Self-Guided Laugavegur Trail: What to Know for Your First Multi-Day Hike

It all started with a YouTube video hiking the “Most Beautiful Hiking Trail in the World".

This was enough to plant a seed. As inexperienced hikers from tropical Singapore, the idea of a multi-day trek in Iceland's highlands felt both thrilling and completely overwhelming.

In September 2024, we took the leap and booked flights for the following summer. That gave us 11 months to figure out everything for our first-ever multi-day hike. Our trail research left us with more questions, and we often wished for a single, straightforward guide for people like ourselves - first-time multi-day trekkers planning a huge adventure in a completely unfamiliar terrain.

So, we created one.

This is the first of our four-part series covering our entire Laugavegur Trail journey. Here in Part 1, we focus on the crucial pre-trip planning. In the coming parts, we will share our exact physical training plan, our complete packing list, and a day-by-day guide to the trail itself. This is the complete roadmap we wish we had. Let’s get you ready for your adventure!

What Is the Best Time to Hike the Laugavegur Trail?

Laugavegur trail is only open from late June to mid-September. Outside this short window, snow covers the route, and all services are closed.

For your first time, we strongly recommend hiking between early July and mid-August. This is the peak season and the absolute sweet spot.

We chose late July for our hike. As first-timers, we wanted the least uncertain conditions possible. This period offers the best chance of mild weather, snow-free paths, and long hours of daylight, which removes any pressure to rush. For us, this added safety and peace of mind was worth dealing with more people on the trail.

While you can hike in June or late August, you face more risks. June often means navigating large snowfields, while late August brings colder temperatures and a higher chance of storms. Stick to the peak season for the most reliable and enjoyable first experience.

How Many Days for the Laugavegur Trail? Why We Chose a 3-Night Itinerary

The first decision we made was to stay in the mountain huts. This meant we didn't have to carry a tent, which saved weight and removed the stress of pitching a shelter in Iceland's wild weather. The huts can only be booked in one direction - from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk. This is a huge plus for first-timers, as the route is a net downhill, making the journey more manageable.

Our goal was to complete the classic trail as our first ever multi-day challenge, so we decided not to do the Fimmvörðuháls trail extension. Just completing the Laugavegur Trail is a major achievement for us!

However, after some research, we adjusted the classic 4-day itinerary. Many hikers advised that the hut at Hrafntinnusker is very basic and situated in the coldest, most exposed part of the trail. To avoid a potentially rough first night, we created a different plan.

Our Modified 4D3N Laugavegur Itinerary:

• Day 1 - Arrive and Acclimatize in Landmannalaugar. We took the noon bus from Reykjavik, a 4+ hour journey, arriving in Landmannalaugar in the late afternoon, giving us some time to do a short hike, explore the area, and maybe try the hot bath. This was a perfect way to stretch our legs and get a feel for the unique terrain before the main trek.

• Day 2 - The Big Push to Álftavatn (24 km). This was our longest and most challenging day. We combined the first two traditional stages, hiking first thing in the morning from Landmannalaugar, past Hrafntinnusker (12 km), and then all the way to Álftavatn (12km). It was a tough push, but it rewarded us with a more comfortable stay by the stunning Álftavatn lake.

• Day 3 - Álftavatn to Emstrur (16 km). A day of dramatic, dark landscapes and a few river crossings.

• Day 4 - Emstrur to Þórsmörk (Langidalur) (15 km). The final leg of our journey into the green valley of Þórsmörk.

This modified plan requires a high level of fitness for Day 2, but we found it worked perfectly for us. Now that you have an itinerary in mind, the next step is booking your huts.

Booking Huts: A Step-by-Step Guide (And Why You Must Book Early)

The mountain huts, managed by Ferðafélag Íslands (FÍ), sell out months in advance. To get a spot in July or August, you must book the moment reservations open.

Here is the essential, time-sensitive process:

1. Sign Up for the FÍ Newsletter. This is a must. The newsletter will announce the exact date and time that bookings open for the following summer, typically in November. Sign up now.

