Laugavegur Trail

Laugavegur & Fimmvörðuháls Combo Tour

The stunning Icelandic highlands from Landmannalaugar all the way to Fimmvörðuháls will capture your nature-loving heart.

Tour code: IMG36

Laugavegur & Fimmvörðuháls Combo Tour
Price from: 332.330  ISK

A Fantastic Combination of Iceland’s Most Famous Treks

By combining two of Iceland’s best-known trails, you get an unbelievable six-day trek through diverse natural landscapes. Your trek kicks off at the famous geothermal area of Landmannalaugar. Your knowledgeable and highly experienced guide will lead you over multicolored hills and black sands, alongside small gullies and great canyons, through rich green valleys to Þörsmork, the valley of Thor. From there, the second part of the trek begins, up between gigantic glaciers, towards the craters on top of the pass and witnessing what makes the Icelandic highlands so special. After hiking up to the fascinating terrain of Fimmvörðuháls and back to Básar, Þórsmörk, you will end your 6-day trek with a short hike in the oasis of Þórsmörk. In the evenings, you will relax and rejuvenate in cozy mountain huts and enjoy delicious Icelandic meals. Embark on an adventure that effortlessly combines the true spirit of this part of the country.

See our video about the Laugavegur Trek here.

See our shorter version of 5-day Laugavegur Trek.

Tour Overview

  • Meeting point

    BSI bus terminal at 6:30

  • Group size

    6 - 16 participants

  • Language

    English

  • Accommodation

    Mountain hut

  • Transport

    Public bus

  • Walkin per day

    4 - 7 hrs

  • Total Distance

    78 km (48 mi)

  • Max Ascent

    1000 m (3280 ft)

  • Note

    Group members assist with meal preparation/cleaning

  • Difficulty

    Challenging. Requires good strength and experience in hiking with a backpack 6-7 hrs a day.

  • Availability

    June - September

  • Duration

    6 days

  • 14

    Minimum age:

    14 yrs

Book this tour

Customer Reviews

Tour Highlights

Included

  • Experienced and qualified guide
  • Mountain hut sleeping bag accommodation in dormitories
  • Transport at the beginning and end of trek
  • Breakfast (5), Lunch (6), Dinner (5)
  • Transfer of luggage between huts

Not Included

  • Sleeping bag
  • Hiking poles
  • Showers in huts (payable on site)
  • Vegan/vegetarian/pescatarian meal plan
  • Pick-up from hotel (the tour begins at BSÍ bus station at 6:30 AM)

Optional Extras

  • Sleeping bag
  • Hiking poles
  • Vegan/vegetarian/pescatarian meal plan

Tour Map and Itinerary

Click map for detailed itinerary

Laugavegur & Fimmvörðuháls Combo Tour

MAP & ITINERARY

Day 1

Reykjavík - Landmannalaugar - Hrafntinnusker

We take the regular public bus from BSI bus terminal, that during the summer months drives the mountain tracks that lead to Landmannalaugar, passing by the Hekla volcano and other volcanoes in the Dómadalur area. Arriving in Landmannalaugar at noon, we have a lunch and then head south into the mountains. The trail takes us past small gorges, steaming hot springs and yellow mountain ridges. We will arrive in the late afternoon at Hrafntinnusker mountain hut, where we will stay the night.
Distance: 12 km (7.5 mi) 
Walking time: 4 - 5 hrs 
Ascent: 470 m (1540 ft)

Day 2

Hrafntinnusker - Álftavatn

From Hrafntinnusker we descend down in the gullies of Jökultungur with hundreds of steaming hot springs and mud pools. Fascinating views to the south to the Álftavatn area (Swan Lake), and the Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull glaciers. In the afternoon we arrive at Álftavatn hut where we stay the night.
Distance: 12 km (7.5 mi) 
Walking time: 4 - 5 hrs 
Descent: 490 m (1610 ft)

Day 3

Álftavatn - Emstrur

We pass at the foot of the green conic volcano of Stórasúla before entering the black deserts of Mælifellssandur. Heading towards another ancient and verdurous volcano, the Hattfell, we enter the Emstrur region where farmers used to graze their sheep in summer. Before arriving at the Botnar hut where we stay the night, we visit the magnificent Markarfljót canyon cut almost 200 m down into the rocks south of Hattfell.
Distance: 16 km (10 mi) 
Walking time: 6 - 7 hrs 
Descent: 40 m (130 ft)

Day 4

Emstrur - Þórsmörk

We continue up and down through the small valleys and gullies of Emstrur, where the great Mýrdalsjökull glacier rises only a couple of kilometers away. At the end of the day, the vegetation starts to grow thicker and higher as we descend into Þórsmörk’s (the woods of Thor) green valleys filled with arctic birch forests and colorful flowers. We cross the river Krossá on a footbridge entering the magic landscapes of Goðaland, the abode of the Gods. Nesting at the foot of two glaciers this is a wonderland of ridges and cliffs covered by a multitude of flowers and grasses, certainly fit for gods and humans alike. Even the elves have made themselves at home here. We spend the night in the Básar hut.

Distance: 18 km (11 mi) 
Walking time: 6 - 7 hrs 
Descent: 300 m (985 ft)

Day 5

Þórsmörk - Fimmvörðuháls

We climb up the hills leading to the pass of Fimmvörðuháls, walking along the Kattarhryggir ridges with views to the impressive mountain of Útigönguhöfði up to Morinsheiði heath. At the end of the Morinsheiði plateau we enjoy the view of the lava stream that flowed down from the Fimmvörðuháls volcano in March and early April 2010. As we gain height above Morinsheiði we come to the lava and then to the two craters Magni and Móði that erupted prior to the main Eyjafjallajökull crater. We head back to Þórsmörk with the magnificent view over the glaciers and this beautiful valley for our celebration barbeque dinner and night in Básar Hut.

