5-Day Laugavegur Trek in Huts

This trail takes adventurers from the geothermal valley of Landmannalaugar and the southern highlands, over the southern highlands to the Þórsmörk valley, at the foot of the world-famous Eyjafjallajökull volcano.The trail crosses many spectacles, including the third biggest geothermal zone in the world, through yellow rhyolite mountains, over black deserts, past grand canyons, and finally into the verdurous valley of Þórsmörk.It is no coincidence that the 'Laugavegur' hike each year attracts travellers from around the world in addition to being a great favourite amongst locals.Trekking: 5 days Walk per day: 4-7 hours Total walking distance: 56 km. (35 miles) Altitude: 200-1100 m. (650-3600 feet) Maximum Ascent: 600 m. (1900 feet) Groups: 6 to 16 participants.Day 1: Reykjavík - Landmannalaugar - Hrafntinnusker. We take the scheduled bus from the BSI bus terminal at 08:00 that during the summer months drive the mountain tracks that lead to Landmannalaugar, passing by the Hekla volcano and other volcanoes in the Dómadalur area. Arriving in Landmannalaugar at noon, we have lunch and then head south into the mountains. The trail takes us past small gorges, steaming hot springs and yellow mountain ridges. Arrival at Hrafntinnusker mountain hut, where we will stay the night, in the late afternoon.Day 2: Hrafntinnusker - Álftavatn. From Hrafntinnusker, we descend in the gullies of Jökultungur with hundreds of steaming hot springs and mud pools. Up there, we enjoy fascinating views to the south of the Álftavatn area (Swan Lake), and the Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull glaciers. In the afternoon, we arrive at Álftavatn hut, where we stay the night.Day 3: Álftavatn - Emstur. We pass at the foot of the green conic volcano of Stórasúla before entering the black deserts of Mælifellssandur. Heading towards another ancient and verdurous volcano, the Hattfell, we enter the Emstrur region where farmers used to graze their sheep in summer. Before arriving at the Botnar hut where we stay the night, we visit the magnificent Markarfljót canyon cut almost 200 m down into the rocks south of Hattfell.Day 4: Emstur - Þórsmörk. We continue up and down through the small valleys and gullies of Emstrur, where the great Mýrdalsjökull glacier rises only a couple of kilometres away. The vegetation starts to grow thicker and higher as we descend into Þórsmörk's (the woods of Thor) green valleys filled with arctic birch forests and colourful flowers. A night in one of the huts in Þórsmörk.Day 5: Bus from Þórsmörk to Reykjavík. We spend the morning in Þórsmörk, where we walk along one of the numerous paths. For example, we can visit the Sönghellir cave ('Song cave'), and climb up the small mountain of Valahnúkur from where the magnificent view can be enjoyed, before taking the afternoon bus to Reykjavík. Arrival at Reykjavik BSI bus terminal where the trip ends at 19:20Requirements: - Please fill out our passengers' information formPlease bring: - Sturdy Hiking Boots – waterproof with good ankle support - Long sleeve shirt (thermal underwear) – Wool or synthetic - T-shirt (thermal underwear) – Wool or synthetic - Light wool or fleece sweater (2nd layer) - Trousers – Strong and light material that dries quickly e.g. soft-shell - Jacket with a good hood – windproof, waterproof and breathable - Rain trousers – windproof, waterproof and breathable - Gloves – Wool or synthetic 2 pairs of different thickness - Socks – Wool or synthetic - two or three pairs - Warm hat – Wool or synthetic - A duffel bag for the transport of your overnight gear between huts - Backpack for extra clothes and food during the day. 25 – 40L (1500 – 2500 cu in) - River shoes - Light sleeping bag - Towel – lightweight and packable - Sunglasses, sun protection - Water container – thermos flask or water bottle 0,5 – 1L - Headlamp for reading and getting around the hut - Casual clothes/change of clothes for wearing in the hut - Personal first aid kit – including blister care and prescription medication - Toiletries; toothbrush, toothpaste, soap etc. EarplugsOptional gear: - Walking pole(s) - GaitersNeoprene socks – highly recommended for river crossings - Penknife - Sun/rain Hat or a Cap - Shorts - Thermal mat (for lunch breaks) - Puffy jacket (e.g. Primaloft or down) - Camera, spare batteries and a memory card or films - Dry bags for electronics and extra clothing - Slippers for indoor use - Aperitif or other heart-warming spirits