Laugavegur Trail – Iceland’s Best Hiking Trail

The Laugavegur Trail is located in Iceland's southern highlands and is a straight route from Landmannalauger to Þórsmörk, also known as Thórsmörk (Thor's wood).

It is typically done from north to south by starting at Landmannalauger, with its multicolored mountains, and ending in Þórsmörk, where the famous Eyjafjallajökull volcano is.

The route is 34 miles (55km) long and is generally completed in 4 days. There are also several quick walks you can do in the evenings from most accommodation points, which help to showcase more of Iceland's stark beauty and make your trip more worthwhile.

The huts and camps are open from late June until the end of August as these are the best months to take on the trek.

This is a moderate-to-difficult trek. As there are some steep areas and rivers that need to be waded through.

You can complete the trail with an average level of fitness but you should prepare yourself for some challenging sections and train your body for walking long distances in the time leading up to your trek.

Each day will require you to walk between 7.5 to 9 miles (12 - 15 km). The elevation varies from 130 - 1,608 feet (40 - 490 meters) each day with the highest point reaching 3,474 feet (1,059 meters) at Hrafntinnusker.

You'll begin the trek by travelling to Landmannalauger, which is located in Iceland's highlands and surrounded by striking, multi-colored rhyolite mountains.

From here you'll begin the long walk, passing through the Laugabraun lava field and ascending onto the Brennisteinsalda plateau, which offers breathtaking views of the colorful landscape.

You'll also pass the Stórihver hot spring, which will probably be the only patch of green you see on your first day.  On the walk from Hrafntinnusker to Alftavan you will see numerous hot springs and ravines as you make your way up the Háskerðingur mountain for a view that shouldn't be missed!

As you descend the mountain, you'll enter into different terrain of dark palagonite and glistening glaciers until you reach Alftavan. You'll then travel past ancient volcanoes, through black desert land and flowing rivers into the lush farmland of Emstrur.

The last leg of the journey involves more river crossings and a descent into beautiful green land, which is a dramatic contrast to the dark deserts you pass through on the way.

Þórsmörk is a lush valley, filled with flourishing vegetation and flowers. Once you arrive here you should consider spending some more time exploring the scenic protected area.

The Laugavegur Trail is a moderate to difficult trek and can be done with an average level of fitness. It's recommended to train before your trip by going on more long-distance hikes or walks to help improve your endurance.

There are some steep parts of the trail which are more difficult so trek slowly and be careful. Keep in mind that there are also some rivers that you will need to wade through so prepare to get your feet wet!

You should not cross any rivers by yourself so if you're alone, it's advised that you wait for other hikers so you can go hand-in-hand through the water.