2. Submit Your Request Immediately. Once bookings are live, fill out their booking request form. List your huts according to your itinerary (eg, Night 1 at Landmannalaugar, Night 2 at Álftavatn, Night 3 at Emstrur).

3. Confirm Via Email. A staff member will email you to confirm your dates or offer the closest alternatives. You must respond quickly to hold your spot.

4. Pay to Secure. Once you agree on the dates, they will send a payment link. Your booking is only final after you have paid!

This is the most critical step in your planning, so be prepared to act fast. The best dates can be gone within a few hours. Even with our quick booking, we hit a snag - the hut at Emstrur was already full.

We were offered the option of booking one of FÍ's pre-pitched tents, which came with mattresses already inside. Was it a good alternative? We will share our complete experience with the tent stay in Part 4 of this series. Subscribe so you don’t miss it!

Cost of Booking Huts and Tent for the Trail

Hot showers are available at 1,000 ISK for continuous 5 mins of hot water. Prices stated are for 2025.

Getting There and Back: Our Exact Bus Plan for Laugavegur

Since the trail is a one-way trek, you will need to arrange bus transport. You cannot drive a regular rental car on the rugged highland "F-roads", so booking a specialized highland bus is essential.

While many blogs recommend the "Hiker's Pass", we found that booking separate one-way tickets gave us better control over our schedule without a significant price difference.

The bus ride itself is part of the adventure. Both journeys include a brief rest stop in the town of Hella, a good chance to use a proper restroom before heading into the wild. As you get closer to the highlands, you will transfer to a massive, all-terrain vehicle. These monster buses are specially designed to navigate the rough F-roads and drive directly through rivers, an experience in itself!

Our Trip to the Trailhead: Reykjavík to Landmannalaugar

• Highland Bus Company: Trex

• Route: Reykjavík (City Hall Bus Stop 1) to Landmannalaugar

• Departure Time: 12:30 PM

• Cost: 13,900 ISK per person

This midday departure was perfect. It allowed us to have a relaxed lunch in Reykjavík and pack a fresh dinner and next day breakfast to take with us to Landmannalaugar.

Our Return Trip: Þórsmörk to Reykjavík

• Highland Bus Company: Icelandia

• Route: Þórsmörk (Langidalur) to BSÍ Bus Terminal

• Departure Time: 3:15 PM

• Cost: 11,998 ISK per person

This timing worked out brilliantly. The four-hour journey got us back to Reykjavík in time for a well-deserved dinner and gave us a full evening to decompress in a comfortable hotel after the hike.

Booking these tickets online a few months in advance is essential to secure your spot. You can book directly on their websites. Rescheduling is possible emailing them as soon as possible, subject to availability.

How Fit Do You Need to Be for the Laugavegur Trail?

You don't need to be an elite athlete, but strong hiking fitness is essential. Your goal should be to comfortably hike for 5-7 hours carrying a 10-12 kg (22-26 lbs) backpack for several days in a row.

We will share our complete, city-friendly training plan in Part 2 of this series. Subscribe so you don’t miss it!

Beyond fitness, your safety depends on smart preparation for the trail's specific challenges:

• Respect the Weather. Conditions change in minutes. Having the right waterproof and warm layers is your most important defense. We will detail our entire gear setup and how we layer up in our Part 3 packing guide.

• Prepare for River Crossings. You will have to walk through several unbridged, ice-cold rivers. This requires steady footing and a bit of nerve, aided by hiking poles.

• File Your Trip Safety Plan. Before you hike, submit your itinerary on the official safetravel.is website. This is a crucial safety net that tells rescuers where to find you in an emergency.

The Laugavegur Trail is a serious but achievable adventure. Your fitness gets you there, but your preparation is what keeps you safe.

With these big pieces locked in, you have officially conquered the most daunting part of the planning. The trail might seem intimidating from afar, but breaking it down into these manageable steps is the key to a successful trip.

Now, the fun begins. The next two parts of our series are all about preparing your body and your backpack for the adventure ahead. We will share with you the training that got us ready for the trail and the essential gear you need.

The Laugavegur Trail is an unforgettable experience, and you are well on your way to standing at that famous trailhead. Get ready for the trek of a lifetime!

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