Self-Guided Laugavegur Trekking Tour
Overview
Do you want to trek the Laugavegur Trail in 2026? Laugavegur is a bucket-list destination, one of the best trails in Iceland! While many do Laugavegur as a guided tour, there are a limited number of self-guided spots available. This allows you to walk the Laugavegur at your own pace, without the set schedule of a guided tour. This 5-day self-guided trekking tour of the Laugavegur Trail will likely pique your interest!
The Laugavegur Trail winds through ethereal scenery in southwest Iceland with remote huts dotted along the way for trekkers to spend each night. On this self-guided tour, you will receive a detailed information package to help you navigate. Meals are not included, but you can add a food pack to your tour for a fee or pack your own sustenance.
As you hike into the Icelandic wilderness, be prepared to observe unique land formations and otherworldly views full of volcanoes, mineral pools, and geothermal activity, deep canyons and caves, and black-sand deserts. For adventure-seekers who want to explore the trails at their own pace, this self-guided tour on the Laugavegur Trail is a top choice.
You can also look at the Guided Laugavegur Trek, as well as the Guided Laugavegur and Fimmvorduhals Trekking Tour.
Self-Guided Laugavegur Trekking Tour Overview
Do you want to trek the Laugavegur Trail in 2026? Laugavegur is a bucket-list destination, one of the best trails in Iceland! While many do Laugavegur as a guided tour, there are a limited number of self-guided spots available. This allows you to walk the Laugavegur at your own pace, without the set schedule of a guided tour. This 5-day self-guided trekking tour of the Laugavegur Trail will likely pique your interest!
The Laugavegur Trail winds through ethereal scenery in southwest Iceland with remote huts dotted along the way for trekkers to spend each night. On this self-guided tour, you will receive a detailed information package to help you navigate. Meals are not included, but you can add a food pack to your tour for a fee or pack your own sustenance.
As you hike into the Icelandic wilderness, be prepared to observe unique land formations and otherworldly views full of volcanoes, mineral pools, and geothermal activity, deep canyons and caves, and black-sand deserts. For adventure-seekers who want to explore the trails at their own pace, this self-guided tour on the Laugavegur Trail is a top choice.
You can also look at the Guided Laugavegur Trek, as well as the Guided Laugavegur and Fimmvorduhals Trekking Tour.
Trek through black deserts, deep orange canyons, and across yellow ridges. Get your camera ready!
Practice your Icelandic pronunciation with glacier names like Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull.
Hike on sections of the trail that was named one of the best in the world by National Geographic.
Visit the bubbling geothermal area of Iceland packed with hundreds of hot springs and mud pools.
Trip map for Self-Guided Laugavegur Trekking Tour
Barbara C.
Amalfi Coast Bicycle Tour
We went through 10Adventures not familiar with them at all, and it was the best decision we ever made!
Allyson K.
Everest Base Camp
Just an amazing experience. Absolutely lifechanging!
Amy D.
XC Skiing in the Dolomites
It was a fantastic trip and Nadine was extremely responsive to all of our questions.
Itinerary for Self-Guided Laugavegur Trekking Tour
Bus to Trailhead and Trek to Hrafntinnusker
Welcome to Iceland! Start your journey at the bus station in Reykjavík to board the public bus to Landmannalaugar. On the ride, you’ll see your first glimpses of supernatural Icelandic landscapes with peaks and volcanoes. Take a lunch break at the trailhead, then begin your journey on the Laugavegur Trail. The route will lead you past small canyons, hot springs, and vivid mountain ridges. Reach your first mountain hut in Hrafntinnusker by the late afternoon, cook your dinner, and settle in for the night.
Trek to Álftavatn Lake
Get an early start, prepare your breakfast in the hut, then set out for the day. Today’s trek leads you through the gorges of Jökultungur, filled with several steaming hot springs and mud pools. Following your map, you’ll come upon a spectacular viewpoint and catch sight of the impressive Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull glaciers. Arrive at the lakeside hut in Álftavatn by the late afternoon. Explore this gorgeous remote lake as the sun sets, then settle into your dorm for the night.
Black Desert and Hike to Emstrur
Rise early, maybe catching the sunrise over Álftavatn lake as you enjoy breakfast. Today’s trail demonstrates the various terrain comprising Iceland. Start at the base of a vibrant green volcano as you hike into the black deserts of Mælifellssandur. Before reaching the hut for the night, take a slight detour to visit Markafljót Canyon, reaching 200 m in depth. Arrive at the Botnar hut in the Emstrur region and take a well-earned rest.
