Where on earth
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- Region
- Iceland
- Country
- Worldwide
- Biome
- Volcanic desert (200–1,100 m)
- Best season
- July – September
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Backpacking
- Hiking
- Desert Hiking
- Canyoneering
- Canoeing
- Fishing
Key takeaways
- Biome: Volcanic desert (200–1,100 m)
- Best season: July – September
- Difficulty: moderate
- Top activity: backpacking
Photos of Laugavegur Trail
Topic summary
A 55-km trek across Iceland's volcanic interior from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk.
Key takeaways
- Difficulty: moderate
- Best season: July – September
Intended uses
backpacking
Climate suitability
Volcanic desert (200–1,100 m)
Tools for a trip here
Picked for how, when and where you're going. Free, no signup.
- Sleep System Temp CalculatorCold nights: check your bag and pad add up to a safe sleep.
- Base Weight CalculatorEvery ounce is carried — total your kit and find your base weight.
- Pack Volume SizerSize the pack for your trip length and season.
- Water Purification MatrixTreat water from streams and lakes on trail.
- Layering CalculatorCold-season miles: layer for climbs and camp.
Plan with verified data
Laugavegur Trail trip tools
How to get there
The standard north-to-south trek starts at Landmannalaugar and finishes at Þórsmörk, both in South Iceland. Arrange arrival and onward travel around these separate endpoints; hikers adding Fimmvörðuháls continue to Skógar.
- Landmannalaugar
Hot springs area at the northern end of Laugavegur and the starting point for the usual north-to-south itinerary.
- Þórsmörk
Glacial valley at the southern end of Laugavegur. The standard trek finishes here, while the Fimmvörðuháls continuation leads toward Skógar.
- Skógar
Endpoint for hikers combining Laugavegur with the Fimmvörðuháls route from Þórsmörk; not an endpoint of Laugavegur itself.
Sources: Wikipedia · Wikivoyage. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
Popular pursuits at Laugavegur Trail
- Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Desert Hiking
Water carries and heat management drive the plan.
- Canyoneering
Narrows, downclimbs, and flash-flood timing.
- Canoeing
Paddle routes, portages, and put-ins.
- Fishing
Resident gamefish, seasons, and the water that holds them.
Animals around Laugavegur Trail
Maps, GPS & compass for this trip
Carry a waterproof paper map and a compass you can steer by, and treat the GPS as the backup — not the other way round. Buying links go to Amazon; Wild10 earns a commission at no cost to you.
Waterproof topo maps
- Waterproof topographic map — Laugavegur TrailAmazon search for waterproof, tear-resistant topo maps covering this area.
- National Geographic Trails IllustratedThe waterproof Trails Illustrated series — check for a sheet covering this area.
- Waterproof map case & compass lanyardKeep a paper map readable in rain, spray and a swamped boat.
Fishing at Laugavegur Trail
Planning to fish Laugavegur Trail, Iceland? Fishing licences, open seasons and catch limits in Iceland are set by the local wildlife authority and change every year — check the official source before you cast a line.
Do I need a fishing licence at Laugavegur Trail?
- A Iceland fishing licence is normally required for anyone over the local youth age.
- Read the current Iceland fishing regulations for special waters, barbless-hook or catch-and-release rules.
- Clean, drain and dry boats and gear between waters to stop invasive species.
Hunting near Laugavegur Trail
Thinking about hunting Laugavegur Trail, Iceland? Hunting seasons, tags and draws in Iceland are set by the wildlife authority each year. Confirm the rules for your species and unit before you go.
Is hunting allowed at Laugavegur Trail?
- Confirm the land around Laugavegur Trail is open to hunting and which management unit it falls in.
What do I need to hunt in Iceland?
- A Iceland hunting licence — most jurisdictions also require hunter education certification.
- Species tags or draw results for big game such as deer, elk, moose or bear where they occur.
- Knowledge of firearm and bow transport rules, which differ by land type and border crossing.
A changing landscape across South Iceland
Laugavegur runs through South Iceland from the hot springs area of Landmannalaugar to the glacial valley of Þórsmörk. Its defining feature is the range of terrain along one continuous walking route: colourful mountains, black lava, bubbling hot springs, lakes, canyons and a black sandy desert. The landscape changes are a useful starting point for choosing this trek. It suits hikers who want a multi-day journey through contrasting volcanic and glacial country rather than a walk focused on one viewpoint. It is also Iceland’s most popular hiking trail, so solitude should not be the main expectation. Plan around the walking itself, with enough flexibility to pay attention to conditions rather than treating each landscape as a scheduled stop.
The usual four-day trek and its extension
The usual itinerary takes four days, walking north to south from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk. The customary overnight stops are the mountain huts at Hrafntinnusker, Álftavatn and Emstrur, in that order. Those stops provide a straightforward framework for understanding the route, but a four-day schedule is a typical pattern rather than a guarantee of how quickly every group will travel. Match the itinerary to the group’s ability to handle successive walking days and changing conditions. For a longer journey, Laugavegur can be combined with the Fimmvörðuháls route, continuing from Þórsmörk to Skógar. Treat that continuation as an additional hike to plan in its own right, not simply as another name for the standard Landmannalaugar-to-Þórsmörk trek.
