Guide to the Laugavegur trail

Explore our guide to the Laugavegur trail


Trail overview

About the Trail

The Laugavegur Trail, between Landmannalaugar and Thórsmörk, is Iceland’s most famous hiking Trail. It is 55 km. (34 miles) long and is usually done in 3- 4 days. The trail is mostly easy to follow and well marked. There are four unbridged rivers that cross the trail and some smaller streams.

Trekking season

The trekking season starts around mid June when the winter snow has cleared off the road to Landmannalaugar and ends late september when temperatures drop and the mountain huts close for the winter.


There are six huts along the trail:

All the huts are operated by Ferðafélag Íslands (Iceland Touring Association). The huts have fully equipped kitchens with kitchen utensils. The sleeping is dormitory style, mattress is provided but you have to bring your sleeping bag. The huts are heated so light sleeping bag will work. There are wardens at the huts during the trekking season and they are more than happy to answer your questions and give you updates on weather and trail conditions. 

The price per person per night is from 8.500 to 9.000 ISK. There are showers in all the huts except in Hrafntinnusker and the price is 500 ISK. Recharging electronics is usually not possible in the huts so we recommend that you bring extra batteries or power bank to charge mobile phones. 


Camping is permitted outside of the huts but wild camping in other location is prohibited. The campers can’t use the huts kitchen but FI will put up kitchen tents in Álftavatn and Emstrur this season (2018) for campers. The price for camping is 2.000 ISK per person per night. 

Crossing rivers

Yes it’s true you have to ford rivers on the Laugavegur Trail. The water is definitely cold but there are ways to make the crossings easier. 

There are four rivers:

Grashagakvísl (day 2)
Bratthálskvísl (day 3)
Blafjallakvísl (day 3)
Þröngá (day 4)

The water levels can vary from time to time and also how fast the current is. On rainy days and warm days the water levels tend to be higher. 

Your footwear is very important. Most hikers use running shoes or rugged sandals with a heel strap. The sole is important so you get a good grip on slippery rocks. The heel strap is important on sandals because without them you will lose them in the river current. For added comfort we also recommend neoprene socks to protect you from the cold. On the equipment side we also want to recommend having hiking poles for stability and quick dry towel for drying your feet before getting back into your hiking boots on the other side.


Trail map


Trail profile


Everything you need to know

Trekking advice