6-day self-guided hike Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls

⛰️ Landmannalaugar

The real adventure begins here! After an early breakfast and breaking camp, we set off on our hike. This is the longest day of the trek, taking us across the Laugahraun lava field and up to the Stórihver geothermal area. This section offers panoramic views of the valley.

💎 Hrafntinnusker

As we gain altitude, the landscape transforms dramatically. We reach Hrafntinnusker , famous for its striking deposits of black obsidian . Even in summer, patches of snow and ice often remain in this area, giving the landscape an almost supernatural atmosphere.

🏞️ Jökultungur

The Hrafntinnusker to Álftavatn trail begins with a descent into the Jökultungur valley , renowned for its layers of coloured sediments and unique mountain formations.

🦢 Álftavatn

This stage ends at Lake Álftavatn , nestled between the mountains in a peaceful and picturesque setting. The name "Swan Lake" reflects the tranquility of this place, where we will set up camp and relax. The view of the lake framed by the surrounding peaks is one of the most memorable highlights of the trek.

Distance : 24 km

Ascent : 629 m

Descent : 692 m

Duration : 8 to 9 hours

🏞️ Álftavatn

The hike from Álftavatn to Emstrur begins in the beautiful setting of Lake Álftavatn , surrounded by mountains and verdant meadows. This spot is perfect for enjoying a peaceful sunrise before starting the walk.

🌊 Crossing the Brattháls River

The route continues towards the Brattháls River crossing, where you will cross the Kaldaklofskvísl River. Here, the panoramic views of the valley and surrounding mountains are breathtaking . It's an excellent spot to stop and take photos of the spectacular scenery.

🏔️ Hattafell and Mælifellssandur Desert

After crossing the river, the hike takes you through the black sand desert of Maelifellssandur . Along the way, you will pass near Mount Hattafell , a solitary mountain rising above the desert landscape, offering a striking contrast .

⛰️ Markarfljót Gorge

Before reaching Emstrur, the road runs alongside the impressive Markarfljót River gorge . This deep and steep canyon offers dramatic views and is one of the highlights of this section of the hike.

⛺ Emstrur

The day ends at the Emstrur campsite , located in a more arid area but offering spectacular views of the Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull glaciers. Here, you can rest and prepare for the next stage of the hike.

1. Distance : 15 km
2. Ascent : 260 m
3. Descent: 258 m
4. Duration : 4 to 5 hours

🏞️ Emstrur

From the Emstrur campsite, the trail begins with a descent into the valley, passing small streams and tundra terrain. The change from black sand desert to increasingly green surroundings is striking.

🌊 Crossing the Fremri-Emstruá River

One of the main challenges of this section is the ford across the Fremri-Emstruá river , whose water level can rise considerably depending on the season. Crossing it requires caution and attention .

🌳 Alder Forest

As you continue, you'll notice the vegetation becomes denser, and you'll eventually enter a more tree-covered area. This alder ( Alnus ) forest provides shade and creates a different atmosphere compared to the more open landscapes of the previous stages.

🟢 Þórsmörk Valley

The Þórsmörk Valley is famous for its breathtaking scenery and lush flora . Here, verdant mountains, glaciers, and flowing rivers create a landscape that seems almost otherworldly . It is considered one of the most beautiful parts of the entire trek.

1. Distance : 16 km
2. Ascent : 214 m
3. Descent : 482 m
4. Duration : 6 to 7 hours

🌉 Crossing the Krossá River

From the Langidalur refuge, the trail continues for a few kilometers until reaching the footbridge that spans the Krossá river. After crossing to the south bank, you enter Goðaland , an area where dense thickets of willows and birches thrive, protected by the walls of the Strákagil canyon.

⛰️ Kattarhryggir Ridge

From this point, the route climbs the Kattarhryggir ridge via a clearly marked but rather demanding path—particularly challenging for those prone to vertigo. This ascent leads to a natural viewpoint offering some of the most impressive panoramas in all of Iceland.

🌄 Morinsheiði Plateau

The view from the eastern edge of Morinsheiði is simply breathtaking . From there, you can see the Mýrdalsjökull glacier , above which rises the Katla volcano.

🔥 Magni and Móði

After crossing the Morinsheiði plateau, the trail continues along Heljarkambur —a narrow ridge equipped with a safety chain —and then traverses Brattafönn hill. Goðahraun offers an excellent vantage point to admire the volcanic cones created during the 2010 eruptions that caused widespread air traffic disruptions across Europe. From there, simply follow the same route back to your starting point.

1. Distance : 11 km
2. Ascent: 228 m
3. Descent: 304 m
4. Duration: 4 to 5 hours

Before leaving the Highlands and returning to civilization, we will spend the morning strolling through this "kingdom of the gods" , absorbing one last impression of this isolated landscape sculpted by powerful natural forces .

With scenery that becomes more breathtaking at every turn, Þórsmörk offers a wide range of trails suitable for all levels, making it a perfect destination for anyone who loves hiking and trekking.

After returning to Þórsmörk, we will be picked up at the campsite and taken back to Reykjavík , thus ending our adventure.

🚶 Tindfjallahringur to Þórsmörk

1. Distance : 10 km
2. Ascent : 500 m
3. Descent : 500 m
4. Duration : 4 to 5 hours