To cut back on costs, camping is a much more affordable option along the Laugavegur Trail. Leave us your info and desired dates by clicking Inquire in the top right corner and our experts will contact you about arranging a private tour that fits your schedule. As you approach Botnar, a green oasis amid a black sand desert area, youll see Markarfljtsgljfura stunning canyon fashioned by a glacial river. We always aim to reply within 24 hours. The final stretch of the Laugavegur trail takes you on a very steep path down the Syri-Emstru River canyon and across a bridge over the rushing river. Both places can only be accessed using rugged mountain roads, a 44 vehicle insured to cross rivers is required. Theres a rocky, slightly steep descent into the valley. The Laugavegur Trek is 34 miles long, stretching from the trailhead in the Landmannalaugar Nature Reserve in the north to Thorsmork in the south, with a total elevation gain of roughly 5,500 feet. A journey through these rhyolite mountains (ultra-colorful landforms) will bring you to steaming hot springs, glacial rivers, and swaths of black sand. That, in combination with the fact that youll have to pack out your own waste, means needing to keep space in your pack available for such eventualities. Once you make it to the other side of the river you will find yourself in the forested valley of rsmrk, which lies close to the famous Eyjafjallajokull and Mrdalsjkull glaciers. The meeting location depends on the tour and which time youre meeting with your guides. Both of these are owned and maintained by F (the Icelandic Touring Association). Enjoy a delicious dinner, get to know each other better, and relax in the serenity of Icelandic nature. All programs can be changed or canceled at any moment during the trip to assure the safety of the clients and staff. Its the kind of destination that sits atop bucket lists of outdoorsmen and women for years, each intent on witnessing Icelands striking Highlands region. Markarfljtsgljfur Canyon - A quick jaunt west from Emstrur Hut brings you to a beautiful canyon overlook. 7-Day Tour Around Iceland from Reykjavik. If youre flying in from the US or will be landing early (4-6:30 am) you should be able to join the tour, but some risks would follow (i.e if the flight gets delayed) and could, therefore, miss out on the tour. Avoid cotton clothing as it absorbs moisture and will become very uncomfortable. Sharing the trail or battling crowds is a virtually non-existent issue when traveling from rsmrk to Landmannalaugar as theyll, for the most part, be headed in the opposite direction as is typically seen on the Laugavegur. The scenery is breathtaking in its beauty and diversity, perfectly representing the country's raw natural wonder. 9 Days - Around Iceland, Highlands and Volcano Adventure. A Good Camera: If youre photographically inclined, it's worth carrying a bit of extra weight. Solo travellers will carry everything with them, so a sturdy 65L backpack with good support is ideal. The vast majority of hikers divide the route into four segments, hiking between seven to 10 miles a day, which is what we recommend. Enjoy the view of glaciers as your group goes through the Almenningar gorge by Mount Einhyrningur (the Unicorn Mountain). You then walk over the Kaldaklofskvslon river on a bridge and take a path leading south to Emstrur. Before reaching your accommodation, you will have to cross a river on foota very exciting experience for everyone! For those who are not up for a serious hike, a stroll to Hsadalur might be an option, or just relaxing around Langidalur before returning to Reykjavk. Included meals: Breakfast Take the trail at your own pace, and enjoy the plentiful sights to be seen along the way. Laugavegur Trail is open between the months of June through September, with optimal hiking conditions most commonly found in July and August. There are some steep parts of the trail which are more difficult so trek slowly and be careful. Sleeping bag and personal hiking equipment (can be rented), Showers in huts (payable on-site, approx. Whenever you go, prepare for wind, rain, snow, and cold temperatures. While overnight huts/campsites are posted no-fly zones, the remainder of the Laugavegur Trail is free game and no drone permits are required. Considered Iceland's most popular hiking trail, the Laugavegur Trail (or Laugavegurinn Trail) spans 55km from Landmannalaugar to rsmrk (Thorsmork). The overwhelming recommendation on this one (passed on from hiker to hiker as the most inexpensive option by far) is to purchase a hikers pass for 14,000 ISK ($120 USD), which includes round-trip transportation to each end of the trail, where you can take as long as you need to complete the hike. Bring