This is Iceland’s most iconic trek. An itinerary that has become a classic, leading you from the well-trodden tracks of Landmannalaugar to the glacial valley of Thórmörsk. Heading south through high volcanic plateaus, you’ll discover an active geothermal region full of multicolored mountainsides, deserts of black sand and deep canyons before finishing in Thórsmörk’s verdant valley at the foot of three glaciers. You’ll spend every night in a mountain hut along the way.
Please contact us for departure dates.
From the end of June to September
Length of the trek: 5 days Length of each leg: 4-9 hours (12 to 20 km per day) Distance covered: 60 to 70 km Altitude: 200-1100 m. Maximum change in altitude per day: 600 m. Group Size: 16 participants maximum Accommodation: mountain huts and sleeping bags. Luggage: carried by a vehicle during the day.
Rendezvous at the Reykjavik bus station early morning to meet your guide. The bus takes you through the Domadalur region, rich in volcanoes, and you’ll go along the foot of Mt. Hekla before arriving in Landmannalaugar for lunch time and in the afternoon we take a 3-4 hour hike in the area and then dive into the hot springs!
Day 2
Landmannalaugar – Hrafntinnusker
volcano-hrafntinnusker
You’ll head due south to begin the mythical “Laugavegur trek”. The path crosses lava fields, little gorges and climbs up the high plateaus in a setting of multicoloured mountains, hot water sources and solfataras. Arrive by the end of the day to the mountain hut in Hrafntinnusker. You are above 1000 meters in altitude, and in another world!
Day 3
Hrafntinnusker - Hvanngil
From Hrafntinnusker you’ll go up and down the roller coasters of the Jökultungur ravines with their hundreds of hot water sources and little turquoise water reservoirs that emit white smoke. Surprising splashes of colour dot this otherwise austere landscape. On the horizon you’ll see the white icecaps of the Myrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull glaciers. Soon you’ll come to Alftavatn lake, known by Icelanders as “swan lake”, before heading to the next hut in Hvanngil.
Day 4
Hvanngil - Botnar
You’ll go by the foot of Storasula’s surprisingly green volcanic cone before reaching the black sand of the Mælifellssandur desert. Then it’s off to another ancient volcano, this time with a very characteristic shape, Hattfell or “hat mountain”, whose different shades of green contrast stunningly with the black sand of the desert. Arriving in the Emstrur you may even come across some adventurous sheep! Before arriving at the mountain hut in Botnar, you’ll discover the impressive Markarfljot canyon that cuts deeper than 200 metres into Hattfell’s southern flanks. Staying overnight in the Botnar mountain hut, magnificently located in front of the Myrdalsjökull glacier.
Day 5
Botnar – Thorsmörk – Reykjavik
You keep descending following verdant valleys and crossing little mountain passes until the Emstrur ravine; the glacier tongues of Myrdalsjökull come here to melt several kilometres up. As you descend, the vegetation becomes progressively more abundant and the first dwarf birch trees announce your arrival in the forests of Thor. Thorsmörk. Your arrival in the glacial valley and the white birch forests is enchanting after the desert crossing the day before. And the comfortable mountain hut is definitely a welcome sight! In afternoon, board the bus back to Reykjavík.
Accomodation is provided in well-kept mountain huts. They are heated, some even have electricity and hot water, but they remain nevertheless mountain huts with no luxury and little privacy. You will stay in shared rooms with bunks that you may be forced to share. But in this wild environment, especially if there is difficult weather, these mountain huts will seem like four star hotels! Your guides prepare your breakfast and dinners in the mountain huts. With your help of course! Lunch will be taken in the form of cold picnics on site.
Price of this guided trek from Landmannalaugar to Thórsmörk
From 2389 € per person for this guided trip (from 5 to 16 participants).
Contact us for an extension of the trek to Skógar from Thórsmörk via the Fimmvörðurháls pass (self-guided, no luggage transport).
Private groups: Travel dates are flexible, but a hut formula will always be subject to availability of space in the accommodation on the desired dates. However, a camping alternative is always possible. Prices on request and depending on the number of participants and the final program. Ask for a quote.
The 2025 departure dates are:
June:
– From 28/06 to 02/07/2025
July:
– From 05/07 to 09/07/2025
– From 12/07 to 16/07/2025
– From 19/07 to 23/07/2025
– From 26/07 to 30/07/2025
August
– From 02/08 to 06/08/2025
– From 09/08 to 13/08/2025
– From 16/08 to 20/08/2025
– From 23/08 to 27/08/2025
Included in this travel
4 nights in mountain huts, in a dormitory in sleeping bag.
The services of an English-speaking guide for 5 days.
Full board from lunch on day 1 to lunch on day 5 (cooked by the guide with help from the participants).
Transfers between your accommodation in Reykjavík and the trek's starting and ending points, on days 1 and 5.
A 4x4 support vehicle providing luggage and food transport during the trek, from day 2 to day 5.
VAT and tourist tax on all services and nights included.
Not included in this travel
International flight to Iceland and airport taxes.
Personal expenses
Tips for the guide and driver (at your discretion).
Showers in the hut when there are any (count 1000 ISK - approx. 7 $ - for 5 minutes of hot water).
Don’t cut corners when it comes to the quality of your equipment. Bring protection against potential cold and rain, a quality jacket and shoes… We provide a detailed equipment list before departure.
Train properly before leaving and bring shoes that you are already used to. – In September it can be a little colder and windier but, there are a lot less people.
If you suffer from severe vertigo, a medical condition likely to affect your trek, or allergies, please let us know ahead of your departure.
It is recommended to use walking sticks, the terrain can be difficult: moraine, sand, lava fields, fords…and so on.
Our guide
Our guide will take you to the most beautiful sites on the trek, often off the main walking trail. There will be an English speaking Icelander driving the support 4WD vehicle. The guide will adapt the itinerary to the level of the group and the weather. Groups from 5 to 16 people. The guide will be English and French speaking, as some participants in the group may be from French speaking countries. You will need to participate in daily tasks: loading and unloading of the kitchen equipment and food from the support car, food preparation under the supervision of the guide, washing up dishes…etc
Extensions
Extension to Skaftafell and Jokulsárlón :
After or before your trek, you can spend 3 nights or more in Skaftafell National Park in camping. From the camp site, you will have direct access to walking trails, glacier excursions, be able to ascend the highest point of Iceland (2110m), or visit the glacial lagoon of Jökulsárlón. We will provide maps and hiking instructions, food, provide the camping equipment that is needed, insure your transfer by bus and book your mountain activities with an English-speaking guide along with equipment included.
Self-drive extension :
Start your discovery of the island at the end of the trek without losing time going back to Reykjavík. We deliver your rental vehicle in Hvolsvöllur! Our self-drives in Iceland.
Reykjavík extension:
You can take advantage of this trip to stay in Reykjavík a few days. We can book your accommodation, excursions and activities from Reykjavík. Visit some of Iceland’s most famous places: Thingvellir, Gullfoss, Geysir, The Blue Lagoon, even Jökulsárlón! There are also a lot of activities available: whale-watching, horse-back riding, snorkeling, snowmobiling, quad biking, lava cave exploration, ice climbing…and much more.