Hiking in Laugavegur Valley and South Coast

Your adventure begins bright and early in Reykjavik. From there, you will take a 3 to 4-hour drive to Landmannalaugar, taking in some truly spectacular scenery along the way, including Hekla—one of Iceland’s most active volcanoes. Upon arrival at Landmannalaugar, you will find yourself in a magnificent geothermal wonderland, whose colorful rhyolite mountains are famous across the world. Your first stop will be the Laugahraun lava field, whose moss-covered rocks were crafted by a massive volcanic eruption of the Brennisteinsalda Volcano in 1477. Hike to the foot of Brennisteinsalda, whose slopes have been dyed blood red, amber yellow, turquoise and deep green by the volcano’s sulfur deposits over the centuries. Continue your way to the Vondugil canyon before spending the evening in a secluded Landmannalaugar hut.

Meals: lunch, refreshments, dinner
Distance: 8 km / 4.9 mi
Hiking time: 4 hours
Ascent: 470 m / 1540′

Day two begins with breakfast at the hut and a journey towards Hrafntinnusker, an obsidian desert that grants an otherworldly sight. Follow the beautiful Reykjafell Mountains, and once you’ve reached their summit, begin to descend into the Jökultungur area. This luscious green valley is spattered with rocks that have been dyed various shades of ruby and amber by centuries of volcanic activity. The scenery will begin to change as you approach the other side of Jökultungu. Begin climbing the Jökultungur Mountain and at the top, you will be rewarded by views over the famous Fjallabak Nature Reserve and the idyllic Lake Alftavatn. As you approach your accommodation in Lake Alftavatn, pass the luscious green oasis that surrounds the River Grashagakvisl.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, refreshments, dinner
Distance: 24 km / 14.9 mi
Hiking time: 7-8 hours
Ascent: 900 m / 2950′

After breakfast, ford another stream and head deeper into Iceland’s highlands. The first stop will be Stórasúla, a grass-carpeted volcano towering over the dark landscape surrounding it. Hike into the jet-black desert of Mælifellssandur, a gloomy, otherworldly landscape. The black sands are crisscrossed by a large number of icy blue glacial streams. At its center is the emerald Mt. Mælifell, which rises like a green turret out of the black and makes it one of the most spine-tinglingly beautiful places. Approach Emstrur, a narrow green valley where luscious vegetation abounds, and take a small detour to the deep canyon of Markarfljótsgljúfur. Finally, reach Botnar where you will spend the evening in a secluded mountain hut.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, refreshments, dinner
Distance: 15 km / 9.5 mi
Hiking time: 6-7 hours
Descent: 40 m / 130 ‘

Your last day in the Icelandic Highlands will take you to the famous Thorsmork Valley, a glorious oasis nestled between two massive glaciers. Approach the Myrdalsjokull Glacier, which seems like an endless ocean of pristine white snow. Pass by the uniquely shaped Einhyrningur (The Unicorn). Continue to the dense birch forest that signals the beginning of Thorsmork, an emerald valley, which is consistently rated as one of the most beautiful places in all of Iceland. Icelandic folklore believes that it was created by a mighty blow of the Norse Thor’s hammer. Leave at around 21:30, traveling to a comfortable country hotel in preparation for your visit to Iceland’s famous South Coast. 

Meals: breakfast, lunch, refreshments
Distance: 15 km (9.5 mi)
Hiking time: 6-7 hours
Descent: 300 m / 985 ‘

The final day will take you to Iceland’s iconic south coast. You will be picked up from your hotel and make the scenic journey to the magnificent Seljalandsfoss Waterfall. It has a secret cave hidden behind it, allowing you to see the waterfall from a different perspective. Head to the equally beautiful Skogafoss Waterfall. There is a meandering path cut into the hillside next to Skogafoss, which offers visitors the chance to climb to the top and enjoy an awe-inspiring view of the entire area. The tour will end at the Solheimajokull Glacier, a vast body of ice that unfurls from the larger Mýrdalsjökull Glacier. Hike from the base camp at the foot of the glacier, where your expert glacier guide will provide you with all the equipment that you need. Step onto the mighty glacier, where your guide will teach you all about glaciers and how they helped to create the Iceland that you see today. After that, your guides will take you back to Reykjavik. If you’re still not tired of Iceland by then, uncover some of the best trekking tours available!

Meals: breakfast

Day one starts bright and early, at 7:00 – 7:30 am when you’ll meet your guides in Reykjavik and make the scenic journey to Landmannalaugar. During the 3-4 hours drive, you’ll see Hekla, Iceland’s most active volcano, along with a host of other incredible sights. Once you reach Landmannalaugar, you will be greeted by a geothermal paradise, replete with colorful rhyolite mountains and bubbling hot springs. Hike across the craggy Laugahraun lava field, until you reach the awe-inspiringly beautiful Brennisteinsalda volcano, whose slopes have been dyed various shades of green, red and blue by sulfur deposits. Spend the night at a remote Landmannalaugar hut.

