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Coloured rhyolite hills at Landmannalaugar behind a green meadow and a shallow pool

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Southern Highlands, Iceland · Iceland

Laugavegur Trail trek: grade, cost & permits

Fifty-four kilometres from steaming rhyolite hills at Landmannalaugar, over obsidian and snowfields at Hrafntinnusker, past Álftavatn lake and across the black-sand desert of Mælifellssandur to the birch woods of Þórsmörk. It needs no guide or permit, only a bed booked months ahead and a willingness to wade cold glacial rivers (Grashagakvísl, Bláfjallakvísl and Þröngá have no bridge). Most people walk it in 4 days: Landmannalaugar-Hrafntinnusker 12 km, to Álftavatn 12 km, to Emstrur 17 km, to Þórsmörk 15 km. Strong walkers can add the Fimmvörðuháls pass to Skógar for 2 more days. Our cost is per person for 3 hut nights (2027 FÍ price) plus the Trex Hikers Bus Pass from Reykjavík; bring your own food on top. Camping instead brings it down to about ₹32,000.

Photo: Chmee2 / Valtameri · CC BY 3.0 · source

GradeModerate
Duration4 days
Highest point1,100 m
SeasonLate June to early September (July and August are the most reliable). Huts usually open around 25 June and close mid-September; the exact date depends on when the Icelandic Road Administration opens the highland roads after the snow.
Cost from base₹66,500per person
BaseLandmannalaugar, about 4.5 hours by highland bus from Reykjavík

Fifty-four kilometres from steaming rhyolite hills at Landmannalaugar, over obsidian and snowfields at Hrafntinnusker, past Álftavatn lake and across the black-sand desert of Mælifellssandur to the birch woods of Þórsmörk. It needs no guide or permit, only a bed booked months ahead and a willingness to wade cold glacial rivers (Grashagakvísl, Bláfjallakvísl and Þröngá have no bridge). Most people walk it in 4 days: Landmannalaugar-Hrafntinnusker 12 km, to Álftavatn 12 km, to Emstrur 17 km, to Þórsmörk 15 km. Strong walkers can add the Fimmvörðuháls pass to Skógar for 2 more days. Our cost is per person for 3 hut nights (2027 FÍ price) plus the Trex Hikers Bus Pass from Reykjavík; bring your own food on top. Camping instead brings it down to about ₹32,000.

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Forecast for the trek's map point. It is usually colder and windier at the top.

Step 2 of 7Next: Route

The route

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On the map

Laugavegur Trail · Open in Google Maps ↗

The climb

550 m950 m1100 m550 m550 m465 m200 m Start · 550 mEnd · 200 m 1,100 m

How to reach the start

Fly into Keflavík and get to Reykjavík. In the summer season highland buses (Trex, and Reykjavík Excursions' Highland Bus) run daily from Reykjavík's BSÍ terminal to Landmannalaugar and back from Þórsmörk; the Highland Bus leaves BSÍ at 07:00 and reaches Landmannalaugar at 11:30. Trex sells a Hikers Bus Pass (29,900 ISK, about ₹23,700) that covers Reykjavík to the start and back from the end. Do not try to drive in unless you have a 4x4 approved for F-roads; self-drivers arriving at Landmannalaugar between 09:00 and 16:00 from 20 June to 13 September must reserve parking and pay a fee in advance.

Directions to the trailhead ↗Open in Google Maps ↗
Step 3 of 7Next: Permits

Permits and rules

Permit: No trail permit. What you must book is a bed: Ferðafélag Íslands (FÍ, the Iceland Touring Association) expects every hiker to hold a confirmed hut or campsite booking before starting, made online at fi.is. FÍ's 2027 prices: 18,000 ISK (about ₹14,300) per person per night in a hut, 3,600 ISK (about ₹2,850) per person to camp (2026 was 17,000 and 3,400). Huts are only booked north to south, Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk. Cancellation: 75% back 56+ days out, 50% at 55-21 days, nothing inside 20 days, and no refunds for weather.
GuideNot needed
Seasonal closureClosed in practice outside the summer season: no buses, huts locked or unstaffed, and the roads to Landmannalaugar (F208/F225) open only when the Road Administration decides, usually around 20 June to 15 September. FÍ warns that before 20 June or after 15 September there may be no running water and conditions can be hazardous.
Travel adviceNo FCDO travel warning for this area. FCDO notes recent volcanic eruptions on the Reykjanes peninsula (south-west, far from the trail); Reykjavík and Keflavík airport are not affected.

Official permit or booking page ↗

Rules change. Check the park office or official booking system before you travel.

Step 4 of 7Next: Gear

What to carry

Step 5 of 7Next: Cost

What it costs

Your group, from the base₹1,33,000
Couple · from Landmannalaugar, about 4.5 hours by highland bus from Reykjavík
Per person₹66,500

Covers local transport, permits or entry, a guide where needed and food on the trail. Getting to Landmannalaugar is extra.

Step 6 of 7Next: FAQ

Photos

Questions people ask

How hard is the Laugavegur Trail trek?

