All-Women Laugavegur Trail Hiking Tour for Six Days with Meals and Mountain Huts

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Description

Summary

Tour starts
BSÍ Bus Terminal Reykjavík, Vatnsmýrarvegur, Reykjavík, Iceland
Starting time
Flexible
Duration
6 days
Ending place
Bus Stop #2 Tjörnin The Pond, Lækjargata, Reykjavík, Iceland
Languages
English
Difficulty
Demanding
Available
June - July
Minimum age
None

Description

Discover the raw beauty of Iceland's Southern Highlands, from Landmannalaugar to Thorsmork, by joining this six-day women-focused Laugavegur hiking tour. With mountain hut stays and meals, this summer journey takes you along one of the world's most celebrated trails in the company of empowered women.

This legendary trek along the Laugavegur trail, named one of the world's most beautiful by National Geographic, combines Iceland's most iconic features. The hike features glaciers, mountains, birch woodlands, geothermal springs, and untamed beauty away from crowds. 

Whether navigating rocky paths, crossing glacial rivers, or marveling at the midnight sun, every moment is an opportunity to connect deeply with nature and your fellow hikers.

Your tour begins at Reykjavik's BSI bus terminal, where you'll meet your hiking guide and the rest of the women adventurers. Together, you'll board a highland bus leading to the trailhead in Landmannalaugar. 

For six days, you'll conquer Laugavegur's 34-mile (55-kilometer) long trail. The terrain is diverse and can be challenging, so previous experiences in multi-day hiking in similar environments can be beneficial.

For your convenience, your booking includes dormitory-style rooms with bunk beds and shared spaces in mountain huts. Meals, from lunch on day one to lunch on day six, are also provided. Then, your luggage will be transported from hut to hut, allowing you to focus on the hike with a light daypack.

Each day of the hike brings new challenges and rewards as you traverse diverse terrains, from black sand deserts dotted with obsidian to lush valleys and views of glittering glaciers.

You will traverse the Landmannalaugar geothermal area, renowned for its rainbow-hued rhyolite mountains and natural hot springs. Here, you can bathe in thermal waters surrounded by breathtaking landscapes.

On the succeeding days, the trail takes you past the serene Alftavatn lake, where you may spot different species of birds and ducks. Along the way, you'll experience the towering Maelifell mountain, a cone-shaped green wonder rising dramatically against the dark volcanic landscape.

The highlight of the trail is reaching the stunning Thorsmork Nature Reserve, a lush oasis nestled between glaciers. Named after Thor, the Norse god of thunder, Thorsmork offers unparalleled views, dramatic ridges, and thriving flora that starkly contrast the rugged highlands.

What sets this tour apart is its focus on creating a women-led, women-only experience. Guided by an experienced female adventurer, the tour fosters a supportive environment where you can connect with like-minded women, share stories, and celebrate each other's strength and resilience. 

Every step of this journey is about building bonds, empowering one another, and embracing the beauty of Iceland's wilderness together.

At the end of your multi-day Laugavegur trek, your group will board the highland bus back to Reykjavik.

Join this once-in-a-lifetime women's Laugavegur hiking adventure and discover the magic of Iceland's Southern Highlands. Check availability now by choosing a date.

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Included

Experienced local hiking guide
Transportation to and from Reykjavik and the trailhead
Mountain hut accommodations for five nights (with bunk beds and mattresses)
All meals from lunch on day 1 to lunch on day 6
Luggage transport from hut to hut
Small group tour experience
WhatsApp group invitation (prior to the tour departure)

Activities

Hiking
Sightseeing
Hot Spring Bathing

Daily itinerary

Day 1
Landmannalaugar is famous for its natural hot springs that are suitable for bathing.

Day 1 - Reykjavik to Landmannalaugar with Highland Bus and Hiking

Your six-day adventure begins bright and early at the BSI bus terminal in downtown Reykjavik. The standard meeting time with your guide and the other women hikers is 06:45.

After introductions and a quick briefing, you’ll board the highland bus at 07:00 for the scenic journey to Landmannalaugar, the starting point of the Laugavegur trail.

