What is the Laugavegur trail?
The Laugavegur trail is the famous trekking path that links to of Iceland´s most famous highland reservations, the Landmannalaugar Hot Springs and the Þórsmörk Valley. The trek can be done both ways, that is to say, starting from either Landmannalaugar or Þórsmörk, but it generally starts in Landmannalaugar and ends in Þórsmörk and that is the way we operate our trips.
How long is the Laugavegur trail?
The total length of the Laugavegur trail is approx. 54 kilometers.
How long do we hike each day?
We hike from 6 hours to 10 hours each day. This is a easy to challenging hiking trip, but anyone in a relatively good shape can undertake this tour.
Where does the Highlights of the Highlands trip start?
We start from Reykjavík and the tour includes a pick up from your accommodation. We will start with a drive to Landmannalaugar hot springs, either in one of our buses or with the scheduled bus from the BSI bus terminal.
What should I bring to wear on the trip?
The weather is very unpredictabel in Iceland so it is better to be safe than sorry.
Footwear: First of all you need good hiking boots, if you are buing new boots please try to wear them a bit before going on the trip. If you have not worn them at all before going on the trip it is likely that you will get blisters. We will be wading some small rivers and streams so you need to bring wading shoes with you. Those can be old running shoes, sandalls that will not come off in the stream or neophrene booties. Good hiking socks, preferably a wool mix, no cotton.
Waterproof clothing: We recommend 3-layer shells which are breathable. Those can save your life in the rain.
First layer: It is very important that the first layer is NOT cotton!! Because if cotton gets wet, it will stay wet and keeps you cold. We recommend merino wool to be your first layer, whereas your body can dry the wool and although the wool gets wet it will keep you warm.
Second layers: Any fleece, techno – or quick dry clothing is also recommended.
Footwear, waterproof clothing and first layers is what we emphasize but in Iceland you can also expect sunny weather so make sure you bring lighter clothing as well. A down jacket is also nice to have to put on during evenings. You need to bring head wear and gloves.
Can you offer vegetarian food on your treks?
Yes sure no problem, we offer vegetarian options.
Can you offer vegan food on your treks?
No, sorry. Vegan cooking is not possible.
Do I need to bring a tent?
No, no need to bring a tent, we supply tents on all our treks.
Is the sleeping bag and mattress included?
No, but you can rent a sleeping bag and mattress from us. Please remember to pre-book such extras.
Can we book chalets instead of tent accommodation on the Highlights of the Highlands trek?
Yes, please contact us for prices and availability. How ever keep in mind that the chalets on Laugavegur can be very cramped and all accommodation is in bunk beds. For this reason we prefer to operate our trips in tents, it is much more cozy.
Are there Hot Springs at each camp?
No there is only a hot spring at Landmannalaugar. There are showers at each camp which cost 300 - 400 ISK so make sure you bring coins with you. (The wardens can give you some change)
What about my luggage?
Our luggage will be transported the whole way. If you have luggage that you do not need on the trip we kindly ask you to store it in Reykjavík (please contact us if your hotel does not offer storage). It is recommended that you have waterproof bags, or that you will put your belongings in a plastic bag inside the bag you bring with you on the trip.
Will there be places with a power outlet to recharge some minimal items, such as cameras?
There are power outlets available at the wardens hut in Landmannalaugar (day 1) and in Þórsmörk (day 4).
We use European adapters and our voltage level is 220/240 V.
What are the daily shower / hygiene facilities on the tour?
There are showers at every campsite. You need to pay for using them (usually 4 coins of 100 ISK for about 5 minutes long shower).
The only toilets on the way are at the campsites, so during the day we need to go the way our ancestors did...
What are the cooking facilities /arrangements?
We provide a big kitchen tent and gas stoves. Our guides are in charge of cooking dinners but the trekkers give him a hand and help out with the preparation and cleaning the dishes after meals. We eat simple breakfast at the campsite in the mornings but we prepare sandwiches for the day. We carry thermal bottles with hot water and coffee if somebody feels like having some coffee or tea for lunch.
What kind of backpack is required for this tour?
We want your backpack to be big enough to carry spare clothing (either warmer clothes and waterproofs if we have a warm day or if you´re wearing those you might want to take them off at some point and then it needs to fit in your pack), sneakers to cross rivers, lunch and your personal stuff such as camera etc... Therefore a pack smaller than 35 L is not enough and a pack bigger than 70 L is unnecessarily big.
What exactly will be transported between camp sites?
Everything else than what we need on track, during the day. All your personal belingings you don´t think you´ll be needing during the day, tents, sleeping mats, sleeping bags, food, kitchen equipment etc.
