Why is the Laugavegur (Laugavegurinn) trail in Iceland famous?

The Laugavegur Trail starts in the south west of Iceland near the hot spring hot spot of Landmannalaugar and proceeds further south toward the glacial area of Porsmork. The 49-mile trail is usually completed in two to four days with a variety of stops along the way. Some of the stops include overnight stays at the beautiful Emstur and Alftavatn Mountain Huts. Though the huts provide shelter for the night, it would be smart to bring a tent incase the huts are occupied. Reservations need to be made to sleep in any of the huts along the Laugavegur trail. Camping in designated spots outside of the huts is also available and requires a reservation to be made. However, to dodge the cost of reserving a place to sleep, if you have your own tent readily available there are plenty of off the path spots to set up camp for the night. The views from the comfort and privacy of your own tent will take you away from the luxury of sleeping in a hut and will fill you with a sense of pride.

Packing efficiently is key to having a good time on the Laugavegur. Though the trail is not the most torturous in the world (it covers just below 2,000 feet of elevation change), the fact remains that any trail can be made more enjoyable with the right gear. The option to hire a guide to take you along the trail and cook for you is available but costs a pretty penny (upwards of $1000) for the four-day venture. A solo trek is easily achieved but hikers should be prepared to carry their own gear and food. Some common pieces of equipment that will make the Laugavegur trail seem more like a stroll through the park include:

• Waterproof Tent
• Sleeping Bag
• Water Filter/ Purification Devices
• Camping Stove
• Camping Frying Pan and Pot
• Utensils
• Waterproof Boots
• Rain Coat
• Tarp
• Emergency Distress Light

Though the route should be fairly easy to complete, there is a certain level of athleticism and experience required. With 49 miles of rolling hills, vertical hikes, river crossings, and rocky terrain that lacks any sense of paved path – the Laugavegur Trail is not for the novice hiker. Each hiker will also need to have experience with remoteness. Many portions of the trail are miles from civilization and (depending when you go in the season) there may not be one other person close enough to help should things go wrong. Basic hiking and backpacking experience is suggested along with basic first aid experience.

What is perhaps the best thing about the Laugavegur Trail is that it offers a free and open experience for all. There is no cost to camp or hike the trail (unless staying in the huts mentioned before). Hikers can literally walk onto the trail and start a few days of their own adventure. There is no set time to complete the trail, no guide telling you to keep moving, or a person to tell you to move your tent. Hikers have the beautiful Icelandic countryside as their front yard to view, relax, and explore at their own leisure. Like most hot springs in Iceland, the ones here are fueled by geothermal activity beneath the earth, creating steam trails along Laugavegur and offering hikers many opportunities for a hot bath. During the winter months, though the trail may be more of a challenge, hikers will be presented with an opportunity to experience the Northern Lights in the darkness of the night. The isolation and solitude that Laugavegur offers provides many a perfect view of the lights without the light pollution provided by cities and towns.

What makes the Laugavegur Trail even more appealing as an Icelandic hiking destination is that travel to and from the trail is fairly easy and inexpensive. Just like many tours in Iceland, some tours to Lanughavegur are available in Reykjavik and offer transportation to the trailhead in Landmannalaugar. Aside from a guided tour, there is also transportation available from Reykjavik and information about travel to and from the trail can be easily found at the Reykjavik Tourism Center. When the trail is completed, there is a steady and reliable source of transportation from Porsmork to Reykjavik.

Any reason for visiting The Laugavegur Trail is a good one. For those who visit its 49 miles of beauty, the trail offers something that they will carry with them forever – an unforgettable experience.