Lace up your boots for one of the world’s classic long-distance hikes. This five-day, small-group guided trek tackles the incredible Laugavegur trail – a 55km journey from the hot springs of Landmannalaugar to the verdant glacial valley of Thorsmork, passing colourful mountain slopes, glaciers, lakes and rivers along the way.
What makes this trek so special?
A small-group walking holiday, striding out with like-minded travellers on a world-class hike in the company of an expert guide… our Laugavegur Highland Trek provides an amazing opportunity to explore the rugged Highlands of the interior. As well as enjoying stupendous views, you will gain a fascinating insight into local culture and geology. For keen photographers, it’s a must.
Putting the Laugavegur on the map
Linking Landmannalaugar with the ‘hidden’ valley of Thorsmork, the 55km Laugavegur is one of the most popular walking trails in Iceland. Part of Fjallabak Nature Reserve, the rhyolite mountains of Landmannalaugar are richly coloured with yellows, reds and greys. Black lava flows and sapphire-blue lakes add extra splashes to the surreal palette of this otherworldly place where hot springs and freshwater streams have created some fabulous geothermal bathing pools. At the southern end of the Laugavegur trail, Thorsmork is a verdant realm of wooded valleys and dramatic ridges, surrounded on three sides by glaciers.
On the trail
On this four day trek you will experience all kinds of terrain, from good paths and green valley pastures to rocky scree, volcanic sand and windswept ridges. You might encounter the odd patch of snow and there will also be river crossings. Each day’s walk lasts from 4-7 hours, with no more than 600m of ascent on any day. The trail is suitable for any regular walker with a reasonable level of fitness. Your food and equipment will be transferred by support vehicle, allowing you to walk with just a lightweight daysack. Nights are spent in simple but cosy mountain huts where group participation will be needed for cooking etc.
Private departures
Contact us if you would be interested in a private departure on any date suitable for you. This itinerary can be tailor made to fit your requirements and group size.
Itinerary
Fly to Keflavik International Airport on the volcanic Reykjanes Peninsula and transfer by bus to your hotel in Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavik for an overnight stay.
Take an early morning bus to Landmannalaugar, passing Hekla and other volcanoes in the Domadalur area. After lunch, set off on the trail, heading south into the mountains past gorges, hot springs and colourful mountain ridges. Overnight at Hrafntinnusker mountain hut.
Hiking information: Distance: 12km | Walking time: 4-5hrs | Ascent: 470m
Walk through the gullies of Jokultungur with their steaming hot springs and bubbling mud pools. There are wonderful views south towards Swan Lake and the Myrdalsjokull and Eyjafjallajokull glaciers. Overnight at Álftavatn hut.
Hiking information: 12km | Walking time: 4-5 hrs | Descent: 490m
A day of striking contrasts, the trail weaves among green, moss-clad mountains rising from the black desert of Maelifellssandur. The trail then leads towards another ancient volcano, Hattfell, and the Emstrur region – once used as a summer sheep pasture. Venture into the Markarfljot canyon, before heading to Botnar hut for the night.
Hiking information: 16km | Walking time: 6-7hrs | Descent: 40m
Continue weaving through the small valleys of Emstrur, close to the Myrdalsjokull icecap. Towards the end of the day, the vegetation starts to become denser as you descend into Thorsmork (Woods of Thor) with its valleys filled with birch woodland and flowers. Overnight at Thorsmork.
Hiking information: 17km | Walking time: 6-7hrs | Descent: 300m
Spend the morning in Thorsmork exploring one or two of the numerous paths. Options include the Songhellir cave and the climb up Valahnukur for panoramic views. Later, take the afternoon bus to Reykjavik for your overnight stay.
Transfer by bus from your hotel in Reykjavik to Keflavik International Airport for your flight back home.
Prices
What's Included
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Accommodation in rooms with private bathroom in Reykjavik
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Accommodation in mountain huts with shared facilities for 4 nights
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All breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
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Airport transfers between Keflavik Airport and Reykjavik hotel
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Bus transportation as per itinerary
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Jeep transfer for food and equipment between campsites
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Sleeping bag & cooking gear
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Services of guide
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24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
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No surcharge guarantee
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Full financial protection
From £2321 Excluding Flights
6 Nights
Jun-Sep
Group Size
There is a minimum of 6 and a maximum group size of 16 passengers
Our holiday prices exclude flights. Why? Because we want to offer you the best value, tailored to your needs. Flight prices and offers change daily, so when you’re ready to book, we’ll provide a bespoke quote based on the best options from your local airport. This way, you’ll always get the best prices and the flexibility to choose what works best for you.
Make this trip yours
Every trip you see here can be adapted to suit you using inside-out knowledge to create one-off experiences created just for you.
Eric
8
Sea turtles snorkelled with
4
Shooting stars with northern lights
We create holidays that are as individual as you are. And we’ve been doing it for 40 years, crafting each and every holiday using our in-depth knowledge and enthusiasm for our destinations. Whatever your brief, we’ll create an amazing trip for you to get excited about. That might mean adapting one of our existing itineraries or we’ll build you one from scratch.
Experts with real experience
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Jenna
Travel Specialist
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Eric
Travel Specialist
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Darren
Travel Specialist
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Kieran
Travel Specialist
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Dawn
Head of Customer Experience
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Jo
Travel Specialist
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Phoebe
Travel Specialist
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Lauren
Travel Specialist
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Rosie
Travel Specialist
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