Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls - Hiking from Skógar to Landmannalaugar

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).