Private 4-Day Guided Hiking Tour of the Laugavegur Trail with Mountain Huts from Reykjavik

A group of hikers enjoying the view at Thorsmork Nature Reserve.
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Description

Summary

Tour starts
Reykjavík, Iceland
Starting time
at 07:00
Duration
4 days
Ending place
Reykjavík, Iceland
Languages
English
Difficulty
Moderate
Available
June - Sept.
Minimum age
14 years old

Description

Challenge yourself with a wild adventure in the Highlands of Iceland with this four-day hiking tour on the world-famous Laugavegur trail. Adventurers who want a close encounter with lush valleys, colorful mountains, volcanoes, and rivers away from the city will enjoy the itinerary of this private multi-day tour.

This exciting hiking tour to Laugavegur begins with an early morning pick-up from a designated bus stop near your hotel in Reykjavik. These tour pick-up points are easy to locate because they're near landmarks in the downtown area.

Before hopping on the bus, don't forget to bring personal hiking gear, particularly weatherproof clothing with layers and sturdy hiking boots. Other essential items include a backpack, towel, toiletries, snacks, a water bottle, river-crossing shoes, trekking poles, gloves, and a camera.

An experienced English-speaking guide will lead you on this Highlands expedition for the next four days. Since this is a private tour, they can easily provide essential information and assistance to make your experience safe and enjoyable. 

Your hiking journey commences in the Landmannalaugar area, situated 113 miles (182 kilometers) east of Reykjavik. Here, you'll have the opportunity to explore the imposing Brennisteinsalda volcano, the enchanting moss-covered Laugahraun lava field, and a chance to dip in a hot spring within the scenic Fjallabak Nature Reserve.

Days two and three will bring you to the spectacular Alftavatn lake and Emstrur valley sites. While Alftavatn is known for its rich birdlife and campsites, Emstrur is characterized by its surrounding pastures and steep mountains. Before reaching these locations, black volcanic deserts, snow-capped mountains, and glacial rivers will welcome your group.

The highlight of this trip is trekking to the breathtaking Thorsmork Nature Reserve, the crown jewel of the Laugavegur trail. Thorsmork, also called the "Valley of Thor," boasts valleys swarming with vegetation, towering mountains, deep canyons, and nearby glaciers.

Birch trees, ferns, mosses, and flowering plants are familiar sights to marvel at while exploring Thorsmork valley. These beautiful views also make an excellent backdrop for photography, so don't miss your chance to capture them.

The total distance covered along the Laugavegur trail is 34 miles (54 kilometers), with a maximum elevation of 1640 feet (500 meters).

Your Laugavegur trail hiking package includes accommodation in three different mountain huts and luggage transport to these locations. While the huts don't compare to the amenities and convenience of hotels, they feature large kitchens and sleeping halls comfortable enough for a night's rest.

Your complimentary meals, like breakfast and dinner, will also be prepared by your private group in the huts. 

After a thrilling hiking tour along the Laugavegur trail, you'll drive back to your Reykjavik accommodation with unforgettable memories and photographs.

Check off an exciting activity on your bucket list by joining this four-day private hiking tour on the Laugavegur trail in the Icelandic Highlands. Check availability now by choosing a date.

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Included

Transportation from Reykjavik
Experienced, English-speaking guide
Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation in mountain huts for three nights
Luggage or backpack transport between huts
Private tour experience

Activities

Hiking
Sightseeing
Hot Spring Bathing

Daily itinerary

Day 1
A vast lava field welcomes you in the Landmannalaugar area.

Day 1 - Reykjavik to Landmannalaugar Area and Hrafntinnusker

The first day of your private hiking trip on the Laugavegur trail starts with a convenient pick-up from Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland. The bus will get you from your accommodation or at a nearby designated bus stop for tour pick-ups in the city center.

The bus ride from Reykjavik to South Iceland may take nearly four hours. This trip can be an excellent introduction to the diverse natural landscapes of the land of fire, passing through mountain ranges, farm areas, and charming towns. On a clear day, you might even see the Hekla volcano from afar.

Soon after, you’ll arrive at the Landmannalaugar area, where the Laugavegur trail begins. This vast area in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve is also called the “people’s pools” because of its many geothermal pools. With the right conditions, the guide will take you to a great spot for geothermal bathing.

On this 7.5-mile (12-kilometer) long trail, you’ll hike over towering mountains and lava fields. One of the most notable things to see here is the Laugahraun lava field, an expanse of a rugged volcanic landscape partially covered by mosses.

Nearby is the Brennisteinsalda volcano, which created Laugahraun. This Icelandic volcano is hard to miss with its massive height of 2805 feet (855 meters) and colorful sulphuric slopes with black and red strokes.

Other terrains to see in this area are colorful rhyolite mountains and black deserts.

After around six hours of hike, you’ll arrive at your final destination for the day at a mountain hut in Hrafntinnusker. Before a well-deserved sleep, your group will prepare and enjoy a delicious dinner with the help of the tour guide.

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Day 2
Alftavatn lake in the Highlands is a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers.

Day 2 - Hrafntinnusker to Alftavatn Lake

Day two of your hiking tour in the Icelandic Highlands opens with a breakfast prepared by your group. After this meal and a good night’s rest the previous night, you’re now ready to take on the challenge of another hiking day.

For today’s hike, you’ll cover 7.5 miles (12 kilometers) of trail with a descent of 1608 feet (490 meters).

From the Hrafntinnusker mountain hut, you’ll slowly make your way through the snowy plains and peaks of the Reykjafjoll mountains. As you descend from these peaks, a stunning view of the surrounding valleys and nature reserves will welcome you.