Meals: lunch, refreshments, dinner
Distance: 8 km (4.9 mi)
Walking time: 4 hrs
Ascent: 470 m (1540′)

Day two begins with a traditional Icelandic breakfast before heading towards the obsidian desert Hrafntinnusker. Continue hiking to Reykjafell Mountains and descend into the Jökultungur area, a luscious green valley whose rocks have been dyed various shades of red and yellow by the volcanic activity. Proceed through Jökultungur and watch the scenery change to a dark shade of palagonite black. If the weather is good, head towards Mt. Haskerdingur. If not, proceed towards the Jökultungur Mountain and begin to weave your way through its meandering paths to its summit, where we will be rewarded with majestic views over the Fjallabak Nature Reserve. Descent will take you past the River Grashagakvisl and through a small stream before arriving at Lake Álftavatn, where you’ll spend the night.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, refreshments, dinner
Distance: 24 km (14.9 mi)
Walking time: 7-8 hrs
Ascent: 900 m (2950 ‘)

After breakfast, ford a stream and push deeper into the stunning Icelandic Highlands. Skirt around Stórasúla, an emerald green volcano that rises out of the jet-black volcanic desert of Mælifellssandur. Mælifellssandur is a completely unique black desert, crisscrossed by icy blue glacial streams, which make it one of the most beautiful places in the world. Your penultimate stop will be Emstrur, a luscious valley where Icelandic farmers have traditionally grazed sheep. Finally, you’ll stop at the Markarfljótsgljúfur Canyon, carved into the earth by the glacial river that runs through it. Rest amidst yet more stunning scenery of Botnar and prepare for the next day’s adventures.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, refreshments, dinner
Distance: 15 km (9.5 mi)
Walking time: 6-7 hrs
Descent: 40 m (130 ‘)

Start your day with a traditional Icelandic breakfast and head towards the iconic Thorsmork Valley, a green oasis that rests between two imposing glaciers. The journey begins near to the colossal Myrdalsjokull Glacier which dominates the skyline of the area. Pass the uniquely shaped Einhyrningur (the Unicorn) before reaching the dense birch forest that signals your arrival at Thorsmork, the most famous place in Iceland’s Highlands. Spend the evening in this incredible valley, which is steeped in myth and surrounded by mighty glaciers and majestic mountains.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, refreshments, dinner
Distance: 15km (9.5 mi)
Walking time: 6-7 hrs
Descent: 300 m (985 ‘)

Day five will take you to the mountain pass, which bisects the mighty Eyjafjallajokull and Myrdalsjokull Glaciers. This ever-evolving landscape has two new features known as Magni and Modi that were created by the notorious eruption of 2010. You’ll notice a lava waterfall that is literally frozen in time and is a stark reminder of just how powerful nature is. Once you reach the summit of the mountain pass, you’ll be rewarded with awe-inspiring views of the surrounding area. Return to the gorgeous Thorsmork Valley, enjoy a delicious grilled lamb dinner, and rest for the day.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, refreshments, dinner
Distance: 16 km (10 mi)
Walking time: 7-8 hrs
Ascent: 800 m (2600 ‘)

The final day in the Icelandic Highlands is more flexible with the itinerary. Go and explore the area surrounding the volcanoes of Katla and Eyjafjallajokull or hike up Valahnukur Mountain, whose summit provides sublime views over the valley. It is also possible to simply relax in Thorsmork and enjoy all of its majestic beauty or go off in smaller groups to explore something else. In the afternoon, return to civilization and spend the night in a lovely country hotel in Hella. 

Meals: breakfast, lunch, refreshments, dinner
Distance: 6 km / 3.5 mi
Walking time:: ~3 hours
Ascent: 275 m / 902 ‘

Head towards Iceland’s famous South Coast, renowned for its incredible cascading waterfalls, impressive glaciers, jet-black beaches, and capricious volcanoes. Your first stop will be the iconic Seljalandsfoss waterfall. There is a secret cave hidden behind the waterfall, allowing you to see the beauty of this majestic natural wonder from a different angle. Next stop is the mighty Solheimajokull Glacier, famous for its many icy crevices, deep craters, and craggy rock formations. Upon arrival at the base camp at the foot of the glacier, your guide will provide you with all the equipment that you need and give you a short safety briefing. Then you will head out for an incredible 1-hour hike on a glacier, where you can explore all the magic that this icy wilderness has to offer. The final stop on the tour is the majestic Skogafoss waterfall, famed for its roaring cascade of water that tumbles 60 meters down the cliff face into a beautiful valley below. Iceland’s stunning south coast is the ideal way to finish your time in the country, providing access to everything that makes the land of fire and ice so special!

Meals: breakfast

Hungry for more? Explore all the hiking tours in Iceland on offer!