Night 1-4
Mountain huts in Iceland
Stay in a shared mountain hut. You’ll have access to basic amenities and shared dormitories for a comfortable night in the wilderness.
Self-Guided Laugavegur Trekking Tour
Prices
Highlights
Journey across the Laugavegur Trail on this 5-day self-guided trek
Do you want to trek the Laugavegur Trail - one of the best trails in Iceland 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.
Self-Guided Laugavegur Trekking Tour Itinerary
Day 1 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.
- Overnight Location
- Mountain hut
- Distance
- 12 km, 4–5 hours, 470 m of ascent, 200 m of descent
- Meals
- None
Day 2 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.
- Overnight Location
- Mountain hut
- Distance
- 12 km, 4–5 hours, 400 m of ascent, 790 m of descent
- Meals
- None
Day 3 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.
- Overnight Location
- Mountain hut
- Distance
- 15 km, 6–7 hours, 200 m of ascent, 240 m of descent
- Meals
- None
Day 4 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!
- Overnight Location
- Mountain hut
- Distance
- 15 km, 6–7 hours, 300 m of descent
- Meals
- None
Day 5 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.
- Overnight Location
- None
- Distance
- None
- Meals
- None
Self-Guided Laugavegur Trekking Tour Price and Dates
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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2023-06-23 Reykjavik 5 days / null Spaces Left | 2023-06-27 Reykjavik | 5 | null | $695USDBook Now | Book Now | |
2023-06-30 Reykjavik 5 days / null Spaces Left | 2023-07-04 Reykjavik | 5 | null | $695USDBook Now | Book Now | |
2023-07-07 Reykjavik 5 days / null Spaces Left | 2023-07-11 Reykjavik | 5 | null | $695USDBook Now | Book Now | |
2023-07-14 Reykjavik 5 days / null Spaces Left | 2023-07-18 Reykjavik | 5 | null | $695USDBook Now | Book Now | |
2023-07-21 Reykjavik 5 days / null Spaces Left | 2023-07-25 Reykjavik | 5 | null | $695USDBook Now | Book Now | |
2023-07-28 Reykjavik 5 days / null Spaces Left | 2023-08-01 Reykjavik | 5 | null | $695USDBook Now | Book Now | |
2023-08-04 Reykjavik 5 days / null Spaces Left | 2023-08-08 Reykjavik | 5 | null | $695USDBook Now | Book Now | |
2023-08-11 Reykjavik 5 days / null Spaces Left | 2023-08-15 Reykjavik | 5 | null | $695USDBook Now | Book Now | |
2023-08-18 Reykjavik 5 days / null Spaces Left | 2023-08-22 Reykjavik | 5 | null | $695USDBook Now | Book Now | |
2023-08-25 Reykjavik 5 days / null Spaces Left | 2023-08-29 Reykjavik | 5 | null | $695USDBook Now | Book Now | |
2023-09-01 Reykjavik 5 days / null Spaces Left | 2023-09-05 Reykjavik | 5 | null | $750USDBook Now | Book Now | |
2023-09-01 Reykjavik 5 days / null Spaces Left | 2023-09-05 Reykjavik | 5 | null | $750USDBook Now | Book Now |
Accommodation on the 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. You can choose to bring your own sleeping bag or rent one from the tour company. The huts are divided into dormitories with single and twin beds.
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.
Hotels on Standard Tour
What’s included in the Self-Guided Laugavegur Trekking Tour?
Meals
Meals are not included in the tour. A food pack with easily-prepared meals can be added for a fee.
Accommodations
Accommodation for 4 nights is included in the tour.
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 can be added for a fee.
Also Included
- Detailed information package with self-guided walking route, notes, and maps
Not included
- Meals
- Sleeping bag
- Luggage transport
- Shower in mountain hut (payable directly at huts)
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Flights
- Anything not mentioned as “included”
Optional Extras
- Sleeping bag rental: $75USD per person
- Luggage transport during the tour: $225USD per person
- Food pack with easily prepared meals: $195USD per person (only available with luggage transport, minimum 2 persons)
- Extra nights in Reykjavík
Frequenty Asked Questions about 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 in the tour. A food pack with easily-prepared meals can be added for a fee.
