Long considered one of the world’s greatest trails, Iceland’s 34-mile/55k Laugavegur Trail begins amid the lava fields of Landmannalaugar, climbing through hills where steam issues from scores of thermal features below surreal peaks painted in a chaotic rainbow of electric colors. The trail crosses snowfields, river valleys, and stark, flat plains of volcanic rock flanked by vividly green mountains. At many points along the trail, you’ll look out over vast glaciers. It finishes in a glaciated river valley in the Thorsmork Nature Reserve.
The Fimmvörðuháls Trail, although existing in the Laugavegur’s shadow—probably because it’s harder, with significantly more elevation gain and loss—is arguably even more spectacular than the Laugavegur. It may be the only trail you’ll ever hike where, over less than 16 miles/25k, you’ll ascend a canyon where the scenery constantly prompts you to raise your camera; you’ll cross a short but airy knife-edge ridge (that’s entirely safe) and a high, snowy plateau featuring two craters created by a recent volcanic eruption; and then descend a river valley with more than two dozen big, impressive waterfalls one after another.
Combine the two trails in an approximately 49.5-mile/80k hike, typically spread over six days, and you will take what is unquestionably one of the world’s great treks.
This e-book will tell you all you need to know to plan this trek, including tips on the best season, itinerary options, difficulty, weather (which is challenging, to say the least), transportation, huts and camping, gear tips and what you need to know regarding safety and other issues specific to this trip.
Read my blog story about my family’s hut trek on these two trails, “A Family Hikes Iceland’s Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls Trails,” which has dozens of photos and is partially free for anyone to read but requires a paid subscription to read in full; or see my story “Trekking Iceland’s Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls Trails—A Photo Gallery,” which is free for anyone to read.
Purchase this e-book NOW and begin planning your adventure on one of the world’s great treks, Iceland’s Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls trails!
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