Moderate grade. It takes 4 days and climbs to about 1,100 m. Fifty-four kilometres from steaming rhyolite hills at Landmannalaugar, over obsidian and snowfields at Hrafntinnusker, past Álftavatn lake and across the black-sand desert of Mælifellssandur to the birch woods of Þórsmörk. It needs no guide or permit, only a bed booked months ahead and a willingness to wade cold glacial rivers (Grashagakvísl, Bláfjallakvísl and Þröngá have no bridge). Most people walk it in 4 days: Landmannalaugar-Hrafntinnusker 12 km, to Álftavatn 12 km, to Emstrur 17 km, to Þórsmörk 15 km. Strong walkers can add the Fimmvörðuháls pass to Skógar for 2 more days. Our cost is per person for 3 hut nights (2027 FÍ price) plus the Trex Hikers Bus Pass from Reykjavík; bring your own food on top. Camping instead brings it down to about ₹32,000.

Do I need a permit for Laugavegur Trail?

No trail permit. What you must book is a bed: Ferðafélag Íslands (FÍ, the Iceland Touring Association) expects every hiker to hold a confirmed hut or campsite booking before starting, made online at fi.is. FÍ's 2027 prices: 18,000 ISK (about ₹14,300) per person per night in a hut, 3,600 ISK (about ₹2,850) per person to camp (2026 was 17,000 and 3,400). Huts are only booked north to south, Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk. Cancellation: 75% back 56+ days out, 50% at 55-21 days, nothing inside 20 days, and no refunds for weather.

How do I reach the Laugavegur Trail trek?

Fly into Keflavík and get to Reykjavík. In the summer season highland buses (Trex, and Reykjavík Excursions' Highland Bus) run daily from Reykjavík's BSÍ terminal to Landmannalaugar and back from Þórsmörk; the Highland Bus leaves BSÍ at 07:00 and reaches Landmannalaugar at 11:30. Trex sells a Hikers Bus Pass (29,900 ISK, about ₹23,700) that covers Reykjavík to the start and back from the end. Do not try to drive in unless you have a 4x4 approved for F-roads; self-drivers arriving at Landmannalaugar between 09:00 and 16:00 from 20 June to 13 September must reserve parking and pay a fee in advance. Base: Landmannalaugar, about 4.5 hours by highland bus from Reykjavík.

What is the best season for Laugavegur Trail?

Late June to early September (July and August are the most reliable). Huts usually open around 25 June and close mid-September; the exact date depends on when the Icelandic Road Administration opens the highland roads after the snow..

How much does the Laugavegur Trail trek cost?

From about ₹66,500 per person from the base, covering local transport, permits or entry, a guide where required and food. The journey to the base is extra.

What should I carry?

Full waterproof jacket and trousers, warm layers (no cotton or jeans), a sleeping bag even in huts, river-crossing shoes or sandals, food for every day (huts sell only snacks and battery packs), a power bank (no electricity in huts), and Icelandic cash in case card machines lose signal. Campers bring their own stove and pots.

Step 7 of 7Next: Sources

Sources and last check

Checked 11 October 2026. Fees, hours and rules change, so confirm on the official site before you pay.

  • fi.is Official54 km, 4 days, stage distances/times/ascents, river crossings (Grashagakvísl, Bláfjallakvísl, Þröngá), Mælifellssandur exposure, confirmed hut/camp booking expected, Landmannalaugar parking reservation 20 Jun-13 Sep, 4-day itineraries, buses late June-early Sept
  • fi.is OfficialHut and camping price lists 2026 (17,000/3,400 ISK) and 2027 (18,000/3,600 ISK, shown as images on the page), refund rules, conditions before 20 June/after 15 September, 100% refund if roads to Landmannalaugar closed
  • fi.is OfficialSeason late June-early September, July-August most reliable; huts booked north to south only; no electricity; drinkable tap water; showers at all huts except Hrafntinnusker; cash and cards accepted
  • fi.is OfficialCamping at all huts, confirmed booking expected, campers bring own cooking gear, carry litter from Hrafntinnusker and Emstrur
  • fi.is OfficialHrafntinnusker hut at 1,100 m, 52 beds, open on average 25 June-16 September
  • fi.is OfficialLandmannalaugar 550 m; roads F208/F225 usually drivable 20 June-15 September, decided by the Road Authority; 2026 parking reservation rule
  • fi.is OfficialÁlftavatn 550 m, 72 beds, open on average 25 June-17 September
  • fi.is OfficialEmstrur 465 m
  • fi.is OfficialÞórsmörk/Langidalur 200 m
  • fi.is OfficialHvanngil 550 m
  • gov.uk OfficialNo advise-against areas; Reykjanes eruptions, Reykjavík and Keflavík unaffected; hiking safety
  • trex.isTrex highland bus Landmannalaugar or Þórsmörk 15,900 ISK from Reykjavík; Hikers Bus Pass 29,900 ISK, June-Sept

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Costs are indicative ballparks for doing it yourself and change with season and demand. Always check live fares, rates and opening rules before you book. Trip Under is not a travel agency: we sell nothing, take no commission, and every booking link goes straight to the provider. Photographs come from Wikimedia Commons under free licences; see credits.

By Gokul · Updated 11 October 2026 · Photo: Chmee2 / Valtameri · CC BY 3.0 · source · Photo: Chmee2 / Valtameri · CC BY 3.0 · source · Photo: Chmee2 / Valtameri · CC BY 3.0 · source · Photo: Borvan53 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source · Photo: Michal Klajban · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source

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