Laugavegur Trail

Itinerary

Day 1 : Meeting in Reykjavík

Meeting with the guide in Reykjavík in the early morning, before departure on a regular mountain bus, to Landmannalaugar in the heart of the highlands. Arrival in Landmannalaugar at noon and before we start the trek there is time to dip into the warm natural river bath, that makes this wonderful mountain range even better. In the afternoon we start the trek by climbing the lava edge of Laugahraun, a lava from the end of the 15th century. The path threads over colorful hills between smoking hot springs and colorful mountains. We then hike on old snow that resists melting until late in the summer on the highest part of the trail at Hrafntinnusker. Arrival at Hrafntinnusker Mountain Hut where we stay the night. Walking 4 to 5 hours. Ascent 600 m, descent 100 m

Day 2 : Trail with fuming and boiling hot springs

The trail takes us through another series of fuming and boiling hot springs until we arrive at a ridge that leads to the south. We follow the ridge until we arrive at a magnificent view point. There one can see the mighty Mýrdalsjökull glacier, the infamous Eyjafjallajökull (yes the volcano that stopped all the air traffic in 2010), as well as the smaller and greener mountains near us. In between two mountain ridges we will spot a lake, called Álftavatn and on its north side our hut for the night is waiting. Walking 4 to 5 hours. Ascent 100m, descent 600m.

Day 3 : Hike across the hills of Brattháls

We leave Álftavatn which lierally translates to Swan Lake, and hike across the hills of Brattháls before crossing the river Kaldaklofskvísl by a footbridge. We then arrive at a second river, Bláfjallakvísl and this one we need to ford. We warm our feet by walking to the river Innri Emstruá, which we cross via a bridge before admiring an impressive waterfall in the river. The green mountain Hattfell towers over the black sand and gravel plain that we then need to cross to get to the Markarfljót canyon up to about 180 m deep (590 ft). We arrive at a little oasis at Botnar where our hut awaits us. Walking 6 to 7 hours. Ascent 150m, descent 250m.

Day 4 : Canyon of Fremri-Emstruá

This day starts with a walk down to the canyon of Fremri-Emstruá which is crossed by a bridge down in the canyon itself. The path then follows the river for a while crossing two impressive hills where the view over to Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers is magnificent. The descent of the second great hill leads us to the river Þröngá which we must ford before entering to the birch woods of Þórsmörk. Here the scenery reminds us of the Lord of the Rings with tuff cliffs and ridges of various forms and shapes. Arrival in the green valley of Langidalur where we stay the night. Walking 7 hours. Ascent 200 m descent 400 m.

Day 5 : The Fimmvörðuháls pass and craters Magni and Móði

Today we climb from Þórsmörk to the volcano from 2010, the Magni and Móði craters. The trail offers fantastic views of the outlet glaciers from Mýrdalsjökull and the surrounding mountains. Parts of the trail are also very scenic by themselves, like the Kattarhryggir ridge and the Brattafönn climb. Truly a spectacular day. Return to Þórsmörk in the afternoon. 8h walk, ascent, and descent 900m.

Day 6 : Departure with a 4x4 bus

In the morning, we climb a small mountain for a fantastic view over this magical valley “behind” the glaciers. We will have a good lunch at the hut and then prepare for departure with a 4x4 bus that will take us across around 20 rivers and creeks to get to the main road.  Arrival to Reykavík in late afternoon. 3 hours walk, ascent 300m, descent 300

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