The bus ride offers a preview of Iceland’s dramatic landscapes. It briefly stops in the town of Hella for bathroom breaks and refreshments. Green farm valleys, mountain passes, and peaceful villages will be the backdrop during the journey.

By 11:30, you’ll arrive in the geothermal wonderland of Landmannalaugar, famous for its colorful rhyolite mountains and otherworldly terrain. After settling into the mountain hut and enjoying a hearty lunch, the group will begin a warm-up hike to ease into the adventure.

The trail will be a 3.1 to 3.8-mile (5 to 6-kilometer) long circular that showcases some of Landmannalaugar’s most striking features.

The hike winds through Blahnukur mountain (Mt. Blue Peak) and Graena­gil (The Green Canyon), two areas known for their vibrant colors and unique formations.

As you ascend, panoramic views of Brennisteinsalda (Mount Sulfur Wave), one of Iceland’s most colorful peaks, will welcome you. The mountain boasts shades of red, yellow, green, and black, creating a stunning natural palette.

Along the way, your guide will share insights into the area’s volcanic history and geological significance, setting the tone for the journey ahead.

The hike concludes with a descent through the Laugahraun lava field, a rugged expanse of cooled lava shaped by past eruptions.

Back at camp, a delicious dinner awaits, providing the perfect opportunity to bond with your fellow hikers.

As the day winds down, you’ll have the chance to soak in a nearby natural hot spring, letting its soothing warmth ease your muscles in preparation for longer hikes in the next few days. Enjoy this relaxing activity under the midnight sun or prolonged daylight hours.

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Day 2
Beautiful peaks surround the serene Alftavatn lake in the Highlands of Iceland.

Day 2 - Landmannalaugar to Alftavatn Lake and Hut

Day two of your Laugavegur hike opens with an energizing breakfast and some morning stretches. Outside the mountain hut, you can fully enjoy the fascinating views of Landmannalaugar.

Then, it's time to pack your main luggage and food supplies into the support transporter, which will transport them from hut to hut. During hikes, you only have to bring your day backpack so you can focus on the adventure.

This is one of the longest and most rewarding days on the Laugavegur trail. Your group will cover 15 miles (24 kilometers) through diverse and stunning landscapes that may take eight to nine hours, depending on the group's pace.

The hike starts with a steady ascent as you bid farewell to the vibrant rhyolite hills of Landmannalaugar. The trail leads to Hrafntinnusker, or "Black Obsidian Skerry," a remote and otherworldly plateau.

Here, glossy shards of obsidian, a naturally occurring volcanic glass rock, dot the landscape. This is another glimpse into Iceland's rich volcanic history.

At Hrafntinnusker, there is also a hut where the group can rest briefly and refill water bottles.

From Hrafntinnusker, the trail begins a gradual descent into the Jokultungur gullies, a striking area characterized by steaming geothermal vents and bubbling mud pools. The trail goes through vibrant orange and green slopes shaped by millennia of geothermal activity.

As you navigate the gullies, remember to admire and photograph the breathtaking views of Alftavatn lake and the distant Myrdalsjokull and Eyjafjallajokull glaciers.

By late afternoon, you'll arrive at the Alftavatn hut, situated by the serene waters of the lake of the same name. The hut provides a cozy retreat after a challenging day, and in the evening, you can unwind, share stories with your fellow hikers, and soak in the peaceful surroundings.

This picturesque location is also a haven for birdlife during summer. You may see ducks and waterfowl nesting in the area with luck and good conditions.

Day two of your hiking adventure ends with a peaceful sleep inside the hut under the midnight sun.

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Day 3
The Laugavegur trail boasts colorful mountains and beautiful landscapes.

Day 3 - Alftavatn Lake to the Peaceful Valley of Emstrur

Day three begins with a warm breakfast at the Alftavatn hut and preparing sandwiches for your packed lunch. After loading your main luggage into the transporter, it’s time to set off on a rewarding trek through the ever-changing landscapes of Iceland’s highlands.

Today, your group will cover roughly 10 miles (16 kilometers) of trail and a descent of 130 feet (40 meters) that may take six to seven hours.

