Iceland Highlands Trekking

July 14-22, 2026

Laugavegur Hike & More!

This adventure is rated 3 out of 5 for difficulty level for backpacking trips. To be prepared for this adventure, you should be able to trek 10+ miles per day with elevation gain/loss of 2,500ft on average. There may be one day that is 15+ miles, depending on the huts that are secured. You are required to carry only a daypack since this is a hut to hut trek and there is luggage service that transports your personal items. This is a well traversed trail, but you must be comfortable hiking in wet/muddy conditions since rain is probable in Iceland. Low river crossings may also be necessary. Because you are not carrying a fully weighted pack, you stay in huts and the trail is well traveled, we consider this a good trek to start with from our lineup. Training as always is required though and don’t let the rating let you believe this is easy. It is still a multi-day trekking trip and you must be prepared.

Enjoy 2 days exploring Reykjavik and 6 days adventuring through the picturesque Icelandic highlands on a hiking trip you’ll never forget! Named one of the most beautiful hikes in the world by National Geographic, the Laugavegur trail is a 34-mile trek with looming glaciers, hidden waterfalls, majestic canyons, inviting thermal springs, and black sand deserts dotted with huge shards of obsidian. You'll sleep under the midnight sun as you trek from hut to hut on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure!

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ITINERARY

    • Welcome to Iceland!

    • Meet at the Keflavik airport (KEF), the main airport in Iceland, at 10 a.m. Your trip leader will be there to meet you.

    • Together we will head to Reykjavik and check into our hotel for the next two evenings.

    • The rest of the day is yours to explore!

    • Tonight you will have the choice to dine with the group or enjoy dinner at the place of your choice.

    • Enjoy breakfast buffet at hotel

    • We begin with a tour of an Icelandic horse farm where you will learn what makes the Icelandic horse unique.

    • For lunch we will stop at local bakery to enjoy.

    • The afternoon we will spend time exploring two waterfalls in the area followed by a dip in a traditional Icelandic swimming pool.

    • Enjoy dinner at a place of your choice.

    • Meals included: Breakfast

    • Wake up early and enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

    • Make sure to be dressed ready to hit the trail! We will meet our trekking guide directly after breakfast.

    • We will drop our luggage at the town of Hella.

    • We will arrive in Landmannalaugar around noon.

    • We’ll have lunch and get settled into our hut for the evening.

    • There is an optional “Warm Up” hike that winds between Bláhnúkur Mountain (Blue Mountain) and Grænagil Canyon (Green Canyon).

    • The evening is yours to relax as dinner is prepared for you by your trip host and guide. End the evening with a nice soak in the natural hot springs nearby.

    • Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

    Distance: 6 km (3.8 mi)
    Walking time: 3 hours
    Altitude value: 600 m (1968´)

    • Wake up and enjoy breakfast at the hut.

    • We'll be trekking mainly uphill, bidding farewell to the colorful landscapes of Landmannalaugar as we journey into Hrafntinnusker, known as Black Obsidian Skerry, a place that feels truly otherworldly.

    • After a nice stop at Hrafntinnusker we continue our hike and quickly start to descent down in the gullies of Jökultungur, with hundreds of steaming hot springs and mud pools sprinkled throughout.

    • After a full day of hiking, we arrive at the Álftavatn hut where we'll spend the night.

    • Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

    Distance: 24 km (15 mi)
    Walking time: 8 - 9 hrs
    Altitude value: +470 m (1542ft) and -490 m (1690´)

    • Enjoy breakfast at the hut

    • Today we pass at the foot of the green iconic volcano of Stórasúla before entering the black deserts of Mælifellssandur.

    • Before arriving at the Botnar hut (Emstrur) where we will stay the night, we will visit the Markarfljót canyon boasting a view of almost 200 m down into the rocks south of Hattfell.

    • Tonight, we will be staying at a resort surrounded by mountains and Iceland's unique nature.

    • The evening is yours to enjoy a spa treatment, massage or just relax.

    • Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

    Distance: 16 km (10 mi)
    Walking time: 6 - 7 hrs
    Descent: 40 m (130 ft)

    • Enjoy breakfast at the resort.

    • The last day on the Laugavegur trail! Today we leave Emstrur and hike to Þórsmörk. As we go through the Almenningar gorge by Mount Einhyrningur (the Unicorn Mountain), we will still have a great view of the glaciers as we advance towards Þórsmörk.

    • We will end by descending into Þórsmörk’s (the woods of Thor) green valleys filled with arctic birch forests and colorful flowers.

    • Our accommodation will be in a magnificent location, beneath the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers. You can now celebrate your completion of the world-famous Laugavegur Trail!

    • Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner


      Distance: 17 km (10.5 mi)
      Walking time: 6 - 7 hrs
      Descent: 300 m (985 ft)

    • Enjoy breakfast before leaving our hut.

