Laugavegur Trail & Thórsmörk - 5 Day (Self-Guided - Tents) – Iceland

Experience one of the world’s most iconic trekking routes on this 5-day self-guided adventure along Iceland’s Laugavegur Trail, camping each night beneath vast highland skies. Your journey begins in the colorful geothermal rhyolite mountains of Landmannalaugar and finishes in the lush, glacier-carved valley of Þórsmörk.

Hike through ever-changing landscapes—obsidian fields, steam vents, black-sand deserts, volcanic plains, emerald valleys, towering glaciers, and dramatic river gorges. This route showcases the absolute best of Iceland’s wilderness.

Perfect for fit travelers who want the freedom of an independent trek with logistical support, this experience includes transportation to/from the trail, detailed route notes, and pre-arranged camping each night.

Adventure, solitude, and Iceland’s raw beauty await.

Upgrade to the Hut to Hut version: Laugavegur Trek Hut to Hut

Trip Highlights

Trek the full 55 km Laugavegur Trail, Iceland’s most legendary hiking route
Experience incredible diversity—from geothermal valleys to black-sand deserts to deep glacier-carved canyons
Camp at four iconic locations: Landmannalaugar, Álftavatn, Emstrur, and Þórsmörk
Cross wild rivers, hike past obsidian fields, and enjoy panoramic views of multiple glaciers
Self-guided freedom with the confidence of pre-arranged logistics
Dedicated English and Spanish support during your trip
Relax after the trek in Reykjavik, Iceland’s vibrant capital

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Reykjavík → Landmannalaugar

After breakfast, we depart Reykjavík at 7:00 AM (pickups begin at 6:30 AM) and journey deep into the Icelandic Highlands. Upon arrival at the Landmannalaugar campsite, we set up tents and enjoy a relaxed warm-up hike to ease into the terrain and take in our first views of the colorful rhyolite mountains and steaming geothermal areas.

Distance: 11 km (6.8 miles)
Ascent: 402 m (1,319 ft)
Descent: 380 m (1,247 ft)
Duration: 4–5 hours

Day 2: Landmannalaugar → Hrafntinnusker → Álftavatn

Begin the longest and most dramatic stage of the trek, climbing through steaming lava fields toward the snowy obsidian plateau of Hrafntinnusker. Traverse high-altitude landscapes dotted with geothermal activity before descending the colorful Jökultungur hills to the peaceful lakeshore of Álftavatn—one of the most beautiful campsites on the route.

‍Distance: 24 km (14.9 mi)

‍Ascent: 629 m (2,064 ft)

‍Descent: 692 m (2,270 ft)

‍Hiking Time: 8–9 hours

Day 3: Álftavatn → Emstrur

Start the day with sweeping mountain views before crossing glacial streams and entering the stark black-sand desert of Mælifellssandur. Pass the striking standalone peak of Mount Hattafell and follow the trail alongside the dramatic Markarfljót canyon before arriving at Emstrur, with glacier views in every direction.

‍Distance: 15 km (9.3 mi)

‍Ascent: 260 m (853 ft)

‍Descent: 258 m (846 ft)

‍Hiking Time: 4–5 hours

Day 4: Emstrur → Þórsmörk

Descend from arid volcanic terrain into greener, more sheltered landscapes as you head toward Þórsmörk. Navigate the powerful Fremri-Emstruá river crossing, walk through a rare Icelandic alder forest, and finish in the breathtaking valley of Þórsmörk—surrounded by glaciers, ridgelines, and lush vegetation.

‍Distance: 16 km (9.9 mi)

‍Ascent: 214 m (702 ft)

‍Descent: 482 m (1,581 ft)

‍Hiking Time: 6–7 hours

Day 5: Þórsmörk → Goðaland → Reykjavík

Spend a final morning exploring the trails and viewpoints of Þórsmörk and Goðaland, known for some of the most enchanting scenery in the Highlands. After taking in last views of glacier-carved valleys and mossy ridges, meet your transfer back to Reykjavík.

‍Distance: Variable short hikes

‍Ascent/Descent: Light, depending on chosen trail

‍Hiking Time: 1–3 hours