cash for a beer, snacks, a hot cooked meal, or even a hot shower at a few of the huts (running water for cooking and filling your water bottle is available and free). The Laugavegur is a well-trodden route, where huts will be busy during peak season, mid . But if youre adding on the Fimmvruhls trail to your trek, its worth continuing on - youll find the small Baldvinsskli hut around 2.5 miles along the route. First things first (and as mentioned previously), Icelandic weather is unpredictable at best. Weather along the trail route is notoriously temperamental too. Imagine a 34-mile hiking trail that introduces you to an astonishing diversity of landscapes: colourful rhyolite mountains, thermal pools, glaciers and volcanic slopes carpeted in emerald green moss. Hike into the jet-black desert of Mlifellssandur, a gloomy, otherworldly landscape. As you approach the hut, a green oasis unfolds in the midst of the black sand desert on the side of a stunning 200-meter (656 ft) deep glacier river canyon. Pricing is per person. Leave the Highlands behind, return to civilization and spend the night in a country hotel in Hella. After I am done, have I seen the best of Iceland or should I add anything else to the trip; there are companies who offer Ring Road Tour, Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon, etc. As you hike through this 56 km (35 miles) long trail, past dramatic and colorful panoramas formed by millennia of glaciers and volcanoes, youll feel like youve stepped into a completely different world. Teens as young as 14 can join on a case-by-case basis, accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. The top of Jkultungur is a great place to enjoy views over the whole Fjallabak area and the lftavatn lake, where youll be spending the night (after an exciting river crossing! Every day on the Laugavegur Trail is different, offering an approachable way to get off the well-traveled Ring Road and see a more wild Iceland for yourself. Your overnight hut is located nearby. You also need to pack your own toiletries. This will help you to complete the tour safely. However, its worth mentioning that planning for four days worth of foodespecially considering the intensive physical activity youll be enduringcould very well be the most expensive portion of your Laugavegur Trail hike. The completion of the Laugavegur and Fimmvoruhls trails will be celebrated in the traditional Icelandic waywith a delicious grilled lamb dinner! The Laugavegur Trail, from Landmannalaugar, passes the Swan Lake, lftavatn; the black sand desert of Mlifellssandur, renowned for its vibrant green mountain Strasla; and through the plains of Emstrur. There is limited electricity at the huts so if you wish to charge your cell-phone or camera, it is recommended that you bring a power bank/battery pack with you. We always aim to reply within 24 hours. A sense of walking out toward the sea, which is always exciting! You will be picked up from your hotel and make the scenic journey to the magnificent Seljalandsfoss Waterfall. Required fields are marked. The Laugavegur trail leads over the Bratthls Ridge, into the Hvanngil ravine, and across the Bratthlskvsl river. Moving forward, the landscape will eventually turn into the characteristic dense birch forest found in Thorsmork. However, you will encounter fewer hikers on your journey. Hike through the Laugahraun lava field and Vondugil canyon and admire the incredibly vibrant colors of the rhyolite mountains this country is famous for. Laugavegur Trail Hiking Tours | Arctic Adventures On a clear day, you should be able to see the faint blue and white silhouettes of the ice caps on the horizon. Laugavegur Trail, Iceland's Best Known Trek | Arctic Adventures Well weve got you covered for hiking essentials, plus some not-quite hiking essentials. Lake lftavatn - The lftavatn Hut and camping area is literally right on the lake itself. It leads across patches of snow and bare rock, curving over rolling basalt hills as it passes below Reykjafjoll Mountain. The trail begins at Landmannalauger and you will start your journey with a simple hike through the Laugahraun lava field (the remnants of a volcanic eruption that happened in the 1400s) and gradually climb up the Brennisteinsalda volcanic mountain, which offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains with their multi-colored slopes. Distance: 15 km / 9.5 miles You'll then walk the last mile or two on flat land and wade through a stream before reaching the huts at the serene Alftavatn lake. However, products do sell out, so its best not to rely on them for your daily calorie intake! Before reaching your accommodation, you will have to cross a river on foota very exciting experience for everyone! But jet lag doesnt care where you are. This walk really has it all - simply magnificent! All Rights Reserved. Hopefully your first night on trail proved to be restful, as youre surely in for a more challenging trek on day two. