Laugavegur and the Thorsmork Valley: 5-Day Hut to Hut Trekking Tour
Walk Iceland's most celebrated highland trail, hut by hut, guided by those who know it best.
The Laugavegur Trail hut-to-hut trekking tour takes you through one of the world's most visually dramatic hiking routes, from the geothermal wonderland of Landmannalaugar to the glacier-framed birch forests of Thorsmork, fully supported by a local English-speaking guide. Luggage is transferred between mountain huts by 4x4 vehicle each day, so you carry only a light daypack on the trail. This is Iceland's wild interior experienced with comfort, safety, and genuine local knowledge.
Each day on the trail reveals a different face of the Icelandic Highlands. You move through obsidian-scattered ridges, across black sand deserts, past glacier tongues and volcanic canyons, with the permanent presence of Myrdalsjokull and its sleeping volcano Katla forming the southern horizon. River crossings, including sections requiring wading shoes, add a sense of genuine adventure to the journey.
Accommodation in certified mountain huts means you sleep in shared dormitory spaces with access to facilities, hot meals, and the company of fellow trekkers. The route covers roughly 64 kilometres of maintained trail over four hiking days, with an optional morning hike on the final day before the return drive to Reykjavik. The pace is challenging but manageable for fit, experienced hikers.
A local specialist guide leads every section of the route, providing interpretation of the volcanic geology, glacial history, and highland ecology you encounter. Small group sizes allow for a more personal experience on the trail and at the huts each evening.
Tour Highlights
Hike the full Laugavegur Trail from Landmannalaugar to Thorsmork across four consecutive days of highland trekking.
Soak in the natural geothermal pool at Landmannalaugar on the first evening after the warm-up hike to Blafell peak.
Travel light each day with luggage transfer by 4x4 vehicle between every mountain hut on the route.
Observe obsidian fields, geothermal hot springs, and sweeping glacier views from the high ridge at Hrafntinnusker.
Arrive in the Thorsmork valley with its rare Icelandic birch forests encircled by Eyjafjallajokull and Myrdalsjokull glaciers.
Pass the Markarfjotsgljufur canyon and take an optional detour through Stakkholtsgjá canyon on the return journey.
Travel with a local, specialist guide in a small group for a more personal and authentic highland experience.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Pickup from Reykjavik hotels is followed by a scenic drive through the South Coast and into the Highlands, with stops at Hjalparfoss waterfall, Sigoldugljufur canyon, and the volcanic crater lakes Hnausapollur and Frostastadahals. Arriving around midday, the group takes lunch before a 10-kilometre round-trip hike through the Laugahraun lava field to the summit of Blafell at 420 metres elevation. The evening ends with a soak in the natural geothermal hot spring pool before dinner at the mountain hut.
The longest day on the trail covers 24 kilometres with 900 metres of ascent, climbing through the Laugahraun lava past Brennisteinsalda and up to the obsidian ridge at Hrafntinnusker, 1,100 metres above sea level. From there, the route descends to the crystal-clear waters of Lake Alftavatn, crossing one river en route where wading shoes are required. Dinner and overnight accommodation are at the mountain hut on the lake shore.
Today's 15-kilometre stage crosses the Maelifellssandur black sand desert with views of the Myrdalsjokull glacier and the volcano Katla beneath it, passing the dramatic Markarfjotsgljufur canyon. The landscape shifts from volcanic plains to green hillsides, with the scale of the glacier dominating the southern skyline throughout the day. The evening includes dinner at the Emstrur hut and a short walk to a nearby canyon viewpoint.
The final 15-kilometre stage descends 600 metres into the Thorsmork valley, one of the most sheltered and visually striking areas in Iceland, where birch woodland grows in the shadow of multiple glaciers. The group stays at the Basar cabin, a spacious facility with a communal dining room, electricity, hot showers included, and dormitory sleeping. Dinner is taken together in the hut after a day of varied volcanic and glacial scenery.
After breakfast, the group hikes to one of the surrounding peaks above Thorsmork for panoramic views across Eyjafjallajokull, Myrdalsjokull, and the valleys below. Lunch is taken back at the hut before the 4x4 truck departs through the highland terrain toward the main road, with an optional stop at Stakkholtsgjá canyon and a visit to Seljalandsfoss waterfall. Arrival back in Reykjavik at hotels is estimated between 17:00 and 18:00.
What Is Included
Included
- Professional local English-speaking guide throughout
- 4x4 transport from Reykjavik and return to hotels
- Luggage transfer between all mountain huts by 4x4 vehicle
- All meals from Day 1 lunch through Day 5 lunch
- Daily packed lunch and trail snacks
- Accommodation in mountain huts (shared dormitory, sleeping bag spaces)
- All facility and campsite fees
Not Included
- Hot showers at Landmannalaugar, Alftavatn, and Emstrur huts (payable on site)
- Sleeping bag (guests must bring their own or arrange rental)
- Personal travel insurance
- Drinks and personal snacks beyond the provided provisions
- Gratuities for the guide
Important Information
This tour is rated challenging and is suited to hikers with prior multi-day trekking experience. River crossings require wading shoes, and highland weather can change rapidly. Participants should be in good physical condition and prepared for variable conditions on all days.
Reserve Your Place on the Laugavegur Trail
Places on this small-group guided trek are limited. Secure your spot on one of Iceland's most celebrated highland routes and experience the Laugavegur Trail with full logistical support from a local specialist operator.
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