The most epic hiking adventure in Iceland: The Laugavegur Trail

What’s the Laugavegur Trail?

Located in the southern part of the Central Highlands, the Laugavegur Trail is a multi-day trek through different ecosystems, from geothermal areas and colorful mountains to glacial rivers and green valleys. The trail links two iconic pockets of wilderness—Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk—and once you finish, you can continue discovering the amazing places in this region.

Every summer, adventurers and nature enthusiasts make their way to Landmannalaugar, the starting point, to embark on this journey. The name of the trail is made by “lauga,” which means pool in Icelandic, referring to the natural geothermal baths at its starting point, and “vegur,” meaning road. This route has been a passage for shepherds and explorers for centuries, but has gained fame in recent years, attracting all kinds of hikers.

At 55 kilometers (34 miles), the trail links the geothermal area of Landmannalaugar with the green Þórsmörk valley, crossing diverse ecosystems. It normally takes 3 or 4 days to complete, depending on your pace and how many stops you make along the way to enjoy the amazing views.

Why is it So Special?

What sets it apart is the sheer diversity: you'll wander colorful rhyolite mountains, glacial rivers, lava fields, places that look like they were from a different planet. The trail itself is well marked and suitable for almost all levels, though some sections are a bit challenging, so a good level of fitness is necessary.

The Laugavegur Trail has also become a key destination for trail runners. The most experienced ones make it in a single push. But for hikers, there are several places to sleep along the way.

It's not just a hike; it's a compressed tour through Iceland’s natural variety, where each day reveals another facet of the island’s wildest side.

Sleeping Along the Laugavegur Trail

As we have already mentioned, you’ll need a few days to complete the Laugavegur Trail; normally, three or four. For this reason, there are several options to sleep along the route. You can choose between mountain huts and camping; both are located at natural stopping points roughly 10–15 kilometers apart. Either way, you’ll be spending the night down in the heart of the Highlands.

There are six mountain huts by the trail, managed by Ferðafélag Íslands (FI), the Icelandic Touring Association. These are sturdy, basic mountain shelters: rows of bunk beds, shared kitchens with gas stoves, cold running water, and toilets. A few even have hot water sourced from nearby springs for showers. There’s no electricity, but they all feature communal tables where you can get to know fellow travelers from every corner of the globe. If you want to make sure you’ll have a bed, book online through FI months in advance; spots disappear fast. Huts cost more than camping but spare you the weight of a tent, and are more comfortable in case rain appears in the middle of the night.

If you prefer camping, there are designated zones beside each hut, with flat gravel or grass for pitching tents and access to the same toilets and water taps. Even if you go in the warmer months, bring a sleeping bag rated to 0 °C or lower; even July nights can be quite cold.

Where’s the Laugavegur Trail and How to Get There

Nestled in Iceland’s southern highlands, the Laugavegur Trail crosses a vast, uninhabited area. This region is raw Iceland, but the access is a bit tricky. The Highlands are an isolated and remote region with amazing landscapes, but it does not make it easy for travelers.

The best way to get there is by having your own vehicle. If you rent a campervan, you’ll have a means of transport and also a place to sleep in before and after you’ve completed the Laugavegur Trail. However, you’ll need a 4x4 campervan to get there. The roads leading into the Highlands, like the one to Landmannalaugar, are the infamous Icelandic F-roads. These are mountain tracks, rugged, with potholes and even river crossings, so you’ll need a campervan that can deal with all that. Also, it’s illegal to venture into the F-roads with a conventional vehicle, resulting in damages and fines that you’ll have to cover.

It's essential to know that F-roads are usually open only from mid-June to late September. The rest of the year, the weather makes the roads impassable, and the authorities close them to prevent danger. So, it’s important to know that outside these months, the Laugavegur Trail is completely inaccessible. Even in summer, always check the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration for a live update on the road status.

Anyhow, if you’re going to Landmannalaugar from Reykjavik, the itinerary is not hard to follow. The drive is about 180 kilometers (112 miles) and takes 3 to 4 hours. Start by taking Ring Road (Route 1) heading east for about 85 kilometers (53 miles). Before reaching the town of Hella, turn left onto Route 26. Then, take F225 and finally F208, which will take you to the parking area. These last two roads are F roads.

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Safety Tips and Potential Hazards

Driving a campervan in the Icelandic Highlands is very different from the usual roads. F-roads are rough, unpaved, and isolated, so you need to adjust your pace and pay close attention to the terrain, weather, and river levels.

Key Tips

• Know what F-roads are like: They’re unpaved gravel or dirt tracks, usually rough and uneven. A taller and more powerful 4x4 will handle them much better.
• Take river crossings seriously: They’re the biggest risk. River depth changes with rain and snowmelt, so always stop and check before crossing. If you’re unsure, wait for another car (preferably a local) and follow the same line they take. Never attempt a crossing if you’re not confident about the conditions.
• Keep your speed low: Expect bumps, loose stones, and plenty of shaking. Try to stay around 30–40 km/h (19–25 mph).
• Headlights must be on: Iceland requires headlights at all times, regardless of weather or time of day.
• Fill up before you go: There are no gas stations in the Highlands. Make sure to fuel up in towns like Selfoss or Hella before heading in.

