Where on earth
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- Region
- Iceland
- Biome
- Volcanic tundra (500–1,000 m)
- Best season
- Late June – early September
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Backpacking
- Hiking
- Winter Camping
- Wildlife Viewing
- Canoeing
- Fishing
- Hot Springs
Key takeaways
- Biome: Volcanic tundra (500–1,000 m)
- Best season: Late June – early September
- Difficulty: moderate
- Top activity: backpacking
Photos of Laugavegur Trail (Iceland)
Topic summary
The classic 55-km Icelandic trek from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk — rhyolite, hot springs, and lava fields.
Key takeaways
- Difficulty: moderate
- Best season: Late June – early September
Intended uses
backpacking
Climate suitability
Volcanic tundra (500–1,000 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 (Iceland) trip tools
How to get there
Plan arrival at Landmannalaugar for the typical north-to-south itinerary and onward travel from Þórsmörk. If continuing over Fimmvörðuháls, plan the final departure from Skógar instead. Confirm transport and current access arrangements before setting out.
- Landmannalaugar
The hot springs area at the northern end of Laugavegur and the starting point for the typical four-day, north-to-south walk.
- Þórsmörk
The glacial valley at the southern end of Laugavegur. Finish here or connect with the Fimmvörðuháls route toward Skógar.
- Skógar
The endpoint of the optional Fimmvörðuháls continuation from Þórsmörk, rather than 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 (Iceland)
- 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.
- Winter Camping
Cold-season travel and camp craft; layering matters more than mileage.
- Wildlife Viewing
Best light, best season, and where animals move.
- Canoeing
Paddle routes, portages, and put-ins.
- Fishing
Resident gamefish, seasons, and the water that holds them.
Animals around Laugavegur Trail (Iceland)
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 Trail (Iceland)Amazon 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 (Iceland)
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 (Iceland)?
- 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 (Iceland)
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 (Iceland)?
- Confirm the land around Laugavegur Trail (Iceland) 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 four-day crossing of South Iceland
Laugavegur links the hot springs area of Landmannalaugar with the glacial valley of Þórsmörk in South Iceland. The usual itinerary runs north to south over four days, stopping at the mountain huts of Hrafntinnusker, Álftavatn and Emstrur. Its defining feature is the change in terrain: colourful mountains, black lava, bubbling hot springs, lakes, canyons and black sandy desert all appear along the route. This is a multiday walk through contrasting landscapes rather than a trip built around one viewpoint. It is also Iceland’s most popular hiking trail, so solitude should not be the main expectation. Plan around the full sequence of walking days and overnight stops, with enough flexibility to respond to conditions rather than treating the typical four-day schedule as a deadline.
Navigation and river crossings
The trail 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. Carry navigation tools that remain usable without a phone signal, and know how to use them before setting out. At least three rivers must be forded during the walk, making water crossings a core part of the route rather than an optional complication. Assess each crossing on arrival and be prepared to wait or turn back if it is unsafe. Waterproof protection, warm layers and a way to keep essential gear dry matter on a journey where poor visibility, snow and river crossings can affect progress.
Planning the overnight sequence and an extension
The standard overnight sequence provides a useful framework: Hrafntinnusker, then Álftavatn, then Emstrur before reaching Þórsmörk. Use those stops to structure planning, but confirm current hut availability and operating arrangements before committing to an itinerary. The presence of huts should not be treated as a guarantee of accommodation. Confirm current access conditions and any permit requirements with the managing agency as well. For a longer journey, Laugavegur can be combined with the Fimmvörðuháls route from Þórsmörk to Skógar. Treat that continuation as an additional hike requiring its own planning, not simply as part of the usual four-day Laugavegur schedule. Decide whether to finish at Þórsmörk or continue to Skógar before arranging onward travel, and keep weather and energy reserves central to that decision.
Route options
- Laugavegur: Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk
Typically walked north to south in four days, with overnight stops at Hrafntinnusker, Álftavatn and Emstrur. The signposted route includes at least three river fords; fog and heavy snow can sharply reduce visibility, especially on the first two sections.
