Illustrative artwork — an impression of Laugavegur Trail — Iceland, not a literal photograph.
The Laugavegur is a roughly 55-kilometer multi-day trek across Iceland's highlands, running from the geothermal hot springs of Landmannalaugar to the green valley of Þórsmörk through rhyolite peaks, black-sand desert, and glacial river crossings. Because it sits inside the Fjallabak Nature Reserve, lodging is built around a chain of mountain huts operated by Ferðafélag Íslands, the Icelandic Touring Association — where you sleep each night is essentially decided by which stage you're walking, not by browsing options once you arrive.
Why hike here
This is a trail that changes color under your boots almost hourly. It starts at Landmannalaugar, where hikers soak in natural hot springs before the packs even go on, then climbs into a landscape of rhyolite mountains streaked in ochre, pink, and green mineral bands — the kind of terrain that looks more like a painting than a hillside. Beyond that come stretches of black volcanic desert, steam rising from geothermal vents, and glacial rivers you ford in bare feet, cold enough to make you gasp. The final stretch drops into Þórsmörk, a green valley of birch scrub wedged between glaciers, and the contrast after days of stark highland gray is enough to stop most hikers mid-step. Few multi-day routes anywhere pack this much visible geology into so few kilometers.
Getting there
Getting to the trailhead means flying into Keflavík International Airport and basing yourself in Reykjavík for a night, since the journey into the highlands only runs from the capital area. From there, a seasonal highland bus — running only in summer and subject to weather and river conditions — covers the rough road into Landmannalaugar, where the trail begins. At the other end, the same kind of highland bus service picks up hikers from Þórsmörk. Because these buses don't run year-round and can be delayed or cancelled by weather, it's worth checking schedules and building in a buffer day on both ends.
Where to stay
The realistic options, closest-to-the-trail first. Book through the official links — we don't list prices or availability because they change all the time.
Illustrative — evokes the setting, not a specific property. For example: Landmannalaugar, Hrafntinnusker, Álftavatn, Emstrur (Botnar) and Þórsmörk
Trekkers who want a bunk and shelter from Highland weather.
Huts are small and sell out early for the short summer season.
Ferðafélag Íslands (Icelandic Touring Association)For example: Tent areas beside each hut, with access to toilets and water
Campers carrying a storm-worthy tent; wild camping here is restricted.
Iceland's wind is fierce — bring a tent and stakes rated for exposed ground.
Pay/register at the hut or via the associationPermits & rules
No trekking permit is required, but hut beds and campsites should be booked through the Icelandic Touring Association. River crossings and rapid weather changes are the real hazards.
Gear you'll want for this trip
Matched to the terrain and conditions here. Real products — check current price on Amazon.
Common questions
Do I need to book huts in advance?
Yes — book as early as you can. The huts along the route are small and this is a short season (roughly late June to early September when they're staffed), so space fills fast. If you can't get a hut booking for a given night, plan to camp in the designated tent area beside it instead, since wild camping elsewhere is restricted.
Can I camp instead of staying in the huts?
Yes, each hut has a designated tent area right beside it, and pitching there is generally the option if hut beds are full or you prefer camping. Wild camping outside these areas is restricted, so plan to use them rather than pitching wherever you like. Bring storm-rated stakes — the highlands get fierce, sustained wind, and a flimsy setup won't hold.
When is the best time to hike the Laugavegur?
The trail is generally walkable from late June to early September, which is also when the mountain huts are staffed. Outside that window, huts close, the highland bus service stops running, and river crossings and weather become far more serious undertakings. If you're planning a first trip, aim for the middle of that season rather than the edges.
Complete gearsets for this trip
Full curated kits built for exactly this kind of hike — what to bring, why, and links to similar gear.
Lodging details are compiled from official parks, refuge associations and reservation systems and can change without notice. We publish no prices, availability or ratings — always confirm current information on the official site before booking or setting out. Product links are affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you; prices and availability are shown on Amazon. See our affiliate disclosure.