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, refreshments, and dinner. Find out the best time to visit Iceland based on your travel preferences and planned activities. One of the best places to hike in Iceland. Today youll pass the Laugahraun lava field, vibrantly colored Vondugil canyon and the green Graenagil gorge. When not writing she's likely to be on a solo hike, outdoor swimming or in her allotment. Fimmvruhls is a magnificent high mountain pass between Mrdalajkull and Eyjafjallajkull the volcano that erupted in 2010 and caused havoc in airfare. Youll soon reach the final steep climb of the day, up to the bare summit of Kpa. Accommodation: Mountain hut Laugavegur Trail Iceland: Everything You Need To Know - Frugal Frolicker keep your backpacking base weight as low as possible, Fimmvruhls Hike: Guide to Icelands Best Day Hike, 13 Cool Things to Do in Cannon Beach, Oregon. Hike across the craggy Laugahraun lava field, until you reach the awe-inspiringly beautiful Brennisteinsalda volcano, whose slopes have been dyed various shades of green, red and blue by sulfur deposits. This campsite has better amenities than the previous one, including hot showers (which youll need to pay an extra fee for). As there are some steep areas and rivers that need to be waded through. Fortunately, youll have even better views of the rhyolite mountains during this section of trailand without the Landmannalaugar day crowds!as well as can expect to encounter the rather eerie, yet enchanting, black obsidian desert before descending into the lush valley towards the lakeside lftavatn hut. Enjoy a great view of the glaciers as you go through the picturesque Almenning gorge and Mount Einhyrningur, also known as the Unicorn Mountain. From there, you can rent a car, take a taxi or hop on a bus. But the less-than-stellar weather conditions are more than worth bearing with to spend time in this otherworldly landscape for a few days. As you share the long and bright Icelandic summer days with people from other sides of the world, youll feel like youre on a big family trip! It is unusual to find so much variety in the landscape. Spend the evening in this incredible valley, which is steeped in myth and surrounded by mighty glaciers and majestic mountains. The words Restaurant and Bar are painted on the side - a can of beer is definitely in order. In 2012, National Geographic listed it as one of the twenty best trails in the world. Be sure to pack earplugs and a sleeping mask if you're a light sleeper or aren't used to sharing a room. To secure your spot, reserve the dates you want with a 30% deposit on this years adventure. I woke up to Nate laughing next to me, showing me a photo of my sleeping self a few minutes prior: My chin resting on my shoulder, head lolling in a terrifying way. The hiking trail between Landmannalaugar and rsmrk is one of the most popular hiking trails in Iceland. From Emstrur you can walk to the spectacular Markarfljtsgljfur canyon, which is 200 m deep and showcases some of the most incredible views of the Laugavegur trail. Hike to the foot of Brennisteinsalda, whose slopes have been dyed blood red, amber yellow, turquoise and deep green by the volcanos sulfur deposits over the centuries. The Laugavegur trail is within the interior of South Iceland. Do not attempt to continue your walk if there have been warnings of bad weather, wait at the huts until it has cleared. Bring an off-grid GPSeven a downloadable/offline AllTrails map is better than nothing!and a portable battery pack, just in case, as it is not always possible to recharge your devices en route. Hiking distance: 8 km / 4.9 mi Laugavegur Trail: Landmannalaugar - rsmrk - AllTrails You should not cross any rivers by yourself so if you're alone, it's advised that you wait for other hikers so you can go hand-in-hand through the water. Today, you will visit the two new volcano craters formed during the eruptionMagni and Minamed after the sons of r (Thor). Heres her Top Five things about the capital of Iceland. Trail Information. Required fields are marked *. The water is chilly, but not too deep (up to the knee or thigh). It is possible to camp as you cross the Highlands via the Laugavegur Trail, but most tours stop off at the mountain huts of Hrafntinnusker, Alftavatn, Hvanngil, Laugahraun and Emstrur (Botnar). Accommodation: Mountain hut The addon after the hike definitely becomes expensive. It has a secret cave hidden behind it, allowing you to see the waterfall from a different perspective. A Guide to Hiking The Laugavegur Trail in Iceland Please advise. Iceland Hiking Tours | Hiking Tour Packages | Adventures.com Be it fly fishing, spinning real or hand line? