Iceland laugavegur trek
Experience some of the most stunning scenery on Earth as you hike past glaciers, hot springs, volcanoes, and canyons through the Highlands on our Iceland guided hiking tour.
Trip Dates
Contact us for private/custom trip options.
Duration
5 Days/ 4 Nights
Difficulty
Challenging
Group Size
12 guests maximum
Price From
$1,175 per person
Iceland Hiking Tour Highlights
- Relax in geothermal hot springs under the midnight sun
- Hike in other-worldly landscapes past glaciers, waterfalls, steam vents, canyons and lava fields
- See incredible vistas that can only be viewed by hikers
- Eat delicious food on trail - a delightful mix of Icelandic and American/continental cuisine
Trip Difficulty: Challenging
This is one of the most physically demanding trips that we offer. Prior hiking experience is recommended. The elevation is not high, but the weather can change quickly and you have to be prepared for a variety of weather conditions. The most we walk in a day is 10 miles, and although we have many hours to do it, you will be carrying your clothes in a hiker’s backpack. The views you get on this trek, views that only hikers see, are definitely worth it. Customers without prior hiking experience have done the trip before, and if absolutely needed you can leave the hike and return to Reykjavik from one of the huts along the way, but we want everyone to enjoy the trip and finish the hike! Our leaders are trained in wilderness medicine to provide aid if needed, and they will give plenty of encouragement and assistance to help you complete the trek.
The Carpe Mundo Touch
Our trip itinerary has been perfected over the years to give you the best experience possible, and it allows you to choose whether you want more or less hiking. We start off spending the night at Landmannalaugar, giving you time to truly appreciate the beauty of the colored mountains that the area is known for. While here, we do shorter hikes to acclimate to hiking so you will be better prepared for the longer trek. You also have an opportunity to enjoy the hot spring in the evening. Soaking in geothermal springs under the midnight sun in the remote highlands of Iceland? That is the type of incredible natural experience that draws people to this amazing country, and yet very few get an experience like this. Our small groups add to the camaraderie that you experience with the other hikers and allow our leaders to give you more individual attention. With all of these benefits, you will be glad you chose to travel with a company committed to providing you with an unforgettable experience and not just a trip.
Itinerary
This is the general itinerary that is used for the trip. Itineraries are subject to change based on weather, group preferences, and other circumstances. Click on each day to discover a more detailed description of the itinerary.
Our trip starts off with a morning bus transfer from Reykjavik to Landmannalaugar. This beautiful area in the Icelandic Highlands is famous for its colorful mountains. After settling in, we hike a couple of hours (~5 miles) in the surrounding valleys and mountains offering panoramic views of the area. After dinner, take a soak and relax in the natural hot spring beneath the midnight sun!
Today we start the official Laugavegur trek. We hike through old lava fields, over a few hills, past geothermal steam vents, and up to an open plateau. When we arrive at Hrafntinnusker, you can take an optional hike to a panoramic view point where you can see several volcanoes and glaciers in the distance! (~7.5 miles).
Today’s hike has a few very manageable ups and downs, hiking to a ridge that reveals surreal vistas of the highlands- you will be able to see volcanoes, glaciers, valleys, and lakes all from the same spot. This is perhaps one of the best views of the entire trip (and even in the world!). We pass by beautiful Lake Alftavatn before finishing for the day at Hvanngil, an old farmhouse where we spend the night at the hut! (~11 miles)
Today is one of the easiest days with a shorter distance and mostly flat terrain. We hike through a wide, open volcanic plain, past a powerful and scenic waterfall, and over several small rivers. In the afternoon, there is an optional hike to an impressive canyon that was formed from flooding caused by a single volcanic eruption. (~7.5 miles)
Today’s hike does not have as much elevation as the previous days, but is still full of beauty! We cross the Syðri Emstruá canyon, hike through an Icelandic forest, and continue on towards Iceland’s most infamous volcano- Eyjafjallajökull. When we finally get to þórsmörk, we will reflect on our accomplishment and reminisce about all of the wonderful memories we shared over the past week hiking in the highlands! You will transfer back to Reykjavik in the evening. (~9.5 miles)
Pre/Post Trip Travels: If you would like to see more of Iceland, we recommend going on our Iceland Highlights trip or doing a self drive tour! Care to explore further? We also recommend visiting Akureyri in the north, flying to Greenland or the Faroe Islands, or make your Iceland visit part of the Iceland Stopover option that several airlines offer when flying between North America and mainland Europe! Contact us for additional details.
