Laugavegur Trail Hike – Challenging Option
(You can also check out our Classic Tour)
A 6-day women-only hiking adventure along the Laugavegur Trail & into the heart of Þórsmörk
Tour Overview
The Laugavegur Trail is one of Iceland’s most iconic long-distance hikes, and this six-day, women-only guided trek offers a deep, immersive experience through the country’s wild Southern Highlands. Hiking from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk, the trail takes you through constantly changing landscapes—colorful rhyolite mountains, steaming geothermal valleys, black sand deserts, glaciers, rivers, and lush green canyons.
Over the course of the journey, we also spend time hiking in Þórsmörk, a dramatic valley framed by glaciers and rugged peaks, known for its rich vegetation and striking viewpoints. Evenings are spent in mountain huts, sharing meals and stories under Iceland’s long summer light.
Led by experienced Viking Women guides, this women-only hike focuses on safety, support, and connection—allowing you to fully experience the Laugavegur Trail while moving together through one of Iceland’s most remarkable landscapes.
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Duration
6 days
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Group Size
Maximum 16 women
Small-group format for safety, connection, and a supportive hiking experience.
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Difficulty
Moderate to challenging. A good level of fitness is required, and prior multi-day hiking experience is recommended. Daily hikes can be long, with steady pacing and varied terrain, but are fully supported by an experienced Viking Women guide.
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Season
Late June through mid-September.
The prime hiking season in Iceland’s highlands, with long daylight hours and changing weather conditions.
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Daily Hiking Distance & Terrain
Long hiking days across varied terrain including volcanic sand, rocky trails, mud, snow, river crossings, and steep slopes.
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Weather & Conditions
The weather in the Icelandic highlands can change quickly. Expect a mix of sun, wind, rain, and cool temperatures, typically ranging from 5–15°C (40–60°F)
What’s Included
Transportation
Travel to and from the trail in specialized highland buses operated by licensed Icelandic companies, built to handle rough roads and river crossings. Departing Reykjavík early on Day 1 and returning in the evening on Day 6.
Mountain Hut Accommodation
Stay in cozy mountain huts operated by the Iceland Touring Association. Accommodation is in communal, mixed-gender dormitories with single mattresses. Sleeping bags are required. Simple, shared spaces are all part of the authentic highland experience.
Meals on the Trail
All meals are included from lunch on Day 1 through lunch on Day 6, along with daily trail snacks. Meals are hearty, nutritious, and prepared using local Icelandic ingredients.
Please note: we can accommodate vegetarian diets and limited gluten-free needs due to hut kitchen constraints.
Luggage & Food Transport
Enjoy hiking with just a daypack. One main backpack or duffel per person is transported between huts, along with all group food and supplies—so you can focus on the trail, not the weight.
Women-Only Hiking Guide
Led by an experienced Viking Women guide who knows the Laugavegur Trail inside and out. Your guide ensures safety, sets a steady pace, reads changing conditions, and creates a supportive, encouraging group environment throughout the journey.
Viking Women Experience
A women-only small group hike built around connection, confidence, and shared adventure—guided with care, professionalism, and a deep respect for Iceland’s highlands.
What’s NOT included
Airfare
Flights to and from Iceland are not included. This gives you the flexibility to choose the best routes and travel dates for your schedule.
Travel Insurance
Personal travel insurance is not included and is strongly recommended to cover hiking activities, medical care, trip interruptions, and luggage.
Accommodation Before & After the Hike
Accommodation in Reykjavík or elsewhere before Day 1 and after Day 6 is not included. We’re happy to share recommendations if you’d like help planning extra nights.
Sleeping Bag & Personal Gear
Sleeping bags, hiking clothing, and personal equipment are not included. A detailed packing list will be provided so you can prepare comfortably and confidently.
Gratuities (optional)
Tips for your guide are not included and are entirely optional. They are always appreciated but never expected.
Itinerary
day 01
Reykjavik — Landmannalaugar
Your adventure begins at the BSÍ bus terminal in downtown Reykjavík at 6:45am, where you’ll meet your expert guide and fellow hikers. By 7am, you’ll board the public Highland Bus to Landmannalaugar, with a brief stop in Hella for a bathroom break before arriving at the enchanting highland oasis around 11:30am. Upon arrival, you’ll settle into the hut, enjoy lunch and coffee, and embark on a short “warm-up” hike to prepare for the more challenging trek ahead. Following a circular trail between Bláhnúkur Mountain (Mt. Bluepeak) and Grænagil Canyon (The Green Canyon), you’ll take in breathtaking views of Brennisteinsalda Mountain (Mt. Sulfur Wave), one of Iceland’s most vibrant peaks. The day ends with a return to camp via the Laugahraun lava field, where a hearty dinner and a soothing soak in a natural hot spring await.
Distance: 5-6 km (3.1 – 3.8 mi)
Walking time: 3 hours
day 02
Landmannalaugar — Álftavatn
Rise and shine! After a wholesome breakfast and some morning stretches, load your our main luggage and food boxes into the sturdy luggage transporter before setting off on our hike. The first 12 kilometers (7.5 mi) are mainly uphill, as you leave behind the colorful landscapes of Landmannalaugar and enter Hrafntinnusker, or Black Obsidian Skerry, a strikingly otherworldly terrain. Here, hikers can use the hut’s outdoor toilet and refill water bottles before continuing the journey. The trail then descends into the gullies of Jökultungur, where steaming hot springs and bubbling mud pools create a mesmerizing landscape. Along the way, take in breathtaking views of the Álftavatn area (Swan Lake) and the majestic Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull glaciers. In the afternoon, we arrive at the Álftavatn hut, where you will settle in and spend the night.
