Here’s your itinerary for your challenge in the Icelandic wilderness

The Laugavegur Trail isn’t your average hike. It’s a wild, weather-beaten adventure. Be prepared. This guide has what you need to get there and back and come out stronger and satisfied!

Get yourself to the start hut at Landmannalaugar: See ‘Getting There’ below. it offers sleeping space for 78 people, a natural hot spring to soak in, and a small shop for last-minute essentials.

DAY 1

Start: Landmannalaugar
Finish: Hrafntinnusker
Distance: 12 km
Terrain: Rhyolite mountains, geothermal vents, snow patches.

Accommodation 

Hrafntinnusker Hut – Very basic and small. Sleeping facilities for 52 inside, and a campsite.

 

DAY 2

Start: Hrafntinnusker
Finish: Álftavatn
Distance: 12 km
Terrain: Steep gullies, loose rocks, potential snowfields.

Accommodation 

 Álftavatn Hut – Located by a beautiful lake with camping pitches. Hut sleeps 72. Hot meals available (~€40 for soup).

 

DAY 3

Start: Álftavatn
Finish: Emstrur (Botnar)
Distance: 15 km
Terrain: River crossings, black sand deserts. You may encounter river crossings so be prepared with gaiters and waterproofs. 

Accommodation

Emstrur Hut – Campsite near the Emstrua River, hut accommodates 60. Between Emstrur and Thórsmörk the following day, you will cross the Throngá river, seasonally dependent on conditions so cross with care. From here you will hike uphill through birch woods to the last hut.

 

DAY 4

Start: Emstrur
Finish: Þórsmörk
Distance: 15 km
Terrain: Birch forests, glacial rivers, panoramic valleys.

Accommodation

Þórsmörk Hut – A large and spacious cabin sleeps 75.. Outdoor sauna and hot meals. 

DAY 5

Start: Þórsmörk
Finish: Skógar via Fimmvörðuháls
Distance: 25 km
Terrain: Challenging ascent, volcanic craters, waterfalls.

Accommodation

Fimmvörðuháls Hut – Basic shelter.

Additional Information

Accommodation & Camping

  • Huts: Book early. These fill up fast.
  • Camping: Allowed at hut sites only (~€25/night). Wild camping is prohibited.
  • Meals: Huts offer meals (~€50). Bring Firepot Foods and a Fire Dragon Stove for flexibility.

Getting There

  • To Reykjavik: Fly into Keflavik Airport. Transfer to Reykjavik (~1 hour).
  • To Trailheads: Buses by Reykjavik Excursions and Trex run to Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk during summer. Book ahead.

Pro Tips

  • Weather is unpredictable. Pack for sun, rain, wind, and snow.
  • Bring hiking poles, gaiters, waterproof boots.
  • Stay on marked trails. Snowfields hide dangerous crevasses.

Best Time to Go

  • Mid-June to Mid-September: Optimal trail conditions.
  • Late July to Late August: Peak season, best balance of weather and access.
  • September: Colder, riskier weather. Prepare accordingly.

Other Accommodation