ICELAND WOMENS LAUGAVEGUR HIKE
Unleash Your Inner Valkyrie
Embark on one of the world’s most celebrated 34-mile hikes through Iceland’s breathtaking Southern Highlands. This iconic all-women adventure is truly unforgettable, letting you rest under the midnight sun each night as you journey through Iceland’s awe-inspiring landscape.
- 6 Days
- Challenging
- Iceland
- Womens Iceland Laugavegur Hike adventure led by expert local guides
- Tour one of the most beautiful hikes in the world as named by National Geographic
- Hike a 34-mile trek through the stunning Iceland’s Southern Highlands
- Explore geothermal wonders that rival those of Yellowstone
- Experience the breathtaking glaciers and hidden waterfalls
- Discover captivating natural thermal springs
- Explore vast black sand deserts speckled with massive obsidian shards
- Sleep under the midnight sun as you trek from place to place
BOOK FROM
- *Secure your spot with a £200 deposit. Full payment due 70 days prior to departure
- Pay in instalments
- Financial Protection on your payments
ITINERARY
DAY 1
Your adventure begins bright and early at 6:45am at the BSÍ bus terminal in downtown Reykjavík, where you’ll meet your experienced guide and fellow travellers. At 7am you’ll hop on the Highland Bus heading to Landmannalaugar.
The bus will pause for a quick bathroom break in the town of Hella before reaching the beautiful Landmannalaugar around 11:30 a.m. Upon arrival, you’ll settle into the hut, enjoy some lunch and coffee, and head out for a short “warm-up” hike to get ready for the more challenging trek awaiting you the next day.
The group will traverse a looped trail that meanders between Bláhnúkur mountain (Mt. Bluepeak) and Grænagil canyon (The Green Canyon), enjoying breathtaking vistas of Brennisteinsalda mountain (Mt. Sulphur Wave), one of Iceland’s most colourful peaks. Afterward, you’ll head back to camp through the Laugahraun lava field, where a tasty dinner awaits, along with an opportunity to relax in a nearby natural hot spring.
The hike
Distance: 5-6 km (3.1 – 3.8 miles)
Walking time: 3 hrs
Inclusions
Accommodation: Hut (1 night)
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
DAY 2
Wake up and get ready! After savouring a nutritious breakfast and doing some morning stretches whilst taking in your incredible surroundings, you’ll begin your hike. The first 12 kilometres will primarily involve an uphill trek as you gradually say goodbye to the vibrant scenery of Landmannalaugar and head toward Hrafntinnusker, also known as Black.
The Obsidian Skerry is a location that truly feels out of this world. You’ll stop for a well deserved break at Hrafntinnusker where there is a little hut for hikers.
Following a pleasant break at Hrafntinnusker, you continue your hike and swiftly begin our descent into the Jökultungur gullies, where numerous steaming hot springs and mud pools are scattered about. Be sure to pause and admire the captivating views of the Álftavatn area (Swan Lake) along with the Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull glaciers. In the afternoon, you will reach the Álftavatn hut, where you will spend the night.
The hike
Distance: 24 km (15 miles)
Walking time: 8 – 9 hrs
Ascent/Descent: +470 m (1540 ft); -490 m (1610 ft)
Inclusions
Accommodation: Hut (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3
Day three kicks off like every other day on the trail, starting with a nourishing breakfast, followed by preparing sandwiches for lunch. You’ll load your bags and food into the transporter once more and embark on your hike through this stunning highland paradise.
Today, you’ll navigate two glacial rivers, the first of which is just a 30-minute stroll from the hut, so don’t forget to pack your river crossing shoes in your daypack.
On your journey, you’ll stop by the Hvanngil hut, where you can take a breather. After departing from Hvanngil, you’ll face the second glacial river crossing and continue through the striking landscape of the black desert of Mælifellssandur, surrounded by lush green mountains, until you reach the Emstrur hut in the afternoon.
The optional hike to the breathtaking Markarfljót canyon in the evening is highly recommended—it’s an experience you won’t want to miss!
The Hike
Distance: 16 km (10 miles)
Walking time: 6 – 7 hrs
Descent: 40 m (130 ft)
Inclusions
Accommodation: Hut (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, dinner
Important Note: The round-trip trek to the canyon covers about 3 km and typically takes between 1 to 2 hours to finish. You will begin and end your hike at Emstrur hut.
DAY 4
It’s the final day on the trail! Today, you depart from Emstrur and make your way to Þórsmörk. As you traverse the Almenningar gorge near Mount Einhyrningur (the Unicorn Mountain), stunning views of the glaciers will accompany you once approaching Þórsmörk. Towards your destination, the scenery begins to shift, with a few trees emerging, signalling the start of the lush birch forest that Þórsmörk is renowned for.
