Laugavegur, near Hrafntinnusker in June.

The Laugavegur is Iceland's most popular multi-day hike for good reasons. Starting amongst the colourful rhyolite mountains around Landmannalagar, the trail climbs up into the snow fields and desolate black rock piles around Hrafntinnusker, before descending into lush green moss and the beautiful lake at Álftavatn. Amongst the mountains, there are several rivers to cross around Hvanngil, before the path leads further south across the black sand deserts of Emstrur – where every tiny green plant looks alien against its inhospitable backdrop. Finally, the trail comes to an end in the forests of small birch trees around Þórsmörk: a valley at the base of two glaciers. Firstly, apologies that this post reads as one long lecture about all the things to do, not do and be scared of. I'm publishing it to help readers prepare, rather than as inspiration, but I certainly do not mean to put you off. This will be my forth year working as a warden along the trail and these are the things that I always wish hikers knew before they arrived. This information is not official, but just from my personal experience. It is not a substitute for talking to the wardens in the Information Office when you arrive, as there are some things which cannot be checked online. The hike is very dependent on the weather and other conditions on the trail.

An extremely sunny day in July.

Included in this guide:

Sleeping – choosing to stay in a hut or camping Important advice before you arrive Hiking responsibly Once you start hiking Campsites and things to be aware of along the trail (North to South): Landmannalaugar Hiking Landmannalaugar to Hrafntinnusker (12km) Hrafntinnusker Hiking Hrafntinnusker to Álftavatn (12km) Álftavatn Hiking Álftavatn to Hvanngil (3.8km) Hvanngil Hiking Hvanngil to Botnar/Emstrur (11km) Botnar/Emstrur Botnar/Emstrur to Langidalur, Þórsmörk (16km) Langidalur, Þórsmörk

Sleeping - choosing to stay in a hut or camping:

Ferðafélags Íslands (FÍ) run the huts & camping. If you are an unseasoned camper, slightly nervous multi-day hiker or just don't want to carry the weight of a tent, staying in the accommodation huts is the most sensible option [other than a guided tour]. You will have to book well in advance (in 2020, it is 9,500kr per person, per night, but check prices through the previous link). The communal sleeping arrangements are basic, but safe, warm and dry (which is all you need at the end of a long hike). There is no privacy, you must go to a different building to use the toilets and you will need your own sleeping bag. Each hut has a fully equipped kitchen for sole use of those who are staying in the hut, but you will need to bring your own food to cook. To save confusion, always find a warden to check you in before you go inside. If you decide to stay in a tent, there is no access to the inside of the huts including the kitchen. You must camp in the official campsites, as the Icelandic Highland environment is very fragile and foot traffic is destroying it elsewhere. Camping costs 2,300kr per person, per night (2020) and should be paid in cash or with card upon arrival (bring some cash as solar electricity used to run the card machines can be a little unreliable in some campsites). If you arrive after 10pm (or the office is closed), set up your tent and pay in the morning.

A ridiculously sunny day in Landmannalaugar in June.

Important advice before you arrive

From the FÍ sign in Landmannalaugar. If you are not an experienced or fit hiker, do some day hikes with a backpack as training in advance.

The season opens in mid to late June and ends around the middle of September. For the best conditions, hike in July, August and very early September. Remember that Iceland begins to lose light in August and by September, the hours of darkness increase dramatically each night. You can check a rough estimate here , but always plan to be safe at a campsite at least an hour before sunset.

Check my suggested packing list here before you leave home and do not carry extra luggage. The best idea is to leave your city jeans, trainers and other everyday items in Reykjavik

Check bus routes and times before you arrive; this is particularly important at the beginning and end of the season (June and September) when services are reduced and finally finish altogether. Sterna, Thule Travel, Reykjavik Excursions and Trex all come to Landmannalaugar; Thule Travel, Reykjavik Excursions and Trex go to Langidalur in Þórsmörk; Sterna goes to Básar (just across the river from Langidalur). You can usually buy a hiker's passport, which will allow you to be flexible in your plansand the bus companies are generally quite good about allowing you to change your ticket if they have space.

If you are driving and leaving your car at Landmannalaugar, check that the F208 from the north is open first to avoid river crossings. The route is still only possible in a 4x4.

Laugavegur, near Hrafntinnusker in June.

