The Laugavegur Trek
- Kandoo Trekking
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our UK team
Welcome to Iceland! Make your way to your accommodation in the capital city. Then depending on your arrival time, enjoy an evening to explore Reykjavik at your leisure. Why not join a walking tour of the city, visit the iconic Hallgrimskirkja, or perhaps try some authentic Icelandic foods such as fermented shark at Cafe Loki (other food options available!)
A pre-trek briefing will be held at your hotel this evening, please aim to arrive before 5pm to attend this briefing.
This morning we head to the multi coloured massif of Landmannalaugar in the heart of the beautiful Fjallabak Nature Reserve. We travel 120 miles using a local bus, passing through outstanding scenery and native settlements. Make sure to keep an eye out for the Icelandic horses that arrived with the first Norwegian settlers 1100 years ago! On arrival we follow the famous Dómadalur route and stop to marvel at Hekla, one of Icelands most active volcanoes. After we have set up camp, depending on the conditions, we can walk to Ljótipollur or climb Bláhnúkur. Ljótipollur means 'ugly puddle' but contrary to its name it is a stunning crater lake famous for its bright colours and visable lava layers. Bláhnúkur translates as 'blue peak' and is an impressive volcano with views of five glaciers from the summit in good conditions. This evening we can relax and take a swim in Landmannalaugar’s warm river before bed.
Today is our first full day exploring the extraordinary Landmannalaugar area. A world of active geothermals (prepare yourselves for the sulphuric smells), lava fields and Rhyolite Mountains. Get ready for a day of stunning views as we hike along the base of the mountains, past steaming hot springs. If you listen closely you can even hear the water bubbling below the surface! We will then make an exciting ascent up the Sudurnamur ridge and summit Brennisteinsalda, the most colourful volcano in Iceland. On our descent, we will explore the vast lava fields of Laugahraun and the beautiful Graenagil gorge, before ending the day by swimming in a warm river near our campsite.
This will be the first and only day we will be trekking on snow, even in August! We will journey through magnificent, orange streaked, rhyolite mountains and bubbling geysers, traversing the pockets of snow that sit between them. The contrast between rocky ash and stark white snow is a sight to behold! We will then explore the breath taking, glacier-topped volcano of Hrafntinnusker and find ourselves in the heart of its vast collapsed caldera. Here we will have some lunch and take in the 360-degree view of this awe-inspiring landscape. Our hike proceeds to venture down Jökultungur, through a series of small hidden valleys where it is possible to catch glimpses of Iceland's three largest glaciers. Crossing the Grashagakvisl river we then make camp near the stunning Lake Alftavatn.
This morning we begin to wander across the Emstrur Desert, which ironically begins with some river crossings. The first is the Bratthalskvisl river so get ready to roll up your trousers, pop your water shoes on and get your feet wet! Several crossings later, via traditional foot bridges or on foot, we then continue through the vast landscape of black sand. The ashen terrain is periodically interrupted by impressive, bright green, conical mountains. These lonely, imposing peaks jump out of their monochrome surroundings creating truly unique scenery. We will explore the impressive Hattafell cone before arriving at our campsite in a small valley tucked away in the beautiful Icelandic wilderness. Choose your hilly spot and pitch your tent for the night.
A stone's throw from Emstrur, we will begin today with a visit to the impressive Markarfljót canyon, whose rapids roar from 200m below! The path then runs along this immense gorge, adorned with basalt columns, for a while before continuing South towards Thorsmök. Little by little, the landscape softens and takes on the appearance of an alpine arena. In the midst of arctic birches and birdsong we reach the pleasant valley of Thorsmörk, meaning ‘The woods of Thor’, at the foot of the Krossa river. This is where we will camp for the night.
On our final trekking day, we will begin in the surreal setting of "The woods of Thor" and wander through unrivalled scenery. From black canyons streaked with fluorescent green to the volcanic landscape sculpted by the wind and the spray, the steel-coloured rivers and the sparkling ice cap of Myrdallsjökull, will once again have you amazed. As evening begins to fall, we will then load the bus to return to ‘civilization’ in Reykjavik.
