Walking in the Land of Ice and Fire
If you seek the most otherworldly landscapes on Earth, Iceland’s Laugavegur Trail stands as one definitive answer. This 55-kilometre route traverses from searing geothermal zones to the foot of glaciers, from vibrant rhyolite mountains to pitch-black deserts. Its extraordinary diversity and surreal beauty crown it among the world’s premier hiking trails.
Route Breakdown: A 4-6 Day Enchanted Journey
The standard Laugavegur trek takes 4 to 6 days to complete, from Landmannalaugar to Sólheimajökull, with each day offering distinctly different landscapes.
Day 1: Landmannalaugar → Hrafntinnusker – Departing from a colourful volcanic landscape, ascend to a plateau shrouded in geothermal steam and dotted with ice caves.
Day 2: Hrafntinnusker → Álftavatn – Traverse an enchanting gorge before emerging into a stunning oasis of lakes and lush greenery.
Day 3: Álftavatn → Emstrur – Trek through a vast black desert flanked by majestic glaciers, requiring multiple river crossings.
Day 4: Emstrur → Þórsmörk – Finally enter the Þórsmörk valley, a lush green jungle starkly contrasting the previous barren landscapes.
Total distance: 55 kilometres.
Difficulty: ★★★☆☆ (Moderate, with challenges stemming primarily from varied terrain and weather rather than technical difficulty).
Core experiences not to be missed
The colours of Landmannalaugar: Dubbed the “Coloured Mountains”, rhyolite rocks oxidise into hues of yellow, red, green, and blue, resembling an overturned palette of earth tones.
The Surrealism of the Geothermal Zone: Steam vents billowing white smoke and scalding hot springs dot the path, the air thick with sulphur, offering a palpable sense of the Earth’s pulse.
The Thrill of River Crossings: The route demands several fords through glacial meltwater rivers – icy and turbulent, providing unforgettable challenges and exhilaration.
The vitality of Sómmergur: After days of barren landscapes, arriving at this green valley encircled by glaciers feels like returning to paradise on earth.
Practical Information and Tips
Best Season: The trail is only open from late June to mid-September. July offers the best weather but also the highest visitor numbers.
Equipment: Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers, waterproof hiking boots with ankle support, thermal layers (preferably merino wool), and trekking poles are essential. Pack swimwear for soaking in hot springs at the trailhead or finish.
Accommodation: Book overnight huts along the route months in advance, or camp at designated sites near the huts.
Transport: Access to the trailhead requires either a 4×4 vehicle or purchase of a hiker’s bus pass.
Walking the Laugavegur Trail, you’ll forget you’re on Earth. It unfolds an epic tale of geological transformation through nature’s most extreme spectacles. This is a journey through time and space, where every step reshapes your understanding of our planet.
