your first day of trekking.
Today's hike takes about four to five hours, covering varied terrain that showcases Iceland's geothermal wonders and vibrant landscapes. It’s an excellent introduction to the unmatched beauty of the Icelandic Highlands.
As you settle in for the night at Hrafntinnusker, you'll be well-prepared for the exciting days ahead on the Laugavegur trail.
Day 2 - Hrafntinnusker to Alftavatn Hut
Day two of your multi-day hike in Iceland begins with a nourishing breakfast in the hut, preparing you for another day of exploration. You’ll head out for the day’s adventures when everyone is ready.
Today’s hike covers 7.5 miles (12 kilometers) and takes four to five hours. The route involves a descent of 1,610 feet (490 meters), so it’s a relatively easy day.
You will start the day by descending into the valleys of Jokultungur. This area is known for its numerous steaming hot springs and boiling mud pools, creating a unique and dynamic landscape. The geothermal activity makes the scenery both fascinating and surreal.
As you hike, your expert guide will share intriguing insights about the geothermal features and the region’s geology. The small group size gives you plenty of opportunities to ask questions and enjoy a personalized experience.
Continuing the journey, you’ll witness incredible views of the Alftavatn area, also known as Swan Lake. The vistas here are stunning, with the peaceful lake set against the backdrop of the Myrdalsjokull and Eyjafjallajokull glaciers.
The contrasting colors and expansive views present excellent photo opportunities and moments of awe. Ensure your camera is ready to capture lasting memories of this breathtaking setting.
You will stay the night at the Alftavatn hut, next to the serene lake. The area around the hut is picturesque, with the calm waters reflecting the surrounding mountains and glaciers. It’s a peaceful location, perfect for unwinding after a day of hiking.
Enjoy dinner at the hut in the evening and reflect on your day with fellow hikers. The cozy atmosphere and shared experiences create a sense of camaraderie and make for a memorable evening.
As you rest, you can look forward to the next day’s trek through Iceland’s magnificent landscapes.
Day 3 - Alftavatn Hut to the Botnar Hut
Day three begins with a hearty breakfast at the Alftavatn hut, fueling you for another day of hiking. Then, it’s time to head off for another adventurous day discovering the wild beauty of the Icelandic Highlands.
The hike starts by passing the foot of the Storasula cone-shaped volcano. With its unique shape and vibrant colors, this striking volcanic formation adds a dramatic element to the landscape.
You will then traverse the Maelifellssandur black sand desert. This vast, barren area is known for its stark beauty, with dark sands stretching out in all directions. The contrast between the black sands and the surrounding green moss creates a surreal and captivating environment.
Next, you will enter the Emstrur region, a remote area traditionally used for sheep grazing. The desolate terrain here highlights the Highlands' rugged and untamed nature.
As you continue, you will encounter the breathtaking Markarfljotsgljufur canyon. This impressive canyon, carved by the Markarfljot river, offers stunning views of its sheer cliffs and deep gorges. It’s a highlight of the day, providing numerous photo opportunities.
Today’s trek covers 10 miles (16 kilometers) and takes six to seven hours. It involves a descent of 130 feet (40 meters). Although it’s a relatively flat walk, the distance is greater than the first two days, so you’ll welcome a rest by the end of the day.
You will spend the night at the Botnar hut, nestled in this remote and beautiful region. The hut offers a cozy and rustic setting to relax after a day of trekking through diverse landscapes.
After settling in at the hut, you can take a moment to absorb the tranquility of your surroundings. You'll enjoy a well-deserved dinner as the sun sets or under the midnight sun, casting a golden hue over the rugged terrain.
The evening provides a perfect opportunity to enjoy the calm surroundings or socialize with other hikers in your group.
Day 4 - From Emstrur to the Thorsmork Valley
Day four begins with breakfast at the Botnar hut, preparing you for the longest day of your trek. Today's hike covers 12 miles (19 kilometers) and takes six to seven hours, with a descent of 985 feet (300 meters).
Departing the Botnar hut, you'll continue through the picturesque valleys and gullies of the Emstrur area. The landscape is a captivating mix of rolling hills and rugged terrain, creating a scenic journey through Iceland's Highlands.
As you hike, the Myrdalsjokull glacier towers nearby, offering a stunning backdrop on clear days. The glacier's icy expanse contrasts beautifully with the surrounding greenery, adding to the dramatic scenery.
Towards the end of the day, you'll descend into the lush valleys of Thorsmork. This area is renowned for its arctic birch forests and the colorful flowers that adorn the landscape during summer. Jagged mountain peaks, winding rivers, and a striking contrast of black volcanic sands and vibrant green vegetation enhance the scenery.
Thorsmork, meaning "Thor's Forest," is named after the Norse god Thor. The valley's name reflects its mythical beauty and the sense of adventure it evokes. Thorsmork's enchanting landscapes have also been featured in the popular Game of Thrones series, adding to its allure and making it a must-visit destination for fans.
You will spend the night at a cozy hut in Thorsmork. To celebrate the trek, enjoy a barbecue with your fellow hikers. It's a brilliant way to spend your final night on the trail, sharing stories and relishing the friendships formed over the past few days.
As the day comes to a close, take a moment to appreciate the serene beauty of Thorsmork. The peaceful surroundings and the sense of achievement make for a memorable evening.
Prepare for your final day in this extraordinary landscape, knowing you've experienced some of Iceland's most spectacular natural wonders.
Day 5 - The Thorsmork Valley and Return to Reykjavik
Day five begins with breakfast at the hut, preparing you for your final day of adventure. You'll spend the morning trekking in the beautiful Thorsmork valley, with several hiking options available based on the group's preference and the guide's recommendations.
Thorsmork, often called the "Valley of Thor," is a nature reserve between the Myrdalsjokull, Eyjafjallajokull, and Tindfjallajokull glaciers. This sheltered oasis is known for its lush greenery, diverse plant life, and stunning rock formations.
The contrasting landscapes, from valleys to mountains, offer endless opportunities for exploration and photography. Therefore, whichever route your group takes this morning guarantees breathtaking scenery that seems straight from a storybook.
One option is a hike to Songhellir, also known as the Song Cave. This unique cave is famed for its acoustics. Your guide may also share local folklore and stories about its history. The cave provides a fascinating glimpse into the area's natural and cultural heritage.
Another option is to hike up Valahnukur mountain. This trek offers incredible panoramic views of the Thorsmork valley, the surrounding glaciers, and the distant highlands. The ascent is rewarding, with each step bringing more unbeatable scenery into view.
After a morning of exploring, you'll enjoy a final lunch together, savoring the last moments in this enchanting setting.
In the afternoon, you'll board the Highland bus for the journey back to Reykjavik. As you travel, you can reflect on the unforgettable experiences and the mesmerizing landscapes you've encountered over the past five days. The scenic drive offers a final chance to soak in the beauty of Iceland's rugged terrain.
You will arrive at the BSI bus terminal in central Reykjavik at about 19:20, marking the end of your once-in-a-lifetime hiking trip. The memories of the Laugavegur trail will undoubtedly stay with you long after the adventure finishes.
What to bring
Good to know
Optional gear can include the following: walking poles, gaiters, neoprene socks for river crossings, pen knife, ear plugs, sun hat, thermal mat for lunch breaks, puffer jacket, camera, dry bags, slippers, aperitif or other heart-warming spirits.
