Laugavegur Trail Express - 4 days
Laugavegur Trail Express - 4 days
Laugavegur Trail Express - 4 days
4 Days Starting and ending in Reykjavik, Iceland
Visiting: Reykjavik, Landmannalaugar
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 14
Age range:
15-70
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Active, Adventure Tours, Camping, Small Group, Walking Hiking and Trekking
Interests:
Tour Overview
Embark on the Laugavegur Trail Express, a 4-day trekking adventure through Iceland's most stunning landscapes. Starting and ending in Reykjavik, this tour takes you on a 55-kilometre journey through the otherworldly Laugahraun lava field, the dramatic Vondugil canyon, and the pitch-black Hrafntinnusker obsidian desert. Marvel at the geothermal wonders of Jokultungur and the lush birch forests of Thorsmork Valley. Enjoy 3 nights of camping in private tents with facilities, and travel comfortably in heated coaches with free Wi-Fi. With meals included and guided by an expert Icelandic trekking guide, this tour promises an unforgettable experience in the heart of Icelandic nature.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Reykjavik
Location: Reykjavik
Accommodation Name: Campsite
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Reykjavik - Landmannalaugar. We set off early in the morning, at 7:00 from the heart of Reykjavik (see the tour Trip Notes and your booking documentation for information about the pick up point). Our drive to Landmannalaugar will take around 3-4 hours, beginning with a journey along the stunning south coast before we ascend into the rugged highlands, where we’ll be spending the rest of the week. The drive itself is a visual feast, offering breathtaking views, not least of the mighty Hekla, Iceland's most active volcano. This formidable mountain, ominously referred to by medieval Europeans as the 'Gateway to Hell,' has erupted with fierce regularity every 10 to 15 years over the past century.
Landmannalaugar marks the starting point of the legendary Laugavegur trail. We’ll venture through the otherworldly Laugahraun lava field and the dramatic Vondugil canyon, taking in the kaleidoscope of colours that make the rhyolite mountains so unique, with the vibrant Mt. Brennisteinsalda standing out as a highlight. As we head to our accommodation, we’ll have the chance to marvel at the Graenagil gorge and, if time permits, ascend the Blahnjukur Volcano for even more awe-inspiring views.
Accommodation & Equipment: On this tour we stay in private tents at dedicated campsites. There is normally a small kitchen with stoves, hot water and utensils. A communal shower/toilet block is available for travellers on this tour and can be used communally by anyone else staying at the accommodation. Everyone on the tour will participate in camp chores such as cooking and washing up. You will need to bring with you on this tour: Thermal underwear (top and bottom), at least two sets of shirts, wool or fleece thermal mid layer, hiking pants, waterproof and breathable pants and jacket, wool/fleece hat, at least one pair of gloves, 2 to 3 pairs of thick socks, waterproof hiking boots, sleeping bag and travel pillow, sun glasses, sunscreen / after sun cream, travel sack for your baggage that is transported between campsites, day backpack, 25-40 L, river crossing shoes (old sneakers or similar for fording rivers), health supplies and prescription medicine, personal medical kit to include personal medication, 1-2 liter water bottle, towel. Please note that we can arrange rental of many of these items for you, including sleeping bag, boots, jacket and waterproof pants. Please enquire with our team at the time of booking.
Distance: 8 km (4.9 mi)
Walking time: 4 hrs
Ascent: 470 m (1540 ft)
Day 2: Landmannalaugar
Location: Landmannalaugar
Accommodation Name: Campsite
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmannalaugar - Hrafntinnusker - Jokultungur - Alftavatn. After a restful sleep and a hearty breakfast, we’ll be raring to hit the trail once more! Today’s adventure takes us through the pitch-black expanse of the Hrafntinnusker obsidian desert, past the vibrantly coloured Reykjafjoll rhyolite mountains, and into the mesmerising Jokultungur region. Here, geothermal forces have sculpted the rugged gullies into a striking palette of burnt and vivid yellows and reds, a vivid contrast to the soft, pale sandy tones that surround them.
Reaching the summit of Jokultungur, we’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views across the entire Fjallabak region and Alftavatn Lake, where we’ll be spending the night. To reach our campsite, we’ll need to ford a river on foot, a thrilling experience for many overseas hikers and one that adds an extra layer of excitement to our day’s journey.
Distance: 24 km (14.9 mi)
Walking time: 7 hrs
Ascent: 900 m (2952 ft)
Day 3: Landmannalaugar
Location: Landmannalaugar
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Botnar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Alftavatn - Emstrur - Botnar. Our journey today kicks off with a thrilling wade across a gushing stream, as we head towards Maelifellssandur and delve into the dramatic volcano terrain. Along the way, we’ll encounter the imposing Storasula and Hattafell volcanoes, guiding us towards Emstrur. If the weather is on our side, we’ll be treated to stunning vistas of the majestic Eyjafjallajokull and Myrdalsjokull glaciers.
