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Challenge
Laugavegur + Fimmvörðuháls
Iceland
About this challenge
The Laugavegur + Fimmvörðuháls Trail is Iceland’s most famous long-distance hike, stretching about 80 km from Landmannalaugar to Skógar. Typically completed in 4–6 days, the trek links geothermal valleys, volcanic deserts, glacier passes, and lush waterfalls. Each stage ranges between 12–25 km with moderate to strenuous elevation changes, making it a rewarding but accessible challenge for experienced hikers.No other trail compresses Iceland’s extremes into one journey. Hikers cross steaming geothermal zones, rhyolite mountains glowing red, green, and yellow, vast black sand deserts, and the freshly formed craters of Magni and Móði, created during the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption. The trail feels like walking through a geological timeline of Earth, with landscapes that shift dramatically every few hours.
Quick facts
- Checkpoints
- 5
- Distance
- 55 miles
- Avg Completion
- 3-5 days
- Best Season
- Summer
Overview
This trail combines hot springs, rhyolite mountains, obsidian lava fields, black sand deserts, glaciers, and volcanic craters in one continuous route. The variety of terrain in such a short distance makes it unlike any other hike in the world. Highlights include the colorful mountains of Landmannalaugar, the steaming fields of Hrafntinnusker, the mossy valleys of Álftavatn, the black deserts near Emstrur, and the waterfalls of Skógafoss at the finish. Crossing the newly formed craters of Magni and Móði on the Fimmvörðuháls section adds a rare glimpse into Iceland’s volcanic history. Landmannalaugar hot springs offer a natural bath before or after the trek. The Fimmvörðuháls pass connects two glaciers—Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull. The waterfall section near Skógar features over 25 waterfalls in just a few kilometers.
Highlights
The Laugavegur + Fimmvörðuháls is never repetitive—every stage feels like a new planet. One day might bring steaming hot springs, the next a glacier view, and the next a dramatic canyon or waterfall chain. The Laugavegur + Fimmvörðuháls route is considered one of the world’s great treks, drawing hikers from across the globe. It’s both a personal challenge and a cultural experience, connecting you to Iceland’s raw natural forces and its most iconic landscapes. Listed as one of the world’s great treks, this route connects Iceland’s most iconic natural features while showcasing the country’s volcanic dynamism. The Fimmvörðuháls extension in particular symbolizes resilience, with its craters named after Thor’s sons Magni and Móði, representing strength and courage.
Logistics
This route is ranked among the world’s top hiking trails, attracting trekkers globally. It embodies Iceland’s raw geological forces, offering a living classroom of volcanoes, glaciers, and geothermal activity. Completing it connects hikers with landscapes shaped by some of Earth’s most powerful natural events. There are mountain huts at each stage offering basic shelter, sleeping platforms, and cooking areas (reservations required). Wild camping is permitted in designated spots near huts. Hikers must carry all food, fuel, and cooking gear—dehydrated meals, energy bars, and high-calorie snacks work best. Water is widely available from streams and rivers, though purification tablets are recommended.
Safety
Iceland’s weather is highly unpredictable—snow, rain, wind, and fog can occur even in midsummer. Proper gear is essential: waterproof boots, rain gear, thermal layers, and a reliable shelter. Weather is the biggest hazard—snow, fog, and storms can arrive suddenly, even in July. Essential gear includes waterproof boots, rain gear, thermal clothing, trekking poles, and navigation tools. Multiple unbridged river crossings require caution; water levels can rise with glacial melt or rain.
Lodging
The trail is supported by a network of mountain huts spaced a day’s walk apart: Landmannalaugar, Hrafntinnusker, Álftavatn, Hvanngil, Emstrur, Þórsmörk, and Baldvinsskáli near Fimmvörðuháls. Huts offer sleeping platforms, cooking areas, and basic shelter but must be booked months in advance due to high demand. Camping is allowed at designated areas next to huts, providing flexibility for hikers who carry tents. There are no resupply points along the trail—hikers must carry all food and cooking equipment. Lightweight, high-energy meals such as dehydrated food, nuts, and dried fruits are ideal.
Featured checkpoints
Reykjavik to Landmannalaugar
Reykjavík, Capital Region, Iceland
Landmannalaugar to Álftavatn
Landmannalaugavegur, 851 Hella, Iceland
Álftavatn to Emstrur
Álftavatn, 851 Hella, Iceland
Emstrur to Básar Þórsmörk
Þórsmörk, 606 Akureyri, Iceland
Básar to Skógafoss
Skógafossvegur, 861 Hvolsvöllur, Iceland
All stops on this route
Laugavegur + Fimmvörðuháls: common questions
How long is Laugavegur + Fimmvörðuháls?
Laugavegur + Fimmvörðuháls covers 55 miles in total.
How long does Laugavegur + Fimmvörðuháls take to complete?
Most people complete Laugavegur + Fimmvörðuháls in about 3-5 days.
When is the best time to do Laugavegur + Fimmvörðuháls?
The best season for Laugavegur + Fimmvörðuháls is Summer.
How many checkpoints does Laugavegur + Fimmvörðuháls have?
Laugavegur + Fimmvörðuháls has 5 checkpoints to log on the way to finishing it.