Travel bucket list idea:
Hike the Laugavegur Trail
Icelandic Highlands, Iceland
Last updated: 23 April, 2024
Landmannalaugar is a truly stunning region of glaciers, volcanoes, mountains and lava fields – and one of the finest places to hike in all of Iceland, if not the world.
Part of the Fjallabak Nature Reserve, it’s the official start point for the Laugavegur Trail, an epic 55km, 4-day hiking route that winds its way to the valley of Porsmork and an area of hot springs way up in the Icelandic highlands (the route’s name literally means ‘hot spring road’).
There are six camping huts that you can stay in along the way, but you’ll need to reserve a place several months in advance. Most of the huts also have space for tent camping, but wild camping is not permitted anywhere along the trail.
Logistics
Price: Free
Minimum age: 0
Age suitable: 13+
Frequency: monthly
When: All year around
Duration: 4 days
Getting there & doing it
Ferdafelag Islands are the Icelandic authority responsible for maintaining trail routes and your first port of call if you’re planning this walk. Their helpful website has all of the information you need.
Take the bus from Reykjavik’s BSI bus station to Landmannalaugar or Porsmork for the start/end of the walk. There are daily shuttle buses in season running from each end, if you are walking one way. If going independently, it’s a long drive and you need a 4WD; don’t attempt it in a normal hire car. Remember to check in at the information hut in Landmannalaugar when you arrive.
Camping huts have shared kitchens and equipment for hikers’ use. But you’ll need to bring your own supplies.
The hiking trail is extremely popular and has a short season. Each hut only sleeps 20 people (with additional camping grounds), so you must reserve your space well in advance on the Ferdafelag Islands website.
It’s a physically demanding hike requiring you to carry a heavy pack. If you need help carrying your baggage, Ferdafelag Islands can offer support and guided tours with luggage transport.
When to do it
The hiking season is late June to early September. Beyond these dates, routes can become impassable due to bad weather, and hiking out of season is not recommended.