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The drive to Landmannalaugar and the Icelandic Highlands, will take 3-4 hours. Language:English Chinese Currency:USD ISK USD EUR CAD My Wish List(0) Blog The places youll see bear testimony to Icelands continued volcanic activitywhich has never ceased to shape its landscapes. Country Region Iceland South Coast +1 more Travel Style Group, Fully Guided +1 more Operated in English Operator G Adventures Tour length 6 days Price per day $400 From US $2,399 Book With Flexibility Download Brochure View tour View Map Hiking & Trekking 5-Day Laugavegur Trek in Huts 5 reviews "Our guide was excellent. At times it felt almost lunar no wonder that the Apollo astronauts trained here! 6-Day Ring Road Tour Around Iceland. You will be joining a group that usually consists of 6-16 people going on a hiking tour of the Laugavegur Trail. In forgotten places, far from the crowded hot spots, hiking the hidden trails of Iceland is an adventure that combines a portion of the famous Laugavegur Trail one of the best hikes in the world with the most beautiful, remote, untapped locations the country has to offer. Youll climb back up on the other side, to a higher plateau above the gorge. It's recommended that you wade across the river hand-in-hand. As an Amazon Associate, Mountain IQ earns from qualifying purchases. Laugavegur Trail in Iceland - When to Go, What to Bring, Itinerary If youre flying in from the US or will be landing early (4-6:30 am) you should be able to join the tour, but some risks would follow (i.e if the flight gets delayed) and could, therefore, miss out on the tour. Hiking the Laugavegur Trail: A Guide to the Heart of Iceland - 57hours Bring a water bottle that you can then fill with the tap water at the huts/campsites. Created by Tomas Zrna/Getty Images. For this reason, some hikers choose to continue onto the next campsite, which is better equipped and less exposed. Today, your hiking begins with another river crossing, entering onto the otherworldly Mlifellssandur plain. Rivers run through the green floor of the valley like silver threads. Walking time: 3 hours During the 8-day tour, you will also stay at a local hotel for 2 nights. Your guide will make sure it is a safe, fun and exciting experience! 6352 N AND 1914 E A TRUE ADVENTURE Iconic trail in the land of fire and ice 35 MILES OF UNIQUE NATURAL BEAUTY In Iceland, the cliche is true: If you don't like the weather, just wait 15 minutesyou can expect to experience four seasons in a single day. Pass by the Strasla and Hattafell volcanoes on your way to Emstrur. Once you arrive here you should consider spending some more time exploring the scenic protected area. Your adventure begins bright and early in Reykjavik. In these cases, transport is often provided to and from Reykjavk (and your evening meal miraculously turns up at the huts every night, which is an added bonus). Sure, places like Sky Lagoon or Blue Lagoon are special Spa experiences, but I find everyday relaxation in one of . On the fourth day, hike the last leg of the Laugavegur trail. You can either arrive at Landmannalaugar the day before and camp at the trailhead, or catch the early bus out of Reykjavik and get on the road. Laugavegur Hiking Trail | Guide to Iceland journey through the beautiful Icelandic wilderness. Join a unique small group adventure to tackle Icelands classic hut-to-hut trek across mountains, gorges, glaciers & volcanoes, without the logistical headache. On your way to the next destination, Emstrur, youll get outstanding vistas of the nearby volcano glaciers, Eyjafjallajkull and Mrdalsjkull. The first day from Landmannalaugar to Hrafntinnusker is the hardest uphill day, with 1,500 feet of vert. Accommodation: Country hotel in Hella. This route is best taken slowly, meandering onto side trails, soaking up the views (and, inevitably, the rain), which include rhyolite mountains, green valleys, lava fields, black sand deserts, and more. Distance: 15km (9.5 mi) Prepare for perhaps the most daunting river crossing yet. After Hvanngil, youll cross the Kaldaklofskvsl river via footbridge, and a short while later, its another cold crossing of the Blfjallakvsl river. Included meals: Lunch, refreshments, dinner You can either explore the area of the Katla and Eyjafjallajokull volcanoes located nearby or hike up the Valahnukur Mountainthe most spectacular viewpoint overlooking the Thorsmork Valley. Upon arrival at Landmannalaugar, you will find yourself in a magnificent geothermal wonderland, whose colorful