Laugavegur

Laugavegur. It is one of Iceland's most famous and spectacular hiking routes, traversing a dramatic volcanic and geothermal landscape within the Highlands of Iceland. The trail connects the geothermal area of Landmannalaugar with the verdant, forested valley of Þórsmörk, passing by colorful rhyolite mountains, expansive lava fields, powerful glacial rivers, and the icy tongues of Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull. Renowned for its otherworldly scenery and challenging river crossings, it is a premier destination for trekkers from around the globe, typically hiked over three to four days with stays at managed mountain huts.

Geography and location

The trail is situated in the southern part of the Highlands of Iceland, a vast, uninhabited interior region characterized by extreme volcanic activity. It begins in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve near Landmannalaugar, an area famed for its hot springs and multicolored rhyolite peaks such as Brennisteinsalda. The route proceeds south, skirting the western edge of the Torfa region and passing between the glaciers Mýrdalsjökull and the smaller Tindfjallajökull. Key geographical features include the obsidian desert of Hrafntinnusker, the geothermal valley of Hvanngil, the stark black sand plains of Mælifellssandur, and the dramatic canyon of Markarfljót near the trail's end. The final descent leads into the deeply incised valleys of Þórsmörk, named after the Norse god Thor, which are sheltered by surrounding glaciers and ice caps.

History

The route has ancient origins, serving as a historic path for travelers and shepherds moving between the interior highlands and coastal settlements. For centuries, it was used during the sheep round-up in autumn, a critical event in Icelandic agriculture. The modern hiking trail was formally established and marked in the 1970s by the Icelandic Touring Association, which also constructed the first network of mountain huts to support safer travel through this remote terrain. The trail's popularity surged in the latter part of the 20th century, coinciding with the growth of international adventure tourism and increased global interest in Icelandic nature. Its status was further cemented when nearby volcanic events, such as the 2010 eruptions of Eyjafjallajökull, drew worldwide attention to the region's powerful geology.

Hiking trail

The standard trek covers approximately 55 kilometers from north to south, with most hikers starting at Landmannalaugar and finishing in Þórsmörk. The trail is divided into several stages, with mandatory overnight stops at the managed huts of Hrafntinnusker, Álftavatn, Botnar, and Langidalur or Básar in Þórsmörk. The most challenging aspects are the unpredictable weather, which can bring snow even in summer, and the several unbridged glacial river crossings, such as those near Álftavatn and across the Bláfjallakvísl. Many trekkers extend their journey by continuing from Þórsmörk over the Fimmvörðuháls pass to the village of Skógar, a route that passes between the glaciers Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull and near the site of the 2010 Fimmvörðuháls eruption.

Tourism and facilities

The trail is exclusively open during the summer season, generally from mid-June to mid-September, due to severe winter conditions. Access is controlled, with most visitors arriving via specially equipped buses operated by companies like Reykjavík Excursions and Trex from Reykjavík or Hella. Overnight accommodation is primarily in huts owned by the Icelandic Touring Association, which must be booked months in advance due to high demand; wild camping is permitted only in designated areas. Key services are concentrated at the trailheads, with the Landmannalaugar campsite offering basic facilities and a famous natural hot spring for bathing. In Þórsmörk, several operators, including the Volcano Huts, provide more extensive services, from lodging to guided tours of the surrounding valleys and glaciers.

In popular culture

The stunning and alien landscapes of the trail have made it a frequent subject and backdrop in visual media and literature. It has featured prominently in numerous documentaries and travel series about Iceland, such as those produced by the BBC Natural History Unit. The route's dramatic vistas have also been used as filming locations for movies and television shows seeking to depict otherworldly environments, including scenes in the Game of Thrones series and various science fiction films. Its reputation among the global hiking community is formidable, often listed among the world's best treks by publications like National Geographic and Lonely Planet, which has solidified its iconic status in adventure travel culture.

Category:Hiking trails in Iceland Category:Highlands of Iceland Category:Tourism in Iceland