Laugavegur Trail Encompassed

Laugavegur Trail Encompassed

tourhub | UTracks | Laugavegur Trail Encompassed | ILS
tourhub | UTracks | Laugavegur Trail Encompassed | ILS tourhub | UTracks | Laugavegur Trail Encompassed | ILS

+2

 tourhub | UTracks | Laugavegur Trail Encompassed | ILS

+1

 tourhub | UTracks | Laugavegur Trail Encompassed | ILS | Map
22 Views
6 Days From

$3196

Laugavegur Trail Encompassed

6 Days Starting and ending in Reykjavik, Iceland

Visiting: Landmannalaugar, Álftavatn, Mýrdalsjökull, Þórsmörk, Thórsmörk

Tour operator:

UTracks

Tour code:

ILS

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

6 - 16

Physical rating:

Moderate to Challenging

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Active, Adventure Tours, Camping, Small Group, Walking Hiking and Trekking

Interests:

Gardens & Nature Tours

From: $3196

NB: Prices correct on 28-Sep-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on the "Laugavegur Trail Encompassed" adventure, combining two of Iceland's most renowned hikes: the Laugavegur Trail and a section of the Fimmvorðuháls Trek. Traverse the world's third-largest geothermal zone, marvel at the dramatic landscapes, and soak in the natural beauty of this classic trail. Stay in rustic mountain huts and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow walkers. This fully supported trek includes 5 nights in mountain huts, all meals, luggage transfers, and an experienced English-speaking guide. Starting and ending in Reykjavik, this journey offers a unique opportunity to explore Iceland's stunning wilderness, from volcanic plains to lush valleys.

Highlights

  • Combine two of Iceland's best known hikes, the Laugavegur Trail and a section of the Fimmvorðuháls Trek

  • Crossing the third largest geothermal zone in the world

  • Experiencing the dramatic landscape and natural beauty of this classic trail

  • Walk through the steaming hot springs of Stórihver

  • Descend into the gorges of Jokultungur with steaming hot springs and mud pools

  • Trek through the black deserts of Maelifellssandur

  • Explore the lush and well-vegetated Þórsmork Valley

  • Hike to Fimmvorðuháls Pass with impressive views

Itinerary

tourhub | UTracks | Laugavegur Trail Encompassed | ILS | Route Map

Not what you're looking for?

People that have booked this tour have also searched for the following:

Walking Hiking and Trekking tours in Iceland Walking Hiking and Trekking tours Tours in Iceland Adventure tours Camping tours Active tours Small Group tours Gardens & Nature tours
Expand All

Day 1 : Bus From Reykjavik To Landmannalauger, Walk To Hrafntinnusker (4-5Hrs)

Location: Landmannalaugar

Accommodation Name: Hrafntinnusker mountain hut

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

Meet your guide and group in Reykjavik early this morning (at 6.30am). We take the early bus (at 7am sharp) that drives along the mountain tracks that lead to Landmannalaugar, passing by the Hekla volcano and others volcanoes in the Domadalur area. Arriving in Landmannalaugar around noon, we have lunch then start out by crossing the 500-year-old Laugahraun lava flow that is still giving heat to Landmannalaugar hot springs. Climbing steadily past numerous Sulphur vents, we top a succession of rolling rhyolite hills before descending to the steaming hot springs of Stórihver. As we get higher, the better we can understand the forces of nature. Up on the plateau, steam rises in all directions from unseen vents and we reach the Hrafntinnusker mountain hut in the late afternoon.
Distance: 12km/7.5mi, ascent: 470m/1502ft

Day 2 : Continue On Foot To Álftavatn (4-5Hrs)

Location: Álftavatn

Accommodation Name: Álftavatn hut

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we head south into the canyon complex to the south of Hrafntinnusker. Descending into the gorges of Jökultungur, we come across steaming hot springs and mud pools. The route winds southwards, crossing old snow patches and climbing ridges where we have views across dark volcanic plains towards lake Álftavatn and the Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull glaciers. Crossing the southern edge of the Torfa-jökull Massif, we descend a long slope towards the black sands and palagonite ridges around Lake Álftavatn (Swan Lake). Arriving at the lake, one of the most beautiful locations on our route, we check in at the Álftavatn hut for our overnight stay.
Distance: 12km/7.5 mi, descent: 490m/1610ft

Day 3 : Trek To Emstrur Via The Black Deserts Of Maelifellssandur (6-7Hrs)