Walking the trail usually takes between two and four days depending on your fitness, enthusiasm and most importantly, the weather. Remember that the dates you arrive and leave on a bus cannot be full hiking days. Plan to allow yourself at least one extra day on top of your estimated completion time to allow for unexpected storms. This will let you delay your departure or spend a day stuck somewhere in the middle without extra stress. There is plenty of beautiful hiking in Þórsmörk (pronounced "Thorsmork") or Landmannalaugar if you find you have spare time.

on top of your estimated completion time to allow for unexpected storms. This will let you delay your departure or spend a day stuck somewhere in the middle without extra stress. There is plenty of beautiful hiking in Þórsmörk (pronounced "Thorsmork") or Landmannalaugar if you find you have spare time. Check the weather forecast before you leave civilisation! Landmannalaugar campsite is grim in a storm and the route up to Hrafntinnusker is potentially treacherous in bad visibility. Most campsites do not have a covered place for you to sit.

Register your travel plans with Safe Travel and follow them on and follow them on facebook or twitter for up to date advice before you arrive. Please provide as much information as possible when you fill out the forms and only choose to have trip monitoring if you will be sure to remember to check out (otherwise you will accidentally call out a Search and Rescue team).

Be aware that there is probably no electricity en-route (bring a fully charged power-bank and/or spare batteries for anything you need).

Be aware that there is always a chance that you may not be able to do the hike because of bad weather. If you are told not to hike by Safe Travel , a warden at a one of the campsites , anyone working for Slysavarnafélagið Landsbjörg (Search and Rescue) or a ranger from Umhverfisstofnun (The Environment Agency) , it's imperative that you listen to their advice.

All within 24 hours at Landmannalaugar in late June.

Hiking responsibly

For the preservation of moss and other plants, please only walk on the trails and do not wild camp.

Prepare to take your rubbish home with you. Bring a small trash bag or ask the wardens if you forget. If you see something left on the trail, we would really appreciate if you could pick that up too.

There are toilets every 12km, so please do not poo(p!) in the wild and take any toilet paper with you.

Dan pointing out somebody's toilet spot...

Once you start hiking

Always talk to the wardens before you start the hike and when you reach a new campsite (regardless of if you stay at that particular one or not). They might have vital information regarding river conditions, incoming storms or even [hopefully not] an impending volcano eruption.. Be aware that Icelandic people are not prone to over-exaggeration - if they advise you against something, it is almost certainly for a good reason.

before you start the hike and when you reach a new campsite (regardless of if you stay at that particular one or not). They might have vital information regarding river conditions, incoming storms or even [hopefully not] an impending volcano eruption.. Be aware that Icelandic people are not prone to over-exaggeration - if they advise you against something, it is almost certainly for a good reason. Although there are 24 hours of light around Midsummer, you should not attempt to hike through the night [without serious training and experience]. The temperature drops dramatically in the evening, there is nobody to help you on the trail if you need it and your body will get tired even if you feel awake. From personal experience, I know this can catch up with you despite being physically fit.

[without serious training and experience]. The temperature drops dramatically in the evening, there is nobody to help you on the trail if you need it and your body will get tired even if you feel awake. From personal experience, I know this can catch up with you despite being physically fit. Make sure everything in your bag is protected from water in dry bags, bin bags or both.

For river crossings -

- Choose the widest [and therefore most shallow] part of the river. Change into your river crossing shoes. Tie the laces of your boots together and hang them from the back of your neck/bag (keep your hands free for balance). Unbuckle the waist belt of your bag. For deep rivers, link elbows with your companions and wade across sideways. Put the strongest or biggest member of your group first to help lead the way.

When crossing snow bridges use caution and common sense; if you need to cross one, step carefully to test them a little before putting your whole weight down. Look for cracks and holes before you step. Do not follow foot-prints if they are leading over something that does not look safe (more snow melts every day).

if you need to cross one, step carefully to test them a little before putting your whole weight down. Look for cracks and holes before you step. Do not follow foot-prints if they are leading over something that does not look safe (more snow melts every day). If you are cold and wet, it is important not to panic, but just put on extra layers and keep moving. Consider your position on the trail: if you are hiking south and are already totally cold, wet and miserable before you reach Hrafntinnusker (particularly if you are camping), it might be worth considering going back the way you came... There is no bus service from the middle of the trail.