Soon after, your hiking group will lead you into the rich valley of Jokultungur. This grazing area full of grasses and shrubs is ideal for a quick rest to catch your breath. Although Jokultungur is lesser known than other sites on this trail, it’s just as beautiful.

From the greenery, the surrounding scenery will change and become darker. If the weather’s pleasant, you can take a detour to hike over Mount Haskerdingur to gain a panoramic view of the surrounding glaciers and volcanoes. If not, the guide will lead you through the ravines of Jokultungur to reach your resting hut for the day.

After six hours of trekking, the group will finally arrive at the scenic shores of the Alftavatn lake, your last destination for day two.

Alftavatn lake, despite its remote location, is a haven for nature lovers and birdwatching enthusiasts. During summer months, different species of birds and waterfowl nest in the area. This fascinating birdlife on a peaceful lake is a sight to behold.

Before resting in a cozy hut on the banks of the lake, you’ll help your guide prepare dinner.

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Day 3
Towering mountains and glaciers surround the Laugavegur trail in Iceland.

Day 3 - Alftavatn Lake to Emstrur Valley

The third day of this trekking tour opens with a magnificent view of Lake Alftavatn. While admiring the peaceful atmosphere, you'll prepare the meals with the guide to help you energize for another long day of adventure.

Once ready, you'll begin traversing the trail to Emstrur valley, covering around 10 miles (16 kilometers). This day will be the most extended trek that may reach eight hours.

Depending on the weather, you have two trail options for the day. The first is the conventional path to Emstrur, where you will cross Bratthals hill and the Hvanngil canyon. The terrain in this area is more accessible but also requires some river crossings.

The second option is more beautiful yet challenging and requires good weather. This path goes through valleys and ravines surrounded by picturesque mountains. Like the first track, this option will also require you to cross shallow and cold rivers, so don't forget to pack your river-crossing shoes.

Whichever trail you pick, your path continues to the otherworldly black sand desert of Maelifellssandur. Seeing the jet-black sands up close, crisscrossed by glacial streams, is a view you'll never forget.

In the middle of this vast volcanic landscape lies the lonely mountain of Mount Maelifell. This mountain's cone shape and green slopes create a perfect contrast against the black sands, making it one of the best landscape subjects in Laugavegur.

As you continue the hike, your surroundings change from barren to vibrant, signaling you've reached the Emstrur valley. Before preparing dinner and resting for the night in this area, you'll make a final stop at the stunning Markarfljotsgljufur canyon for sightseeing.

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Day 4
The breathtaking Thorsmork valley is the highlight of this private Laugavegur hiking adventure.

Day 4 - Emstrur Valley to Thorsmork Nature Reserve and Reykjavik

The last day of your Laugavegur hiking tour is the highlight of your adventure. Your small group will finally reach the lush oasis of the Thorsmork Nature Reserve, the pride of the Icelandic Highlands region.

Before leaving Emstrur and beginning the nine-mile (15-kilometer) trek, you'll prepare breakfast and snacks with your company and hiking guide.

Hiking to Thorsmork means going deeper into South Iceland and getting closer to the mighty Myrdalsjokull and Eyjafjallajokull glaciers. While the former is the fourth-largest ice cap in Iceland, Eyjafjallajokull is famous for its disruptive eruption in 2010.

More canyons and shallow rivers will dominate the trail to your destination. In addition, a notable geographical feature to pass through here is Mount Einhyrningur or the "Unicorn mountain." Travelers call it this way because its peak and shape resemble the mythological creature.

As you push forward, the trail finally leads you to a valley teeming with birch trees, shrubs, and other vegetation. This is your signal that you have reached Thorsmork.

Rugged mountains, deep canyons with glacial rivers, and vibrant vegetation frame this lush oasis in the Highlands. The landscape here is dominated by birch forests, mossy hillsides, and colorful wildflowers, creating a truly enchanting atmosphere for nature lovers.

While in Thorsmork, you'll have plenty of time to take in the panoramic views of the region, explore the valley, or unwind in the peaceful ambiance while taking photos. It's an experience that will leave you in awe of nature's beauty and provide lasting memories of your time in the land of fire and ice.

After a thrilling time in Thorsmork, you'll cap off this hiking experience on the Laugaver trail as you drive back to Reykjavik.

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What to bring

Sturdy and waterproof hiking boots (with sufficient ankle support and robust sole)
Thermal mid-layer made of wool or fleece
Two sets of warm long-sleeved top and bottom base-layer (no cotton)
Waterproof and breathable jacket like Gore-Tex (preferably with a hood)
Wateproof shell pants like Gore-Tex or similar (preferably with zips for ventilation)
Three pairs of waterproof hiking socks
Medium insulated jacket
Waterproof gloves and mittens made of wool or synthetic
Rain cover or poncho
River-crossing shoes or sandals
Travel sack or duffel bag for baggage that is transported between huts
Sleeping bag and travel pillow
Day backpack (25 to 40 L)
Quick-drying towel
Personal toiletries
Personal medication
Headlamp with extra batteries
Water bottle (two liters capacity)
Snacks, chocolate, nuts or energy bars
Trekking poles
Sunglasses, sunscreen, and chapstick
Cash and or credit card (for shower and extras)
Sitting mat (recommended)
Camera

Good to know

-Accommodation for days one to three is at different mountain huts.

-Facilities of the mountain huts are shared, including rooms and bathrooms. The shower use includes a minimal fee that you can pay on-site.

-Water, breakfast, dinner, and refreshments are provided in the mountain huts. All hikers, including the guide, will prepare the meals.

- This hiking tour is not recommended for people with heart conditions and those under the age of 13.

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