This morning we say goodbye at the hotel, then you make your own way to the airport in time for your flight home.
This trek is of moderate difficulty. You
will be required to walk continuously for 6 days, possibly in very cold and wet
weather on well trodden paths. The maximum ascent and descent in a single day is 950m. Iceland is notorious for it's adverse weather conditions which can make hiking feel much more challenging. We would recommend heading out into your local hills in the months leading up to your trip to get used to being out for 6-7 hours per day.
If you have any questions about your
suitability or how to prepare for this trip please do not hesitate to contact
us.
This
trip is full board while trekking. We are proud of the varied, fresh and
frankly delicious food we provide on our camping trips. Meals are produced with
a selection of local products and you will have the opportunity to
try Icelandic delicacies such as Skyr, smoked salmon and leg of lamb.
Each
day will start with a hearty breakfast accompanied by plenty of tea and
coffee. Between us, we will prepare and carry a picnic lunch for the day
including salad, sandwiches, fruit and cakes among other options. Each three
course evening meal includes meat, fish and vegetables. We offer fresh fruit
and vegetables everyday.
Your
help in the kitchen is expected and much appreciated, particularly in
the evenings with food prep and washing up. We like the whole group to work as a team to cook dinner, it
creates a pleasant atmosphere as we reflect on the days adventures
together.
Alcohol
is very expensive in Iceland and you can only buy beer which is stronger than
2.25% in state run liquor stores. If you
want to enjoy an evening drink after your days adventures, we recommend
buying Duty Free alcohol in the airport. The tap water in Iceland is
of a very high quality.
Please
let us know about any dietary requirements when you book your trip, we will
work with you to cater for your needs.
We provide a high quality 3 man tent per
2 people to allow for maximum space and comfort. We will also provide a self inflating
sleeping mat per person and a dining tent for use at meal times and as a
communal area.
In Reykjavik we stay in comfortable hotel accommodation in twin rooms with en-suite bathroom facilities.
During the trek you will be required to
carry a small daypack with your lunch, spare clothing (we strongly suggest this includes water shoes), water and any medical supplies
or personal items. You should also bring a larger 80-90 litre duffel bag for
the bulk of your luggage which will be transported by vehicle. Your large bag must be flexible and not a rigid suitcase.
Iceland isn't a cheap place to visit. Restaurants often have lunchtime special menus which are great value (around £20-30pp for a soup and fish of the day). A meal out for 2 will cost around £60-100 (fish) or £80-120 (meat). When getting around in Reykjavik an exciting and cheap option is to use the electric scooters parked up around town. Simply download the app and scoot away. If this feels too techy, a taxi starting price will cost roughly £4.30 or going on foot is more than appropriate as Reykjavik has a small city centre. Souvenirs can cost anything from ~£5 to £500. It is also worth knowing that as a tourist, you can claim back the value-added tax (VAT) on certain goods over the value of ISK 6,000 (£36) at Keflavik airport before your flight home. As long as this is all on one tax receipt, you can claim back the tax.
Tipping customs vary all over the world and can be very confusing when travelling to a new country. Tipping is always appreciated - it is not obligatory and should be left to the discretion of each individual in Iceland. Tips are not a substitute for good wages: our guides are all well paid and well looked after. If you are satisfied with your guide’s services, we recommend a tip between £30-40 per person (equivalent to 5000-6600 ISK) for the entire trip. On the other hand, if you receive bad service or have not been treated well, you would not be expected to tip at all.
From | To | Price | Availability | Book | Enquire |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
13/07/2025 | 20/07/2025 | $3,749 £2,999 |
Available
|
Book now | Enquire now |
03/08/2025 | 10/08/2025 | $3,749 £2,999 |
Available
|
Book now | Enquire now |
Want to ask us a question or book a private trip? Don't hesitate to contact us!
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