Navigation, weather and river crossings
Laugavegur is clearly signposted throughout, but signs do not remove the need for navigation skills. Thick fog and heavy snow can dramatically reduce visibility, particularly on the first two sections of the trek. Carry navigation tools that can be used when the next marker is difficult to see, along with clothing and protection appropriate for adverse weather. At least three rivers must be forded during the walk, making river-crossing judgment another essential part of preparation. Do not let a planned hut stop or a four-day target force a crossing that feels unsafe. Build decisions around the conditions in front of the group. This is a popular, marked route, but its weather and unbridged river crossings still require independent outdoor judgment.
Route options
- Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk
The standard Laugavegur itinerary, typically walked north to south over four days with stops at Hrafntinnusker, Álftavatn and Emstrur. At least three rivers require fording, and poor visibility is a particular concern on the first two sections.
- Laugavegur with Fimmvörðuháls to Skógar
Follow Laugavegur from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk, then extend the journey over the Fimmvörðuháls route to Skógar.
Sample itineraries
- Four-day Laugavegur traverse · 4 days
Walk north to south from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk, with overnight stops at Hrafntinnusker, Álftavatn and Emstrur. The route links colourful mountains, black lava, hot springs, lakes, canyons and black sandy desert. Allow time and energy for at least three river fords.
- Two-day opening-stage plan · 2 days
Follow the opening stages from Landmannalaugar through Hrafntinnusker to Álftavatn. This is a partial trek, not a complete Laugavegur crossing; confirm onward travel arrangements before committing. These first two sections require particular care when fog or heavy snow obscures the marked route.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Before the main trekking season
Do not assume summer access or hut availability. Confirm current conditions before planning a traverse. Heavy snow and poor visibility are important route-finding concerns, especially on the opening sections.
Summer
Late June through summer
The main trekking season begins in late June. Even during this period, thick fog or heavy snow can obscure the signposted route. Plan for river crossings and changing mountain weather rather than relying on clear skies.
Fall
Through mid-September
The stated trekking season extends to mid-September, when the huts close. Confirm current operating dates and access before departure, particularly for trips near the end of the season.
Winter
Outside the main trekking season
Do not treat the standard four-day hut itinerary as a winter plan. Confirm access and available support with the managing agency. Heavy snow can dramatically reduce visibility and make trail signs difficult to follow.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Before the main trekking season | Do not assume summer access or hut availability. Confirm current conditions before planning a traverse. Heavy snow and poor visibility are important route-finding concerns, especially on the opening sections. |
| Summer | Late June through summer | The main trekking season begins in late June. Even during this period, thick fog or heavy snow can obscure the signposted route. Plan for river crossings and changing mountain weather rather than relying on clear skies. |
| Fall | Through mid-September | The stated trekking season extends to mid-September, when the huts close. Confirm current operating dates and access before departure, particularly for trips near the end of the season. |
| Winter | Outside the main trekking season | Do not treat the standard four-day hut itinerary as a winter plan. Confirm access and available support with the managing agency. Heavy snow can dramatically reduce visibility and make trail signs difficult to follow. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm current permit requirements and access rules with the managing agency before departure.
Confirm current permits, fees, and closures with the managing agency before you go.
Hazards & regulations
- At least three rivers must be forded. Assess each crossing on arrival and turn back rather than enter water that appears unsafe.
- Thick fog can dramatically reduce visibility, particularly on the first two sections. Signposts do not replace navigation skills.
- Heavy snow can obscure the route. Carry protection against cold and wet conditions even during the main trekking season.
- Bubbling hot springs are geothermal hazards. Keep clear of hot water and unstable-looking ground.
What to pack for Laugavegur Trail
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Insulating layers
- Warm hat and gloves
- Waterproof protection for spare clothing
- Offline route map and backup navigation
- Compass and the skills to use it
- Emergency shelter
- First-aid kit
- Secure footwear suitable for fording
- Trekking poles for balance
- Food and water-carrying capacity
- Dry socks
Laugavegur Trail FAQ
- Where does the Laugavegur Trail start and finish?
- The trail runs through South Iceland from the hot springs area of Landmannalaugar to the glacial valley of Þórsmörk. The typical direction is north to south.
- How long does the full trek usually take?
- The usual itinerary takes four days, with stops at the mountain huts of Hrafntinnusker, Álftavatn and Emstrur.
- Is the trail easy to navigate?
- It is clearly signposted throughout, but thick fog or heavy snow can dramatically reduce visibility. The first two sections deserve particular caution. Carry navigation tools and know how to use them.
- Are there river crossings?
- Yes. At least three rivers must be forded. Bring suitable footwear and assess conditions at each crossing; reaching a crossing does not mean it is safe to enter.
- Can the trek be extended beyond Þórsmörk?
- The Laugavegur can be combined with the Fimmvörðuháls route from Þórsmörk to Skógar. Plan that extension separately rather than assuming it fits within the standard four-day traverse.
- What landscapes does the trail cross?
- Expect colourful mountains, black lava, bubbling hot springs, lakes, canyons and black sandy desert, ending in the glacial valley of Þórsmörk.