Distance: 24 km (15 mi)
Walking time: 8-9 hours
Ascent/Descent: +470 m (1,540 ft); -490 m (1,610 ft)
DAY 03
Álftavatn — Emstrur
Day three begins like every other on the trail, with a hearty breakfast followed by sandwich preparation for lunch. After loading your luggage and food into the transporter, set off on another day of hiking through this highland paradise. Just 30 minutes into the trek, you’ll reach the first of two glacial river crossings, so be sure to have your river crossing shoes packed in your daypack. Along the way, you’ll pass the Hvanngil hut, where restroom facilities are available, before tackling the second glacial river crossing. The trail then winds through the vast black desert of Mælifellssandur, framed by striking green mountains, before arriving at Emstur hut in the afternoon. In the evening, don’t miss the optional hike to the breathtaking Markarfljót canyon—an unforgettable experience. The round-trip hike to the canyon is approximately 3 km (1.9 mi) and may take between 1 to 2 hours to complete. Start and finish at Emstrur hut.
Distance: 16 km (10 mi)
Walking time: 6-7 hrs
Descent: 40 m (130 ft)
DAY 04
Emstrur — Thorsmork
The final day on the Laugavegur Trail, but not our last day hiking! Leave Emstrur and hike toward Þórsmörk, passing through the Almenningar gorge by Mount Einhyrningur (the Unicorn Mountain), with stunning glacier views still in sight. As you approach Þórsmörk, the landscape gradually transforms—sparse trees begin to appear, leading into the lush birch forests that define the area. Accommodation for the night is in a truly magnificent setting, nestled beneath the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers. It’s time to celebrate completing the world-famous Laugavegur Trail!
Distance: 17 km (10.5 mi)
Walking time: 6-7 hours
Descent: 300 m (985 ft)
day 05
Thorsmork
Þórsmörk, or Thorsmork, is a breathtaking nature reserve in Iceland’s highlands, nestled between the Tindfjallajökull and Eyjafjallajökull glaciers, creating a stunning and picturesque valley. Named after the Norse god Thor, it’s a paradise for hikers, offering trails that range from gentle walks to challenging treks with spectacular viewpoints. Today, you’ll explore the magical Tindfjallahringur trail, a circular route through the Tindfjöll mountains with postcard-worthy scenery. While the trail includes some steep and narrow sections, the incredible views make every step worthwhile—you’ll be so captivated by the landscape, you’ll hardly notice the effort!
Distance: 12 km (7.4 mi)
Walking time: 5-6 hours
Ascent: 350 m (1,200 ft)
day 06
Thorsmork — Reykjavik
In the morning, set out on a scenic hike near your hut, climbing Valahnúkur Mountain for stunning 360-degree views of the entire Þórsmörk region. Along the way, visit Sönghellir (Song Cave) and explore the Húsadalur hut area before catching the afternoon bus back to Reykjavík. Expect to arrive downtown around 6pm, where the public bus will drop you off at The Pond or Bus Stop 2.
Distance: 6 km (3.7mi)
Walking time: 3 hours
Ascent: 220 m (720 ft)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this hike suitable for solo travelers?
Yes. Many of our guests join solo. This is a women-only group, and our hikes are designed to create a supportive, welcoming environment where it’s easy to connect with others from day one.
How fit do I need to be for the Laugavegur Trail?
A good level of fitness is required, and prior multi-day hiking experience is strongly recommended. Expect long hiking days over varied terrain. If you’re comfortable hiking full days with a backpack on uneven ground, this hike may be a great fit.
What’s the main difference between the Classic and Challenging Laugavegur hikes?
The main difference between the Classicu and Challenging hikes is in the first two days. The Classic group begins hiking upon arrival in Landmannalaugar, covering 12 km to Hrafntinnusker on Day 1 and 12 km to Álftavatn on Day 2. The Challenging group spends the first night in Landmannalaugar, with time for a short warm-up hike and a soak in the hot springs, before hiking 24 km to Álftavatn on Day 2, passing Hrafntinnusker along the way. From Day 3 onward, the itinerary is the same for both groups.
Can I rent hiking gear for this tour?
Yes, some hiking gear can be rented in Reykjavik, including items such as sleeping bag, hiking poles, waterproof clothing, and boots. We recommend arranging rentals in advance to ensure availability and proper fit. A detailed packing list and rental suggestions will be shared before the tour so you can plan comfortably.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Weather in Iceland’s highlands can change quickly. If conditions require it, the group may start hiking earlier or later in the day to safely reach the next hut. In cases of severe weather, Viking Women will arrange alternative transportation where possible to ensure the safety and well-being of the group. Safety always comes first, and plans are adapted accordingly.
What happens if someone gets injured on the trail?
Our Viking Women guides are trained in wilderness first aid and carry essential safety equipment at all times. Minor injuries are treated on the trail, and the hike continues at a safe, manageable pace. If a more serious injury occurs, the guide will assess the situation and coordinate appropriate assistance or evacuation if needed.
I’m a slow hiker — can I still join?
We welcome hikers with different hiking styles, and our guides set a steady, supportive pace. That said, it’s important that all participants are able to complete each day’s hike within the timeframe outlined in the itinerary. This ensures the group can reach the next hut safely and allows for rest, meals, and changing weather conditions. If you’re unsure whether this pace feels right for you, we’re always happy to talk it through before booking.
