Iceland and the Laugavegur Trail Grade: Moderate to Challenging
£2,750.00
Join us for this amazing Icelandic adventure which includes not only a classic hike but also plenty of time to explore some of the iconic sights which make Iceland such a memorable destination. The tour begins with a private transfer from the airport to our hotel in the capital. We have dinner together with our Icelandic guide, Saga, before heading off to the highlands by private minibus the following morning.
The Laugavegur Trail, between Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk, is one of the most popular hiking trails in Iceland. National Geographic listed it as one of the most beautiful trails in the world.
It is unusual to find so much variety in the landscape. The trail goes through incredibly colourful rhyolite mountains, black obsidian lava, wheezing hot springs, lakes clear as a mirror, black sandy desert and ends in a lush forested area.
Once the trail is complete, we take a shorter hike to gain some of the most spectacular views from a high vantage point. We then head to our hotel in Vik and have 2 full days of private touring exploring the south coast with its magnificent waterfalls and black sand beaches. We also experience the classic Golden Circle tour which again includes some spectacular waterfalls and geysers too. Depending on flight times, we hope to have the chance to take a dip in the famous Blue Lagoon on our way back to the airport.
To make the holiday extra special, the tour will be led by local guide, Saga of Viking Women exclusively for Her on a Hill. Highly experienced, you can be sure to be in safe hands.
Itinerary (subject to change)
Day 1: Arrive in Reykjavík. Tour briefing with Saga. Dinner.
Day 2: REYKJAVÍK – LANDMANNALAUGAR
We depart Reykjavík early in the morning and change buses in the town of Hella where the Highland Bus will take us to the highlands. During the summer months, this bus drives the mountain tracks that lead to Landmannalaugar, passing by the Hekla volcano and other volcanoes in the Dómadalur area. Arriving in Landmannalaugar at noon, we get settled in to the hut and have some lunch. After lunch, we go for a lovely “warm up“ hike in the area. Landmannalaugar is a magnificent geothermal wonderland, whose colourful rhyolite mountains have become famous across the world. In the evening, we have dinner and later, we have some free time to relax in the natural hot spring or join the wardens at the Mountain Mall, which sells beer, wine and snacks.
Distance: 5-6 km (3,7 mi) Walking time: 3 – hours
Day 3: LANDMANNALAUGAR – ÁLFTAVATN
Today begins with breakfast at the hut before we start hiking the famous Laugavegur Trail. Our journey heads towards Hrafntinnusker, an obsidian desert which appears otherworldly. We then follow the beautiful Reykjafjöll Mountains, famed for their snowy peaks and majestic views of the surrounding area.
From Hrafntinnusker, we descend down into the gullies of Jökultungur with hundreds of steaming hot springs and mud pools. We enjoy fascinating views to the south to the Álftavatn area (Swan Lake), and the Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull glaciers. In the afternoon, we arrive at Álftavatn hut where we stay the night.
Distance: 21 km (13 mi) Walking time: 7 – 8 hrs Ascent 470 m (1540′) Descent 490 m (1600′)
Day 4: ÁLFTAVATN – EMSTRUR
We pass below the foot of the green iconic volcano of Stórasúla before entering the black deserts of Mælifellssandur. Heading towards another ancient and verdant volcano, the Hattfell, we enter the Emstrur region where farmers used to graze their sheep in summer. Before arriving at the Botnar hut (Emstrur), where we stay the night, we visit the magnificent Markarfljót canyon cut almost 200 m down into the rocks south of Hattfell.
Distance: 16 km (10 mi) Walking time: 6 – 7 hrs Descent: 40 m (130 ft)
Day 5: EMSTRUR – ÞÓRSMÖRK
We continue up and down through the small valleys and gullies of Emstrur, where the great Mýrdalsjökull glacier rises only a couple of kilometres away. As our hike is coming to an end for the day, we descend into Þórsmörk’s (the woods of Thor) green valleys filled with Arctic birch forests and colourful flowers. Our accommodation will be in a simply magnificent location, beneath the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers. You can now celebrate your completion of the world famous Laugavegur Trail.
Distance: 17 km (10.5 mi) Walking time: 6 – 7 hrs Descent: 300 m (985 ft)
Day 6: ÞÓRSMÖRK – VÍK
We spend the morning in the most beautiful place in Iceland; Þórsmörk and visit the Sönghellir cave (Song cave), climb up the small mountain of Valahnúkur from where magnificent views can be enjoyed, before taking the afternoon highland bus back to Hella, arriving around 19:00. We change back to our private minibus and head to our country hotel for two nights.
Distance: 5 km (3,5 mi) Walking time: 3-4 hours Descent: 300 m (980 ft)
Day 7: THE SOUTHCOAST & GLACIER LAGOON
After a good night’s sleep, we will explore the majestic south coast of Iceland. We will visit the two most photographed waterfalls in Iceland; Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, feel the energy of the roaring ocean on the black sand beach and, last but not least, explore the Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach. Arrive back at our hotel in the evening.
Day 8: THE GOLDEN CIRCLE
Now it´s time to explore the classic Golden Circle, that consist of three major sightseeing points; Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir hot spring and the Þingvellir national park, but before we do, we will start our day by soaking in the wonderful old pool often referred to as the Secret Lagoon, followed by lunch at the greenhouse farm, Friðheimar. Return to Reykjavík and enjoy a farewell dinner.
Day 9
BLUE LAGOON & GOODBYE
If time allows, it is a must to dip in the bright blue water of the Blue Lagoon, rich in minerals that makes your skin feel ten years younger. Enjoy a silica mud mask with a complimentary drink. Later, we will say our goodbyes at Keflavík airport.


£2,750.00