Ultimate Iceland Adventure – Laugavegur Trail, Golden Circle & South Coast
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This 10 day adventure is the ultimate Viking Women experience, combining the legendary Laugavegur Trail with Iceland’s most iconic sights—from the Golden Circle and South Coast to glacier lagoons and the Blue Lagoon.
Tour Overview
Join a women-only 10-day Iceland adventure that combines iconic hiking trails with Iceland’s most famous natural highlights. This guided journey takes you deep into the Icelandic Highlands, along legendary routes such as the Laugavegur Trail and Þórsmörk, while also exploring top sightseeing areas including the Golden Circle, South Coast, glacier lagoons, and Diamond Beach.
Led by an experienced local guide, you’ll hike through volcanic landscapes, waterfalls, glaciers, and black sand deserts, with time to relax in natural hot springs along the way. Evenings are spent sharing meals, resting in carefully selected accommodations, and connecting with a small group of like-minded women.
This 10-day women-only hiking and sightseeing tour in Iceland is designed for those who want to experience the country’s most dramatic landscapes while balancing adventure, comfort, and meaningful connection.
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Duration
10 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 on the trail 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, glacial terrain 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
A comfortable minibus, offering a smooth and relaxed way to travel between destinations. The vehicle has a dedicated luggage compartment with spacious seating and room for daypacks.
We access to the highlands in specialized highland buses operated by licensed Icelandic companies, built to handle rough roads and river crossings.
Accommodation
On the trail we 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.
On the road we stay in comfortable hotels and guesthouses chosen for their good location, welcoming atmosphere, and overall comfort.
Only twin room option available
Meals
All meals are included on the trail, 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.
On the road all meals are included except three lunches.
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.
Activites & Entrance fees
Entrance fees for all scheduled activities are included, such as a glacier hike, greenhouse visit with lunch and lagoon entries. All necessary safety equipment for these activities is provided.
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 Tour
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.
Lunch
Three lunches are not included. Your guide will select cozy cafés and charming local restaurants along the way, giving you the flexibility to choose what suits you best.
Itinerary
day 01
Arrival in Reykjavík & Welcome Dinner
Your Iceland Ring Road adventure begins in Reykjavík. We’ll meet our guide around 5:45 PM at a hotel in downtown Reykjavík (exact location confirmed closer to departure). After a short introduction and itinerary overview, we’ll enjoy a welcome dinner together—an easy and relaxed way to get to know your fellow travelers before the journey begins.
day 02
Golden Circle Highlights, Friðheimar & Secret Lagoon
We begin the journey by exploring Iceland’s famous Golden Circle, one of the country’s most popular sightseeing routes. Starting in the morning, we visit Þingvellir National Park, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, followed by the Geysir Geothermal Area, home to bubbling hot springs and erupting geyser Strokkur. We then continue to Gullfoss Waterfall, one of Iceland’s most powerful and iconic natural sights.
For lunch, we stop at Friðheimar Greenhouse, where tomatoes are grown year-round using geothermal energy. In the afternoon, we relax at the Secret Lagoon, Iceland’s oldest geothermal pool. In the evening, we travel to Hella, where we settle into our hotel and enjoy a restful night before heading to the highlands.
day 03
Landmannalaugar Highlands & Easy Hiking
After breakfast, we board the Highland Bus and travel from Hella into the Icelandic Highlands, arriving in Landmannalaugar around midday. Known for its colorful rhyolite mountains, lava fields, and geothermal activity, Landmannalaugar is one of Iceland’s most striking natural areas.
Once settled into the hut, we head out on a gentle hike to explore the surrounding landscapes at a relaxed pace. This walk offers a great introduction to the highlands and showcases steaming vents, lava formations, and wide mountain views.
In the evening, there is time to unwind in the natural hot spring in Landmannalaugar, a well-known highlight of the area. Those who wish can also visit the nearby mountain hut café for a drink and time to socialize with the group.
Distance: 5 km (3 mi)
Walking time: 2–3 hours
DAY 04
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 05
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 06
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 07
Thorsmork — Hella
In the morning, we head out on a scenic hike in Þórsmörk, ascending Valahnúkur for sweeping 360-degree views across the surrounding valleys, glaciers, and mountain ridges. Along the route, we visit Sönghellir (Song Cave) and explore the Húsadalur area, known for its lush vegetation and dramatic setting beneath the glaciers.
In the afternoon, we return by bus to Hella, where our Viking Women minibus is waiting. We then continue to our hotel, where a comfortable room with a private bathroom offers a well-earned rest after days in the highlands.
Distance: 6 km (3.7mi)
Walking time: 3 hours
Ascent: 220 m (720 ft)
day 08
Glacier Hike, Black Sand Beaches & South Coast Highlights
Today we explore Iceland’s dramatic South Coast, beginning with a guided glacier hike on Sólheimajökull, one of the country’s most accessible outlet glaciers. Equipped with crampons and safety gear, we spend approximately two hours walking across the ice, learning about glacier formation, movement, and the effects of climate change. No prior glacier experience is required, and all necessary equipment is provided.
After the glacier hike, we continue to Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, known for its volcanic sands, basalt columns, and powerful Atlantic waves. We then visit Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, a striking, winding gorge carved by the Fjaðrá River and one of Iceland’s most photogenic natural features before getting settled in our hotel in the south-east.
Distance: 6.5 km (4.5 mi)
Walking time: Approx. 3 hours
Ascent: 150 m (490 ft)
day 09
Glacier Lagoon, Waterfalls & Return to Reykjavík
We begin the day at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where icebergs drift slowly across the water after breaking away from Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier. Just across the road, we visit Diamond Beach, where fragments of ice rest on black volcanic sand, creating a striking contrast.
Continuing west, we stop at Eldhraun Lava Field, formed during the historic Laki eruption in the late 18th century—one of the largest lava flows on Earth. The journey then brings us to two of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls: Seljalandsfoss, where it is possible to walk behind the cascading water, and nearby Gljúfrabúi, a hidden waterfall tucked inside a narrow canyon.
In the evening, we return to Reykjavík for a farewell dinner, celebrating the journey and reflecting on the shared experiences of the past days.
day 10
Blue Lagoon & Departure
On the final morning, we visit the Blue Lagoon, Iceland’s most famous geothermal spa, located in a lava field on the Reykjanes Peninsula. The warm, mineral-rich waters provide the perfect opportunity to relax after days of travel and adventure.
After the visit, transportation is arranged to Keflavík International Airport for guests with afternoon departures. Those extending their stay may return to Reykjavík with the guide for additional time in the city.
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 tours 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.
Can I store luggage in the Viking Women mini bus while on the trail?
Yes, that is no problem.
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.
