We’ll start off by climbing a waymarked path up to the lava field of Laugahraun. The path is steep and strenuous but it soon levels out.

The lava field consists of dark basalt, ossified into strange formations and dotted with green moss. As we walk, we’ll see evidence of geothermal activity, including steam rising from vents in the ground, and puddles of bubbling mud.

Craggy volcanic mountains loom up on either side. We’ll head downhill to a plateau, just below the mountain of Brennisteinsalda (also known as the ‘Sulphur Wave’). This is a great spot for a snack break; take in the view of the multicolored rhyolite mountains and gorges.

The scenery changes significantly as we walk; the colorful, undulating hills are replaced with stark black volcanic slopes. The higher peaks are striated with snow all year round; the temperature drops significantly as we make our way through slushy patches of snow. As we cross the slope of Söðull, we’ll find a sobering memorial to a former trekker.

“In loving memory of Ido Keinan, who passed away in a blizzard so close to the safe hut nearby yet so far at only 25 years old,” reads a metal plaque drilled into a basalt cairn.

Keep climbing up the bare obsidian mountainside until we reach the Hrafntinnusker hut. Located at an elevation of 1110m, it’s the highest point on the trail, surrounded by snow and dark mountains streaked with ice.

Hiking distance: 10.7 km / 6.7 mi Walking time: 4-5 hours Ascent: 533 m / 1750 ft

Today we'll stop at the black obsidian desert Hrafntinnusker and Stórihver hot spring. Explore Reykjafjöll mountains and the Jökultungur area whose colors contrast dramatically with the soft pale sand-toned peaks around them. Enjoy spectacular views over the Fjallabak area and Álftavatn lake. To get to the mountain hut campground where you’ll spend the night, you’ll have to cross a river on foot...the first of several!

Hiking distance: 14.7 km / 9.18 mi Walking time: 4-5 hours Ascent: 304 m / 1000 ft Descent 792 m / 2,600 ft

Today we'll set off to Mælifellssandur by wading across another stream and enter the volcano country. Pass the Stórasúla and Hattafell volcanoes on the way to Emstrur, and if you are lucky and have good visibility, enjoy outstanding views of two volcano mountain glaciers, Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull. As you approach Botnar, a green oasis amid a black sand desert area, you’ll see Markarfljótsgljúfur—a stunning canyon fashioned by a glacial river.  

Hiking distance: 15 km / 9.5 mi Walking time: 6-7 hours Descent: 40 m / 130 ft

Leave the Emstrur area and continue along the trail to Thorsmork. Enjoy a great view of the glaciers as you go through the picturesque Almenning gorge and Mount Einhyrningur, also known as the Unicorn Mountain. As you get closer to Thorsmork, the landscapes around you will change—soon you’ll be surrounded by a dense birch forest for which Thorsmork is famous.

Hiking distance: 15km / 9.5 mi Walking time: 6-7 hours Descent: 300 m / 985 ft

Weather along the Laugavegur trail is quite unpredictable, with winter snow storms occurring in any month of the year.  So we add an extra day to the trip in case we experience poor conditions and take a rest day during the trek.  If we have good weather all the time, there are some fantastic hiking trails in the Þórsmörk region to enjoy today! 

Finally, we celebrate your completion of the world-famous Laugavegur trail and head back to Reykjavík. On the way back, get a glimpse of the elegant waterfall Seljalandsfoss! You should be back in Reykjavik around 9:30 pm.