Where to Stay Near the Laugavegur Trail

We have seen before that there are huts and camping areas along the Laugavegur Trail where you can sleep. However, the adventure doesn’t end with the trek. The area around has plenty of things to see and do, so you’ll want to see as many as you can before or after you finish your trek. Here is a list of campgrounds near the Laugavegur Trail. Remember that wild camping is forbidden in Iceland, so stick to designated areas.

Landmannalaugar Camping

Distance to the Laugavegur Trail Head: 0 km (right at the start) Opening period: Late June to early September.

The Laugavegur Trail starts in an amazing part of the Highlands. Landmannalaugar is a geothermal area with colorful rhyolite mountains, steaming vents, and natural baths. And there’s a camping area just there. You can arrive with time to explore, spend the night there, and then start the trek the following day.

It’s a basic site, with toilets, showers, and pitches for campervans and tents, and the natural environment is outstanding. There’s also a small shop where you can buy supplies for the hike. It’s necessary to book in advance, as it fills up quickly.

Landmannahellir

Distance to the Laugavegur Trail Head: 20 km (12.4 miles) via F208 and F225 Opening period: Late June to mid-September

A little bit north of the Landmannalaugar area, you'll find this site, equipped with several huts and a camping area. The huts are heated, have running water, cooking facilities, and a toilet, but need to be booked in advance. The large camping area, suitable for tents and vans, gives access to toilets, showers, and running water. There’s also a communal hut where you can cook, eat, or just wait out the bad weather. It’s more basic than the one in Landmannalaugar, but considerably less crowded.

Volcano Huts Þórsmörk

Distance to the Laugavegur Trail Head: 55 km (34 miles). At the trail’s end. Opening period: All year.

Once you finish your trek, you can stay in the astonishing Þórsmörk valley, a green oasis in the middle of black lava fields. It’s a modern and well-equipped site with toilets, hot showers, electricity, a restaurant, and a bar. They have different options to stay: camping in a tent or campervan, mountain huts, private rooms, cottages, and glamping tents.

Básar Camping Ground

Distance to the Laugavegur Trail Head: 55 km (34 miles). At the trail’s end. Opening period: Late June to early September

Also in Þórsmörk, Básar offers a simpler camping experience with basic facilities in a stunning natural setting. Ideal for hikers, it’s close to trails leading to glaciers and volcanic landscapes. The site has toilets, hot showers, and cabins that can be rented if you prefer a more comfortable stay. It’s a budget-friendly choice compared to its neighbor, for those prioritizing scenery over amenities.

Langisjór Campsite

Distance to the Laugavegur Trail Head: 52 km (32 miles) via F208 and F235. Opening period: Early July to early September

This remote gem is located on the shore of the Langisjór lake. This option is for the most adventurous, as it’s in an amazing natural setting, but far away from everything. It’s as basic as it gets, with only toilets and cold running water. There are no huts, electricity, or shops, just raw nature and tranquility.

Sveinstindur Hut and Campsite

Distance to the Laugavegur Trail Head: 55 km (34 miles) via F208 and F235. Opening period: Late June to mid-September.

Not far from Langisjór lake, this place is in a volcanic bowl with ample gravel room for vans, just at the base of the Sveinstindur peak. It has a restored stone hut equipped with a heating stove, gas cooktop, kitchen utensils, and running cold water. There’s a toilet in a separate hut outside. Close to it, there’s a camping area on a gravel, mossy, and flat area. The camping area cannot be booked; it works on a first-come, first-served basis.

What to See and Do Near the Laugavegur Trail

The Laugavegur Trail is not in the most accessible region of the country, but the good news is that you can make the most out of it if you draw a larger itinerary in this part of the island.

If you combine the trek with some other outstanding natural monuments near the trail, you’re in for a once-in-a-lifetime memory.

Landmannalaugar Geothermal Area

The trail’s starting point is as amazing as the trekking itself. This active geothermal area deserves some time, maybe a day, before you take on the Laugavegur. If you arrive here in the morning before the walk, you’ll have time enough to discover the astonishing rhyolite mountains, with colors that go from pink and orange to yellow, blue, and green. There are shorter trails, like the Brennisteinsalda Hike or the Laugahraun Hike, that take you to sulfur areas or lava fields. And, to end the day, enjoy a relaxing geothermal bath in the Landmannalaugar natural hot springs, just by the camping area.

Þórsmörk Nature Reserve

At the end of the trail, you’ll reach Þórsmörk, a green and amazing valley. It’s a valley of sharp contrasts, especially after all the different landscapes and ecosystems you’ll go through along the Laugavegur Trail. Þórsmörk offers several trails and hiking routes, including the challenging Fimmvörðuháls trail, which takes you between the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers.

