Continuing on the Laugavegur from Emstrur, you’ll enjoy a relatively flat day en route to the lakeside hut and campground at Álftavatn. You’ll continue upwards and the landscape will begin to change from the lush green hills to a barren, volcanic landscape. The 55-kilometer (34-mile) trail crosses a wide diversity of landscapes, from rugged, volcanic peaks to vast black sand deserts to dayglow green hillsides. Walk Through Fire and Ice. The huts typically close for the season by the second week of September.Â. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; Even though the sun stays up all night in the peak summer season, the temperature still drops significantly at night. This Patagonia jacket is unbeatable when it comes to warmth, packability, and weight. The cost as of 2019 is 14,000 ISK and the bus picks up at the Reykjavik Campground as well as the BSI bus terminal. The Fimmvörðuháls (five-cairn trail) route is about 25km long including 1000m of climbing. We have found that these two small things make a huge difference when it comes to getting a good night’s rest. The bright colors of the mountains in Landmannalaugar and the geothermal activity is a wonderful start of our 5 day trek. The juxtaposition of jet black ash beneath blindingly white snow are simply magnificent. The views of Iceland's glaciers and volcanoes are most impressive. Take great care here, as the current moves fast and can water levels can typically reach thigh-high depths! If you are hiking independently, you need to purchase all food and gas for your hike in Reykjavik as there are only snacks available at Landmannalaugar. Expect more crowds on the trail, and be sure to reserve in advance if you plan on staying in huts.Â, August: The first half of the month sees continued mild conditions and busy trails. This 55 km long trail lies between Landmannalaugar and Thórsmörk. The scenery is spectacular and changes dramatically over the 4 days that most hikers take to complete the trek. Most of these are run by Ferðafélag Íslands (FI), which is the Icelandic Touring Association. There is clean drinking water available at all of the huts along the Laugavegur. Laugavegur & Fimmvörðuháls trek with Icelandic Mountain Guides, An Extensive Guide to Big Bend National Park, The Complete Guide to Camping in the Lakes District, Zion National Park in Winter: Things to Do for Outdoor Lovers, Spend an extra day to explore some of the other trails around Landmannalaugar and the hot spring. ↔ 27.07 km ↑ 1355 m ↓ 1444 m GPX. You’ll begin your walk on the Fimmvörðuháls Trail in Skogar and climb steadily past a beautiful landscape of waterfalls and rushing rivers. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit"; amzn_assoc_design = "enhanced_links"; I have done several treks with this company in both Iceland and Greenland. Rough fields of solid lava stretch for tens of kilometers, covered with … The Laugavegur Trail is not a difficult hike and is clearly marked, making it a great introduction to multi-day hiking in Iceland or for your first solo hike. Via Reykjavik Excursions: The Highland Bus runs only during summer months (approx. 2-day Laugavegur Trail + 1-day Fimmvörðuháls Trail. After about three kilometres walk you have reached the lava field (Goðahraun) which was formed during the volcanic eruption in spring 2010. Giving enthusiastic descriptions of the region, the geology, volcanological evacuation needs if required (they weren't) the plants - animals, culture, history, etc. There is a reason they are the premier outdoor adventure company in Iceland. Your final day will be one of your toughest, with a steep uphill section starting just after leaving Álftavatn. One of the most famous hiking trails in Iceland, the Fimmvorduhals hike is a legendary trail that passes between two giant glaciers, the Eyjafjallajökull glacier and the Mýrdalsjökull glacier.The Fimmvörðuháls hiking trail takes you through almost every landscape Iceland has to offer in just a single day. If you’ve never experienced this phenomenon while camping, count yourself lucky (or maybe just smart and well-prepared). amzn_assoc_asins = "B012RQBWF6"; Once past the river, you’ll come to the hut and campground at Hvangill before tackling one more smaller river crossing just before reaching Álftavatn. For in-depth information on transportation, lodging, luggage storage, and other essentials be sure to check out our Laugavegur Trail Logistics article. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; Additionally, if you’re looking for a great pair of quick-drying, flexible, and stylish hiking pants, check out Prana’s Brion (men’s) and Briann (women’s) pants.Â. Just get the right clothes and footwear and break it in before you hit the road. After crossing a very exposed section you’ll climb an extremely steep (but short) section of trail to reach the high point between the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull Glaciers before overnighting at the Baldvinsskáli Hut. You absolutely need to wear sturdy shoes when crossing- no flip flops or bare feet! Furthermore, if things get soaked in a heavy rain (such as base layers or your sleeping bag), it will be hard to get them dry again for the remainder of your trek. One of the reasons being the volcanic eruption that took place in the middle of the trail in 2010. A soak in the hot springs at Landmannalaugar is a must! The one exception is Álftavatn, where you can find the highland’s only restaurant/bar close by the hut. There is little to worry about from a health perspective when hiking Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls. It will still be quite cold, especially in the first part of the month. At around the half-way point you’ll arrive at the Baldvinsskáli Hut, where you can stay if you’d like to break the Fimmvörðuháls into two days. The itineraries provided later in this post give you a sense of the possibilities. Click on the interactive map above to learn more about each of the stops on the trail! You should plan on stocking up on food, stove fuel, and provisions for your entire trek before leaving Reykjavik. How Much it Cost Us to Hike the Laugavegur Trail – Make it work for your budget! Traversing this spectacular region by foot is one of the best ways to experience the incredible diversity of landscapes that define Iceland.  