Trek Emstrur to Þórsmörk
Prepare yourself a hearty breakfast, then head out for a big hiking day. Hike through vast gullies and undulating hills of the Emstrur region with views of glaciers nearby. As you complete the trekking loop, you’ll enter dense birch forests and striking valleys of alpine flowers. Arrive at the hut and congratulate yourself on completing the 54-km loop of the Laugavegur Trail!
Explore Þórsmörk and Departure
Enjoy your last morning in Þórsmörk, taking some time to explore the surrounding trails. Choose from options like the Sönghellir Cave, renowned for its echoes, or climbing a small mountain to reach magnificent views. In the afternoon, depart on the public bus to return to the bus station in Reykjavík, then continue onto the next leg of your journey. Arrival at Reykjavik Central bus Station at around 19:30.
Dates and prices for Self-Guided Laugavegur Trekking Tour
This self-guided tour in Iceland is always run as a fixed-departure tour and the price is fixed.
The prices below are per person:
| Start | Finish | Duration | Places Left | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2026-07-03 Reykjavik 5 days / 0 Spaces Left | 2026-07-07 Reykjavik | 5 | 0 | $1,525USD | ||
2026-07-10 Reykjavik 5 days / 5+ Spaces Left | 2026-07-14 Reykjavik | 5 | 5+ | $1,525USD | ||
2026-07-26 Reykjavik 5 days / 0 Spaces Left | 2026-07-30 Reykjavik | 5 | 0 | $1,525USD | ||
2026-08-02 Reykjavik 5 days / 1 Spaces Left | 2026-08-06 Reykjavik | 5 | 1 | $1,525USD | ||
2026-08-14 Reykjavik 5 days / 0 Spaces Left | 2026-08-18 Reykjavik | 5 | 0 | $1,525USD | ||
2026-08-21 Reykjavik 5 days / 0 Spaces Left | 2026-08-25 Reykjavik | 5 | 0 | $1,525USD | ||
2026-08-28 Reykjavik 5 days / 0 Spaces Left | 2026-09-01 Reykjavik | 5 | 0 | $1,525USD | ||
2026-09-04 Reykjavik 5 days / 3 Spaces Left | 2026-09-08 Reykjavik | 5 | 3 | $1,525USD |
What’s included for Self-Guided Laugavegur Trekking Tour
Meals
Meals are not included on this tour.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 4 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
Tickets for public transportation are included for transfers at the beginning and end of the trek to and from Reykjavík. Luggage transport during the trek is included too.
Also Included
- Detailed information package with self-guided walking route, notes, and maps
- 1x Transfer of luggage item per person (18kg) between huts
Not Included
- Meals
- Sleeping bag
- Shower in mountain hut (payable directly at huts)
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Flights
- Anything not mentioned as “included”
Optional Extras
- Sleeping bag rental
- Hiking poles
- Extra nights in Reykjavík
Accommodation for Self-Guided Laugavegur Trekking Tour
This tour is based in traditional mountain huts. The huts are basic but do provide running water, flushable toilets or outhouses, and fully-equipped kitchens. All of the huts are heated, some have electricity and some have hot water. They have bunk rooms with single and twin beds, participants have to be prepared to share a bunk with other travelers from the group. You can choose to bring your own sleeping bag or rent one from the tour company.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Single rooms are not available on this tour as mountain huts only have shared dormitories.
Reviews
These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
Frequently asked questions for Self-Guided Laugavegur Trekking Tour
How hard is the Self-Guided Laugavegur Trekking Tour?
We rate this tour as a 3 / 5. You should be comfortable hiking for up to 7 hours and sleeping in remote mountain huts during the tour.
Do I need a visa to travel to Iceland?
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Are meals included on the Self-Guided Laugavegur Trekking Tour?
Meals are not included on this tour.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover hiking. Get your Travel Insurance.
How do I get to Reykjavík to start this tour?
You can reach Reykjavík by plane from many major European and North American airports. You will make your own way to the bus station in Reykjavík to start the tour.
Is the Self-Guided Laugavegur Trekking Tour in English?
Yes, the tour information provided is in English.
Where does the Self-Guided Laugavegur Trekking Tour end?
The tour ends in Reykjavík, where you will make your own way to the airport.
Do I need special vaccines to travel to Iceland?
Check with your family doctor.
Are there any travel restrictions for Iceland?
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
When is the best time to travel to Iceland for this tour?
The best time to travel to Iceland for trekking is from June to September when the weather is mild.
Why book Self-Guided Laugavegur Trekking Tour with 10 Adventures?
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