Distance
55 km
Point-to-point from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk
Laugavegur Trail: Iceland's Most Famous Trek (55 km)
Iceland's most famous trek through the highlands from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk
Updated February 1, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team
Difficulty
Moderate–Hard
55 km · 3–4 days · Highlands
The Laugavegur Trail is Iceland's premier multi-day hike, traversing 55 km of otherworldly highland terrain between Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk. The route passes through some of the most geologically diverse landscapes on earth—steaming rhyolite mountains streaked with every color, vast obsidian lava fields, glacial rivers, and black sand deserts beneath ice caps. Consistently ranked among the world's great treks, it draws thousands of hikers each summer during its short season from late June to early September.
Safety + sourcing
Last updated: 2026-02-01
Highland weather is unpredictable. Carry gear for all conditions including snow, rain, and high winds even in summer. File your travel plan at safetravel.is.
Sources to check
Elevation gain
~1,000 m total
Highest point at Hrafntinnusker (1,100 m)
Duration
3–4 days
With overnight stays at mountain huts or campsites
What to Expect
Trail distance and elevation
55 km point-to-point with approximately 1,000m total elevation gain. Highest point at Hrafntinnusker (1,100m). Difficulty rated moderate-hard. Typically completed in 3-4 days with overnight stays at mountain huts or campsites.
Water crossings
Multiple unbridged glacial river crossings, particularly near Álftavatn and between Emstrur and Þórsmörk. Rivers swell in warm afternoons—cross early morning when levels are lowest. Knee-deep crossings common; chest-high possible after rain.
Terrain variety
The trail traverses rhyolite mountains (Day 1), obsidian lava fields and steaming fumaroles at Hrafntinnusker (Day 1-2), green valleys at Álftavatn (Day 2), black sand desert at Mælifellssandur (Day 3), and lush birch forest in Þórsmörk (Day 4).
Hrafntinnusker obsidian plateau
The first day climbs to 1,100m through a plateau of black volcanic glass, steaming fumaroles, and ice caves beneath snow patches. Navigation can be difficult in fog.
Emstrur canyon and Markarfljót gorge
A deep gorge carved by the Markarfljót river with 200m cliff faces. The suspension bridge crossing is a memorable highlight of the final day.
Þórsmörk valley finish
The trail ends in the lush, sheltered valley of Þórsmörk surrounded by three glaciers, with birch woodland, wildflowers, and mountain huts for celebration.
Getting There
The northern trailhead at Landmannalaugar is reached via F-208 (4WD only, multiple river crossings) or F-225 via Hrauneyjar (fewer crossings). Scheduled highland buses depart from BSI terminal in Reykjavík (Trex, Reykjavík Excursions), taking approximately 4 hours. The southern terminus at Þórsmörk is accessible only via F-249 (river crossings require a super jeep) or by scheduled bus. Most hikers arrange bus transfers for both ends when booking hut accommodation. One-way hiking means you need transport at both trailheads—book return bus from Þórsmörk in advance as seats fill quickly in July-August. No mobile coverage on the trail.
Best Time to Hike
The trail is open from late June through early September. Late June: Trail officially opens; significant snow may remain above 900m near Hrafntinnusker; river crossings at seasonal low; fewer hikers. July: Peak month with the most reliable weather (6-14°C), longest daylight, and fully snow-free trail; the Laugavegur Ultra Marathon is held mid-July; huts are busiest. August: Excellent conditions; slightly shorter days (16-18 hours daylight); wildflowers peak; rivers can be higher after warm spells. Early September: Autumn colors, dramatic skies, and near-empty trails, but temperatures drop to 0-6°C and huts close around September 5-10. Weekday starts help avoid the weekend rush at hut sites.
Planning help
Laugavegur Trail FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.