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.
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
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.
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)
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)
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.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Initial deposit is 25%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check, or credit card. Final payments by credit card may be subject to surcharge and maximum $20,000 charge
The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
Jack Charney
TrustScore 4.8 | 176 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 176 reviews on
1 day ago
Adventure Life is always an excellent choice when planning complicated, extreme, or exotic vacations or expeditions. They provide friendly professional services and advice and are enthusiastic and encouraging in helping us to prepare and thoroughly enjoy our trip. They handle all the details which greatly reduces the stress of planning a difficult trip. I'm very impressed with Adventure Life and definitely recommend them to friends and family.
Scott Trochim
3 days ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
5 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
6 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
