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Landmannalaugar Mountain Peak

Spectacular Southern Highlands Trek

Example 5 Day Tour
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Join this 5-day trek from Landmannalaugar's geothermal hot spots to the verdant Þórsmörk valley. Guided by experienced experts, traverse vibrant yellow rhyolite mountains, black sand deserts, and majestic canyons. The enchanting landscape, illuminated by Iceland's long summer days, will captivate nature enthusiasts. Discover famous landmarks and hidden gems while indulging in cozy mountain huts and delicious Icelandic cuisine each evening. Conclude with a celebratory BBQ in Þórsmörk, highlighting why this trail earned a spot among National Geographic's top 20 treks globally.
Thorsmork Mountain PeakAlftavatnThorsmorkLandmannalaugarLandmannalaugar Mountain Peak
Highlights
  • Explore the colorful mountains of Landmannalaugar and Hrafntinnusker
  • Discover the black deserts of Mælifellssandur and the green valleys of Emstrur
  • Experience the arctic birch forests and colorful flowers of Þórsmörk
  • Walk along paths in Þórsmörk, visit Sönghellir cave and Valahnúkur mountain
Activities
Places Visited
Activity Level: Challenging
Requires high-intensity physical efforts that push the limits of one's fitness. May include tours with multiple days in a row of strenuous physical activity or single requiring more than 7 hours of activity. Recommended for travelers maintaining a demanding fitness level.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Reykjavik | Landmannalaugar | Hrafntinnusker

You take the public bus from the BSI bus terminal at 07:00, which, during the summer months, drives the mountain tracks that lead to Landmannalaugar, passing by the Hekla volcano and other volcanoes in the Dómadalur area. Arriving in Landmannalaugar at noon, you have lunch and head south into the mountains. The trail takes you past small gorges, steaming hot springs, and yellow mountain ridges. You arrive at Hrafntinnusker mountain hut, where you stay the night in the late afternoon.

Distance: 12 km (7.5 mi)                                
Walking time: 4 - 5 hrs                       
Ascent: 470 m (1540 ft)

Day 2: Hrafntinnusker | Álftavatn

After descending from Hrafntinnusker, the trail leads to the gullies of Jökultungur, an area filled with many hot springs and mud pools. From there, one can enjoy breathtaking views of the Álftavatn region (also known as Swan Lake), as well as the Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull glaciers. In the afternoon, arrive at Álftavatn hut, where you stay the night.

Distance: 12 km (7.5 mi)                                
Walking time: 4 - 5 hrs                       
Descent: 490 m (1610 ft)

Day 3: Álftavatn | Emstrur

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Your journey starts with a pass at the base of the green, cone-shaped volcano of Stórasúla. After that, reach the black deserts of Mælifellssandur. Heading towards the ancient volcano of Hattfell, enter the Emstrur region, where farmers traditionally grazed their sheep in the summers. Before arriving at the Botnar hut, where you spend the night, visit the stunning Markarfljót canyon. This natural wonder is situated south of Hattfell and is cut around 200 meters deep into the rocks. 

Distance: 16 km (10 mi)                                
Walking time: 6 - 7 hrs                       
Descent: 40 m (130 ft)

Day 4: Emstrur | Þórsmörk

Continue your journey up and down the small valleys and gullies of Emstrur, with the great Mýrdalsjökull glacier looming just a couple of kilometers away. As the day's hike ends, descend into the lush green valleys of Þórsmörk, filled with arctic birch forests and vibrant flowers. Upon reaching the huts in Þórsmörk, you can savor a delicious barbecue to cap off your fantastic journey.

Distance: 19 km (12 mi)                                
Walking time: 6 - 7 hrs                       
Descent: 300 m (985 ft)

Day 5: Þórsmörk | Valahnúkur | Reykjavík

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
In the morning, you can spend time in Þórsmörk, a beautiful place with many paths to explore. You can walk to the Sönghellir cave and climb the Valahnúkur mountain to enjoy the stunning views. After spending the day in Þórsmörk, you can take the afternoon bus to Reykjavík, which arrives at the Reykjavik BSI bus terminal at 19:30, marking the end of your trip.

Accommodations

Álftavatn

Hrafntinnusker Hut

Þórsmörk - Hotels

Þórsmörk - Campsites

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$2,218 2-3 travelers

Notes

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Rates may vary based on current exchange rate.

Included
  • 4 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 4 Dinners
  • 4 Nights Accommodations
  • 5 Days Locally Hosted Guide Service
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Public transport from Reykjavík to Landmannalaugar and from Þórsmörk to Reykjavík
  • Professional and qualified English-speaking guide
  • Luggage transport throughout the trek
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Sleeping Bag: ISK 8000 per person
  • Hiking Pole: ISK 3500 per person
  • Accommodation in Reykjavík on request
  • Dietary Supplement (Vegan/vegetarian meal plan): ISK 9000 per person

Map

When to Go

Jan
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Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Typically not offered during this period because of weather conditions.

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Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen
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