You’ll be staying in an absolutely stunning location for the night, nestled beneath the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers. It’s the perfect moment to celebrate your achievement of completing the renowned Laugavegur Trail!
Hiking time
Distance: 17 km (10.5 miles)
Walking time: 6 – 7 hrs
Descent: 300 m (985 ft)
Inclusions
Accommodation: Hut (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5
Þórsmörk, often referred to as Thorsmork, is a breathtaking nature reserve in the Icelandic highlands. Nestled between the Tindfjallajökull glacier to the north and the Eyjafjallajökull glacier to the south, it boasts a striking and scenic valley.
Þórsmörk, named after the Norse god Thor, is a playground for hikers and nature lovers. This area features a huge choice of hiking trails, all leading to stunning vistas and mind blowing scenery.
Today, you will embark on a full day of hiking the enchanting Tindfjallahringur trail, also known as the circle of Tindfjöll mountains. This trail offers a breathtaking hiking experience, with views that are truly postcard-perfect! While there are some steep stretches and narrow paths, the stunning vistas make every bit of effort worthwhile, and the beautiful scenery will keep you captivated throughout the journey.
The hike
Distance: 12 km (7,4 miles)
Walking Time: 5 – 6 hrs
Elevation: 350m/1200ft
Inclusions
Accommodation: Hut (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, dinner
DAY 6
In the morning, you’ll embark on a fun circular hike near your hut, climbing the small mountain of Valahnúkur for stunning 360-degree views of the entire Þórsmörk region. You’ll also visit the Sönghellir (Song Cave) and take a leisurely walk through the Húsadalur hut area before catching the afternoon bus back to Reykjavík.
You can expect to arrive in downtown Reykjavík around 18:00, where the public bus will drop you off at The Pond, or at bus stop 2 where you’ll say your sad farewells to your new hiking crew…Until you meet again!
The hike
Distance: 6 km (3,7 miles)
Walking time: 3 hrs
Elevation: 220m/720ft
Inclusions
Accommodation: Hut (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
INCLUDED
- Guided hikes that will inspire you
- Transportation from Reykjavik to the trail head and back
- Hut accommodation featuring dormitory-style rooms
- All meals from lunch on day one through lunch on day 6
- Luggage transport from hut to hut
- Local expert hiking guide
- Six days of hiking with all your needs fully managed
- WhatsApp group created shortly before the tour starts
- All trip logistics taken care of
- Financial Protection on all payments
INCLUDED
- Guided hikes that will inspire you
- Transportation from Reykjavik to the trailhead and back.
- Hut accommodation featuring dormitory-style rooms
- All meals from lunch on day one through lunch on day six
- Luggage transport from hut to hut
- Local expert hiking guide
- Six days of hiking with all your needs fully managed
- WhatsApp group to get to know your travel fam
- Financial Protection of all of your payments
NOT INCLUDED
- International flights to Iceland
- Transfer from / to the airport
- Accommodation before and after the tour
- Sleeping bag (can be rented from camping rental stores in Reykjavik)
- Insurance
- Alcohol, laundry and other items of a personal nature
- Any additional costs associated with leaving the expedition early
NOT INCLUDED
- International flights to Iceland
- Transfer from / to the airport
- Accommodation before and after the tour
- Sleeping bag (can be rented from camping rental stores in Reykjavik)
- Insurance
- Alcohol, laundry and other items of a personal nature
- Any additional costs associated with leaving the expedition early
ICELAND
Iceland, the land of fire and ice, is a country of breathtaking contrasts where glaciers meet volcanoes, and rugged landscapes are shaped by nature’s raw power. Known for its stunning natural beauty, Iceland offers dramatic waterfalls, steaming geysers, and geothermal hot springs, making it a paradise for outdoor adventurers. The capital city, Reykjavik, is a vibrant hub of culture, offering unique architecture, lively arts scenes, and delicious cuisine. From witnessing the magical northern lights to exploring ice caves and black sand beaches, Iceland is a destination that captivates with its untamed wilderness and rich Viking heritage.
THE IMPORTANT STUFF
At Adventuress in the Wild we work with tour operators who are providing trips for anybody who identifies as a woman. We have found that women are more likely to step out of their comfort zone and try new activities when they are surrounded by other supportive women. All of the tour operators we work with believe that adventure is for every woman no matter your background, ability, body type, or orientation, and are handpicked for total safety and quality.
This is a 34-mile multi-day hike that involves daily walks ranging from 5 to 15 miles (please refer to the itinerary for details on elevation). The trail includes portions with substantial elevation changes, so you should be prepared for both uphill and downhill hiking.
The terrain can be challenging and varies significantly, featuring rocky trails, muddy spots, river crossings, and volcanic landscapes. It is helpful to be comfortable navigating uneven surfaces.