Location: Mýrdalsjökull

Accommodation Name: Botnar Mountain Hut

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

On day three there are several rivers to cross, as we head southwards and towards Mýrdalsjökull Icecap. Some of these glacial streams and rivers are bridged, but others need to be forded - a chilly experience for the feet so keep your river shoes handy. It can also be a good idea to wear your rain trousers to cut the cold. We descend to the green oasis of Hvanngil, where there is a mountain hut. We continue our walk, crossing another couple of rivers, to reach the surreal 5km-wide, black sand plain of Mælifellssandur, beneath the conical peak of Stórasúla. Heading now towards Hattfell, another ancient volcano, we reach the Emstrur region where farmers used to graze their sheep in summer. Before arriving at the Botnar Mountain Hut (our accommodation for the night) we visit the magnificent Markarfljót canyon, which is cut almost 200m into the rocks south of Hattfell.
Distance: 16km/10mi, descent: 40m/131ft

Day 4 : Through Valleys And Gullies To Thórsmörk (6-7Hrs)

Location: Þórsmörk

Accommodation Name: Þórsmörk hut

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The first challenge today is to cross the bridge across Emstrur River. Having overcome this obstacle, we trek through the magnificent Markarfljót Canyon, which was carved out by thundering floods, caused by volcanic eruptions under the ice cap. The effects of erosion are visible at every step on this trek and nowhere more obvious than in the Þórsmörk Valley. For the first time on our trek, we enter a green and well-vegetated valley, which becomes more luxuriant the closer we get to Þórsmörk. The last part of the hike is through thick birch forest, where even the lava ridges are covered with scrubby trees and the lovely arctic flowers that bloom for a few weeks each summer. Þórsmörk means Þór's forest and it is not hard to see why this area should be considered to belong to a Norse God. It is out of this world! The valley is guarded on all sides by tremendous, fast-flowing rivers and steep glacier clad mountains. It is one of the most beautiful spots in Iceland and a weekend favourite for Reykjavik's hikers. Overnight in one of Þórsmörk's huts.
Distance: 17km/10.5mi, descent: 300m/985ft

Day 5 : Hike To Fimmvörðuháls Pass With Impressive Views, Return To Thórsmörk (6-7Hrs)

Location: Thórsmörk

Accommodation Name: Básar hut

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We start the hike in the magic landscapes of Goðalönd – the abode of the Gods.
Nesting at the foot of two glaciers this is a wonderland of ridges and cliffs covered by a multitude of flowers and grasses, certainly fit for gods and humans alike. Even the elves have made themselves at home here. We continue up the hills leading to the pass of Fimmvörðuháls, walking along the Kattarhryggir ridges with views to the impressive mountain of Útigönguhöfði up to Morinsheiði heath. At the end of the Morinsheiði plateu we enjoy the view of the lava stream that flowed down from the Fimmvörðuháls volcano in 2010. As we gain height above Morinsheiði we come to the lava and then to the two craters Magni and Móði that erupted prior to the main Eyjafjallajökull crater. We head back to Þórsmörk with the magnificent view over the glaciers and this beautiful valley for our celebration barbeque dinner and night in Básar hut.
Distance: 20km/12.5mi, ascent/descent: 900m/2953ft

Day 6 : A Choice Of Hikes In Thórsmörk, Bus To Reykjavik, Trip Concludes (2-5Hrs)

Location: Þórsmörk

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

We spend the last day in Þórsmörk, a hiker’s paradise, where we have an abundance of choice between various paths. For example, we can visit the Sönghellir cave (“Song cave”), climb up the small mountain of Valahnúkur from where the magnificent views can be enjoyed, or hike into the beautifully carved canyon Stakkholtsgjá. This oasis between the mountains is also an ideal place to relax and just enjoy nature. We take the 3pm bus to return to Reykjavik, arriving in the evening (approx 7.30pm).
Distance: 5-10km/3-6mi

What's Included

  • Meals

    5 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners. Special diets can be catered for on request (e.g. vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free diet) however a supplement will apply.

  • Accommodation

    5 nights in mountain huts on a multishare basis (dormitory style, sleeping bag needed).

  • Guided Tour

    Experienced English speaking walking guide for 7 days.

  • Cooking Gear

    Cooking gear is provided.

  • Luggage Transfer

    Luggage transfer during the trek - soft duffel bag is preferable, max weight 18kg per person (excess luggage can be stored in luggage lockers in Reykjavik).

  • Transport

    Transport from Reykjavik to Landmannalaugar and from Þórsmork to Reykjavik.