What should I have with me on this trek?
Please check the list below: Boots and Clothing
- Sturdy Hiking Boots – waterproof with good ankle support
- Long sleeve shirt (thermal underwear) – Wool or synthetic
- T-shirt (thermal underwear), Wool or synthetic
- Light wool or fleece sweater (2nd layer)
- Trousers – Strong and light material that dries quickly e.g. soft-shell
- Jacket with a good hood – windproof, waterproof and breathable, e.g. Gore-Tex or comparable
- Rain trousers – windproof, waterproof and breathable. Please note that full raingear is mandatory in Iceland, poncho is not useful because of wind
- Gloves – Wool or synthetic 2 pairs of different thickness
- Socks – Wool or synthetic. Two or three pairs
- Warm hat – Wool or synthetic
- Swimwear if you want to bathe in the hot geothermal pool in Landmannalaugar
Other gear
- A duffel bag for the transport of your overnight gear between huts. Please avoid bringing a suitcase!
- Day backpack for extra clothes and lunch pack during the day. 25 – 40L (1500 – 2500 cu in)
- River shoes – Walking sandals or old running shoes with a good grip are a good choice, along with a pair of warm socks or neoprene socks. Open sandals or flip-flops will not do the job
- Sleeping bag. A basic sleeping bag with no specific temperature rating is sufficient for this trek since all the huts are heated
- Towel – lightweight and packable
- Sunglasses & sun protection
- Water container – thermos flask, water bottle 0.5 – 1L. or Camelbak
- Headlamp for reading and getting around the hut
- Change of clothes for wearing in the hut
- Personal first aid kit – including blister care
- Prescription medication and other personal health items
- Toiletries; Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap etc
- Earplugs
- Lunch box
Optional gear
- Walking pole(s). To preserve the vulnerable nature please keep the rubber tip protectors on.
- Power-bank / extra battery for your electronics – small solar cells usually do not work that well in Iceland, so a pre-charged power bank is a better option. Charging your electronics in the highlands often is not an option or will cost you extra. Having converters adapters for 220 V and/or USB will help.
- Gaiters (recommended for departures in June and early July)
- Pocket knife
- Sun/rain hat or a cap
- Shorts
- Small thermal mat (to sit on for lunch breaks)
- Puffy jacket (e.g. Primaloft or down)
- Dry-bags for electronics and extra clothing
- Slippers for indoor use
- Pillow or pillowcase (to wrap around your warm sweater or down jacket for a pillow)
- Playing cards and travel games – or other toys you might like and can travel
- Cash– for the showers, a shower normally costs about 500 ISK
- Book - to read during the evenings
- Aperitif or other heart-warming spirits
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.
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Stephen L.
I’ve been using 10Adventures route guides for a while, but had never booked a tour. My wife and I booked a self-guided hike in Greece and were so impressed with how we were able navigate the route without a guide with the detailed and easy to follow itinerary. We enjoy travelling independently, and 10Adventures made that happen.
Melinda S.
I was going through a tough time and really needed a getaway so I decided to book a tour through 10Adventures. My trip to Peru changed my life in so many positive and eye-opening ways. I am so thankful for the kind, empathetic team at 10Adventures.
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Travel companies have had to go through a lot during the pandemic but 10Adventures were super flexible and accommodating nonetheless. I had to cancel my tour in France due to the pandemic. 10Adventures was great and let me reschedule for a later date!
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Eric S.
Whenever I’m looking for my next adventure 10Adventures never fails. Their routes all over England are my main go to for exploring and I have only had great experiences booking both guided and self-guided trips in Europe and South America with them. I am looking into Africa next.
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Erika S.
I just got back from backpacking in the Sierra Nevada, and WOW. What an unreal journey! The alpine meadows, waterfalls, and the lakeside camping spot were memorable highlights! I wonder what other tours 10Adventures has to offer. That one went so well that I am now convinced I need to book another!
Robert D.
I'm not a big fan of traveling because of my fear of flying, but my girlfriend convinced me to go on the Aurora Borealis Tour in the Yukon. I will never forget the mesmerizing northern lights. Such a romantic (and cold) getaway. I would highly recommend it.
Monica L.
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Tour Difficulty
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.
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
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