Consider your position on the trail: if you are hiking south and are already totally cold, wet and miserable before you reach Hrafntinnusker (particularly if you are camping), it might be worth considering going back the way you came... There is no bus service from the middle of the trail. Eat plenty of food and drink loads of water ; you will use more calories than you expect. Keep easily accessible snacks in your pockets, so you don't always have to sit down and stop in bad weather. All tap water is drinkable in the campsites and you can also drink anything from small mountain streams that don't smell of egg (take from upstream of the trail). I would usually say you should take 1.5 litres for the first section to Hrafntinnusker, but you probably don't need to carry more than a litre after that.

; you will use more calories than you expect. Keep easily accessible snacks in your pockets, so you don't always have to sit down and stop in bad weather. All tap water is drinkable in the campsites and you can also drink anything from small mountain streams that don't smell of egg (take from upstream of the trail). I would usually say you should take 1.5 litres for the first section to Hrafntinnusker, but you probably don't need to carry more than a litre after that. Call 112 in an emergency. It is important to keep track of where you are with a GPS (especially important early in the season when there is a lot of snow), so the rescue team can find you quickly if you call. Do not be afraid to call them (in English is fine) if you are injured or lost in bad weather, but be aware that they are quite likely to hike out to get you so it might take some time before you can be rescued.

Pretty serious conditions approaching Hrafntinnusker in June 2017.

Campsites and things to be aware of along the trail (North to South):

It is totally possible to walk the trail in the other direction, but it might not be as fun for obvious reasons...

Altitude and distances between huts on the trail - wonderful graphic borrowed from Hrafntinnusker hut.

Landmannalaugar

GPS coordinates: N 63°59.600 - W 19°03.660. Elevation: 550m

Landmannalaugar 11pm in June.

Barmur, near Landmannalaugar after a small snow storm in late June.

Though it has slightly better facilities than most stops on the trail, the camping area has a base of rocks and — in keeping with the general highland ethos — things are pretty basic. I've also written about day hikes from Landmannalaugar. You will find:

Landmannalaugar in June Parking - accessible without any river crossings with 4x4 vehicle when F208 road is open.

A beautiful natural hot spring (getting warmer throughout the season).

Toilets, a sheltered area for eating and rubbish disposal/recycling - all included in camping (2,300kr) or the day fee (500kr).

Warm showers - 500kr for 5 minutes hot water.

Information Office also selling maps, certain types of gas, power banks, snacks and various other things. Call ahead to check stock/prices. Telephone number (not for bookings) - 00354 860 3335.

The Mountain Mall are also open from late June until early September. They sell coffee and many other things from their shop.

Hiking Landmannalaugar to Hrafntinnusker (12km)

This first section of the hike is usually the most challenging. Time your departure around having decent weather on this day as it can be dangerous in poor conditions. The majority of the stretch is up-hill, the weather can be at its most serious at the higher altitude and (in the first half of the season) there is a lot of tiring, wet snow to walk across. Be especially careful in low visibility and when walking over snow bridges.

Laugavegur in June

South of Landmannalaugar on the Laugavegur in July

A bad day at the beginning of July.

Hrafntinnusker

GPS coordinates: N 63°56.014 - W 19°10.109. Elevation: 1100m

Hrafntinnusker in early September

Some fog is normal around Hrafntinnusker At the highest altitude on the trail and covered in snow for much of the season, this is unlikely to be somewhere you want to camp unless you have real experience and specialised equipment. There is no sheltered area for campers, no showers and only "long drop" type toilets. On the plus side, it is all down hill from here in both directions! Camping: 2,300kr

Hrafntinnusker in late June

View from Hrafntinnusker in mid-July

View south from Hrafntinnusker, August

Hrafntinnusker on a very sunny day in August

Hiking Hrafntinnusker to Álftavatn (12km)

There is still a lot of snow on this section early in the season, but it should not be so exhausting as it is mostly down-hill. Take your time on the steeper sections as (when you are tired) this is the most likely place to twist your ankle or hurt your knees. There is a river-crossing closer to Álftavatn, but it is rarely more than calf-deep.

Under a snow bridge - note the light shining through! I did not go inside to take this photo.

Looking south towards Álftavatn in July.