Certain sections ascend to higher altitudes and can be quite steep. Experience with multi-day hikes, backpacking, or trekking in comparable environments can be beneficial. If you have previously undertaken long hikes, it will serve you well on this journey.
Important Training Recommendations: It’s recommended to participate in regular cardiovascular and strength-training workouts in the months prior to your hike. Concentrate on uphill walking, building your endurance, and training with a weighted backpack.
If you have had Iceland on your bucket list for a while, and you love hiking, then this adventure will be a dream!
You’ll be taking in some of the best scenery in the world, on a hike that has been voted by Nat Geo as one of the world’s greatest long distance treks.
It’s recommended to participate in regular cardiovascular and strength-training workouts in the months prior to your hike. Concentrate on uphill walking, building your endurance, and training with a weighted backpack.
There will be no single supplement available on this adventure.
When is the final payment date?
This adventure can be booked with a £200 deposit. The remainder of the balance will be paid 70 days prior to departure. If booking within 70 days prior to departure then full payment will be required.
Is this trip guaranteed departure?
This tour requires a minimum of 8 people to run.
What is the max number of hikers on this trip
There can be up to 16 women on this trip, although that is rarely the case.
Arrival and departure location
Most people fly into Keflavik International Airport (KEF). From there, you have a 45-minute drive to Reykjavik by bus or a cab. Buses leave the airport every hour, 24/7, so you don’t have to worry about your options.
It’s of your own choice when you want to arrive in Iceland, however, you should be ready to meet your guide at 06:45 am at the BSI bus station in downtown Reykjavik on day 1 of your trip.
Address: BSÍ bus terminal
Vatnsmýrarvegur, 101 Reykjavík, IS
Airport pick-up and drop-off are not included in your trip; travellers must arrange their own transportation to and from Keflavík Airport.
Booking flights
We work with a trusted flight agent who can help with booking your flights. Please let your Adventuress Travel Mentor know if you would like this option.
What will the accommodation be like?
On the Laugavegur tour, you’ll have the unique experience of staying in magic rustic huts along the route. Each of these mountain huts is equipped with heating and features bunk rooms with both single and twin beds. Be ready to share a bunk with fellow travellers in your group. Please note that the huts do not have power outlets, so it’s a good idea to bring a power bank.
Showers and Toilets — All campsites and huts (except for Hrafntinnusker), offer showers that require a fee of 900 ISK per use, payable directly to the warden. Toilets are accessible at each campsite and hut, and they are stocked with toilet paper and soap. Any additional personal hygiene items should be brought by you.
Will I need a sleeping bag?
No. Your hotel will be providing a warm room and enough blankets for a cosy night.
ITINERARY DISCLAIMER
Itinerary Changes
On the rare occasion itineraries may change based on certain circumstances or feedback from travelers. Should there be a change you will be notified.
VISA & PASSPORT INFO
Passport
As a general rule most countries expect that your passport has a minimum of 6 months validity remaining. Please ensure the name on your passport matches the name on your booking and airline tickets. Your passport details are required to complete your booking. Your Adventuress Travel Mentor will contact you when this is required. Take a copy of the main passport pages and other important documents with you, and leave another copy at home with family or friends.
Visas & Entry Requirements
Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. Entry requirements can change at any time, so you must check for the latest information. Please visit the relevant consular website of the country or countries you’re visiting for detailed and up-to-date visa information specific to your nationality. Your Adventuress Travel Mentor will also be happy to point you in the right direction with acquiring visas. Visas can take several weeks to process, so familiarise yourself with any requirements as soon as you have booked your trip to allow for processing time.
CURRENCY
The currency of Iceland is Icelandic Krona, however everywhere accepts card payment if wishing to purchase snacks whilst in Iceland.
Contingency Funds
The operators of this tour try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond their control so they reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or a Force Majeure Event. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. Please note Adventuress in the Wild or the tour operator are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itineraries including but not limited to non-refundable flights.
MEDICAL
You will need good general health for this trip. If you are unwell, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements.
Read through the itinerary carefully and assess if this style of trip is for you. Please note that if a traveller is deemed unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, our operator reserves the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without a refund. A first aid kit and personal medical requirements are also recommended as they may not be easily found locally.
FOOD & WATER
Drinking Water
Please bring a water bottle that you can refill with tap water at the huts and campsites. Your local guide will direct you to the best places to fill up.
What is the food like during the trip?
Basic meals will be provided every day. The lack of space and facilities in the huts make it difficult for your guide to prepare a wide variety of dishes daily, however some dietary requirements can be accommodated upon request, including options for vegetarians and individuals with food allergies.
Are snacks provided during this tour? Or do you recommend that we bring our own?