Distance: 20 km (12.5 mi)
Walking time: 6 - 7 hrs 
Ascent/descent: 1000 m (3280 ft)

Day 6

Þórsmörk Valley

We spend the last day in Þórsmörk,  the hiker’s paradise, where we have an abundance of choices between various paths. For example, we can visit the Sönghellir cave (“Song cave”), climb up the small mountain of Valahnúkur from where the magnificent views can be enjoyed, or hike into the beautifully carved canyon Stakkholtsgjá. This oasis between the mountains is also an ideal place to relax and just enjoy nature. Return to Reykjavik in the afternoon.

Distance:  5-8 km (3-5 mi) 
Walking time: 3-4 hrs 

Please note

  • All of the mountain huts are heated, some have electricity and some have hot water. There are bunk rooms with single and twin beds, participants have to be prepared to share a bed with a stranger.

  • Day 1
  • Day 2
  • Day 3
  • Day 4
  • Day 5
  • Day 6
Click to activate the map

Practical Information

You can shower in the huts that have showers available, some huts do not have any shower facilities. Where showers are available there is a small fee to use them.

 

Some huts have flushable toilets others have outhouses.  

There will be running cold water in all the huts. You will need to heat water to get hot water.

The mountain huts have no private rooms available, all rooms are dormitories.

No, the huts have a fully equipped kitchen.

We recommend bringing a power bank to charge your electronic devices. The huts do not have electricity. There is a slight chance the wardens will be able to charge for you for a fee of ISK 500. 

Vegan meal plan can be ordered upon booking the tour for a small additional fee. We don't offer gluten free supplements so we advice participants to bring their own gluten free items if needed. 

If a date is not available, it is either fully booked or not offered on that date. Due to hut allocation, we may not be able to add additional spots, but you are welcome to contact us via email: [email protected]

You can find all our terms of payments for day or multi-day tours here.

For your own well being and safety, we strongly suggest following the advice of our equipment list, this includes having good quality rain-gear, tops and bottoms! Please respect that cotton clothing is not appropriate for any strenuous outdoor activity. Modern outdoor clothing is by far more comfortable and will greatly improve your experience.

  • Sturdy Hiking Boots – waterproof with good ankle support.
  • Long sleeve shirt (thermal underwear) – Wool or synthetic.
  • T-shirt (thermal underwear), Wool or synthetic.
  • Light wool or fleece sweater (2nd layer).
  • Trousers – Strong and light material that dries quickly e.g. soft-shell.
  • Jacket with a good hood – windproof, waterproof and breathable, e.g. Gore-Tex or comparable.
  • Rain trousers – windproof, waterproof and breathable. Please note that full raingear is mandatory in Iceland, poncho is not useful because of wind.
  • Gloves – Wool or synthetic 2 pairs of different thickness.
  • Socks – Wool or synthetic. Two or three pairs.
  • Warm hat – Wool or synthetic.
  • Swimwear if you want to bathe in the hot geothermal pool in Landmannalaugar.
  • A duffel bag for the transport of your overnight gear between huts. Please avoid bringing a suitcase!
  • Day backpack for extra clothes and lunch pack during the day. 25 – 40L (1500 – 2500 cu in).
  • River shoes – Walking sandals or old running shoes with a good grip are a good choice, along with a pair of warm socks or neoprene socks. Open sandals or flip-flops will not do the job.
  • Sleeping bag. A basic sleeping bag with no specific temperature rating is sufficient for this trek since all the huts are heated.
  • Towel – light weight and packable.
  • Sunglasses & sun protection.
  • Water container – thermos flask, water bottle 0.5 – 1L. or camelbak.
  • Headlamp for reading and getting around the hut.
  • Change of clothes for wearing in the hut.
  • Personal first aid kit – including blister care.
  • Prescription medication and other personal health items.
  • Toiletries; Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap etc.
  • Earplugs.
  • Lunch box
  • Walking pole(s). To preserve the vulnerable nature please keep the rubber tip protectors on.
  • Power-bank / extra battery for your electronics – small solar cells usually do not work that well in Iceland, so a pre-charged power bank is a better option. Charging your electronics in the highlands often is not an option or will cost you extra. Having converters adapters for 220 V and/or USB will help.
  • Gaiters (recommended for departures in June and early July).
  • Pocket knife.
  • Sun/rain hat or a cap. Shorts.
  • Small thermal mat (to sit on for lunch breaks).
  • Puffy jacket (e.g. Primaloft or down).
  • Dry-bags for electronics and extra clothing.
  • Slippers for indoor use.
  • Pillow or pillow case (to wrap around your warm sweater or down jacket for a pillow).
  • Playing cards and travel games – or other toys you might like and can travel.
  • Cash– for the showers, a shower normally costs about 500 ISK.
  • Book - to read during the evenings.
  • Aperitif or other heart-warming spirits: Liquor laws in Iceland prohibit the sale of alcohol in most places you come by on your trip in the highlands. So, having a flask (preferably plastic or metal) to share with your fellow travels in front of the camp fire (gas heater) can be the crowning of a good day. You can take care of this in the duty-free up on arrival in Iceland if you like. Just follow all the Icelanders on your flight, they will take you straight to duty-free!