The Laugavegur Trail (Iceland)
Iceland Trekking Recap: Laugavegur & Fimmvörðuháls Trails (4D3N) An unforgettable trek across two of Iceland’s most iconic trails—Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls—completed in four days, three nights, and one truly amazing adventure.
🗺️ Route Overview
Day 1–3: Laugavegur Trail: Álftavatn → Emstrur → Þórsmörk
Day 4: Fimmvörðuháls Trail: Þórsmörk → Skógar
Bus Transport: Reykjavik ↔ Trailhead
🥾 Day-by-Day Highlights
Day 1: Reykjavik to Álftavatn (Start of Laugavegur)
7:00am bus from Reykjavik, trailhead arrival around 11:15am with bathroom stops
Skipped the hot springs near the start (had already soaked in a lagoon the day before)
Full hiking day, reached the hut by 8:00pm
Day 2: Álftavatn to Emstrur
A more relaxed day with scenic but less dramatic views
Several river crossings (sandals were lifesavers!)
Camped at Emstrur
Day 3: Emstrur to Þórsmörk
Another easy day, still beautiful
Climbed Valahnúkur Peak (30-minute round trip from Þórsmörk)
Concluded the Laugavegur Trail
Day 4: Þórsmörk to Skógar (Fimmvörðuháls)
Started at 6am from the hut
Reached the top of the climb in 4 hours, rested at a basic hut
Descended by 3:30pm with a few relaxed breaks (total time: ~9.5 hours)
Caught bus #51 back to Reykjavik (7,000 ISK per person; cash/credit accepted)
Distance: 18.5 miles | Elevation gain: 4,400 ft
Hands down—the most beautiful day of the entire trek
🎒 Gear & Packing Tips
Pack weight (without water): ~10 lbs / 4 kg
No sleeping bag or pillow—slept in day clothes and stayed warm with a liner + down jacket
Basic hiking food: oatmeal, trail snacks, ramen and pasta dinners
1 trekking pole—super helpful for sandy descents
The landscapes on Day 4 heading to Skógar were next-level gorgeous—snow-capped peaks, surreal valleys, and waterfalls galore. Truly, one of the most stunning trails I’ve ever stepped foot on.
