Laugavegur () is a hiking
trail
A trail, also known as a path or track, is an unpaved lane or a small paved road (though it can also be a route along a navigable waterways) generally not intended for usage by motorized vehicles, usually passing through a natural area. Ho ...
in South
Iceland
Iceland is a Nordic countries, Nordic island country between the Atlantic Ocean, North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge between North America and Europe. It is culturally and politically linked with Europe and is the regi ...
.
It is the most popular trail in Iceland, with an estimated 75,000-100,000 people hiking it every year.
In 2012,
National Geographic listed it as one of the twenty best trails in the world.
Laugavegur runs from the hot springs area of
Landmannalaugar
Landmannalaugar () is a location in Iceland's Fjallabak Nature Reserve in the Highlands. It is on the edge of the Laugahraun lava field. This lava field was formed by an eruption in approximately 1477. It is largely known for its natural ...
to the glacial valley of
Þórsmörk.
It is noted for the wide variety of landscapes on its path: colourful mountains, black lava, bubbling hot springs, lakes, canyons and a black sandy desert.
The route is typically completed by hikers in four days, north to south, with stops at the mountain huts of
Hrafntinnusker,
Álftavatn, and
Emstrur. At least three rivers must be forded during the walk. It is possible to combine the trek with a hike over the
Fimmvörðuháls
Fimmvörðuháls (; "five cairns pass") is the area between the glaciers Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull in southern Iceland. The route between Skógar and Thórsmörk goes through this pass and is one of the most popular walking routes in ...
route from Þórsmörk to
Skógar.
The trail is clearly signposted throughout its length. However, adverse weather conditions such as thick fog or heavy snow can dramatically reduce the visibility. This is particularly relevant for the first two sections of the trail.
The trail is open from the end of June 25 to mid September, when the huts close.
The
Laugavegur Ultramarathon has been held annually on the trail since 1997.
References
External links
*
Laugavegur Ultra Marathon
Hiking trails in Iceland