National Geographic has selected the twenty best hiking trails in the world. Personally, I have completed five out of all on my own (Nepal, Jordan, Switzerland, USA, Canada). Moving forward on this list, I would like to invite you to hike with me along the ICELANDic iconic routes: Laugavegur + Fimmvörðuháls trails. It is unusual to find such a variety of landscapes anywhere else. The Laugavegur Trail passes through incredibly colorful rhyolite mountains, black obsidian lava, wheezing hot springs, mirror-clear lakes, a black sandy desert, and ends in a lush forested area. Here begins another of Iceland's most popular hiking trails, the Fimmvörduhals Trail, which runs between two glaciers, Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull, and connects Skogar to Thorsmork. We are going to complete these two hikes (77 km) in 5 days! At the same time, to benefit from my rescue experience (I'm certified by Red Cross in Remote First Aid) we will have ongoing training about the basics of surviving in the wilderness, type of PLB and GPS devices, and a first aid kit for multiday hiking. As I care all this stuff with me mandatorily and Iceland is well known for suddenly changing weather, we might have an opportunity to watch this stuff in action. Where are we staying? 🏡 Since usually flights arrive in Reykjavik, we will try to make the most of it by staying in the city on arrival and pre-departure nights and exploring the area. As soon as we hit the trail, we will stay in dedicated campsites in our own tents. The best practice is to share a Double tent between two participants. Respectively: —> 1° NIGHT: Reykjavik - Campsite (last equipment check before the start of the hike) —> 2°- 6° NIGHTs: On the trail - Campsite - Tent (own) —> 7° NIGHT: Reykjavik - Hostel What about transportation? 🚌 We are going to use a certain type of bus (4x4 😅) that will take us from Reykjavík to the starting point of our hike and back to Reykjavik, when we will finish. Riding on this bus itself can be considered an adventure. INCLUSIONS: ➡️ Logistics & booking responsibility removed from yourself and taken care of ➡️ Transportation from Reykjavik to Hiking starting/ending point & back to Reykjavik. ➡️ Accommodation: Hostel & campsites. Please note: 1. Campsite provides us with a spot and basic facilities only, bringing a tent & cooking stuff is our own responsibility. The shower can be purchased at an additional cost. 2. Hut accommodation is subject to availability and can be arranged at an additional cost. ➡️ Traditional Icelandic lamb meal at the end of our hike. ➡️ Hiking the trail with a seasoned hiker, using a preloaded GPS route, map & compass. ➡️ Experienced, fun & knowledgeable trip leader! ➡️ Pre-departure guidance including help with arrival day instructions & "what to pack" advice. ➡️ Destination-specific WhatsApp group for general travel questions & to meet your team before arriving ➡️ Travel insurance if you are a resident of Germany or Austria EXCLUSIONS: ➡️ F&B: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner & drinks ➡️ Camping, hiking, and cooking equipment ➡️ Spending money for extra services/activities/sightseeing & souvenirs you would like whilst we are in the country. ➡️ Additional transport during free time not mentioned in the itinerary 📍 MEETING POINT: You will need to arrive at Reykyavik & make your own way to our first campsite. You can arrive anytime, but please be aware if you arrive before 13:00 (local time) you may need to store your luggage until check-in is available. The earlier in the day you arrive, the more time you have to explore the area. TIP: There is a direct transfer from the Keflavik airport to the campsite. 📝 VISAS: Some nationalities will need to get their visa PRIOR to traveling to the Iceland. Please check BEFORE booking that you are eligible for a visa & you have a valid passport – these essentials are down to yourself to check & ensure validity. You will also need to check if Iceland has any alternative entry requirement forms or documents you need on arrival to be able to enter the country. ❤️🩹 INSURANCE: Travel insurance is included if you are a resident of Germany or Austria. For any other TripMates, you will need to purchase your own Travel Insurance, which also covers you for medical expenses should you need it whilst we are away. 📱 WHATSAPP GROUP: I will be making a ‘Hiking in Iceland 🥾 🌋 🏞️ ’ WhatsApp group before we depart, to start these conversations where I can answer questions you may have about the trip. Let me know if you have any and see you soon!
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Trip Itinerary
1
Reykjavík
Day 1-2
DAY 1. Arrival Day! 🛬🏞️ Today is packed with tasks, but don't worry, we've got it all covered! Depending on when the group arrives, we'll prioritize our to-do list. First up, we'll head to Reykjavik to purchase trail food and gas canisters for our 5-day trip. Even if you've brought your own trail food, exploring the shops and groceries in Reykjavik can be a fun experience. Next on our list is equipment rental, which may take some time, but we'll make sure everyone's ready to go. If time permits, we can also visit Reykjavik's must-see places. Tonight we'll stay at the campsite, which is our last opportunity to do a final equipment check to prepare for tomorrow's adventure!🌲🏕️
2
Landmannalaugar
Day 2-3
DAY 2. Reykjavik (campsite) - Landmannalaugar - Stóri Hver hot spring - Mount Brennisteinsalda - Hrafntinnusker Driving time: 4 hours. Hiking distance: 8 km (4.9 mi) Walking time: 4 hrs Ascent: 470 m (1540′). Get ready for an early morning departure from Reykjavik as we embark on a scenic 3-4 hour drive to Landmannalaugar, and then up into the highlands, our home for the week. 🚗🌅 Our journey takes us through the picturesque south coast and highlands, offering breathtaking views of the most active volcano in Iceland, Hekla. The volcano, once thought to be 'The Gateway to Hell,' has erupted every 10-15 years throughout the last century. Upon arriving at Landmannalaugar, we'll begin our trek through the Laugavegur trail, passing through the Laugahraun lava field and Vondugil Canyon. You'll be mesmerized by the vibrant colors of the rhyolite mountains, especially Mt. Brennisteinsalda. If time permits, we'll also visit the Graenagil Gorge and climb up to Bláhnjúkur Volcano before retiring to our campsite for the night.
