Laugavegur Trail: Iceland's Classic Hut-to-Hut Trek from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk

The Laugavegur Trail is located in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve in the southern highlands of Iceland, connecting the geothermal area of Landmannalaugar in the north with the green valley of Þórsmörk in the south. The name Laugavegur roughly means "hot spring road" in Icelandic. (Laugavegur is also the name of the main shopping street in Reykjavík, which is a different place entirely.)

Starting at Landmannalaugar, the trail crosses the Laugahraun lava field and climbs into a landscape of colourful rhyolite mountains. You can bathe in the warm stream next to the hut before you set off. The route continues through obsidian fields and past steam vents to Hrafntinnusker (hut: Höskuldsskáli), where snow patches often remain in early summer. From there, a steep descent at Jökultungur opens up views of three glaciers: Mýrdalsjökull, Eyjafjallajökull and Tindfjallajökull. Below lies the lake Álftavatn (Alftavatn). The next stage crosses the black sand desert of Mælifellssandur, one of the most exposed sections of the trail. After the huts at Emstrur (Botnar huts), the trail passes the edge of the deep Markarfljót canyon and enters the birch forest of Hamraskógar before arriving in Þórsmörk.

Six FÍ hut locations divide the Laugavegur Trail into four natural walking stages. Ferðafélag Íslands (the Iceland Touring Association, FÍ) runs the huts and campsites at these six locations.

The trail is popular, particularly in July and August. Landmannalaugar is busy at the start of each day, but hikers spread out quickly once on the trail. The real limit on numbers is the number of beds in the huts.

Is Landmannalaugar worth it?

Yes. Landmannalaugar is worth time of its own, not only as a starting point: colourful rhyolite mountains, lava fields, steam vents and a warm stream where you can bathe next to the hut. On our 8-day trip you arrive there by bus on day 2 and can walk the loop to Brennisteinsalda (7.33 km, about 3 hours) before the trail starts.

The Laugavegur Trail has four walking stages between the huts, ranging from 10.5 to 15.8 km per day on our itinerary. The table below shows the key facts for each stage.

Stage 1: Landmannalaugar to Hrafntinnusker (10.5 km, 500 m up). The shortest stage in distance but the most demanding in climbing. The path crosses the Laugahraun lava field, climbs through steam vents and sulphur-stained rock, and reaches the high plateau around Hrafntinnusker. Snow is common even in midsummer, and fog can reduce visibility sharply. This is the stage where conditions most often cause delays.

Stage 2: Hrafntinnusker to Álftavatn or Hvanngil (12 km, 580 m down). The descent along Jökultungur is steep and rocky, and in clear weather the views open south over the glaciers. In good weather, a side climb to Háskerðingur (1,281 m) takes about 1 to 1.5 hours extra. Below Jökultungur you reach the first river ford of the hike, at Grashagakvísl, which sometimes has a snow bridge in early summer. The stage ends at the lake Álftavatn, or at the alternative hut of Hvanngil.

Stage 3: Álftavatn or Hvanngil to Emstrur (15.8 km, the longest stage). After a river ford and a footbridge, the trail crosses the black sand desert of Mælifellssandur, exposed to strong wind. A second ford at Bláfjallakvísl (after Hvanngil) has no bridge and must be waded. The landscape is nearly without vegetation by the time you reach the Botnar huts at Emstrur. An optional side walk to the edge of the Markarfljót canyon is about 4.5 km return.

Stage 4: Emstrur to Þórsmörk (15.7 km). The trail crosses the Syðri-Emstruá gorge on a high bridge (challenging for those afraid of heights), then passes through progressively greener terrain. Shortly before Þórsmörk you wade the river Þröngá (Thronga), which marks the boundary of the valley. The final stretch through the birch forest of Hamraskógar leads to Langidalur in Þórsmörk, where the viewpoint Valahnúkur is worth the short climb.

Laugavegur Trail length and how many days you need

The Laugavegur Trail is about 55 km long; sources give 54 to 56 km. On our itinerary the four stages add up to 54 km of walking. Most hikers choose four days because it keeps the daily distances manageable and leaves time to look around. Three days is possible for fit hikers: for example Landmannalaugar to Álftavatn in one day of about 22 to 24 km, with a lot of climbing and a demanding descent. Two days is only realistic for experienced, very fit hikers and is not a comfortable pace for most people. Four days also leaves time for side walks at the huts.

