Laugavegur Trail Self Guided

Itinerary:

Day 1. Reykjavík - Landmannalaugar - Hrafntinnusker
You will take the public scheduled bus that drives the mountain tracks that lead to Landmannalaugar, passing by the Hekla volcano and other volcanoes in the Dómadalur area. The bus leaves at 08:00 from Reykjavík. Arriving in Landmannalaugar at noon, it is ideal to have lunch and then head south into the mountains. The trail takes you past small gorges, steaming hot springs and yellow mountain ridges. Arrival at Hrafntinnusker mountain hut in the late afternoon, were you will stay the night.
Distance: 12 km (7.5 mi); Walking time: 4 - 5 hrs; Ascent: 470 m (1540 ft)

Day 2. Hrafntinnusker - Álftavatn
From Hrafntinnusker you descend down into the gullies of Jökultungur with hundreds of steaming hot springs and mud pools. Up there you enjoy fascinating views southwards to the Álftavatn area (Swan Lake), and the Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull glaciers. In the afternoon you arrive at Álftavatn hut where you stay the night.
Distance: 15-16 km (7.5 mi); Walking time: 5 hrs; Descent: 490 m (1610 ft)

Day 3. Álftavatn - Emstur
You pass the foot of the green conic volcano Stórasúla before entering the black deserts of Mælifellssandur. Heading towards another ancient and verdurous volcano, the Hattfell, you enter the Emstrur region where farmers used to graze their sheep in summer. Before arriving at the Botnar hut where you stay the night, you can visit the magnificent Markarfljót canyon, cut almost 200 m down into the rocks south of Hattfell.
Distance: 12 km (7.5 mi); Walking time: 6 hrs; Descent: 100 m (328 ft)

Day 4. Emstur-Þórsmörk
Continue up and down through the small valleys and gullies of Emstrur, where the great Mýrdalsjökull glacier rises only a couple of kilometers away. At the end of the day the vegetation starts to grow thicker and higher as you descend into Þórsmörk's green valleys (the woods of Thor), filled with arctic birch forests and colorful flowers. Accommodation in one of the huts in Þórsmörk.
Distance: 19 km (12 mi); Walking time: 6 - 7 hrs; Descent: 300 m (985 ft)

Day 5. Þórsmörk-Reykjavík
You spend the morning in Þórsmörk with a possibility of walking along one of its numerous paths. For example, visit the Sönghellir cave (“Song cave”) or climb the small mountain of Valahnúkur from where magnificent views can be enjoyed, before taking the afternoon bus back to Reykjavík. Arrival at Reykjavik Central bus Station at around 7:30 PM.  

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Practical information:

• This hike is challenging, suitable for those that are physically active and have a background in hiking in mountainous terrain with a backpack, 6-7 hrs. walk per day.
• All of the huts are heated, some have electricity and some have hot water. Showers in huts (payable on site). They all have bunk rooms with single and twin beds, participants have to be prepared to share a bunk with other travellers. Sleeping bag required.
• Nessesary equipment: For your own well being and safety, we strongly suggest following the advice of our equipment list, this includes having good quality rain-gear, tops and bottoms! Please respect that cotton clothing is not appropriate for any strenuous outdoor activity. Modern outdoor clothing is by far more comfortable and will greatly improve your experience.
• Luggage transport: Included up to 18 kg pp in a drybag/ duffelstyle bag - your food provision included
• Water: No need to carry more than 1–1.5 L per person; streams are frequent and safe to drink from. You'll find water in the huts as well.
• Meals: A pre-ordered food package is not available. See our suggestions here:
• Set aside in your planning half a day for shopping and packing meals (zip bags instead of original) in Reykjavík - budget about 5-6 kg in total for 2 people (all necessary meals and snacks).
• Budget for light weight / high protein products for all meals during the trek bought in supermarkets like Bónus or Krónan OCT25 about 18000 ISK for 2 persons (125 EUR) - based on this plan: Breakfast: Oats, granola, powdered milk, nuts, dried fruit. Lunch: Flatbread/wraps, cheese, tuna/mackerel, sausage: Dinner: Instant couscous/rice/pasta, beans/chickpeas, soup/sauce mixes, small olive oil bottle/spices. Snacks: Chocolate, nuts, bars. Instant cocoa / tea / coffee. This is very cheap, but still realistic.

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