6-day Ultimate Laugavegur & Fimmvörðuháls trek

Your tour will start with an early morning departure from Reykjavik. We’ll hit the road for a scenic drive to Landmannalaugar, which takes about 3 to 4 hours, depending on the season. You’ll catch views of the South Coast along the way before entering the Highlands. From the passenger’s seat, you’ll see Iceland’s most active volcano, Hekla, cheerfully nicknamed “The Gateway to Hell.”

The starting location for the Laugavegur trek is Landmannalaugar. We’ll hike through Vondugil Canyon and Laugahraun Lava Field, whose barren features perfectly contrast the beautifully colorful rhyolite mountains and volcanoes like Brennisteinsalda. If the time allows, we’ll visit the Graenagil Gorge and Bláhnjúkur Volcano.

We’ll spend our first night at Landmannalaugar. In the evening, we’ll enjoy a delicious dinner, get to know each other better, and relax in the beauty and serenity of Icelandic nature.

The second day of our trek begins with a nourishing breakfast, leaving us energized and ready for the adventures ahead. The day starts with an ascent through small gorges, the Stórihver hot spring area, and striking yellow mountain ridges. The landscape soon shifts dramatically to the black obsidian desert of Hrafntinnusker, where we’ll pause to enjoy lunch amidst this unique terrain.

From Hrafntinnusker, we descend into the gullies of Jökultungur, a geothermal wonderland filled with steaming hot springs and bubbling mud pools. Over time, geothermal activity has painted these gullies in vivid shades of yellow and red, contrasting beautifully with the pale sand-toned peaks around them. At the top of Jökultungur, we’ll take in breathtaking views of the Fjallabak region and, weather permitting, catch glimpses of the Mýrdalsjökull, Eyjafjallajökull, and Tindfjallajökull glaciers.

To reach our campsite near Álftavatn Lake, we’ll wade across a river—a thrilling yet safe experience. The day concludes with a hearty dinner and a chance to relax, soaking in the tranquil beauty of the lake and its serene surroundings.

After a hearty breakfast, we’ll set off for another exciting day of trekking. The journey begins with a stream crossing, now a familiar and fun part of the adventure, before we head into the vast black sand desert of Mælifellssandur. Along the way, we’ll pass the striking volcanoes of Stórasúla and Hattafell, their green moss-covered slopes standing out beautifully against the dark, rocky landscape.

If the weather is clear, we’ll be treated to incredible views of the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers. These iconic volcano-glaciers are steeped in history—Eyjafjallajökull famously disrupted air travel in 2010 with its powerful eruption, and Mýrdalsjökull hides the unpredictable Katla volcano beneath its ice.

As we continue, the dramatic Markarfljótsgljúfur Canyon comes into view. This stunning 200-meter-deep (656 ft) gorge, carved by a glacial river, is a real highlight of the day. We’ll eventually reach Botnar, a green oasis nestled in the middle of the black desert, where we’ll spend the night. After a delicious dinner, you can relax and enjoy the tranquil scenery in the soft evening light.

On day 4, we will set out on the final stretch of the Laugavegur Trail, leaving the dramatic landscapes of Emstrur behind as we make our way toward Þórsmörk. The trail leads us through the scenic Almenningar gorge, with the striking silhouette of Mount Einhyrningur (Unicorn Mountain) rising against the sky. Along the way, we’re treated to stunning glacier views of Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull.

As we approach Þórsmörk, the landscape begins to change. Sparse trees start to appear, gradually giving way to the dense birch forests that make this valley so unique. The air grows fresher, filled with the sounds of birds and the rustling leaves. Finally, we arrive in the lush oasis of Þórsmörk, surrounded by towering mountains and glaciers—a perfect place to celebrate the incredible accomplishment of completing the world-famous Laugavegur Trail.

The hike to the Magni and Modi volcanic craters offers a stunning journey through Iceland’s rugged and ever-changing volcanic landscape. Starting in the lush Þórsmörk valley, surrounded by steep mountains and glaciers, the trail quickly ascends into a barren and surreal environment shaped by the 2010 eruption of Eyjafjallajökull. Along the way, you’ll pass through black sand plains, sharp lava ridges, and remnants of recent geological activity, all framed by distant glaciers and dramatic skies.

As you approach the craters, the landscape transforms into a stark, otherworldly terrain of fresh lava fields and steaming vents. The craters, named after the sons of Thor in Norse mythology, offer incredible views into their jagged rims and the surrounding volcanic features. On clear days, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Mýrdalsjökull glacier and the Highlands, a stark contrast to the raw volcanic textures underfoot. The trail itself is moderately challenging, with some steep sections and loose gravel, requiring good footwear and a reasonable level of fitness.

We will spend the last day exploring Þórsmörk and the surrounding area. A hike up Mount Útigönguhöfði will give outstanding views over the valley and the glaciers. For those who are not up for a serious hike, a stroll to Húsadalur might be an option, or just relaxing around Langidalur before returning to Reykjavík. On our way to the city, you can glimpse Seljalandsfoss waterfall, one of the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland. We return to Reykjavik in the early evening at around 6:30 p.m.