  • Transfers

    Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage.

What's Not Included

  • International Travel

    Travel to and from your home country to Reykjavik.

  • Pre- and Post-Tour Accommodation

    Pre- and post-tour accommodation in Reykjavik.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is mandatory.

  • Sleeping Bag

    Sleeping bag is not included but available for hire (must be pre-paid).

  • Showers in Huts

    Showers in huts are payable locally.

  • Special Dietary Surcharge

    Special dietary surcharge (vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free) - supplement applies.

  • Tips

    Tips are not included.

  • Personal Items

    Items of a personal nature are not included.

Grading

The trip involves daily walks of up to 7 hours per day. There are some hills but most are moderate, and a few steep sections which require care - but on average the trail is a descent. The trail is not paved, but paths have naturally formed over time. It can be a bit rocky in parts, but easily accessible to those used to hiking in uneven terrain. Participants will need to cross rivers during the trek, these are Grashagakvísl (day 2), Bratthálskvísl (day 3), Blafjallakvísl (day 3) Þrongá (day 4). The water levels can change from time to time due to seasonal conditions, your guide will advise on river crossing and help you to cross the river. Trekking poles can come in handy when wading rivers.
The accent is on keeping a steady pace to with time to stop and take photos. You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. Weather conditions may be harsh at times and you will need to be comfortable walking in such conditions. We suggest up to one hour of strenuous exercise 3-4 times a week. The total walking distance is up to 86km (53 miles), at altitudes between 150-1100m (490-3600 feet). The maximum ascent is 1000m (3280 feet).

What You Carry

As the walks are fully supported you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including wet weather gear, lunch supplies, water bottle, warm top, phone etc

Mode of Transport

Transport includes a bus from Reykjavik to Landmannalaugar and from Þórsmork to Reykjavik, with additional transfers by taxi or public transport if needed.

Accommodation

Enjoy 5 nights in rustic mountain huts on a multishare basis, with dormitory-style sleeping arrangements. A sleeping bag is needed for your stay.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of accommodation is provided during the Laugavegur Trail Encompassed tour?

    The tour includes 5 nights in mountain huts on a multishare basis, which means dormitory-style accommodation. You will need to bring a sleeping bag, although they are available for hire if pre-paid.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, the tour includes 5 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 5 dinners. Special diets can be catered for on request, such as vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free diets, but a supplement will apply. Please advise of any special dietary requirements at the time of booking.

  • What kind of support is available during the trek?

    The tour is fully supported, meaning you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements. Luggage transfer is provided during the trek, and a soft duffel bag with a maximum weight of 18kg per person is preferable. Excess luggage can be stored in luggage lockers in Reykjavik.

  • What should I expect in terms of physical difficulty and fitness requirements?

    The trip involves daily walks of up to 7 hours per day, with some moderate hills and a few steep sections. The trail is not paved and can be rocky in parts. Participants will need to cross rivers during the trek. A good level of fitness is required, and it is suggested to engage in up to one hour of strenuous exercise 3-4 times a week. The total walking distance is up to 86km (53 miles), at altitudes between 150-1100m (490-3600 feet).

  • What kind of gear do I need to bring for the trek?

    You will need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements, including wet weather gear, lunch supplies, water bottle, warm top, and phone. Trekking poles can be handy for river crossings. A sleeping bag is also required, although it is available for hire if pre-paid.

  • Is travel insurance mandatory for this tour?

    Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for this tour.

  • What happens if I need to skip a stage of the trek?

    Transfers by taxi or public transport are available if you need to skip a stage of the trek.

  • Are there any additional costs I should be aware of?

    Yes, there are additional costs for showers in huts (payable locally), special dietary surcharges, tips, and items of a personal nature. Travel to and from your home country to Reykjavik, pre- and post-tour accommodation in Reykjavik, and travel insurance are also not included.

  • How fit do I have to be?

    Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.

  • What happens if something goes wrong?

    On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.

  • I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?

    Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.

Reviews of this operator

Katharine McLennan (Google Reviewer)  

UTracks is awesome. My...