- Laugavegur with the Fimmvörðuháls continuation
Follow Laugavegur to Þórsmörk, then extend the journey over the Fimmvörðuháls route to Skógar. Plan this continuation separately from the typical four-day Laugavegur itinerary.
Sample itineraries
- Four-day Laugavegur traverse · 4 days
Walk north to south from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk, stopping at Hrafntinnusker, Álftavatn and Emstrur. The route passes colourful mountains, black lava, lakes, canyons and black sandy desert. Allow time for river crossings and weather-related delays.
- Landmannalaugar introduction · 1 day
Spend a day exploring the hot springs area at the northern end of Laugavegur rather than attempting the full traverse. Keep the outing suited to visibility and weather; a short visit is not a substitute for planning the four-day route.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Before the late-June hiking season
Spring falls outside the stated trail operating season. Do not assume summer access or hut support. Confirm current conditions before arranging a trip.
Summer
Late June through summer
The main hiking season begins in late June. Even during this period, thick fog or heavy snow can sharply reduce visibility, particularly on the first two sections. Clear signposting does not remove the need for navigation skills.
Fall
Through mid-September
The stated hiking season ends in mid-September, when huts close. Confirm operating dates before planning a late-season traverse, and leave flexibility for poor visibility and adverse weather.
Winter
Outside the stated hiking season
Winter is outside the described trail operating season. Do not plan around summer hut support. Heavy snow and reduced visibility are significant concerns for route-finding.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Before the late-June hiking season | Spring falls outside the stated trail operating season. Do not assume summer access or hut support. Confirm current conditions before arranging a trip. |
| Summer | Late June through summer | The main hiking season begins in late June. Even during this period, thick fog or heavy snow can sharply reduce visibility, particularly on the first two sections. Clear signposting does not remove the need for navigation skills. |
| Fall | Through mid-September | The stated hiking season ends in mid-September, when huts close. Confirm operating dates before planning a late-season traverse, and leave flexibility for poor visibility and adverse weather. |
| Winter | Outside the stated hiking season | Winter is outside the described trail operating season. Do not plan around summer hut support. Heavy snow and reduced visibility are significant concerns for route-finding. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm current permit requirements and hut arrangements with the managing agency.
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 carefully and turn back if it cannot be crossed safely.
- Thick fog can obscure the route despite clear signposting, especially on the first two sections.
- Heavy snow can dramatically reduce visibility. Carry navigation tools and know how to use them.
- Bubbling hot springs present a scalding risk. Avoid contact with unfamiliar thermal water and keep clear of unstable edges.
- Adverse weather can disrupt a four-day schedule. Carry protection against cold and wet conditions rather than relying solely on reaching a hut.
What to pack for Laugavegur Trail (Iceland)
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Insulating layers
- Warm hat and gloves
- Waterproof pack liner
- Offline map and backup navigation
- Compass and the skills to use it
- Emergency shelter
- First-aid kit
- Secure footwear suitable for fording
- Trekking poles
- Water containers and treatment
- Food with a contingency allowance
Laugavegur Trail (Iceland) FAQ
- Where does Laugavegur begin and end?
- The trail runs between the hot springs area of Landmannalaugar and the glacial valley of Þórsmörk in South Iceland. Hikers typically travel north to south.
- How long does the trek usually take?
- The usual itinerary takes four days, with stops at Hrafntinnusker, Álftavatn and Emstrur. Weather and river conditions should take priority over maintaining that schedule.
- Is the trail easy to follow?
- It is clearly signposted, but thick fog or heavy snow can dramatically reduce visibility. The first two sections deserve particular caution. Carry independent navigation rather than relying only on signs.
- Are river crossings required?
- Yes. At least three rivers must be forded during the trek. Be prepared to assess crossings on arrival and avoid entering water that appears unsafe.
- Can the trek be extended beyond Þórsmörk?
- Yes. Laugavegur can be combined with the Fimmvörðuháls route from Þórsmörk to Skógar. Plan that extension separately rather than assuming it fits within the typical four-day Laugavegur itinerary.
- What landscapes does the route cross?
- Expect colourful mountains, black lava, bubbling hot springs, lakes, canyons and a black sandy desert before reaching the glacial valley of Þórsmörk.