6-Day Challenging Laugavegur Hike — Women Only
A legendary women-only traverse of Iceland's most celebrated highland trail, from Landmannalaugar to Thorsmork.
The Laugavegur Trail is widely regarded as one of the most visually arresting long-distance hikes on the planet, threading through geothermal fields, obsidian-streaked lava deserts, glacier-framed valleys, and dense birch forests over the course of 34 remarkable miles. This six-day women-only expedition covers the full classic route and extends into Thorsmork for two additional hiking days that most visitors never experience. Every stage is guided by a highland specialist, with luggage transported between huts so you carry only your daypack.
Iceland's Southern Highlands concentrate an unusual density of geological drama into a relatively compact area. Within a single day on the trail, walkers move from technicolor rhyolite mountains streaked in red, green, and yellow to black sand deserts littered with obsidian shards, then descend toward glacial river crossings flanked by steaming hot springs and vast ice caps. The landscape shifts faster than almost any other trekking destination in Europe.
The women-only format is intentional and practical. Groups are kept cohesive, the pace is collaborative, and the shared experience of navigating a challenging highland environment creates a particular kind of camaraderie that participants consistently describe as one of the most memorable aspects of the journey. Accommodation is in mountain huts along the trail, giving the trip an authentic backcountry character without requiring participants to carry full camping loads.
Thorsmork, the valley where the route concludes, sits between two glaciers and is threaded with trails that reward exploration. The itinerary allocates two full hiking days here, including the Tindfjallahringur circuit and the Valahnukur summit loop, so the experience does not end at the traditional trail terminus but builds toward it.
Tour Highlights
Trek the full 34-mile Laugavegur Trail through Iceland's Southern Highlands, one of National Geographic's most beautiful hikes in the world.
Soak in natural geothermal hot springs at Landmannalaugar on the first evening, unwinding after the warm-up hike through the lava fields.
Cross two glacial rivers in the highlands, a genuine wilderness challenge that adds authentic adventure to the central stages of the route.
Walk beneath the Eyjafjallajokull and Myrdalsjokull glaciers as the trail descends into the birch-forested valley of Thorsmork.
Travel in an exclusively women-only group, guided by an experienced highland specialist throughout all six days.
Hike the Tindfjallahringur circuit and the Valahnukur summit loop in Thorsmork, two trails rarely covered on standard Laugavegur packages.
Luggage is transported between huts by a dedicated transporter, so participants hike each day carrying only a daypack.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
The group departs from the BSI Bus Terminal in downtown Reykjavik and travels by Highland Bus to Landmannalaugar, arriving around midday. After settling into the hut and having lunch, a circular warm-up hike leads between Blahnukur mountain and Grænagil canyon, returning through the Laugahraun lava field. The evening includes dinner and time in the nearby natural hot spring.
The longest day on the trail begins with a sustained uphill section toward Hrafntinnusker, the Black Obsidian Skerry, where the landscape takes on an otherworldly quality. The route then descends through the steaming gullies of Jokultungur, with views of the Alftavatn area and both the Myrdalsjokull and Eyjafjallajokull glaciers, before reaching the Alftavatn hut for the night. Walking time is approximately 8 to 9 hours.
Two glacial river crossings mark this stage, the first within 30 minutes of the hut, so river-crossing shoes should be kept accessible in the daypack. The trail continues through the stark black desert of Mælifellssandur, framed by green mountains, before arriving at Emstrur hut. An optional evening hike to the Markarfjot gorge is strongly recommended.
The final stage of the Laugavegur Trail passes through the Almenningar gorge by Mount Einhyrningur before the vegetation gradually thickens into the dense birch forest for which Thorsmork is known. Accommodation for the next two nights is in a hut positioned beneath both the Eyjafjallajokull and Myrdalsjokull glaciers. This is where the official trail ends and the extended Thorsmork section begins.
A full day is dedicated to the Tindfjallahringur trail, a circular mountain route with steep sections, narrow paths, and panoramic views that rank among the most scenic in the entire Thorsmork region. The hike takes approximately 5 to 6 hours and gains 350 metres of elevation. The route is considered challenging but the visual rewards are consistent throughout.
The final morning hike climbs the small peak of Valahnukur for a 360-degree panorama of the Thorsmork valley, then continues to the Songhellir Song Cave and through the Husadalur hut area. The afternoon bus departs for Reykjavik, arriving at The Pond or bus stop 2 in downtown by approximately early evening.
What Is Included
Included
- Professional highland guide for the full 6 days
- Luggage transport between all huts
- Mountain hut accommodation along the trail
- Highland Bus transfer from Reykjavik to Landmannalaugar
- Return bus transfer from Thorsmork to Reykjavik
- Group meals and food boxes on trail days
Not Included
- Personal travel insurance
- Flights to and from Iceland
- Personal hiking gear and clothing
- River-crossing footwear
- Accommodation in Reykjavik before or after the tour
- Personal snacks and beverages beyond group meals
Important Information
Ready to Hike the Laugavegur Trail?
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