For the complete programme including the day around Landmannalaugar and the nights in Reykjavík, see our 8-day Laugavegur Trail trip.

Laugavegur Trail map

The Laugavegur Trail map shows one line running from north to south, with the six hut locations, the main rivers to cross and the highland bus roads at both ends. The interactive map on this page shows the route, the huts and the bus connections in context. FÍ sells a printed map of the area and a route booklet at its office in Reykjavík and at the huts. On our trips you also get offline GPS navigation through our app, which works without a mobile signal and shows your position on the day's route.

Which direction: north to south

Almost everyone walks from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk: you lose height overall, the views open south towards the glaciers on the descent from Jökultungur, and FÍ books hut itineraries in this direction only. Walking the Laugavegur Trail south to north is physically possible, but means more climbing on the longer stages and would require a separate arrangement for huts, which FÍ does not offer in that direction.

Adding the Fimmvörðuháls Hike to Skógar

From Þórsmörk, many hikers continue over the Fimmvörðuháls (Fimmvorduhals) pass to Skógar (Skogar). On our 10-day trip this means two additional stages: 12.7 km with 830 m of ascent to Baldvinsskáli on the pass, then 13.5 km with 890 m of descent to Skógar. The route crosses between the glaciers Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull, passes the craters Magni and Móði from the 2010 eruption, and descends a long valley of waterfalls to Skógafoss. Steep sections have fixed chains. See the Laugavegur Trail and Fimmvörðuháls 10-day trip or read more in our guide to the Fimmvörðuháls Hike.

July and August are the best months to hike the Laugavegur Trail in Iceland. On average the trail is open from about late June to mid-September, but the exact dates change each year depending on snowpack and the opening of the highland roads to Landmannalaugar.

Late June and early July. Snow remains on the first two stages, particularly between Landmannalaugar and Hrafntinnusker. Rivers are high from snowmelt, making fords harder. The days are very long. Some hikers enjoy the quieter atmosphere and the snow scenery, but the conditions require more experience and caution.

July and August. The most stable and warmest period. Daytime temperatures range from 5 to 14 degrees Celsius; nights drop to 0 to 10 degrees. Rain is common throughout the summer, wind can be strong on exposed ground such as Mælifellssandur, and fog is frequent on the first two stages. The huts are in highest demand in these months and sell out early.

September. The trail is quieter, but conditions become more demanding. Daytime temperatures drop to around 5 to 10 degrees; nights can fall below freezing and early snow is possible. The highland buses stop in early September. Check the forecast of the Icelandic Meteorological Office before you start and ask the warden about conditions for the next stage.

Regardless of month: expect rain, wind and fog on the Laugavegur hike, and dress in layers with waterproof outer layers. Outside the summer season there are no buses and no wardens in the huts, and we do not recommend hiking outside those months. If you are planning for next summer, book early because the huts for July and August fill up quickly.

Getting to Landmannalaugar from Reykjavík is done by highland bus, and this is how most hikers travel. The roads to Landmannalaugar are gravel F-roads with river fords. Normal cars cannot use them: only 4x4 vehicles specifically approved for F-roads by the rental company may drive there. In the main season, parking at Landmannalaugar must be reserved and paid in advance for daytime arrivals.

A one-way hike needs two bus tickets: one from Reykjavík to Landmannalaugar at the start, and one from Þórsmörk back to Reykjavík at the end. If you continue to Skógar after the Fimmvörðuháls extension, the return bus leaves from there. Buses run only during the hiking season, roughly late June to early September, and seats should be reserved in advance as they fill up.

Several companies operate these routes, and schedules and prices change each season. On our trips the bus ticket from Reykjavík to Landmannalaugar is booked for you, and you receive information on which bus to take and the timetable. See what is included in the 8-day Laugavegur Trail trip for the full list.

The Laugavegur Trail huts are simple mountain huts run by FÍ, with dormitories of bunk beds or mattresses, a shared kitchen and wardens who know the current conditions on each stage. The table below shows the six hut locations, the number of places and shower availability.

