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
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen
TrustScore 4.9 | 210 reviews
TrustScore 4.9 of 5
Based on 210 reviews on
6 hours ago
Adventure Life couldn’t have provided a better travel experience, from the start of planning through the entire tip itself. The agents were very helpful and quickly responsive to our questions and needs. We were well taken care of and the trip was smooth sailing, both literally and figuratively. The cruise line, the hotel, and the extra excursions that Adventure Life provided were superb and without flawsThe price was reasonable when we compared the planned trip to what was offered by others. We would highly recommend both Adventure Life and Emerald Cruise Line to anyone interested in an enjoyable, relaxing, and informative travel experience.
Julie Mabel
1 day ago
I have travelled with Adventure Life previously and certainly eager to do it again. Kassandra made excellent and honest suggestions while taking the time to understand what was important to us.
Susan
2 days ago
They answered every question and concern that I had and put me at ease. Very excited for this once in a life-time trip.
Customer Tim
3 days ago
I am a returning client to Adventure Life and am very pleased with their commitment to put together a great trip. Clara replied and clarified to any and all questions we had.
Claire Palmer
5 days ago
Jessica was very responsive to my questions and never balked when I asked her to go back and find more options. She really worked hard to find the right cruise for us.