This beauty combined with easy accessibility make the Laugavegur Trail one of the most popular hiking destinations in Iceland. Add in these two things and we promise you’ll sleep much more soundly!Â. By lgermany | Published December 17, 2018. Review of Laugavegur. We did this independently and booked huts about 5/6 months in advance. Most hikers will find it necessary to carry a camp stove and cooking equipment. Be sure to take your own hiking abilities into consideration before deciding whether to tackle the Fimmvörðuháls Trail in one or two days. Hikers will enjoy nearly 24 hours of daylight, and relatively milder weather (although snowstorms and bitter cold are possible any time of year). Make sure to always check with the hut wardens for the latest conditions and never attempt to hike through unsafe weather.Â. amzn_assoc_linkid = "f27d1790a992ba2f93fc55b08e67010f"; No matter the time of year that you hike the Laugavegur, it is very likely that you’ll be wearing a jacket and long pants for the majority of your trek. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit"; It is slightly more challenging than Laugavegur but still suitable for beginners, and ends at the famous Skógafoss waterfall on Iceland’s southern coast with good bus connections back to Reykjavik. They are heated (which can be a welcome relief when the weather is bad!) In the small huts it can be pretty cramped in the evenings. Furthermore, if things get soaked in a heavy rain (such as base layers or your sleeping bag), it will be hard to get them dry again for the remainder of your trek. Iceland's most legendary hike is the Laugavegur trail - An Ultimate experience for every nature lover's bucket list. Laugavegur trail and Fimmvörðuháls 4 night. If it hasn’t become clear from the previous sections of this post, Icelandic weather should not be taken lightly.  Whiteout snow storms can occur any time of the year on the Laugavegur, as can gale force winds and freezing temperatures. From the high point of the trail it’s about 7 miles down to Þórsmörk, where you’ll undoubtedly need to treat yourself to a beer! From here you’ll continue uphill until reaching the high-point between the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull Glaciers before starting a long, steep, and at times exposed descent towards Þórsmörk. How long does it take to hike the Laugavegur Trail?Â. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; Laugavegur Trail. Good quality waterproof items will keep you comfortable and warm, while also protecting the items in your backpack so you can put on a cozy, dry change of clothes when you’re done hiking for the day. amzn_assoc_linkid = "400e91a7871317d1ae2fe4bf1074e02d"; If you plan on sleeping in the huts, you’ll want to be prepared for the cramped cozy sleeping arrangements that are common on the Laugavegur. In particular, don’t miss the short climb to the, A Guide to Backpacking in Hornstrandir Nature Reserve. The weather in Iceland can be extremely harsh. If you’re interested in adding on the Fimmvörðuháls Trail, plan on an additional 1 – 2 days of walking. The hut and campground at Emstrur offer exceptional views! You’ll gain approximately 1,500 feet of elevation over six-miles before reaching the Hrafntinnusker Hut and Campground. Walking the two trails from south to north means your first day will be by far your most difficult. From Þórsmörk, you will continue your journey, taking a new trail, Fimmvörðuhals. Leaving Emstrur, you’ll cross the spectacular gorge formed by the Syðri-Emstruá River. You will find black volcanic deserts, steaming geothermal springs, glacial rivers and deep valleys with plummeting ravines. Even in the Summer, you should bring several layers of clothing with you, including a base layer, mid-layer and a quality waterproof/windproof complete outer layer. You can make your reservations here: Laugavegur Trail Hut Reservations. These can very in depth from ankle deep all the way up to your waist depending on the time of year, recent rainfall, and weather conditions. With the exception of the restaurants at Alftavatn and Thorsmork (at the hut operated by Volcano Huts), there is nowhere to get a hot meal along the Laugavegur trail. Cross the 34 miles (55km) from Landmannalaugar to Thorsmork, where you can choose to continue on to Fimmvörðuháls Pass, another 15 mi (25 km) trek. The classic of all tracks in Iceland is undoubtedly Laugavegur in combination with the trail on the Fimmvörðuháls. Laugavegur Trip Report- Know what to expect on the trail! Our downloadable Guide to Trekking the Laugavegur Trail is ultimate resource to help you plan your perfect trip. For the complete list of what to pack for the Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls Trails be sure to check out our full packing/kit list here. Also, be sure to check out our interactive map and elevation profile for the route to get a comprehensive understanding of all of  your options! Solo (see my separate post on why I travel solo) and camping rather than sleeping in huts. There is another river crossing at this point, so be prepared to