Once-in-a-Lifetime 4-Day Highland Hiking Tour of the Laugavegur Trail from Reykjavik

Day two of your four-day hike starts with a nourishing breakfast to set you up with the energy to enjoy the day ahead. Today you’ll enjoy spectacular views over the Fjallabaki area, covering a walking distance of 14.9 miles (24 kilometers). The walking time is between seven and eight hours, with a 2952-foot (900-meter) ascent.

The trek starts with a walk past the Stori Hver hot spring to Hrafntinnusker, a black obsidian desert. With this lunar-like landscape stretched out before you, you can enjoy the quiet serenity of the area.

Heading south, marvel at the magnificent colors of the Reykjafjoll rhyolite mountains and the Jokultungur area. Swirls of differently-toned reds and yellows adorn the gullies across this geothermal landscape, creating a perfect contrast with the surrounding caramel-colored peaks.

When you reach Jokultungur peak, there are sweeping views in every direction. You’ll be able to see lake Alftavatn, a stunning lake and the final destination on today’s itinerary. First, however, it’s time to enjoy the thrill of a river crossing. Your tour leader will guide you across for an experience you won’t forget.

Majestic scenery awaits as you arrive at Alftavatn lake. The lake is sure to be one of the trip’s highlights, and you might spot sheep grazing in the Highlands above the calm waters. With the mountains and hills casting clear reflections onto the water below, it’s a picture-perfect scene and a photographer’s dream.

Interestingly, the lake remains shallow for a long way. Wade through and check it out for yourself or relax and enjoy the lake’s hut, where you will spend the night. The facilities are excellent, with a common room to get to know other hikers and a small restaurant.

Hikers will appreciate the clean bathrooms and hot showers. Finishing with a delicious dinner and a hot shower is the ultimate way to end a fantastic day out exploring.

Day three begins with a hearty breakfast before heading out for another fantastic day of trekking. You’ll be eager to discover today’s various natural treasures, from black sand deserts and a magnificent canyon to dramatic glacial views.

After yesterday’s ascent and considerable distance, today’s trek is gentler. The group will cover 9.5 miles (15 kilometers) over six or seven hours with only a slight descent.

Today's excursion starts with wading through another stream. After yesterday’s introduction, you’ll feel like a pro this time! As you head into volcanic terrain, Maelifellssandur, a volcanic desert, stretches before you.

Soon you’ll walk past the Storasula and Hattafell volcanoes with their green slopes contrasting against the surrounding grey volcanic landscape. As you continue along the route to Emstrur, the more famous volcano mountain glaciers, Myrdalsjokull and Eyjafjallajokull, reward hikers with spectacular views on a clear day.

Under Myrdalsjokull’s ice cap lies Katla, one of Iceland’s most active volcanoes. Rising 4961 feet (1512 meters) above sea level, Katla erupts an average of every 50 years. Its most recent eruption was in 1918, so it’s long overdue.

Eyjafjallajokull glacier volcano has links with its neighbor, Katla, although they are part of different volcanic systems. Historically, Eyjafjallajokull eruptions have triggered Katla to erupt. Eyjafjallajokull became famous when it erupted in 2010 and caused widespread disruption to air traffic across Europe.

Markarfljotsgljufur canyon is another stunning landscape you’ll witness today. This 656-foot (200-meter) boasts jaw-dropping natural beauty, so you’ll love staying in a mountain hut in this area tonight.

After another glorious day of hiking, it’s time for dinner and relaxation as you take in your incredible surroundings, the perfect place to spend the final night of your hike. Today you’ve seen volcanoes and glaciers, traversed black sand deserts, and been up close to a majestic canyon. Enjoy a good night’s sleep to prepare for an exciting fourth day.

The group will begin the day with a final breakfast together before leaving the Emstrur area and continuing along the path to the Thorsmork nature reserve.

Today you’ll hike between six and seven hours and cover 9.5 miles (15 kilometers) with a descent of 985 feet (300 meters). Yet more incredible scenery awaits, adding to the diversity of what you’ve seen already.

From the Emstrur area, you’ll walk through the Almenningar gorge, where the excellent glacier views continue. You’ll also see the interestingly-shaped Einhyrningur mountain, also known as “Unicorn Mountain.”

The scenery begins to change as you get closer to Thorsmork. The reserve is known for its dense birch forest, and as trees start to appear around you, you’ll know you’re getting near the heart of this much-loved hiking area.

Valleys adorned with ferns, moss, and birchwood contrast perfectly with jagged mountain peaks. The colors are just as striking, with greens producing a dramatic effect against black desert expanses and picturesque glacial rivers weaving throughout the landscape, so make sure you’ve got your camera handy!

Thorsmork is an incredible place to appreciate nature’s beauty and a fantastic spot to finish the Laugavegur Trail. Even the climate here is unique. It’s generally warmer, wetter, and calmer than other parts of the country, and sometimes a mist covers the mountains.

At the trail’s end, you will feel great satisfaction from your incredible accomplishment. Over the past four days, you’ve been close to several natural wonders in the South Iceland highlands. The excitement isn’t quite over yet, with a stop on the way back to Reykjavik to see the breathtaking Seljalandsfoss waterfall.

Seljalandsfoss drops 200 feet (60 meters) from a cliff, so you’ll feel dwarfed as you stand below it. One of the most notable features of this pristine waterfall is the path that enables you to walk behind the waterfall for a unique perspective. It’s the perfect finish to an amazing four days.