Laki Craters

Located east of the trail, the Laki Craters, or Lakagígar, are a series of volcanic craters formed during a volcanic eruption chain that occurred between 1783 and 1784. This catastrophic event is one of the largest volcanic eruptions in recorded history. They led to consequences in parts of continental Europe, influencing climate and agriculture.

Today, it’s a quiet and beautiful area that you can explore on foot, passing by craters, lava fields, and moss-covered soil.

Eyjafjallajökull Glacier

Even if its name looks very difficult to pronounce, you’ve probably heard about this ice-capped volcano. In 2010, Eyjafjallajökull erupted, sending a massive cloud of ash into the sky. It disrupted air traffic across most of Europe for several days.

You can visit it on a guided tour, which will provide safety gear, such as helmets and crampons for walking on the ice, as well as fascinating information about the volcano, the 2010 eruption, and glaciers in general.

Mælifell

This extinct volcano is one of the most photographed mountains in Iceland. It’s not impressive in size, but its looks are astonishing. It’s a perfectly-shaped volcanic cone that rises like a pyramid in the middle of a lava field, and it’s covered in vibrant green moss that contrasts sharply with the dark volcanic land around. There’s a trail that goes to the top, and the views from there are breathtaking.

Eldgjá Canyon

Eldgjá is a long volcanic fissure that stretches for 40 kilometers (25 miles). It was formed thousands of years ago following a massive eruption, and today you can walk the trail that goes along the rim.

Its name can be translated as “fire canyon,” and it is, in fact, the world’s largest volcanic fissure, at 270 meters (886 feet) deep and 600 meters (1970 feet) at its widest point.

There’s a river inside with a beautiful waterfall called Ófærufoss.

The Weather on the Laugavegur Trail

The Laugavegur Trail is only accessible in summer, normally between mid-June and September. The rest of the year, the weather conditions in the Highlands are too harsh, making it impossible not only to do the trek, but to reach the area by car or campervan. In winter, storms hit the region with winds that reach 100 km/h and the temperatures drop to-20 °C (-4 °F). Everything is covered by a thick layer of snow and the roads are impassable.

From late June, the Highlands “reopen” to the public. The days are very long by late June, with 21 hours of natural light. Temperatures usually range between 5 and 15 °C (41–59 °F), but the feeling can be lower due to the wind. Generally, the weather is a mix of sunny spells and rain showers that usually fall sideways. There can be snow in higher areas even in July.

What to Pack for the Laugavegur Trail

A trip to Iceland requires some special consideration when preparing your suitcase. And in the case of a hiking trip, and even more in the Highlands, it demands some items that you may not have considered.

• Waterproof hiking boots. Good grippy soles and proper ankle support.
• Layered clothing. The key to adapting to the ever-changing Icelandic weather is to dress in layers. This way, you can add or remove items to adjust. The basics: thermal inner layer; fleece or wool as intermediate (fleece is considerably lighter); and a windproof and waterproof outer layer, materials like Gore-Tex or similar.
• Rain pants and jacket. Because, as the great Charles Boyle once said: “A dry boy is a smart boy.”
• Hat and gloves. For sudden temperature drops and chilly nights.
• Navigation tools. A paper map of the trail, a compass, and/or a GPS device. There’s low to no cell phone signal along the trail, so don’t rely on online maps.
• Headlamp or flashlight. To help yourself at night in the camping grounds.
• First-aid kit. Blister plasters, tweezers, painkillers, bandages. Other travelers can help you if needed, but it’s better to have your own.
• Reusable water bottle. The water from the streams is pure and safe to drink.
• High-energy snacks. Nuts, bars, dried fruit to keep you fueled.
• Sleeping bag. Rated to 0 °C.
• Trekking poles. Not strictly necessary, but it can help you a lot. They are not allowed on planes, but you can buy or rent them in Iceland.
• Sunscreen and lip balm. The sun can be intense in high altitudes, and the wind can crack your lips.

Travel Tips

• Book huts or campsites early. If you want to sleep in a hut along the trail, it’s absolutely essential.
• Fill up your tank and buy groceries in cities like Hella or Selfoss. There are no gas stations in the Highlands. There’s a small shop in Landmannalaugar, but it’s quite basic and it’s not cheap.
• Download offline maps and weather alerts.
• Leave no trace: pack out your trash and don’t wander off marked trails.
• Pair the trail with a rest day in Þórsmörk— It’s gorgeous and your legs will thank you.
• Keep yourself hydrated, highland air dries fast.

Conclusion

The Laugavegur Trail is one of those experiences that justifies a whole trip. This trek is one of the best not only in Iceland, but probably in the whole world. You’ll see amazing landscapes, different and unique, and the feeling one gets when completing the trail is unparalleled. You just need to prepare adequately and get ready for an experience that will stay with you forever.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Laugavegur Trail