Laugavegur Trail

Meadow with sheep in distance near start of Laugavegur Trail in Landmannalaugar

Steam vent in Landmannalaugar

Trail view in Landmannalaugar

View of glaciers on Laugavegur Trail

View of moss on Laugavegur Trail

Steam vents with snow and streams on Laugavegur Trail

Steam with sun shining through on Laugavegur Trail

View of Northern Lights at Hrafntinnusker Hut

View of streams and snow at Hrafntinnusker Hut

Snow bridge on Laugavegur Trail

Streams and snow on Laugavegur Trail

View overlooking landscape heading towards Alftavatn Hut on Laugavegur Trail

View of lake at Alftavatn Hut

Northern Lights with Big Dipper seen from Alftavatn Hut

Mountains in lunar looking area on Laugavegur Trail

Dust storm close up on Laugavegur Trail

Dust storm in distance on Laugavegur Trail

River on Laugavegur Trail

Jagged mountain with moss on Laugavegur Trail

Moss on hill seen from Laugavegur Trail

View near weather station heading towards Emstur Hut

Sunset clouds at Emstur Hut

River with glacier in distance seen while heading towards Þórsmörk Valley

Landscape view seen while heading towards Þórsmörk Valley

River with landscape seen while heading towards Þórsmörk Valley

Rivers to ford on way to Þórsmörk Valley

Forest area near Þórsmörk Valley

Arriving at Þórsmörk Valley in the rain

Impression

I decided to hike the Laugavegur Trail alone in mid-September, starting on September 15th, 2017. It took a total of 4 days to complete.

Along the trail, every 4-8 hours worth of hiking, there are huts which allow you to camp or stay inside. The huts offer toilets, water and paid showers. You must pay to camp outside the huts, which costs about $18 USD per night.

The trail requires preparing for volatile weather conditions including: below freezing cold temperatures, fog, heat, wind, rain, dust and snow. Additionally, the trail requires fording several streams on foot. It is best to have a map and compass along with a GPS device.

To be safe, you can contact Safetravel with your travel itinerary (this site also has useful weather information). If you do not notify that you have reached your destination within 2 hours, a search party will be sent for you.

Most of the trail is cleary marked however, in fog, it could be challenging to find the trail and is best to wait for it to clear; the weather changes every few minutes.

The most popular times to hike the trail are July and August, mid-June and mid-September offer more solitude at the cost of more risky weather. A benefit of hiking in September is the opportunity to see the Northern Lights, the sky becomes darker at night during this time.

The trail starts in Landmannalaugar and ends in Þórsmörk Valley, both locations have daily busses. From Þórsmörk Valley you can continue another 1-2 days and hike Fimmvörðuháls, ending at Skógafoss, which offers a bus as well.

Some people hike North to South and others hike South to North; I went North to South. It is considered more challenging to go South to North due to the inclines. A benefit of hiking South to North is that you can bathe in the hot spring at Landmannalaugar once you've completed the trail.

To reach the trailhead, buy the Hiker's Bus Pass from Trex. They pick up directly in front of the Town Hall in Reykjavík, as well as other locations. The trail is simply amazing, offering exceptional views and natural wonders.