The Laugavegur Trail – Self-Guided

Itinerary

Day 1: Mountain bus and on to Hrafntinnusker

Early in the morning you take a regular mountain bus to Landmannalaugar in the heart of the highlands (Vouchers sent to you by mail). Arrival in Landmannalaugar around noon, and before you start the trek there is time to dip in the warm natural river bath, that makes this beautiful mountain range even more beautiful. In the afternoon you start the trek by climbing the lava edge of Laugahraun, a lava from the end of the 15th century. The trail winds over colorful hills between smoking hot springs and colorful mountains. You then hike on old snow, which resists melting until late summer, on the highest part of the trail at Hrafntinnusker. Arrival at Hrafntinnusker Mountain Hut where you spend 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 you through another series of fuming and boiling hot springs until you arrive at a ridge that leads to the south. Follow the ridge until you arrive at a magnificent viewpoint. 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 you 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 to Botnar

You leave Álftavatn which literally translates to Swan Lake, and hike across the hills of Brattháls, where you cross the first river of the day. You then walk across the hills to the valley Hvanngil before crossing the river Kaldaklofskvísl by a footbridge.  Less than 1 km after the footbridge, you then arrive at a second river, Bláfjallakvísl and this one you also need to ford. Warm your feet by walking to the river Innri Emstruá, which you 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 you then need to cross to get to the Markarfljót canyon up to about 180 m deep (590 ft). You arrive at a little oasis at Botnar where the hut awaits you. Walking 6 to 7 hours. Ascent 150m, descent 250m.

Day 4: Canyon of Fremri-Emstruá to Þórsmörk

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 you to the river Þröngá which you must ford before entering the birch woods of Þórsmörk. Note that in case of heavy rain this river can be difficult to ford so ask the wardens in the hut for the newest update. 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 you spend the night. Walking 7 hours. Ascent 200 m descent 400 m.

Day 5: The Fimmvörðuháls pass and Magni and Móði Craters

Today you 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. Note that this day is long and strenuous. In case of mediocre weather and bad visibility we strongly recommend that you take one of the many circular paths offered down in the valley. They are all beautiful. Information about these walks is available in Þórsmörk.

Day 6: Departure with a 4x4 bus

In the morning, you can climb a small mountain for a fantastic view over this magical valley “behind” the glaciers. You’ll 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 Reykjavik in the late afternoon. 3 hours walk, ascent 300m, descent 300m.

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