get your feet wet. Be sure to read our entire series on the Laugavegur Trail to learn everything you’ll need to know to prepare for your trip! We hiked from Laugavegur (Landmannalaguar) to Fimmvorouhals pass over 4 nights and 5 days. You even come across some rare trees as you descend towards Þórsmörk! Leaving Hvangill, you’ll walk on an undulating trail before making the largest river-crossing of the Laugavegur Trail at Bláfjallakvísl. We hiked in early July and had great weather throughout, although it was still very cold at times. After crossing the Bláfjallakvísl River, the trail flattens out and you’ll walk through what seems like an endless black sand desert before reaching the hut and campground at Emstrur. The Laugavegur Trail is 34 miles long and typically completed in 2-4 days for an average of between 8.5 – 17 miles per day. It is one of the most famous hikes in Iceland. amzn_assoc_linkid = "ca652dccddda46b9f2c94ad98b53e1d6"; You’ll need to complete several major river crossings while hiking the Laugavegur. For trekkers utilizing this itinerary who also wish to add on the Fimmvörðuháls Trail, we recommend completing it in an additional 2-days with an overnight at the Baldvinsskáli Hut. Several bus companies offer scheduled bus fares to Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk during summertime, for example Trex, Kynnisferðir and Sterna. Be prepared for lots of these! Regardless, expect the water to be shockingly cold and very fast-moving. Laugavegur trail itself is a 55 km long route between Landmannalaugar and Thorsmork, which is also reachable by bus. This moderately paced itinerary will be best for the majority of walkers. Hikers often combine the two trails (~52 miles) and hike from Landmannalaugar to Skógar in a single backpacking trip. We love this silky, adjustable eye mask because it does a great job blocking out light while still being super comfortable. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "tmbtent-20"; Embark on an adventure that effortlessly combines the true spirit of this part of the country. While you will be able to mitigate a ton of travel expenses by hiking (free entertainment), camping or staying in huts (cheaper than a hotel), and bringing your own food, you can still expect high prices for all of the necessary aspects of your Laugavegur trek. Leaving the Baldvinsskáli Hut you’ll have a steady downhill walk all the way to Skogar. Buses run from Þórsmörk or Skógar back to Reykjavik at the end of the trek. cozy sleeping arrangements that are common on the Laugavegur. The best way to get to and from the Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls Trails is to utilize Reykjavik Excursions’ Iceland on Your Own Hiker’s Pass. It’s one of our all-time favorite pieces of backpacking gear. Adding an extra day to complete the Laugavegur Trail will make for a gentler pace and ample opportunities to enjoy some of the great side trips along the route. Upon leaving Þórsmörk you’ll quickly have a river-crossing to navigate. Just before reaching Álftavatn you’ll cross the  Grashagakvísl River, which does not have a bridge (requiring you to walk through it). 12km. We hiked from Laugavegur (Landmannalaguar) to Fimmvorouhals pass over 4 nights and 5 days. Then, as you descend towards the ocean, you follow “The Waterfall Way” – more than 23 impressive waterfalls ending with the famous Skógafoss. amzn_assoc_design = "enhanced_links"; We did this independently and booked huts about 5/6 months in advance. We saw several dozen hikers traveling northbound each day while we were out there. But you can also hike it the other way around. It´s very unique and offers diversity and new experiences in the landscape every day. Fimmvörðuháls is a 2-day extension of the Laugavegur trail that adds even more variety into the mix. As far as long-distance hiking trails go, the Laugavegur is very approachable in terms of difficulty. Without sturdy footwear, you will greatly increase your chances of losing your balance and putting yourself in a situation that is unpleasant at best and very dangerous at worst. Day 1: Fimmvörðuháls Trail: Skogar to Þórsmörk (15 miles). You’ll need to complete several major river crossings while hiking the Laugavegur. However, the exact timing depends on weather and snow conditions, and is dependent on the road to Landmannalaugar being open. The hike begins at Landmannalaugar – an intensely geothermal area surrounded by colourful rhyolite mountains, old lava flows, bubbling pools of mud and water, and the characteristic bright green moss of Iceland. However, storms, snow cover, fog, and other issues can make it frighteningly easy to lose your way. Camping at Álftavatn on the Laugavegur.Â. As you near Emstrur you’ll have the option to take a quick loop trail to view the beautiful canyon formed at the confluence of the Markarfljót and Syðri-Emstruá Rivers – a highly recommended detour! Enjoying the spectacular views on the Laugavegur Trail. This will allow you to see your precise location, as well as the overall trail map, next stopping point, and more, all without using cell service. check out our Laugavegur packing list for more on this topic, ), hikers can typically complete the walk from mid-June through early September. The Ultimate Guide to the Walker's Haute Route, Complete packing list for campers and those staying in huts, Detailed information on getting to/from the Laugavegur, A 15-week training plan to ensure you’re prepared for your hike. She prefers to explore places that are off the beaten track and has a particular passion for Greenland – a country that is about as unknown and as far from Australia as you can get! 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