Showers are charged separately and paid to the warden; no showers at Hrafntinnusker. You must bring your own sleeping bag; no bedding is provided.

How to book the Laugavegur huts

You book the Laugavegur Trail huts through FÍ, online, for a complete itinerary from north to south. It is not possible to book individual huts separately. There are few beds relative to demand, and the huts often sell out quickly for July and August. Flexible travel dates improve your chances of finding availability. FÍ expects every hiker to have a confirmed booking for a hut or a campsite before starting the trail.

On our trips, we arrange the hut reservations for you as part of the package, with a dormitory bed at each stage as standard; a private room is available on request for 75 euros extra per room per night where available.

Camping on the Laugavegur Trail

Camping is only permitted in the designated campsites next to the huts. Pitching a tent elsewhere in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve is not allowed. FÍ strongly recommends booking campsites in advance, as availability is not guaranteed. Campers cannot use the hut kitchens; Hrafntinnusker has a separate shelter for campers, and Emstrur has a communal tent. With a tent, your pack is considerably heavier: FÍ advises a 60 to 70-litre pack for camping, compared to 50 to 60 litres for hut nights. Your tent needs to handle strong wind and rain.

Laugavegur Trail cost and our hut-to-hut trips

When you organise the Laugavegur Trail yourself, you pay for hut nights or campsite fees, two bus tickets, food for the days on the trail and nights in Reykjavík before and after. Prices are set each season by FÍ and the bus operators.

On our trips, the hut accommodation, the bus ticket from Reykjavík to Landmannalaugar and the nights in Reykjavík are all arranged. The 8-day Laugavegur Trail trip starts from 1,725 euros per person when two or more people book together, or 2,045 euros when booking alone. The 10-day trip combining the Laugavegur Trail with the Fimmvörðuháls Hike starts from 2,235 euros per person for two or more, or 2,645 euros alone. These are 2027 season prices, as of October 2026. A 30 percent deposit is required; cancellation is free up to eight weeks before departure. Meals, flights and travel insurance are not included. See prices and dates for the Laugavegur Trail trip.

Knowing what the Laugavegur Trail huts provide and what you must carry yourself prevents the most common surprises on the trail.

What the huts provide: - Kitchen with gas stoves, cooking utensils and cold running water - Showers at all huts except Hrafntinnusker (charged separately, paid to the warden) - Wardens who know the weather and can advise on conditions - Snacks and basic supplies for sale (widest choice at Landmannalaugar); do not rely on a full meal service

What you must bring: - Your own sleeping bag (no bedding is provided) - All food for the duration of your hike (cook in the hut kitchen) - A power bank (no electricity for charging at the huts; no Wi-Fi) - Your rubbish from Hrafntinnusker (carry it to the next hut); leave nothing behind on the trail, including food scraps and toilet paper

Drinking water is available at the taps in the huts. On the trail, some streams are drinkable; ask the warden which ones. Hut rules apply at all locations: no boots inside, quiet hours at night and a clean kitchen when you leave. Talk to the warden on arrival each evening. They assign beds, give the weather forecast for the next stage and can ask hikers to wait when conditions are unsafe.

Check the price list below to get an approximate idea of what you can buy in the huts and what it costs. Please note that the prices are in Icelandic Kronor (IKR).

The Laugavegur Trail is moderately difficult. There are no technical climbing sections, but four consecutive days of walking with a pack, cold river fords and weather that changes quickly make it harder than the distances suggest. Our trips are graded Intermediate.

Fitness. Daily stages on the Laugavegur hike range from 10.5 to 15.8 km and take between 4 and 6 hours of walking. The first stage climbs 500 m, which many hikers find demanding on the first day. The descent from Jökultungur on the second stage is steep and rocky and requires attention. The final two stages are longer with less climbing, but come after two days of walking and include river crossings. A good preparation involves several long days of walking with your pack, ideally on consecutive days, before the trip; see our tips on training for a hut-to-hut hike.

Weather and navigation. Fog is most frequent on the first two stages, between Landmannalaugar and Álftavatn, and can reduce visibility to a few metres. In those conditions, follow the trail marker posts and do not walk on if you cannot see the next one. Talk to the warden before each stage. Phone signal is unreliable along much of the Laugavegur Trail in Iceland. The emergency number in Iceland is 112. The Bookatrekking app, included in our trips, works offline and shows your position on the day's route.

