Laugavegur Trail
Iceland’s most celebrated trek runs from the rhyolite mountains and hot springs of Landmannalaugar to the green birch valleys of Þórsmörk, across black-sand deserts, glacial rivers, and steaming, colour-streaked ground.
Weather
Spring averages 0–8°C, summer 8–15°C, autumn 2–8°C, and winter −5 to 2°C in the Icelandic Highlands. Highland roads open only July–August for this summer trek. Rain and wind are common even in clear spells; river crossings swell after overnight showers. Nights are cool in huts but never truly dark under the midnight sun.
Activities
The four-day hut-to-hut trek is the main event — roughly 55 km across rhyolite ridges, black-sand deserts, and glacial river crossings. Soak in Landmannalaugar’s natural hot stream on arrival and explore steaming geothermal fields at Hrafntinnusker. Optional side hikes from Þórsmörk reach glacier viewpoints and birch-forest waterfalls.
Culture
The Laugavegur route passes through some of Iceland’s emptiest country, but huts are social hubs where trekkers from dozens of countries swap stories over dried meals. Highland buses are part of the ritual — a bumpy, scenic rite of passage from Reykjavík to Landmannalaugar. Respect hut rules: boots off inside, quiet after 22:00.
Natural history
Landmannalaugar’s rhyolite hills get their rust, green, and sulphur-yellow stripes from ancient volcanic eruptions and geothermal alteration. The trail crosses the Torfajökull caldera, Mýrdalssandur’s black desert, and the birch-lined valleys of Þórsmörk beneath Eyjafjallajökull. Arctic foxes and ptarmigan are occasional sightings away from the main path.
Local food
Mountain huts serve hearty Icelandic staples — lamb soup, skyr, and rye bread. Soak in Landmannalaugar’s natural hot stream before you start; in Þórsmörk, the Volcano Huts restaurant does proper post-trek meals. Pack trail snacks from Reykjavík: harðfiskur (dried fish) and chocolate bars.
Fun fact
Laugavegur means “the Hot Spring Route” in Icelandic — the trail is named for the geothermal valley at its start, not the famous shopping street in Reykjavík.
- Fly into: Keflavík (KEF)
- Day 1: Highland bus to Landmannalaugar, soak
- Day 2–5: Trek to Þórsmörk (mountain huts)
- Day 6: Return to Reykjavík, depart
- Est. total: ~$2,800