Laugavegur, Þórsmörk – Landmannalaugar. 53 km, 4 days

The Laugavegur is the most popular hike in Iceland. It runs through the active volcanic fault line where the European and North American shelve meet. This spectacular walk is known mainly by the pictures of the colourful rhyolite mountains. But there is more: exuberant vegetation, glaciers, hot springs, rivers and lakes. The eruption of the volcano under the glacier Eyjafjallajökull in 2010 has reinforced the attraction of this route.

The trail is located in the south of Iceland. The start is in Landmannalaugar and from there the trail heads south to Þórsmörk. In the tourist season there are daily buses to both start and finish.

Along the way are six cabins, situated at regular intervals, open from late June to early September. Reservations are required. Do this well in advance, otherwise you will be too late and they are full. The cabins are kept by wardens. But you cannot buy food. There is a kitchen to prepare your own meals. Bring your own sleeping bag.

Camping is permitted near these cabins, but wild camping along the path is not allowed, because the whole area is a nature reserve.

From Þórsmörk one may optionally walk further south, to Skógar on the coast. This path - Fimmvörðuháls - had been buried under the ashes of the volcano Eyjafjallajökull, but was restored in the summer of 2010.

There are other variants. Halfway down the path, near the hut Álftavatn, turn east to reach Hólaskjól in a three days beautiful and quiet walk.

The third variant is the path of Landmannalaugar extending west to the volcano Hekla, which you may wish to climb. This 3-day trail is called Hellismannaleid.

The Laugavegur is in itself not a difficult path. But in bad weather bad fate can strike. Prepare yourself well and take care for the right equipment.