3
Álftavatn
Day 3-4
DAY 3. Mount Reykjafjöll - Jökultungur area - Fjallabak - Álftavatn Lake Hiking distance: 24 km (14.9 mi) Walking time: 7 hrs Ascent: 900 m (2952′) Rise and shine! After a good night's rest and a self-made breakfast, we'll be ready to hit the trail again! 🌄🏞️ Today's agenda takes us through a strikingly colorful journey. We'll traverse the pitch-black obsidian desert of Hrafntinnusker, admire the vibrantly colored Reykjafjöll rhyolite mountains, and explore the geothermal marvels of the Jökultungur area. Over time, geothermal activity has transformed the craggy gullies into stunning shades of burnt yellows and reds, which contrast beautifully with the soft pale sandy hues around them. Once we reach the top of Jökultungur, we'll savor panoramic views over the whole Fjallabak area and Álftavatn Lake, where we'll spend the night. But first, we'll have to cross a river on foot to reach our cozy campsite. This exhilarating experience is a highlight for many hikers visiting from overseas. 💦🚶♀️
4
Emstrur
Day 4-5
DAY 4. Black sand deserts - Volcano views - Eyjafjallajökull - Mýrdalsjökull glacier views - Markarfljótsgljúfur Canyon Hiking distance: 15 km (9.5 mi) Walking time: 6-7 hrs Descent: 40 m (130′). After breakfast, we will cross another stream and enter the volcanic region, passing by the Stórasúla and Hattafell volcanoes on our way to Emstrur. From there, we will enjoy magnificent views of the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers if the visibility is good. On our way to Botnar, an oasis in the black sand desert, we will witness Markarfljótsgljúfur, a breathtaking canyon formed by a glacial river that's about 200 meters deep. We will spend the night in this picturesque area.
5
Thórsmörk
Day 5-6
DAY 5. Emstrur - Mount Einhyrningur - Þórsmörk Valley - Glacier views Hiking distance: 15 km (9.5 mi) Walking time: 6-7 hrs Descent: 300 m (985′). After a satisfying breakfast, we depart Emstrur and make our way to Þórsmörk. Along the Almenningar Gorge by Mount Einhyrningur (the Unicorn Mountain), we will enjoy stunning views of glaciers before we reach Þórsmörk. As we hike nearer, the scenery and vegetation gradually shift, and we will start to see more trees, particularly the dense birch forest Þórsmörk is known for. Our accommodation for the night is nestled in a fantastic location, with the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers towering above. Congratulations on completing the world-renowned Laugavegur Trail!
6
Fimmvörðuháls
Day 6-7
DAY 6. Fimmvörðuháls - Famous volcano eruption site of 2010 - New craters Magni and Móði - Traditional Icelandic lamb meal Hiking distance: 16 km (10 mi) Walking time: 7-8 hrs Ascent: 800 m (2600′). 🏔️🌋 Today, we will visit the two new volcanic craters, Magni and Móði, formed in the famous eruption in 2010 on the magnificent Fimmvörðuháls high mountain pass between Mýrdalajökull and Eyjafjallajökull volcanoes. The scenery is stunning, showcasing how Iceland is still being formed by volcanic activity. 🌲 We will spend our final night surrounded by other-worldly vistas in Þórsmork. To celebrate completing the Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls trails, we will enjoy a traditional Icelandic grilled lamb dinner. 🍴
7
Porsmork
Day 7-8
DAY 7. Mt. Útgönguhöfði for a more challenging hike - Húsadalur Valley for a slower hike - Langidalur Valley - Seljalandsfoss (waterfall view) - Reykjavik Driving time: 4 hours. Hiking distance: 6 km (3,5 mi) Walking time: 3 hrs. 🚶♀️🏔️🏞️🌅 On our last hiking day, we will explore Þórsmörk and its surroundings. For a breathtaking view of the valley and glaciers, we will hike up Mount Útigönguhöfði. If you're not up for a strenuous hike, a leisurely stroll to Húsadalur or relaxing around Langidalur is also an option. On our way back to Reykjavik, we will catch a glimpse of Seljalandsfoss waterfall, one of the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland. Our journey will conclude in Reykjavik in the early evening, around 20:30. Tonight, we'll be staying at a hostel that offers all the city comforts that we may have forgotten during our adventure. Be prepared to depart the next day!
8
Reykjavík
Day 8
DAY 8. Departure Day. As our adventure comes to an end, we pack up / give back our tents and gear. It's hard to believe that six days have already passed, filled with challenging hikes, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable experiences. We've shared meals, stories, and laughter at the campsites, bonding over our love for the outdoors and the thrill of exploration. Now, it's time to say goodbye and hit the road. We may be heading back to our respective homes and routines, but the memories we've made together on this journey will stay with us forever. So, to all my fellow adventurers, safe travels and happy trails. Time to go! See you down the road!
Trip Summary
Accommodation
Camping & Hostel
8 days trip
Reykjavík, Landmannalaugar & 6 more
Transportation
Car, Trekking
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