Laugavegur Trail and Fimmvörðuháls Hike - Including accommodation before and after

From Álftavatn, the trail heads east over Brattháls and further east to Hvanngil. The Bratthálskvísl river has no bridge and must be crossed on foot, which is relatively easy in most cases. From the hill above Hvanngil, the view is magnificent. In Hvanngil, hikers can use the toilet facilities, and some may choose to spend the night here instead of at Álftavatn. From Hvanngil, there is a short walk to the river Kaldaklofskvísl, which can be crossed by a footbridge. Just south lies another river, Bláfjallakvísl, which has no bridge. Be cautious, as the water levels can rise quickly, especially during heavy rainfall.

The route now runs mostly along the main road until it reaches the river Innri Emstruá, which has a bridge. Occasionally, you may need to walk through some water due to an overflow that crosses the bridge. Just south of this, the path veers left from the main road and heads southward to Emstrur, where the landscape is practically without vegetation. In dry weather, strong winds, particularly from the north, can create a sandstorm. The path lies between two mountains, known as Útigönguhöfðar, and in about an hour, you will reach the Botnar hut in Emstrur.

From the huts in Botnar, the trail leads east. Shortly afterward, you come to a bridge over the river Syðri-Emstruá. The river flows into a narrow, deep gorge that extends to Entujökull. People with a fear of heights may find it challenging to reach and cross the bridge. From there, the trail leads past Langháls and to the merging point of the Markarfljót and Syðri-Emstruá rivers. It is recommended to walk to the edge of the gorge where the rivers meet before heading south through Almenningar. Soon, the path runs through two small ravines, Slyppugil and Bjórgil, each containing a stream with drinkable water.

After climbing the last-named gorge, Bjórgil, the path leads to Fauskatorfur and gradually enters an area with more vegetation, also called Úthólmar. The hill up from the river Ljósá is known as Kápa or Overjas and is the last steep slope on the trail. After descending from Kápa, you need to cross the river Þröngá, which is not difficult in most cases but can be quite rocky. This river marks the boundary of Þórsmörk, and from here, it is only a half-hour walk through the pleasant forests of Hamraskógar until you arrive at Langidalur, Þórsmörk.

After leaving Þórsmörk, the path crosses a footbridge over the river Krossá. The trail is partly steep, and in some places, a line has been attached to the cliffs for safety. You will then reach the Kattarhryggir, which may be challenging to cross for those with a fear of heights.

Next, you arrive at the flat area of Morinsheiði, offering picturesque views. From here, you can see the Mýrdalsjökull glacier with the Katla volcano on top. The view of Heiðarhorn is also quite stunning.

You will cross Heljarkambur, a short ridge connecting Fimmvörðuháls and Morinsheiði (morins means "rusty red sheep"). For safety, a support chain has been installed over Heljarkambur. The path continues to the hill Brattaföhn (föhn = snow), which, contrary to its name and due to recent climate changes, is usually snow-free in summer. You will then pass a stone tomb with three names, a memorial to people who died from sun exposure in 1970.

The trail then leads through a lava field (Goðahraun), formed during the volcanic eruption in spring 2010. During the same eruptions, the mountains Magni and Móði were created. It is highly recommended to hike to their summits. An information board about the eruption is located next to the mountains.

When leaving the hut, the walk starts off quite easily. The path initially follows a gravel road. After about 6 kilometers, you will reach the bridge over the river Skógá. As you walk downhill, make sure not to miss the spectacular waterfalls behind you. The hike concludes as you descend the stairs on the right side of the Skógafoss waterfall, where you can see the end of your journey.

After breakfast, you will take the bus back to Reykjavik where you can wander through the city the rest of the day.

After breakfast, our services and your Laugavegur Trail adventure will be over. Have a safe trip back home!