rhyolite mountains are famous across the world. Besides, contending with Icelands bumpy gravel F-roads is not for the faint hearted. Same can be said for Icelands otherworldly and diverse landscapes on the Laugavegur Trail. If youve budgeted a particular amount of time for the trail or are bound by your permit dates, thats understandable but dont rush your way through this scenic region of Iceland just for the sake of it. The glacier hiking was an amazing experience with Chris. Check out our Trek the Laugavegur Trail adventure, and our other wild hikes! The Laugavegur Trail is a point-to-point trail, meaning where you start your trek and where you finish it are two different locations that do not create a circuit. The weather along the trail can be very unpredictable so make sure to check the weather before you start walking each day. We could not go to the Fimmvruhls pass because of unfavourable weather; nevertheless, I will never forget this tour. The remaining 70% of the amount is paid at the latest 3 months (90 days) prior to the departure. You can complete the trail with an average level of fitness but you should prepare yourself for some challenging sections and train your body for walking long distances in the time leading up to your trek. There are a few accommodation options available, if you arent planning on going back to Reykjavik straight away. If you decide to camp at one of the adjacent sites, youll have access to the bathroom facilities, but not to any of the indoor space or cooking facilities. Walking time: 7-8 hours Given that Laugavegur is ranked difficult in terms of skill and fitness level, it is not recommended to attempt this trail as your first multi-day trek. When we walked the trail, an overnight storm caused such devastation to peoples tents that most of them were evacuated back to Reykjavik. Dont forget your bathing suit and relax in the warm and therapeutic water. Set out on a hiking journey through the Southern Highlands of Iceland and witness the enchanting landscapes and vibrant colors along the iconic Laugavegur Trail. Meals will be prepared by all participants, guides, and the teammake food and friends at the same time! Hiking time: 6-7 hours Included meals: Lunch, dinner We rely on cookies to remember your preferences and analyze our website traffic. Descent: 40 m (130 ) . Laugavegur is one of Icelands most popular hikes, and attracts nearly ten thousand backpackers each year to its illustrious, raw landscapes. If youre instead drawn to the physical challenges that a hike of this caliber may constitute and prefer to find connection to your surroundings through solitude, a NoBo trek might make the most sense despite being the path less traveled literally! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Privacy | Terms | DMCA | Affiliate Disclosure|Site Map. On your way to the city, youll be able to catch a glimpse of the Seljalandsfoss waterfall, one of the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland. You can now celebrate the completion of the world-famous Laugavegur Trail with your guide and fellow hikers! While hiking the 55 km (34 mile) trek, you will experience four days worth of geothermal pools, rivers, lava fields . Your penultimate stop will be Emstrur, a luscious valley where Icelandic farmers have traditionally grazed sheep. June - Aug Here youll witness how the continued geothermal activity has turned craggy gullies into vivid yellows and reds, colors that contrast dramatically with the soft pale sandy hues around them. This is a moderate-to-difficult trek. Hiking distance: 15 km / 9.5 mi Haskerdingur. Its Iceland in all its glory. Walking time: 4 hours The path descends down to the Syri-Emstru river, which runs through a deep canyon (dont worry, theres a footbridge for this one). Ascent: 40 m / 130 ft In this 4 days hut-based adventure in rsmrk, you will discover the most famous scenic section of the Famous Laugavegur trekking trail. Given Laugavegurs remote nature, theres no opportunity to unload excess weight off your pack like you might on a day trip. For this reason, we will always be firmly on the side of team hut. Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner All your food will have to be in there too, so allow about 10L of space for that. These landscapes are beyond description. Travelling independently means youll need to carry your own food with you. Light Water Shoes or Sandal:. Lots of people walk Laugavegur as part of a group tour. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information! The path is clearly marked throughout and supported by a system of mountain huts where you can stay the night. This will help your guides in supplying the best meals possible for everyone. As an AMS sufferer she learned a few techniques to reduce the symptoms and the effects on her hiking adventures. Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, refreshments, and dinner. Head back to Reykjavk where your adventure ends. As you walk across Jkultungur, youll see the lftavatn Valley spread out below you. You wont regret it. To pull this off, some advanced coordination will likely be required to ensure that you are dropped off at one end, and are equally capable of returning from the other. Your guide will stop at shops & restaurants where you can purchase meals. Highly recommend and thank you Arctic Adventures for a memorable trip. You need to be able to hike for full days, carrying a daypack full of your gear which means you should be physically very fit. Be ready for an early pick-up and leave civilization for the magnificent Highlands, Icelands largest uninhabited wilderness. Accommodation: Country hotel. I am even more excited to Hike Laugavegur trail this summer. When completed, youll take a well-earned rest amidst your first stop along the revered Icelandic Highlands! Reception is very limited along the Laugavegur trail and there is no Wi-Fi at the huts. There are also several streams along where people tend to get more water from! Parts of the area are rich with moss, fern, and birchwood, while jagged ridges and ice-capped peaks crown the horizon. Your guide will teach you the basics of glacier walking, show you how to use the equipment, and lead you safely through the spectacular scenery at a relatively slow pace. Adding another 1,900 m (6,233 ft) of elevation gain over 25 km (15.5 miles) of distance proves to be challenging, without doubt, but is also a great way to bookend the Laugavegur Trail with yet even more remarkable views of lush vegetation and plunging waterfalls. Included meals: Lunch, refreshments, dinner As mentioned earlier, youll need to coordinate how to get to the trailhead to begin your hike, and given that the Laugavegur Trail is a point-to-point hike, how to get back to either your vehicle thats been left at the trailhead or back to the closest major city (Reykjavk) where you can resume your travels. The area is a favourite for those who want to take multi-day hikes through the Icelandic Highlands. Walking time: 6-7 hours There are countless peaks, crater lakes and volcanoes en route, and the trail sits in the shadow of the glaciers Mrdalsjkull and Eyjafjallajkull. Since there is limited space on the luggage trailer, try to pack light out of consideration for other passengers and use a waterproof duffel bag which is easier to store. Accommodation: Mountain hut in lftavatn. Ending the trail in Landmannalaugar means that youll be ending the trail in a geothermal hotspot, meaning lots of natural hot springs and ample opportunity to rest up and soak in the warm waters after a few demanding days on trail. The huts offer a way to slow down and connect throughout the trip over a beer. Next stop is the mighty Solheimajokull Glacier, famous for its many icy crevices, deep craters, and craggy rock formations. Youll also need to bring cooking equipment and utensils - a stove, a cooking pot, gas and utensils. In addition to the distance covered, Laugavegur has nearly 2,000 meters of elevation gain, ranking it difficult in terms of skill and/or fitness level required. Despite Laugavegurs daunting intensity, each hiker is seemingly more keen than the last to uncover some of Icelands best kept secrets (and photo opportunities!) After the exhausting multi-day trek, you will finally have enough time to sleep in. Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, refreshments, dinner Laugavegur Trail in Iceland | Landmannalaugar to Thorsmork If youre camping youll need to bring a durable four seasons tent, a heavier sleeping bag and a camping mattress (the grounds pretty stony). You'll also pass the Strihver hot spring, which will probably be the only patch of green you see on your first day. This is the summer time in Iceland when weather conditions are most favorable. Wild camping is not permitted. Distance: 16 km (10 mi) Book your complete trip with the best companies only, Volcanoes, Glaciers, Hot Springs, Lava Fields, Geysers, Mountains, Valleys, Rivers, Canyons, Bird Sights, Lakes, Nature Reserves, Forests, Geothermal areas, Rock formations, Craters, Highland routes, multi-day hikes through the Icelandic Highlands. With over a decade of experience (mis)adventuring her way through a few dozen countries, shes gotten the opportunity to live out some of her wildest dreams, and nowadays chronicles all about them over at her blog, Planes, Trains and Karcz, to inspire you to follow yours!

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