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Routes Iceland Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls - Hiking from Skógar to Landmannalaugar
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Long-Distance Hiking Toprecommended route

Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls - Hiking from Skógar to Landmannalaugar

· 13 reviews · Long-Distance Hiking · Iceland
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  • Skógafoss
    Skógafoss
    Photo: Reiner Drewe, Community
Lukas Fluck
on the March 07, 2021

Lukas rated this “very good“

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This spectacular multi-day tour takes you about 80 km through nearly the entire range of Icelandic primeval landscapes.
moderate
Distance 78.1 km
Duration25:00 h
Ascent2,620 m
Descent2,060 m
Highest point1,070 m
Lowest point30 m
The classic of all tracks in Iceland is undoubtedly Laugavegur in combination with the trail on the Fimmvörðuháls. For every nature-loving hiker the tour is in some luck with the weather an absolute must and an unforgettable experience.

In the short Icelandic summer, this path is gone by many people. In the small huts it can be pretty cramped in the evenings. Though you should make reservations in advance. With an own tent you are much more independent and there will always be a place to camp around the cabins.

The Laugavegur and the way across the Fimmvörðuháls are well marked with wooden stakes and is easy to recognize. Nevertheless, each hiker must be proficient with map, compass and GPS, because bad weather conditions (snow, storms, fog) can complicate the orientation. This is particularly true on the section across Fimmvörðuháls and on Hrafntinnusker due to the altitude (1000 m above sea level.)

The technically most difficult part of the tour is the descent from the Fimmvörðuháls down to Þórsmörk. The path on the Heljarkambur (Hell Ridge) leading to the plateau of Mórinsheiði is very exposed. There is also a rope at this point. Farther down follows the Kattahryggur (cat's arched back). The few meters of this exposed ridge must be overcome without any ropes.
In both places caution is highly recommended especially in strong winds because you can quickly get out of balance with heavy luggage!

During the course of the tour, there are several rivers that must be waded, because there are often no bridges. However, the fords along the way are relatively moderate and not particularly deep nor particularly fast flowing. For Iceland newcomers with little trekking experience the fords are still a challenge. And of course the water level of inconspicuous rivers can rise quickly in heavy rain and thaw. In such circumstances some fords on Laugavegur can be dangerous (for example the river Þröngá approx. 1 hour north of Þórsmörk).

Author’s recommendation

The short ascents to Valahnúkur in Langidalur and Bláhnúkur at Landmannalaugar offer fantastic views!
Difficulty
moderate
Technique
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Highest point
Hrafntinnusker, 1,070 m
Lowest point
Skógar, 30 m
Best time of year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Track types

Show elevation profile

Rest stops

Landmannalaugar

Safety information

On Iceland the time for hiking tours is only the short summer season.
You have to be equipped for the typical Icelandic weather conditions. Especially severe storms, wet weather and cold temperatures have to be expected. Due to very bad weather conditions the daily progress can be prevented. Thus, you should prepare for at least one additonal day.

In spite of the good infrastructure (by Icelandic standards) with signposts and huts the tour can not be underestimated in any case. Every year tourists need to be brought to safety by rescue teams because of inadequate equipment and insufficient experience.

Tips and hints

Interesting Content about hiking in Iceland (german):

www.isafold.de

 

Start

Skógar (46 m)
Coordinates:
DD
63.527852, -19.512839
DMS
63°31'40.3"N 19°30'46.2"W
UTM
27V 573960 7045262
w3w 
///rugged.handprint.unconvinced
Show on Map

Destination

Landmannalaugar

Turn-by-turn directions

Skógar - Fimmvörðuháls - Þórsmörk - Emstrur Desert - Álftavatn - Hrafntinnusker - Landmannalaugar

Public transport

Public-transport-friendly

From Reykjavik there is a daily bus line to Skógar.

From Egilsstaðir there also a daily bus line to Skógar.

From Landmannalaugar daily buses are only operating in the summer season to Reykjavík and Höfn.

By road

Skógar is located at the ring road and can be easily reached by car from Reykjavik as well as from Egilstaðir.

Parking

Parking at Skógafoss.

Coordinates

DD
63.527852, -19.512839
DMS
63°31'40.3"N 19°30'46.2"W
UTM
27V 573960 7045262
w3w 
///rugged.handprint.unconvinced
Show on Map
Arrival by train, car, foot or bike

Book recommendation by the author

Hiking map for Laugavegur Trail: Sérkort Þórsmörk/Landmannalaugar

Author’s map recommendations

.

Book recommendations for this region:

Show more
All publications

Equipment

Typical trekking gear for multi-day tours in Northern Ireland.

Of particular importance are:

  • absolutely storm proof tent
  • warm and waterproof clothing from head to toe
  • navigation tools (map, GPS, compass)
The most beautiful long-distance hikes in Iceland
Iceland

Questions and answers

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Rating

4.9
(13)
Lukas Fluck 
March 07, 2021 · Community
Comment
Profile picture of Felix Lindmeyer
Felix Lindmeyer
October 30, 2020 · Community
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Route done on June 21, 2019
1 comment
Kaj Kusterer
February 28, 2020 · Community
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Route done on July 22, 2017
Video: Kaj Kusterer, Community
Comment
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Photos from others


Reviews
13
Difficulty
moderate
Distance
78.1 km
Duration
25:00 h
Ascent
2,620 m
Descent
2,060 m
Highest point
1,070 m
Lowest point
30 m
Public-transport-friendly Multi-stage route Scenic Geological highlights Flora

Weather at the route's trailhead

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Excursions and leisure tips for the region

Routes Iceland Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls - Hiking from Skógar to Landmannalaugar
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