The Laugavegur Trail: Iceland's Best Hike
The Laugavegur trail (~55 km, 4 days) is regularly voted among the best hikes in the world — a hut-to-hut trek through Iceland's volcanic highlands from the rhyolite mountains of Landmannalaugar to the green oasis of Þórsmörk.
It crosses volcanic deserts, ice fields and geothermal valleys in colours that do not exist elsewhere. The Fimmvörðuháls extension continues over the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption craters to the south coast.
Huts, Access and Season
Four huts (Landmannalaugar, Hrafntinnusker, Álftavatn, Emstrur, Þórsmörk) are operated by Ferðafélag Íslands and must be booked months in advance. The highlands are only accessible once the F-roads open — typically late June to early July — and close by mid-September.
Some sections require fording glacial rivers on foot. Check road.is for road conditions and vedur.is for weather. Carry full waterproofs and warm layers — highland weather can drop near freezing even in midsummer.
Gear and Safety
The Laugavegur is moderate in distance but demanding in conditions. Carry full waterproofs, warm layers (a down jacket for hut evenings), sturdy boots, a head torch for unlit sections, and a pack liner — Icelandic rain and river crossings will soak unprotected gear. Food and a sleeping bag are required for the huts, which have mattresses and gas cookers but no bedding or provisions.
River crossings are the main hazard: some fords are knee-to-thigh deep, cold and fast. Never cross deeper than your thigh, unbuckle your pack straps before crossing, and use trekking poles. Check vedur.is daily and do not attempt highland trails in forecasted severe weather — there is no shelter on the volcanic plains. Register your trip on the 112 Iceland app before setting out.
Frequently asked questions
- How long is the Laugavegur trail? Approximately 55 km over 4 days from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk. The Fimmvörðuháls extension adds ~25 km to the south coast.
- When can you hike the Laugavegur? Only from late June/early July to mid-September, when the F-roads open. Huts must be booked months in advance through Ferðafélag Íslands.
- Do I need a guide for the Laugavegur? No. The trail is well-waymarked in good weather. Navigation skills and river-crossing experience are valuable, and weather can change rapidly.
- Do I need to ford rivers on the Laugavegur? Some sections require glacial river crossings on foot, which can be knee-to-thigh deep, cold and fast. Never cross deeper than your thigh, unbuckle your pack straps before crossing, and use trekking poles. Check route descriptions in advance.
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