TREK · Iceland
Laugavegur Trail
Laugavegurinn
Southern Highlands · Iceland Multi-day
Photo: source
Information
- Distance
- 55.0 km
- Duration
- 4–5 days
- Max elevation
- 1,100 m
- Country
- Iceland (IS)
- Difficulty
- Moderate (varied terrain: lava, obsidian, sand, snow; river crossings without bridges; rapidly changing weather)
- Best Season
- Late June–mid-September (huts open)
- Permits & Fees
- No hiking permit; hut reservations via fi.is are required and usually sell out several months in advance; camping in certain areas is also permitted via fi.is
Description
Iceland's Laugavegur Trail is the most celebrated multi-day trek in northern Europe and ranks among National Geographic's 20 best trails in the world. The 55 km route runs south from the geothermal highland of Landmannalaugar—its multicoloured rhyolite mountains streaked red, yellow and green—through four contrasting landscapes: the obsidian plateau of Hrafntinnusker (~1,100 m), the glacial lake Álftavatn, the lava plains of Emstrur, and finally the birch-forest glacier valley of Þórsmörk below Eyjafjallajökull. The 4–5 day trek needs no hiking permit, but hut reservations through the Icelandic Touring Association (fi.is) are essential and fill months in advance. At least three unbridged river crossings add a wild element to an already dramatic route.
Trail Highlights
The colorful rhyolite mountains of Landmannalaugar, the Hrafntinnusker obsidian fields, the glacial lake Álftavatn, the Emstrur/Botnar lava plains, and the glacial valley of Þórsmörk. At least three bridgeless river crossings.
Trekking Experiences
Real stories & vlogs from people who did the trek. Click to explore.
References
The summary above was compiled from the following sources.