Hikers with backpacks looking out over steaming geothermal mountains
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The Laugavegur Trail – Classic

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.

Duration

6 Days

Season

Late June through mid-September

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The prime hiking season in Iceland’s highlands, with long daylight hours and changing weather conditions.

Weather

5–15°C (40–60°F)

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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)

Group

Max 12 women

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Small-group format for safety, connection, and a supportive hiking experience.

Difficulty

Moderate to challenging

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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.

Daily Distance & Ascent

75 km · 1,800m elev.

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During this adventure, you’ll hike approximately 75 km (46 miles) in total, with daily distances on the trail ranging from 6–17 km depending on the day, and around 1,000 m of elevation gain through varied terrain — geothermal areas, colorful rhyolite mountains, glacial river crossings, black sand desert, a river gorge, and birch forest.
Hikers wading across a wide river in a green valley
12:00, crossing the river

The water is cold.
You’ll love it.

River crossings are part of the trail’s character — you’ll encounter them almost every day. Your guide will assess each crossing, demonstrate technique, and lead the group through safely. Neoprene shoes recommended.

Volcanic sand, lava fields, and everything in between…

No two days look alike. The trail moves through rainbow-colored mountains, steaming hot springs, glacial valleys, green canyons, and black volcanic desert. Expect long days on varied terrain, with river crossings and snow patches along the way. Prior multi-day hiking experience is recommended.

epic landscapes of laugavegur trail
Photo by Jędrzej Koralewski on Pexels.com

Amazing, isn’t it?

Line of hikers on a trail through a wide mountain landscape
Group of hikers waving from a footbridge over a gorge
Fresh from the source

Drink straight from the river. Seriously.

Iceland’s highland rivers and streams are clean enough to drink from directly. Fill your bottle anywhere on the trail. It’s one of the small daily joys that reminds you you’re somewhere genuinely wild.

Hikers with backpacks walking toward colorful rhyolite mountains

You might arrive alone. You won’t feel that way for long.

Most of our travelers book solo. By the end of day one — usually around the dinner table in the hut — that changes. The women you meet on this trail tend to stay in your life. Small group, shared miles, real friendships.

From our guestbook

Where You’ll Sleep And What You’ll Eat.

On the trail, you’ll stay in simple mountain huts run by the Iceland Touring Association — cozy, no-frills communal dormitories with shared bathrooms and shared mattresses, tucked right into the heart of the highlands (bring your own sleeping bag). Expect to share a room with other hikers; It’s basic by design — part of what makes the trek feel like a real adventure.

All meals are included throughout the trip, plus daily trail snacks. Guides cook breakfast and dinner at the huts — expect lamb, salmon, porridge, and good coffee. Lunches are packed and carried with you. Vegetarian diets are catered for, though complex dietary needs can’t be fully accommodated on the trail.

Dietary restrictions? Let us know when you book.

Itinerary

Your Laugavegur Trail adventure begins early in the morning at the BSÍ Bus Terminal in Reykjavík, where you’ll meet your highland guide and fellow hikers at 06:45. By 07:00, we board the public Highland Bus and travel toward Landmannalaugar, the colorful starting point of the Laugavegur Trail.
After approximately one hour, we stop in Hella for about 40 minutes. Here, we meet our luggage transporter and hand over main bags and food boxes. This is also a chance to use restrooms, grab something from the local bakery if needed, and make sure everyone is fully prepared for the hike with essentials packed in their daypacks.
Upon arrival in Landmannalaugar, we enjoy lunch, use the facilities, and begin our hike along the Laugavegur Trail, passing through steaming geothermal areas and colorful rhyolite mountains. By late afternoon, we reach Hrafntinnusker hut, the highest hut on the trail, surrounded by snowfields and dramatic highland scenery.

Distance:
12 km (7.5 mi)
Walking time:
4–5 hours
Ascent/Descent:
470 m (1,540 ft)
Group of hikers by the Laugavegur trail sign

Included

  • Highland bus to and from the trail
  • All mountain hut accommodation during the trip
  • All meals on the trail, plus daily trail snacks
  • Luggage transport between huts
  • Experienced Viking Women guide
  • 24/7 guide support on trail

Not included

  • Flights to/from Iceland
  • Accommodation in Reykjavík before and after the tour
  • Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
  • Sleeping bag and personal hiking gear
  • Hut showers (900 ISK per shower, paid on-site)
  • Gratuities (optional)
  • Everything not specified in “What’s Included”.
Packing list illustration with hiking boots, base layers, rain jacket, hat and socks

What to Wear on the Trail

The Icelandic highlands can bring sun, wind and rain all in one day, so layers are the key. Start with a base layer of merino wool or polyester. Add a warm mid layer like fleece, wool or down, and top it with a waterproof, windproof shell. Hiking pants or warm leggings and merino or synthetic socks keep your lower half comfortable. Wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots that are already broken in, so your feet stay happy for every kilometer. A warm, waterproof hat completes the look.

Pack light. Hike happy.

Recommended size: 25–40 L
Your daypack should be large enough to comfortably carry all items listed in the picture.
Weather in the Icelandic highlands can change quickly. Always keep your rain gear and warm layers easily accessible.

Packing list for day hikes with a photo of a hiker
Packing list for mountain hut nights with a duffel bag

Your main bag, your hut companion

Please avoid bringing a hard suitcase. A soft duffel bag (around 60 L) is preferable and large enough to carry all items listed in the picture.
You will not have access to your main luggage during the day. It will be waiting for you at the huts in the afternoon, so everything needed for the day’s trek must be packed in your daypack.

FAQ

Have more questions? Please read our Terms & conditions or get in touch.