6 Day Laugavegur & Fimmvörðuháls Trek (Huts)

Summer Selected dates 6 Days your hotel / guesthouse in Reykjavik Moderate Min 15 years old

We start in Landmannalaugar, a geothermal wonderland, and make our way south through the Highlands. On the way we view fields of obsidian, red and yellow mountains, black sands and sparkling white glaciers. The Laugavegur trail ends in Thorsmörk, a green valley nestled at the foot of the famous glacier Eyjafjallajökull.

From Thorsmork we hike up to the newest craters at Fimmvörduháls named Magni and Móði, after the sons of Thor, the Norse god of thunder.

The area is still warm since the eruption in 2010. On this 6 days trek you experience some of the best Icelandic nature has to offer glaciers, volcanoes, lava fields and geothermal colors and hot springs.
The track is maintained and your guide will ensure you do not miss the best spots along the way, explain the scenery around you and geological history of Iceland.

 

Itinerary

Day 1 – Reykjavik – Landmannalaugar – Hrafntinnusker

We take off from the center of Reykjavik early morning to make the most of the day ahead. The drive to Landmannalaugar takes us about 3-4 hours along the south coast and into the highlands where we will be spending the rest of week. On our way, we will pass the magnificent Mt. Hekla, the most active volcano in Iceland – erupting every 10 – 15 years in the last century. Landmannalaugar is the starting point for our hike. We make our way through the geothermal wonders that make this place so remarkable and take in the multicolored surroundings and the steaming hot springs. On the way to our first accommodation place, Hrafntinnusker we will come across Stórihver hot spring before crossing into the obsidian desert the place takes its name from. Distance: 12km (7.5 mi) Walking time: 4-5 hrs. Ascent: 470 m. (1540′), (L, r, D).

Day 2 – Hrafntinnusker – Álftavatn

After a good nights sleep and a nutritious breakfast, we head out again. On today’s agenda are the Reykjafjöll rhyolite mountains and the Jökultungur area. The geothermal activity has turned these gullies yellow and red over time. The top of Jökultungur is a great place to enjoy the view of the Fjallabak area and Álftavatn lake where we will be spending the night. Before we reach our accommodation place have a river to cross on foot, an exciting experience foreign to many hikers.
Distance: 12km (7.5 mi) Walking time: 4-5 hrs. Descent: 490 m. (1610′), (B, L, r, D).

Day 3 – Álftavatn – Emstrur

This day starts with a wading of another stream. Then we proceed into Mælifellssandur passing Stórasúla and Hattafell volcanos on our way to Emstrur where we have a chance of an outstanding view of Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers. Before arriving at the campsite in Botnar, we make our way to Markarfljótsgljúfur -an approximately 200-meter deep canyon form by a glacier river. We spend the night in Botnar, a green oasis in the black sand desert.

Distance: 15km (9.5 mi) Walking time: 6-7 hrs. Descent: 40 m. (130′), (B, L, r, D) 

Day 4 – Emstrur – Thorsmork Valley

After breakfast, we leave Emstrur and continue the hike to Þórsmörk. We go through Almenningar by Mt. Einhyrningur, still having a great view of the glaciers we keep approaching. As we get closer to Þórsmörk a few trees begin to appear giving the tone for the dense birch forest that is so characteristic for Þórsmörk. We will stay below Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull, a magnificent place to spend the night.

Distance: 15km (9.5 mi) Walking time: 6-7 hrs. Descent: 300 m. (985′), (B, L, r, D)

Day 5 – Hiking to Fimmvorduhals Pass (Magni & Modi Volcano)

Fimmvörðuháls is a pass between Mýrdalajökull and Eyjafjallajökull – the infamous volcano that erupted in 2010. We will be exploring the new volcanoes Magni and Móði, that were formed in that eruption. The scenery on the Fimmvörðuháls pass is absolutely fantastic. The new lava gives a good idea about how Iceland is still being formed by geothermal activity. We will spend the spend another night in Þórsmork and celebrate our trek with a delicious grilled lamb in the traditional Icelandic way.

Distance: 16km (10 mi) Walking time: 7-8 hrs. Ascent: 800 m. (2600′), (B, L, r, D) 

Day 6 – Thorsmork Valley – Reykjavik

The last day of the tour will be spent exploring Þórsmörk and surroundings. We will hike up Mt. Útigönguhöfði and have a stunning view over the valley and the glaciers. For those that are not up for a serious hike, a stroll to Húsadalur might be an option, or just relaxing in Langidalur before we return to Reykjavík. On our way to the city, you can get a glimpse of Seljalandsfoss waterfall one of the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland. The tour ends in downtown Reykjavik at around 18:30, at Vonarstræti, in the heart of Reykjavík.

Distance: 6 km (3,5 mi) Walking time: 3 hrs. (B, L) 

The entries at the end of each day indicate the meals included (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, r=refreshment, D= Dinner).

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Tour highlights

  • Landmannalaugar
  • Hrafntinnusker
  • Álftavatn
  • Emstrur
  • Thorsmork (Valley of Thor)
  • Magni and Móði craters
  • Fimmvörðuháls

Included

  • Pick up and drop off to your hotel / guesthouse in Reykjavik.
  • Professional Guide.
  • Accommodation (mountain huts).
  • Meals and refreshments.
  • Luggage transport.

Good to know

Pick up from your hotel / guesthouse can start up to 30 minutes before scheduled departure time.

Please read carefully the equipment list

Map

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