3-Day Icelandic Wilderness Hike: Emstrur, Thorsmork and Fimmvorduhals
Three iconic trails, three days of raw Icelandic wilderness, one complete highland adventure.
This 3-day Iceland wilderness hike links the Emstrur section of the Laugavegur Trail, the lush valley of Thorsmork, and the volcanic Fimmvorduhals Pass into a single, expertly guided trek. Each day delivers a distinct landscape — black sand deserts, ancient birch forests, and glacier-framed craters — finishing with a descent to the iconic Skogafoss waterfall. It is a demanding route designed for hikers who want to experience Iceland beyond its roadside viewpoints.
The route covers roughly 53 to 55 kilometres over three days, with daily distances and elevation gains that vary significantly. Day one is a sustained highland traverse beside two glaciers; day two is a shorter exploratory day in Thorsmork with options to ascend the panoramic Tindfjallahringur ridge; day three is the longest and most strenuous, gaining 1,000 metres before a long descent to the coast.
Accommodation on nights one and two is in staffed mountain huts in the Thorsmork area, which provide sleeping bag bunks, meals, and a warm common room. These huts sit in a protected nature reserve and access requires crossing several glacial rivers, routes that are impassable by standard vehicles and require specialist highland transport.
A professional hiking guide accompanies the group throughout all three days. Jeep transport handles the river crossings and trailhead logistics, which are non-trivial in this part of Iceland's interior highlands, particularly during spring and early autumn when water levels fluctuate.
Tour Highlights
Hike a section of the world-renowned Laugavegur Trail across black sand deserts and deep glacier-carved canyons.
Explore the protected birch forests and dramatic ridgelines of Thorsmork, one of Iceland's most scenic highland valleys.
Walk between Eyjafjallajokull and Myrdalsjokulll glaciers past the still-warm Moi and Magni volcanic craters on Fimmvorduhals.
Finish the third day at Skogafoss, one of Iceland's most powerful and photogenic waterfalls on the south coast.
Stay two nights in remote mountain huts deep inside the highland reserve, with meals and genuine wilderness atmosphere.
Specialist jeep transport navigates Iceland's highland river crossings safely, handling logistics that standard vehicles cannot manage.
A certified professional hiking guide leads every kilometre of all three days, providing safety, navigation, and local knowledge.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
The group departs Reykjavik by vehicle and reaches the Emstrur trailhead to begin the day on the Laugavegur Trail. The route crosses black sand hills, passes through narrow canyon sections, and follows glacial river paths alongside Myrdalsjokulll and Tindfjallajokull. By evening, the trail descends into Thorsmork's green valley where the mountain hut provides dinner and sleeping bag accommodation.
After breakfast at the hut, the group ventures into Thorsmork's network of trails. Options include the Tindfjallahringur ridge circuit, which offers panoramic views over glaciers and valleys, or alternative routes through the birch forest reserve. A packed lunch is taken on the trail, and the group returns to the hut for a second night.
The final day is the most demanding, climbing through the Fimmvorduhals Pass between two glaciers and past the Moi and Magni craters formed during the 2010 Eyjafjallajokull eruption. The trail then descends steeply through 26 named waterfalls to Skogafoss on the south coast. The day concludes with dinner at Midgard Base Camp before the return drive to Reykjavik.
Following dinner at Midgard Base Camp near Hvolsvollur, the group transfers back to Reykjavik by vehicle. Arrival time in the city will vary depending on season and conditions on the day.
What Is Included
Included
- Pick-up and drop-off in Reykjavik
- 2 breakfasts at the mountain hut
- 2 dinners at the mountain hut
- 2 packed lunches on the trail
- 1 hot dog BBQ lunch
- 2 nights in a mountain hut with sleeping bag accommodation
- 3 jeep transport legs for river crossings and trailhead access
- Professional certified hiking guide for all three days
Not Included
- Personal hiking gear, clothing, and footwear
- Sleeping bag (required for hut accommodation)
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities for guide
- Any meals or snacks beyond those listed as included
- Hotel pick-up (available on request at additional arrangement)
Important Information
Reserve Your Place on This Trek
This guided three-day highland route operates with a minimum group size and fills quickly during the summer hiking season. Secure your spot early to avoid missing availability on your preferred dates.
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