All your meals and snacks will be provided by our tour operators every day but you are welcome to bring your own snacks.
CLIMATE AND SEASONAL INFO
From June to September, when the trail is open to hikers, the Laugavegur Trail in Iceland experiences relatively mild summer conditions. However, Iceland’s weather is known for its unpredictability, and conditions can change rapidly. It’s common to encounter rain, strong winds, and even snow. Being physically prepared to handle adverse conditions is essential.
Who is the trip host?
Your leader on this will be a highly experienced Icelandic female leader. The aim of the group leader is of course to take any stress and hassle out of your travels, to maintain the highest level of safety at all times, and to help you have the best trip possible. She will provide information and history on the places you are travelling through and offer suggestions for things to see and do, much as a recognised guide would.
PHONE & INTERNET ACCESS
While free Wi-Fi is available throughout Iceland, please be aware that during this trip, your mobile signal will be limited to 3G, with some areas experiencing weak connectivity.
SAFETY
Iceland is generally considered one of the safest countries in the world.
Who is the tour operator?
The operator for this trip is Viking Women Tours.
It’s your responsibility to ensure that you have the appropriate insurance for your intended trip.
You must carry a copy of your individual travel insurance to take part in this expedition. You will not be permitted in the park without proof of insurance and we will be requesting your insurance details 8 weeks before your departure.
You must check that the insurance cover they offer is right for you, including medical evacuation and coverage up to the maximum altitude of this trip, taking your circumstances (items to be insured, cancellation cover, medical history) into account.
So what bag do I need?
Waterproof duffel bag for the transport of your overnight gear (up to 20 kg). Please check our packing list below and make sure you have an additional daypack (around 25-40L bag) that is large enough to carry all the items recommended for the day.
Do we need any technical gear for this?
No technical gear is required, aside from your waterproof hiking shoes or boots. Please consult our packing list for more details.
Do I need a sleeping bag?
YES. Indoor sleeping bag is fine. Hikers can rent a sleeping bag in Reykjavík.
Clothing and things to carry in your daypack (large enough to carry all the items listed below):
- Waterproof cover for your daypack
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Hiking pants
- Thermal top or lightweight T-shirt
- Wool socks that dry quickly
- Mid layer
- Buff or face covering
- Warm hat
- Gaiters (optional for those hiking in June month)
- Sunhat
- Waterproof gloves or mittens
- Breathable & waterproof jacket and waterproof pants (no plastic ponchos)
- Sunglasses
- Water bottle or water bladder
- Sunscreen
- River crossing shoes for day 2, 3 & 4
- Extra fleece sweater or down jacket to put on when we stop for breaks
- Hand sanitizer
- Hiking poles (optional but recommended)
- Camera (optional)
In your luggage. We highly recommend bringing a duffel bag:
- Sleeping bag (can be rented from camping rental stores in Reykjavik, please request with your travel mentor)
- Insurance
- Travel pillow (optional)
- Underwear and socks
- Extra clothes for the trail
- Extra clothes for the huts
- Hygiene and beauty products
- Towel
- Headlamp or a flashlight (for those doing the hike in August – September)
- Powerbank to charge your devices
- Earplugs and a sleeping mask
- Bathing suit
- Cash or a debit/credit card
Personal First Aid Kit: A small kit with painkillers (Ibuprofen if you can take it and a Paracetamol) plus blister plasters, plasters, antiseptic, rehydration sachets, and any muscle rubs you wish to use is a good idea. Your guide will have a comprehensive kit for bigger problems.
Personal medication: Kept in an accessible location in your pack
Passport: Your passport should have an expiry date at least six months after the final day of travel.
Let us know if you would like to pay for your trip in instalments. The first instalment will always be the required deposit amount. Instalments are only available if making payments before the trip’s final payment date. The entire balance must be paid on the final payment date.
Contact us at info@adventuressinthewild.com for more information
Sure! Any adventure on Adventuress in the Wild can be booked bespoke. If you’d like to do this tour with your family or friends then let us know at info@adventuressinthewild.com
This booking will be subject to Viking Women Tours Booking Conditions, and Adventuress in the Wild Booking Conditions
YOUR PERSONAL TRAVEL MENTOR
When booking with us you’ll receive your own personal Travel Mentor to help you book and prepare for your amazing adventures. We’ve helped hundreds of women get out there, and now can’t wait to share your excitement for your next trip.
WHY BOOK WITH ADVENTURESS?
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Ready to dive into life beyond your comfort zone? We’ve got you!
Pack your bags and get ready to meet your inner Adventuress. You’ll explore new places and try things you never dreamed possible, returning home with boosted confidence and lot of amazing stories to tell.
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Adventure for everyone
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Let’s show the world that adventure is for everybody.