The hike continues with an exciting river crossing, just a 30-minute walk from the hut. Make sure your river crossing shoes are packed in your daypack, as this will be the first of two glacial rivers you’ll traverse today. The icy water, combined with the magnificent Highland views, makes for a refreshing and unforgettable experience.

The trail leads you past the Hvanngil hut, where you’ll find restroom facilities and a great spot for a short rest.

Soon after leaving Hvanngil, you’ll tackle the second river crossing, an adventure that adds to the thrill of the day’s hike.

As you continue, the landscape shifts dramatically to the Maelifellssandur, a black sand desert. This surreal terrain contrasts the lush valleys and colorful peaks you’ve encountered earlier on the trail.

In the middle of Maelifellssandur lies Mount Maelifell, standing at 2595 feet (791 meters). Its green and mossy slopes against the black desert are the perfect backdrop for taking landscape photos and selfies.

Arriving at the Emstrur hut in the afternoon, you’ll have time to relax and recharge. But for those eager for more exploration, the optional evening hike to the Markarfljot canyon is a must.

This 1.9-mile (3-kilometer) roundtrip hike takes one to two hours and offers breathtaking views of the canyon’s dramatic cliffs and the glacial river cutting through the valley below. It’s a perfect way to cap off the day, immersing yourself in one of Iceland’s lesser-known natural wonders.

As you settle in at the Emstrur hut, you can help prepare your group’s dinner and talk with the other hikers before retiring for the night.

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Day 4
Thorsmork Nature Reserve has excellent views of distant glaciers.

Day 4 - Emstrur Valley to Thorsmork Nature Reserve

Your fourth day on the iconic Laugavegur trail begins with a hearty breakfast at the Emstrur hut. This meal, included in your booking, will fuel you for the day's 10.5-mile (17-kilometer) hike, which may take six to seven hours.

Your destination is Thorsmork, the breathtaking endpoint and highlight of your journey. As you set off, the landscape continues to shift, showcasing Iceland's ever-changing terrain in all its glory.

The trail first takes you through the dramatic Almenningar gorge, where you'll pass beneath the shadow of Mount Einhyrningur (Unicorn Mountain). This unique peak adds a nice touch to the rugged surroundings with its distinctive unicorn-like shape.

Throughout today's hike, you'll enjoy awe-inspiring views of the Eyjafjallajokull and Myrdalsjokull glaciers, towering over the horizon like icy guardians. Eyjafjallajokull is known for its disruptive volcanic eruption in 2010, while Myrdalsjokull is the fourth-largest ice cap in Iceland.

As you approach Thorsmork, the highland terrain begins to give way to a more verdant landscape. Sparse patches of trees appear along the path, eventually leading to the dense birch forests that define the Thorsmork Nature Reserve.

This lush oasis, nestled between glaciers and mountains, is a fascinating change to the volcanic deserts and rhyolite peaks you've traversed earlier in the trek.

Your destination in Thorsmork is a picturesque mountain hut with glaciers and mountain views on a sunny day. Reaching this area is like celebrating your completion of one of the world's most famous hiking trails.

Whether you share stories with your fellow hikers, capture photos of the stunning surroundings, or simply take a quiet moment to absorb the landscape's beauty, the trail's end is truly unforgettable.

Although the Laugavegur trail ends here, there is more to explore in Thorsmork over the next two days. The guide will take you through the nature reserve's best spots and hidden trails.

Like in previous days, your group will enjoy a delicious dinner before cozying inside the hut under the midnight sun.

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Day 5
Thorsmork has wide birch and moss cover.

Day 5 - Exploring Thorsmork and Tindfjallahringur

Today is all about exploring the incredible beauty of Thorsmork, one of Iceland’s most stunning nature reserves. This peaceful valley, located between the Tindfjallajokull and Eyjafjallajokull glaciers, is a favorite destination for hikers.

After breakfast, get ready for a hike on the Tindfjallahringur trail, also known as the Circle of Tindfjoll Mountains. Tindfjallahringur is a less-traveled trail in the Highlands with beautiful views of inner Thorsmork, Godaland, and a hidden rock formation with a small cave.