Dates & Prices
Trip Dates
Contact us for private/custom trip options.
Pricing
Standard Camping Trip: $1,175 per person*
*Prices are in US Dollars, based on double occupancy.
We pride ourselves on offering one of the smallest group sizes and best leader to guest ratios in the industry. Our average group size is 6-8 people, the maximum for this tour is 12 guests, and we never exceed a guide to customer ratio of 1:8. Our small groups allow us to personalize the trip based on the group to best suit your travel needs and preferences. Larger groups are available as a custom/private tour.
IncludeD:
- Bus transfer from Reykjavik to Landmannalaugar
- Bus transfer from Þórsmörk to Reykjavik
- All meals: lunch on Day 1 - dinner on Day 5
- 3 nights tent accommodation & 1 night hut accommodation
- Two fun & knowledgeable leaders
- Online trip photo album & Carpe Mundo shirt
Not IncludeD:
- Airfare (we can help!)
- Airport transfers
- Meals (not listed above)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Personal hiking gear (backpack & sleeping bag rentals available)
- Travel insurance
- Leader gratuities
Supplemental:
- Pre/Post trip accommodation in Reykjavik (contact us for options)
- Backpack rental: $45 (Deuter or Osprey backpack with adjustable torso size)
- Sleeping bag rental: $45 (down sleeping bag with liner for extra warmth)
- Sleeping pad rental: $20
- Rent two items: receive 10% off // Rent 3 items: receive 20% off
Additional Information
Accommodations: This trip is a tent-based trip, with one night in a typical Icelandic mountain hut. We use high quality, lightweight backpacking tents that accommodate 3-4 people (if you would prefer a tent for 1-2 people, this can be arranged for an additional fee). We camp at designated locations along the trail where you will have access to toilets, running water, and often times hot showers (500 ISK). When staying in the huts, accommodations are heated dorm-style rooms with bunk beds.
Payment Terms & Conditions: If you are thinking about signing up for a trip but are not yet ready to commit, we offer a 5 day courtesy hold. To secure your space on a trip, a $500 per person deposit is required and can be paid by check or credit card. The remaining trip balance is due no later than 90 days prior to the start of the trip. If you decide to cancel more than 45 days prior to the start of your trip, you will receive a Carpe Mundo credit that is transferable with no expiration for the amount paid, or we will refund your payment less a $250/person cancellation fee. If you decide to cancel less than 45 days prior to the start of your trip, no refunds or credits will be available.
Packing List: A suggested packing list as well as additional information on travel to Iceland can be found in our Customer Information packet. Due to the nature of this trip, it is IMPERATIVE that you follow the packing list, which may require purchasing some items (such as a rain jacket, rain pants, hiking boots, etc). If you are traveling with items you do not need during the hike, most hotels and guesthouses in Reykjavik offer luggage storage (fees may apply). If you are unable to find luggage storage options, please contact us for additional information.
Release of Liability: We require that everyone participating in a Carpe Mundo trip completes and e-signs an Assumption of Risk/Liability Release waiver as well as a Medical Information Form. You will receive these after you have registered for a trip, and they must be completed prior to travel.
Insurance: Due to the nature and locations of our trips, we highly recommend that everyone participating in a trip has medical insurance that provides coverage while abroad. Although not required, we highly recommend purchasing travel insurance or a travel protection plan for your trip. We adhere to our cancellation policy, and these plans will protect your trip purchase in the event you cancel under certain circumstances.