Álftavatn

GPS coordinates: N 63°51.470 - W 19°13.640. Elevation: 550m Sometimes known as the windy city, this campsite has a beautiful lakeside location and is idyllic in good weather. There is very little shelter; if the wind is getting strong (check with the wardens), then be prepared to continue the 3.8km to Hvanngil as tents are often destroyed at Álftavatn. Camping costs 2,300kr.

There are warm showers on a 500kr for 5 minute ticket system.

Phone number (to check conditions, not for bookings): 00354 823 4008

There is also now a (very small) restaurant run by the Volcano Huts company.

A perfect day at Álftavatn.

Álftavatn wardens' house (information and payment office on the right of this photo).

Hiking Álftavatn to Hvanngil (3.8km)

It is only 3.8km between Álftavatn and Hvanngil, but be sure to check conditions of the river crossing with the wardens before you start. Usually it is not more than knee deep, but can be fast or flooded at times.

Hvanngil

GPS coordinates: N 63°50.026 – W 19°12.507. Elevation: 550m

View from Hvanngil August 2020

Hvanngil in June. Photo from Johnny Rolt - he made a beautiful video of our time volunteering in Þórsmörk (click on the photo for a link).

The least busy and most sheltered campsite; Hvanngil is a hidden gem. Most people walk right through, but it is an excellent place to camp. Even if you can't stay, please be sure to talk to the wardens and check the conditions of the next river 1km afterwards. Camping costs 2,300kr

Showers 500kr for 5 minutes

Telephone number (to check conditions not for bookings) - 00354 860 3336

Hiking Hvanngil to Botnar/Emstrur (11km)

The river just past Hvanngil can be as deep as your bum, so make sure the things in the bottom of your bag are well protected. I personally like to do it without wearing my trousers.. Walking across the alien, black sands of Emstrur can actually be more challenging in dry and windy conditions as sand whips up into your face. Sunglasses, a hat and a buff will help with this problem.

After the river crossing near Hvanngil.

A lovely day in August (between Hvanngil and Emstrur)

Around Emstrur.

Botnar/Emstrur

GPS coordinates: N 63°45.980 -W 19°22.450. Elevation: 465m If the weather is acceptable, don't pass through here without seeing the canyon. It's an easy walk away (even for the most exhausted hiker) and one of the most impressive views in the area.



Camping: 2,300kr per person

Showers 500kr for 5 minute (currently taking 100kr coins rather than tickets).

Telephone number (for questions not bookings): 00354 490 0137.

Botnar huts on a dry day in August

Botnar huts and campsite after everybody left in the morning

Botnar/Emstrur to Langidalur, Þórsmörk (16km)

There is a final river crossing before Langidalur which is not usually much more than knee deep, but can sometimes become flooded (check with wardens).

Approaching Þórsmörk.

Near Langidalur, Þórsmörk

Langidalur, Þórsmörk

GPS coordinates: N 63°40 960 - W 19°30.890. Elevation: 200m There are several huts/campsites in Þórsmörk: Langidalur is run by FÍ, Básar is run by Útivist, Húsadalur is run by Volcano Huts and Slyppugil run by International Hostelling. As I have only worked at Langidalur, I'm going to talk about that here, but if you are continuing on to hike the Fimmvörðuháls trail, it's a good idea to camp at Básar, which will give you a little bit of a head-start in the morning. After finishing Laugavegur, you deserve a break and camping at Langidalur is usually a much more inviting prospect than the more severe conditions further up the trail: there is grass to camp on and an incredible view over Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers. Langidalur have a map of day-hikes to buy and everything is pretty well sign-posted thanks to the TrailTeam volunteer program (which was how I came to live and work Summers here in the mountains). Be sure to protect your food from mice (outside of your tent in hard plastic or metal) as they are likely to nibble through expensive gear to get at it. Langidalur is relatively well equipped compared to campsites in the middle of the trail: there is a small shop, which sells beer, shelter to sit undercover and warm showers on a 500kr for 5 minute ticket system. Camping costs 2,300kr per person.

If you are starting either the Laugavegur or Fimmvörðuháls (to Skogar) from here, it is important you check conditions with the wardens first.



Don't ever attempt to wade or drive a hire car through Krossá river, as it is nearly always extremely dangerous. In the high season, there is a foot bridge a little further upstream. Langidalur telephone number (to check conditions, not for bookings): 00354 893 1191

Arriving in Langidalur

Signpost in Langidalur, Þórsmörk