Today’s hike on Tindfjallahringur and Thorsmork covers a 7.4-mile (12-kilometer) trail loop. Depending on the group’s pace, it may take roughly five to six hours to complete, with an estimated maximum ascent of 1,200 feet (350 meters).

The path takes you through a mix of steep sections, narrow trails, and gentle slopes covered in moss. While parts of the hike are challenging, the incredible views make it all worth it. Every turn offers something new, from glacial rivers below to rugged mountain peaks in the distance.

As you hike, your guide will share interesting facts about the area’s history, geology, and its connection to Norse mythology. You’ll learn how glaciers and volcanic activity have shaped this valley into the unique landscape it is today.

What makes this journey even more special is hiking alongside a group of adventurous women. Together, you’ll celebrate the beauty of Iceland and the strength it takes to conquer its wild landscapes.

In addition, the tour is conducted in a small group capacity. This setting will ensure that you get sufficient attention from your guide and can ask for their assistance whenever needed.

After the hike, you’ll return to the hut in Thorsmork for a well-deserved rest. In the evening, you can relax, share stories with your group, and enjoy dinner.

Since today is your last night in the area, feel free to stroll around the camp, take photos, and enjoy the peaceful views of the Highlands during Icelandic summer.

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Day 6
A hiker celebrates with a photo atop a mountain in Thorsmork.

Day 6 - Thorsmork’s Valahnukur Mountain and Return to Reykjavik

Your final day in Thorsmork begins with a hearty breakfast at the hut. Then, you will embark on a farewell hike that will allow you to capture the magic of this incredible region one last time.

Today’s adventure will take you on a 3.7-mile (6-kilometer) loop that features some of Thorsmork’s most iconic sights. It is the perfect way to conclude your six-day journey.

The highlight of the morning is a climb up Valahnukur, a small but rewarding mountain known for its panoramic 360-degree views. You’ll reach an elevation of 720 feet (220 meters) and gain breathtaking vistas of the surrounding valleys, glaciers, and mountains.

This is your last moment to reflect on the journey and take in the beauty of Thorsmork’s diverse landscapes, from the lush birch forests to the towering peaks of Eyjafajallajokull to Myrdalsjokull glaciers.

Descending from Valahnukur, the trail leads you to the fascinating Songhellir cave, a natural acoustic marvel steeped in folklore. On your way to the cave, you’ll cross a dried-up creek and a small canyon until you reach a big crevasse with large boulders leading to the cave itself.

Step inside and test the cave’s unique echo, a playful experience that has enchanted hikers for generations. The surrounding area is rich with history and mythology that you can ask your guide more about.

Towards the end of your multi-day hike in Thorsmork, you’ll take a stroll through the Husadalur hut area, where you can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this charming valley one last time.

In the early afternoon, you’ll board the highland bus for the journey back to Reykjavik. As the scenic landscapes of Thorsmork fade into the distance, you’ll have time to reflect on the memories, challenges, and connections forged during this extraordinary adventure. I

n the evening, you’ll arrive in downtown Reykjavik, where the bus will drop you off near the Tjornin pond (Bus Stop 2) or the BSI bus terminal. This marks the end of your unforgettable journey.

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What to bring

Warm and comfortable clothes
Waterproof hiking boots
Hiking pants (jeans are discouraged)
River crossing shoes
Thermal top or lightweight shirt
Wool socks that dry quickly
Day backpack (with waterproof cover)
Breathable and waterproof jacket (no plastic ponchos)
Sunhat
Sunglasses and sunscreen
Waterproof gloves or mittens
Water bottle and light snacks
Gaiters (optional for those hiking in June)
Extra fleece sweater or down jacket (for hiking breaks)
Sleeping bag
Travel pillow
Extra clothes for the huts
Medicine and hygiene products
Towel
Headlamp or a flashlight
Powerbank
Earplugs and a sleeping mask
Cash or a debit/credit card
Camera
Hiking poles (optional)

Good to know

The mountain huts have dormitory-style accommodations with basic facilities. The use of a shower is available at a low cost.

Please get in touch with the tour operator in advance if you have any special dietary requirements.

The hike is rated challenging due to the diverse terrain. Previous experiences in multi-day hiking or backpacking in similar environments can be advantageous.

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