Laugavegur Trail

Laugavegur

Highlands

The Laugavegur runs 55 kilometers from Landmannalaugar south to Þórsmörk through terrain that changes so completely it barely feels like the same country. The first day climbs through rhyolite mountains striped in ochre and rust before leveling off near Hrafntinnusker, where obsidian litters the ground and fumaroles vent steam. From there the trail descends toward Álftavatn and eventually reaches Þórsmörk's birch valleys — volcanic desert giving way to something almost pastoral. Four mountain huts — Hrafntinnusker, Álftavatn, Hvanngil, and Emstrur — punctuate the route; beds must be booked well in advance. Most hikers walk north to south, as the trail trends downhill that way and the prevailing wind follows. Several rivers require fording; water levels vary with recent rain, and midsummer snow squalls in the highlands are not unusual. The trail is accessible from late June to early September, and most hikers allow four days. From Þórsmörk, the Fimmvörðuháls trail extends 25 kilometers south to Skógar, crossing between two glaciers — two more days for those wanting the full traverse.

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