13-Jun-2024

UTracks is awesome. My Assisi trip was one of the most beautiful trips I have taken in my 56 years. I wanted to walk by myself, and Utracks teamed up with a local Italian travel company to do everything for me—book the hotels and move my bags from hotel to hotel as I walked the track. The app was AMAZING. It showed the daily itinerary, and the interactive map told me metre by metre where I needed to go and whether I was on track or not. It was far more accurate than Google Maps, and I loved all the commentary on what to look for and what not to. The places I stayed were known as "agriturismo places." They are hosted by families on working farms. Those gorgeous families had farms and accommodations that sometimes dated back to 800!!! But all of them had done a fantastic job updating them to be modern, beautiful rooms. I loved how warm the hosts were and how much they appreciated my stay. There were seldom more than 5 people staying each night. The walk was fabulous -- and incredibly well-researched and noted. I was often the only one on the trails, but I always felt safe and looked after by UTracks in their 24-hour cover. I never had to use it - but as a single woman walking on her own through the Italian hills -- it is great to know that people know where I am. The preparation pack sent to me was also incredibly organised with equipment lists, hotel directions-- with all the contacts, and the contacts of the lovely fellow who would be taking my bag from place to place. He was fantastic -- and I also felt supported by him if things were to go wrong. I will definitely be working with Utracks again and can't wait to plan my next adventure.

Addy K (Google Reviewer)  

Great hike to sample some...

04-Oct-2023

Great hike to sample some of the best locations along the Tour Du Mont Blanc. Our guide Sara was great at maintaining pace and knew the route very well. The scenery was amazing especially the tall mountains close to our accomodation. The accomodation provided great 3 course dinners, and we got to sample French, Swiss and Italian food. This is not an easy hike, but as long as you are able to do 1000 mtr elevation gain hikes, this is thoroughly enjoyable.

Patrick Shum (Google Reviewer)  

Hassle free self guided tour...

26-Jul-2023

Hassle free self guided tour around the most scenic Austrian hills and lakes. All our heavy baggage taken care of from hotel to hotel. Hiking not difficult at all, instructions are v clear. I recommend use online GPS map. In case someone want to shorten the walking, various options (bus / boat) provided.

Amanda Liddell (Google Reviewer)  

300km in 12 days from...

15-Jun-2023

300km in 12 days from Porto to Santiago de Compostela where a Cathedral stands as the most beautiful ‘Welcome’ imaginable. The accomodation arranged by UTRACKS was consistently excellent & the ease of only having to worry about carrying your backpack and what you’ll have for lunch is perfect. Yes, most days at breakfast you can make up your own bread roll and filling. Notes and directions were included but once you arrive in Spain you just need to look for the ‘shell’ and ‘yellow arrow’ to find your ‘way’. I am 67 years old & consciously chose to walk alone however I met some fabulous people along the way and finally had hours on end with ‘no headchatter’. There’s healing which catches you unaware & makes every step very worthwhile.

Kerry Andersen (Google Reviewer)  

We used UTracks to organise...

13-Jul-2023

We used UTracks to organise our self guided Portugal Coastal Camino walk. We were very happy with information provided for our walk and accommodation picked.

Ian Freestone (Google Reviewer)  

Recently two trips with utracks....

26-Aug-2024

Recently two trips with utracks. Mont Blanc self-guided and Austrian hike-bike. In summary, the experience is only as good as the local partner. In Austria, Helmut was amazing! Met with us prior - went over every detail of the trip, answered his phone if we had a concern. Mont Blanc, the partner would only communicate by text, did not meet us on arrival, and would not return calls even when we had an emergency. Other concerns we raised with utracks staff were not responded to adequately leaving the feeling that they had our money, job done.

1 Select your preferred date

Jun
2025 Jul
2025 Aug
2025 Sep
2025

Friday - Wednesday

Jun 20, 2025 - Jun 25, 2025
$3196

Friday - Wednesday

Jun 27, 2025 - Jul 02, 2025
$3196

Friday - Wednesday

Jul 04, 2025 - Jul 09, 2025
$3196

Friday - Wednesday

Jul 11, 2025 - Jul 16, 2025
$3196

Friday - Wednesday

Jul 18, 2025 - Jul 23, 2025
$3196

Friday - Wednesday

Jul 25, 2025 - Jul 30, 2025
$3196

Friday - Wednesday

Aug 01, 2025 - Aug 06, 2025
$3196

Friday - Wednesday

Aug 08, 2025 - Aug 13, 2025
$3196

Friday - Wednesday

Aug 15, 2025 - Aug 20, 2025
$3196

Friday - Wednesday

Aug 22, 2025 - Aug 27, 2025
$3196

Friday - Wednesday

Aug 29, 2025 - Sep 03, 2025
$3196

Friday - Wednesday

Sep 05, 2025 - Sep 10, 2025
$3196

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.