Laugavegur Trail: All About Iceland’s Most Beautiful Trek

The Laugavegur Trail is located in the Southern Icelandic Highlands and connects the geothermal area of Landmannalaugar with the forested valley of Þórmörk in the South. Laugavegur means "The Way of the Water", and that is exactly what the trail does: it follows a stream. Landmannalaugar is a spectacular location, accessible only in summer, known for its colorful rhyolite mountains and bubbling hot springs, where guests are welcome to bathe. Þósmörk, on the other hand, is sheltered by mountains and glaciers and is famous for its greenery. It is so beautiful that it was named after the most praised of the Old Norse gods, Þór (Thor). The Laugavegur Trail runs from Landmannalaugar past the 'Swan Lake' Álftavatn, then you pass the black sand desert of Mælifellssandur, walk past Stórasúla which is known for its vibrant green mountain, and continue through the fields of Emstrur. Along the way, there are numerous mountain peaks, crater lakes, and volcanoes, and the trail lies in the shadow of the Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull glaciers. The Laugavegur Trail is 55 kilometers, or 34 miles long, and can be walked in three or more days.

Every experienced hiker will agree that there is no better map than a real old-fashioned map, possibly made of paper. It is best to buy one in Reykjavik. You can get a map of the Laugavegur Trail in any bookstore in town. Fact: Laugavegur is also the name of the main shopping street in Reykjavik. Landmannalaugar, Þósmörk, and Fjallabak Walking Map published by Mal Og Mennig is a winner. The more recent work by Uwe Grunewald is also a good one. You can also find these in most bookstores in Iceland or online. For a digital overview of both the trek and the travel to the starting and from the ending point, we have put together the map below.

The trail can be started either in Landmannalaugar or Þórsmörk. However, due to the popularity of the trail, in mid-summer, it is a one-way, traditional route, from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk. It is fair to say that almost all Icelanders who hike Laugavegur take the route from north to south, from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk. The view that suddenly opens up over the southern part of the trail, Álftavatn, and the southern glacier from Jökultungur, is pure magic and is forever in the memory of those who have experienced it.

The best way to get to Landmannalaugar, the starting point of the Laugavegur Trail is by bus. There are two companies that sell tickets for their adventurous bus ride. Adventurous? Yes, it is definitely not a city bus ride. To get to Landmannalaugar, you follow gravel roads and cross a river. The bus is of course well equipped for this.

Staying in the Huts

On the Laugavegur Trail, you will spend the night in huts or your tent, next to a hut. There are six huts and campsites along the route, all owned by Ferðafélag Íslands (Iceland Touring Association, FÍ). Please note that it is absolutely forbidden to place your tent outside the designated areas inside the nature reserve. All the huts along the route have camping areas. In Landmannalaugar, there are good facilities and there is a dormitory for 78 people. In Hrafntinnusker, 52 people can sleep, and in Álftavatn 72 people can sleep in the huts. In Hvanngil there is room for 60 people and the same number goes in the Botnar hut in Emstrur. Þórsmörk offers a large and spacious chalet with room for 75 people.

The huts along the most popular hiking routes, such as the Laugavegur route, are very popular and it is therefore essential for hikers to book their accommodation in advance. Keep in mind that the next available accommodation in the Icelandic highlands may be many hours' walk or drive away, so plan your trip carefully. Our trekking experts are not only specialized in booking huts in the most beautiful hiking destinations in Europe but also in booking the huts on the Laugavegur Trail. They will be happy to help you, to make booking the cabins on the Laugavegur Trail easy. Check out our packages on the Laugavegur Trail, which include accommodation.

Staying in Tents

If you're staying in tents on the Laugavegur Trail, you don't need to book this in advance as there's always room for you. However, this phenomenon can lead to the campsite being quite crowded. Camping costs ISK 2500 per person per night, which is approximately €20. You'll need to pay this on-site to the hut owners upon arrival. Payment can be made with a credit card or in cash in Icelandic Krona. This fee grants you access to the showers and drinking water in the huts. For the showers, you'll need to pay separately. You'll pay ISK 500 for 5 minutes, which is about €4. Payment can also be made in Icelandic Krona. Please note that there are no showers available in Hrafntinnusker.

If you stay in an Icelandic hut, you must bring your own sleeping bag, as no sleeping bags or blankets are provided. The huts are warm, so the sleeping bag does not have to be of Arctic quality. In the larger huts, you can expect both running water and water toilets, but in some smaller huts, you will have to fetch water from a nearby stream and use a latrine or outdoor toilet. Please note that it is not possible to buy hot, ready-made meals in most Icelandic huts. You will therefore have to bring your own food while hiking in Iceland. The exception to this is the huts along the popular Laugavegur walking route. There, all huts sell some supplies, such as dried food for backpacking, soft drinks, and bars, as well as cookers and gas. Only in Langadal in Þórsmörk is it possible to buy beer and wine.

Moreover, in all, except the largest huts, you cannot leave any waste or rubbish behind but have to take it back to the lowlands. You can camp near the huts for a camping fee, but campers have to bring their own cooker and kitchenware because they cannot use the kitchen facilities in the huts.

Hut rules

Hygiene, cleanliness, and consideration for fellow travelers are very important. The aim of these simple hut rules is to ensure a comfortable stay for hikers and other travelers.

• If the manager is available, please discuss your reservation with him/her, where to sleep, and specific hut rules
• Rest times are from midnight to seven o'clock the next morning
• No shoes in the hut. Please leave your hiking boots in the hallway
• Smoking in the huts is strictly forbidden
• Leave the cooking area clean and tidy
• Add water to the big pot on the kitchen cooker, if necessary
• When leaving, make sure the hut is clean and tidy
• Don't forget to pay for the accommodation and facilities
• Help to keep the environment clean by not leaving your rubbish behind

You hike in Iceland to experience nature. Remember: Clean environment = beautiful nature!

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).

A hut trek can be done by anyone in normal health. However, if you want to get the most out of your Laugavegur trek, it is wise to prepare yourself physically. Iceland is not nothing, so you will have to be creative when it comes to your preparation. For adequate preparation, consider the following five things.

Cardio

It is best to get moving as soon as you think about your walking holiday in Iceland. With proper aerobic fitness, you will have a better heart rate, healthy muscles, and great lung capacity. Running, walking, more walking, and cycling or swimming are excellent exercise methods. One hour, 3 to 4 times a week is sufficient.

Endurance training

Building up endurance fitness is also important. The best thing you can do is walk long distances, at least once a week. If you can walk comfortably for a long time you are ready to go.

Train with equipment

Use the backpack and shoes you plan to use for your hut trip and add this to your training as you work on your cardio and endurance.

Altitude

If you can, mimic altitude by hiking and trekking in the hills and mountains. If you don't live in the right area for this, don't panic. The first two points are the most important.

Know your body

This is perhaps the most important part. If you question your physical abilities, it is wise to have a check-up by your doctor. There is no set method for preparing for your hut trek. Do not overthink your preparation. Take it easy and enjoy your time in Iceland.