How long does it take to hike the Laugavegur Trail?

Most hikers complete the 55 km trail in 3–4 days, staying at mountain huts or camping along the way. Fit hikers can do it in 2 days, and ultra-runners complete it in under 8 hours during the annual Laugavegur Ultra Marathon. Four days allows more time to enjoy the scenery.

When does the Laugavegur Trail open?

The trail typically opens in late June or early July, depending on snow conditions. Mountain huts operate from late June through early September. The trail is usually fully passable by early July. Check with Ferðafélag Íslands (fi.is) for current conditions before departure.

Do I need to book huts on the Laugavegur Trail?

Yes, absolutely. The four huts along the route (Hrafntinnusker, Álftavatn, Hvanngil, and Emstrur) fill up months in advance. Book through Ferðafélag Íslands (fi.is) as early as January. Camping is available at each hut site for those with tents.

Are the river crossings on Laugavegur dangerous?

The river crossings, particularly the glacial rivers near Álftavatn and between Emstrur and Þórsmörk, can be challenging. Water levels rise in warm weather and after rain. Cross early in the morning when water is lowest, unbuckle your chest strap, face upstream, and use trekking poles for balance.

Laugavegur Trail: Iceland's Most Famous Trek (55 km)

Iceland's most famous trek through the highlands from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk

Last reviewed March 3, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel TeamEditorial policy

Difficulty

Moderate–Hard

55 km · 3–4 days · Highlands

Quick Answer

The Laugavegur Trail is Iceland's most famous multi-day trek: a 55 km route from Landmannalaugar to Thorsmork through rhyolite mountains, obsidian fields, and hot springs. Most hikers complete it in 3 to 4 days, staying in mountain huts or camping. The season is short -- roughly late June to early September, when the huts and highland roads are open.

The Laugavegur Trail is Iceland's best-known multi-day hike, a 55 km route through the highlands between Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk. It passes steaming rhyolite mountains, obsidian lava fields, glacial rivers, and black sand deserts beneath ice caps. Thousands of hikers walk it each summer during the short season from late June to early September.

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Last reviewed: 2026-03-03

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Distance

55 km

Point-to-point from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk

Elevation gain

~1,000 m total

Highest point at Hrafntinnusker (1,100 m)

Duration

3–4 days

With overnight stays at mountain huts or campsites

What to Expect

Trail distance and elevation

55 km point-to-point with approximately 1,000m total elevation gain. Highest point at Hrafntinnusker (1,100m). Difficulty rated moderate-hard. Typically completed in 3-4 days with overnight stays at mountain huts or campsites.

Water crossings

Multiple unbridged glacial river crossings, particularly near Álftavatn and between Emstrur and Þórsmörk. Rivers swell in warm afternoons; cross in the early morning when levels are lowest. Knee-deep crossings common; chest-high possible after rain.

Terrain variety

The trail traverses rhyolite mountains (Day 1), obsidian lava fields and steaming fumaroles at Hrafntinnusker (Day 1-2), green valleys at Álftavatn (Day 2), black sand desert at Mælifellssandur (Day 3), and lush birch forest in Þórsmörk (Day 4).

Hrafntinnusker obsidian plateau

The first day climbs to 1,100m through a plateau of black volcanic glass, steaming fumaroles, and ice caves beneath snow patches. Navigation can be difficult in fog.

Emstrur canyon and Markarfljót gorge

A deep gorge carved by the Markarfljót river with 200m cliff faces. A suspension bridge crosses the gorge on the final day.

Þórsmörk valley finish

The trail ends in the lush, sheltered valley of Þórsmörk surrounded by three glaciers, with birch woodland, wildflowers, and mountain huts for celebration.

Getting There

The northern trailhead at Landmannalaugar is reached via F-208 (4WD only, multiple river crossings) or F-225 via Hrauneyjar (fewer crossings). Scheduled highland buses depart from BSI terminal in Reykjavík (Trex, Reykjavík Excursions), taking approximately 4 hours. The southern terminus at Þórsmörk is accessible only via F-249 (river crossings require a super jeep) or by scheduled bus. Most hikers arrange bus transfers for both ends when booking hut accommodation. One-way hiking means you need transport at both trailheads; book the return bus from Þórsmörk in advance as seats fill quickly in July-August. No mobile coverage on the trail.

Best Time to Hike

The trail is open from late June through early September. Late June: Trail officially opens; significant snow may remain above 900m near Hrafntinnusker; river crossings at seasonal low; fewer hikers. July: Peak month with the most reliable weather (6-14°C), longest daylight, and fully snow-free trail; the Laugavegur Ultra Marathon is held mid-July; huts are busiest. August: Good conditions; slightly shorter days (16-18 hours daylight); wildflowers peak; rivers can be higher after warm spells. Early September: Autumn colors and near-empty trails, but temperatures drop to 0-6°C and huts close around September 5-10. Weekday starts help avoid the weekend rush at hut sites.

Planning help

Laugavegur Trail FAQs

Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.

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