Your Complete Guide to the Laugavegur Trek
One of the most beautiful hiking routes on earth, the Laugavegur trail encapsulates Iceland's breathtaking natural beauty, offering captivating scenes at every bend and turn!
What is the Laugavegur trek?
The Laugavegur trek, predictably, involves navigating the Laugavegur Trail, a 55KM-long hiking route in southern Iceland, that runs from Landmannalaugar geothermal springs to the Pórsmörk nature reserve.
What can you see on the Laugavegur Trek?
Iceland is home to no shortage of breathtaking scenery, boasting some of the most unique and beautiful landscapes that you’ll find anywhere on earth. One of National Geographic’s 20 Best Hiking Trails in the world, the Laugavegur trail encompasses some of the best that the country has to offer, from colourful mountains to verdant canyons and charcoal-hued lava fields, highlights include:
- Landmannalaugar
Begin your journey with a relaxing dip in a natural open-air spa, surrounded by breathtaking scenery! Landmannalaugar, where the trail begins translates as ‘peoples pools’ thanks to its array of hot springs, and it's also home to dramatic rhyolite mountains, renowned for their rainbow-like hues!
- Markarfljótsgljúfur Canyon
Though not located on the actual trail itself, Markarfljótsgljúfur Canyo is reachable via a short detour, and is of Iceland's most beautiful hidden treasures, a 200 m-deep verdant gorge, that is sure to take your breath away!
- Mt. Einhyrningur
A striking landmark that you’ll pass during the final stage of your journey, Einhyrningur is a 389-metre high peak, that translates as ‘Unicorn Mountain’, due to its uncanny resemblance to the mythical creature!
- Mýrdalsjökull Glacier
Visible in all its magnificence from the peak of Mt. Einhyrningur, Mýrdalsjökull the fourth-largest of Iceland’s 269 glaciers, covers an area of nearly 600 square kilometres, and reaches 1500 meters at its tallest point!
- Thórsmörk
A fitting place to end your memorable journey, Thórsmörk translates as “Valley of Thor", as according to legend, the great god created it by striking the surrounding mountain range with his hammer!
Do you need a permit for the Laugavegur Trail?
No, permits are not required.
How difficult is the Laugavegur Trek?
Trekking the Laugavegur Trail certainly isn’t easy. The terrain is rugged and often uphill, and the weather can be unpredictable.
It is designed for fairly experienced hikers who are comfortable navigating rugged, mountain terrain. However, Bookitlist provides everyone who signs up for our 4-day tour, with an optional 8-week fitness plan to help them achieve their base level of fitness.
What weather to expect on the Laugavegur Trail
Like much of the country, Iceland’s southern Highland’s are prone to some unpredictable weather, even at the best of times! The Laugavegur Trail hiking season is between June and September when conditions are most pleasant, but you may still experience high winds, rain, and even sleet or snow!
What to take on the Laugavegur Trek
Power Banks to charge your phone/camera, as the only access to electricity is at Thórsmörk.
A water bottle which you can refill at the huts or at rivers along the way
Plenty of layers and waterproof clothing
Hiking boots
Food and snacks (energy bars, nuts, fruit etc.)
Sleeping bag
Toiletries
First Aid Kit
Sun cream
Map/GPS
A compass
Sunglasses
Is it better to camp or stay in huts on the Laugavegur trek?
Although camping is available (near the huts), for a more comfortable experience, we recommend staying in huts.
Huts feature beds, kitchen facilities (and utensils), bathroom facilities, and in some cases, hot showers, ensuring you’ll get a good night's sleep and will wake up feeling refreshed and ready for a hard’s days trekking!
Please note that huts must be pre-booked and during the most popular times are in high demand.
Can you do it alone or do you need to join a tour?
Although the Laugavegur Trek can be done without joining a tour, it takes significant preparation and planning, with a myriad of factors that must be taken into consideration.
Join the Bookitlist Tour, and we’ll take care of every small detail, from the transport and accommodation to the conditions and safety measures, (and even providing a fitness plan to help ensure you have the necessary base fitness level), removing the stress and thus allowing you to enjoy the experience completely!