Your pack. You carry a sleeping bag, food for several days and full rain gear. The weight adds up quickly. If you camp, expect a significantly heavier load. Practise carrying your pack on training walks so you are used to the weight before you arrive.

The Laugavegur hike suits walkers in good health who are comfortable walking several days in a row. If it is your first multi-day hike, it is achievable with proper preparation and realistic expectations about the weather. Read our hut-to-hut packing list for a full breakdown of what to bring.

River crossings on the Laugavegur Trail

At least three rivers on the Laugavegur Trail must be waded, including Bláfjallakvísl (after Hvanngil) and Þröngá just before Þórsmörk. Grashagakvísl below Jökultungur sometimes has a snow bridge in early summer; otherwise you wade. The water is glacial and very cold, and levels can rise quickly after rain. Bring light shoes or sandals specifically for crossing, as walking shoes take a long time to dry. Take your time and let the current help you across. Always ask the warden about water levels before each stage with a ford.

Self-guided or with a guide?

Yes, you can hike the Laugavegur Trail without a guide. In the summer season the trail is well marked and many hikers walk it on their own. What you must arrange yourself is the huts through FÍ, the highland bus tickets and thorough preparation for the weather. Our trips are self-guided: no guide walks with you, but the huts, the bus from Reykjavík to Landmannalaugar, the nights in Reykjavík, detailed stage descriptions and offline navigation through our app are all arranged. Guided group tours with other operators also exist for those who prefer more support. Book the self-guided Laugavegur Trail trip to have the logistics covered without joining a guided group.

Laugavegur Trail: frequently asked questions

How long is the Laugavegur Trail?

The Laugavegur Trail is about 55 km from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk; different sources give 54 to 56 km. The four walking stages range from 10.5 to 15.8 km. Adding the Fimmvörðuháls Hike to Skógar adds about 26 km in two more stages (12.7 and 13.5 km).

How many days do you need for the Laugavegur Trail?

Four walking days is the most common choice. Three is possible for fit and experienced hikers. Our 8-day trip includes the arrival day, the bus and an optional loop walk at Landmannalaugar, the four trail stages, a free morning in Þórsmörk and the nights in Reykjavík.

Can you hike the Laugavegur Trail without a guide?

Yes. In the summer season the trail is well marked and the route is straightforward in good weather. You need confirmed bookings for huts or campsites, bus tickets and appropriate gear for the conditions. Our trips are self-guided with all logistics arranged. See the Laugavegur Trail trip for details.

How much does it cost to hike the Laugavegur Trail?

When you organise it yourself, you pay for hut nights or campsite fees, two bus tickets, food and nights in Reykjavík; amounts are set each season by FÍ and the bus operators. With Bookatrekking, the 8-day trip starts from 1,725 euros per person (two or more booking together) or 2,045 euros alone; the 10-day trip with Fimmvörðuháls from 2,235 euros or 2,645 euros alone. 2027 season, as of October 2026; meals not included.

How do you book the huts on the Laugavegur Trail?

Through FÍ online, for a complete itinerary from north to south; individual hut bookings are not available. The huts sell out quickly for July and August. Flexible dates improve your chances. On our trips we book all huts for you as part of the package, so you do not need to manage the FÍ system yourself.

How crowded is the Laugavegur Trail?

Busy in July and August, particularly at Landmannalaugar. Once on the trail, hikers spread out across the stages. The number of beds in the huts limits how many people can walk each day, which is why the huts sell out quickly.

When is the best time to hike the Laugavegur Trail?

July and August offer the most stable conditions. The trail is open on average from late June to mid-September, depending on snow and the highland road opening. Expect cold nights, rain and wind in every month of the season. September is quieter but colder, with nights that can drop below freezing.

Can you combine the Laugavegur Trail with the Fimmvörðuháls Hike?

Yes. From Þórsmörk you continue in two stages over the Fimmvörðuháls pass to Skógar, adding approximately 26 km and two days. The route passes between two glaciers and the craters from the 2010 eruption before descending to Skógafoss. See our Laugavegur Trail and Fimmvörðuháls 10-day trip for the full programme.