As we make our way to Botnar, a green sanctuary nestled amidst a black sand desert, we’ll marvel at the Markarfljotsgljufur canyon, an awe-inspiring 200-metre-deep gorge carved by a glacial river. We’ll spend the night in this captivating area, soaking in the rugged beauty and tranquil ambiance.
Distance: 15 km (9.5 mi)
Walking time: 6-7 hrs
Descent: 40 m (130 ft)
Day 4: Reykjavik
Location: Reykjavik
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Botnar - Emstrur - Thorsmork Valley - Reykjavik. After breakfast, we bid farewell to Emstrur and Botnar and set off on our hike to Thorsmork. As we traverse the Almenningar gorge near Mount Einhyrningur (the Unicorn Mountain), we’ll continue to enjoy breathtaking views of the glaciers. But as we draw nearer to Thorsmork, the landscape begins to transform. We’ll start to see clusters of trees, heralding the onset of the lush birch forests that make Thorsmork so renowned.
We did it! You can celebrate the completion of the world-famous Laugavegur Trail! we will be collected at the trail's end and shall drive back to Reykajvik. We can glimpse the cascading Seljalandsfoss on our way back, arriving in the city at around 21:30.
Drop-off is offered at the City Hall on Vonarstraeti in Reykjavik.
Distance: 15 km (9.5 mi)
Walking time: 6-7 hrs
Descent: 300 m (985 ft)
What's Included
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Meals
3 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 3 dinners are included.
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Accommodation
3 nights camping in private tents at campsites with facilities such as kitchens, hot water, toilets, and showers.
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Guided Trek
The trek is escorted by an Icelandic trekking guide.
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Transport
Pick up and drop off from Reykjavik in heated coaches with free Wi-Fi on board.
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Luggage Storage
Luggage storage is provided.
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Tour Partner
This tour is operated in conjunction with a trusted partner, and you will join travelers from different operators, not solely On The Go.
What's Not Included
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International Flights and Visas
International flights and visas are not included.
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Transfers
Arrival and departure transfers are not included.
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Tips
Tips for your guide are not included and are an entirely personal gesture.
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Pre and Post-Tour Accommodation
Pre and post-tour accommodation in Reykjavik is not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel in heated coaches with free Wi-Fi for pick-up and drop-off from Reykjavik, ensuring a comfortable and connected journey to and from the Laugavegur Trail.
Accommodation
Enjoy 3 nights of camping in private tents at campsites equipped with kitchens, hot water, toilets, and showers, ensuring a comfortable stay amidst Iceland's stunning landscapes.
Age Policy
Min:15yrs, accompanied by an adult / Max:70
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 3 nights of camping in private tents at campsites equipped with kitchens, hot water, toilets, and showers, ensuring a comfortable stay amidst Iceland's stunning landscapes.
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What meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 3 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 3 dinners.
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Is there a guide for the trek?
Yes, the trek is escorted by an Icelandic trekking guide.
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What kind of transport is provided for the tour?
Pick-up and drop-off from Reykjavik are provided in heated coaches with free Wi-Fi on board.
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Is luggage storage available during the tour?
Yes, luggage storage is provided.
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What should I bring with me on the tour?
You will need to bring thermal underwear, shirts, wool or fleece thermal mid layer, hiking pants, waterproof and breathable pants and jacket, wool/fleece hat, gloves, thick socks, waterproof hiking boots, sleeping bag, travel pillow, sunglasses, sunscreen, travel sack, day backpack, river crossing shoes, health supplies, personal medical kit, water bottle, and a towel. Rental of some items like sleeping bags, boots, jackets, and waterproof pants can be arranged.
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What is the difficulty level of the hikes each day?
The hikes vary in difficulty with distances ranging from 8 km to 24 km and walking times from 4 to 7 hours. The terrain includes ascents and descents, river crossings, and traversing through diverse landscapes such as lava fields, rhyolite mountains, and black sand deserts.
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What is the age policy for this tour?
The minimum age for this tour is 15 years, accompanied by an adult, and the maximum age is 70 years.
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Are international flights and visas included in the tour package?
No, international flights and visas are not included in the tour package.
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Are arrival and departure transfers included?
No, arrival and departure transfers are not included.
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Are tips for the guide included in the tour price?
No, tips for your guide are not included and are an entirely personal gesture.
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Is pre and post-tour accommodation in Reykjavik included?
No, pre and post-tour accommodation in Reykjavik is not included.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
On The Go Tours allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform on the go tours, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 500 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.