    • Today, you get to enjoy a full day hiking the magical Tindfjallahringur trail, or the circle of Tindfjöll mountains. This trail is a magnificent hiking trail. The views during this hike are postcard-worthy!

    • It does have its steep sections and sometimes narrow paths, but for the scenic rewards it offers it's worth every bit of effort.

    • After our exploring, we will return to camp for dinner, board games, and relaxing.

    • Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

    Distance: 12 km (7.4 mi)
    Walking Time: 5-6 hours
    Descent: 350m (1200ft)

    • Enjoy breakfast before heading out for our last day on the trail.

    • In the morning, you’ll venture into a nice hiking circle next to your hut, climbing the small mountain of Valahnúkur for breathtaking 360-degree views of the entire Þórsmörk region.

    • You’ll also explore the Sönghellir (Song Cave) and stroll through the Húsadalur hut area before heading to Reykjavík on the afternoon bus. 

    • We will take the afternoon bus to Reykjavík. Arrival at Reykjavik BSI bus terminal at around 18:00.

    • Once we arrive in Reykjavik, we will head back to our hotel for our final evening together. Tonight dinner is your choice; you can join the group or explore restaurant of your choice.

    • Meals included: Breakfast, lunch

    Distance: 6 km (3.7 mi)
    Walking time: 3 hrs
    Descent: 220 m (720 ft)

    • Breakfast will be at our hotel.

    • Before flying out, we have the chance to relax at the Sky Lagoon.

    • Enjoy their 7-step ritual service while relaxing in a gorgeous hot pool overlooking the ocean.

    • We plan to be at the airport by 1 pm in order for you to catch an afternoon or evening flight back home.

    • Meals included: Breakfast

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Questions? Please reach out to us at info@womenwhoexplore.com

Ready to Book?

Ready to Book?

  • $4,595 USD double occupancy for hotels and huts.

    If you are traveling solo, you will be assigned roommates upon request.

    A deposit is due at booking to hold your spot with regular monthly payments. Additional payments may be applied to the trip balance prior to payment due dates.

    • An experienced, local female hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area.

    • Accommodations include five nights in cozy mountain huts and three nights double occupancy in a 3-star hotel in downtown Reykjavik.

    • Hidden Gems of Iceland guided day tour visiting an Icelandic horse farm, waterfalls, & traditional Icelandic swimming pool.

    • Sky-Lagoon 7-Step Ritual experience (includes transportation)

    • Meals included 8 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners (not included 3 lunches and 3 dinners)

    • Transportation to and from the international airport (KEF) to Reykjavik at designated times

    • Transportation to and from the Laugavegur trailhead

    • Free time to explore Reykjavik museums, restaurants and gift shops- Luggage transport from hut to hut during trek in Super Jeep

    • Guided hiking trip exploring waterfalls, glacier fed lakes, hot springs soak and EPIC views!

    • Pre-travel checklists, packing list and support

    • Small group; maximum of 14 women plus your 2 trip hosts and guide.

    • International flights to/from Keflavik International Airport (KEF) in Iceland

    • Airport transfers outside of designated times or locations as noted above

    • Alcohol, speciality beverages and meals as noted (3 lunches and 3 dinners)

    • Any other additional excursions and activities not included above

    • Visas and entry requirements if applicable

    • Travel insurance (required)

    • Guide Tips - the value of the tip is up to you.

    • Medical expenses, immunizations, and any Covid-19 required testing if applicable

  • All meals will be provided as noted in the itinerary. Please reach out to the trip host after booking if you have any food allergies/sensitivities. We always do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions but cannot make any guarantees.

  • This trip requires a minimum number of women to register in order for it to be confirmed. Once the trip reaches the minimum participant number, you will receive a trip confirmation email and a link to be added a private Facebook group just for trip guests. In this group further trip details will be provided along with pre-travel support. Please let us know if you do not have or use Facebook (see contact information below).

  • Please see our Terms of Service.

    All deposits are non-refundable at the time of booking, but may be transferable if done so within the timeframe outlined in the Terms of Service.

    Once a trip has been confirmed (no matter the booking or trip timeline), the deposit is both non-refundable and non-transferable. Please make sure you are purchasing adequate travel insurance at the time of booking to ensure you are covered in case you need to cancel.

    Please note: some of our trips have a non-refundable fee that will be stated in the trip description. Please make sure to refer to the full Terms of Service to make sure you understand fully the Cancellation Policy of each trip.

  • Travel (and medical) insurance is required for anyone traveling on a Women Who Explore adventure. Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. Your insurance policy should also include specific Covid-19 cover, including cancellation and curtailment cover if you or a close relative are diagnosed with Covid-19.

    For recommended travel insurance providers click here.

  • Please note that the itinerary provided for your adventure is subject to change. While we strive to adhere to the proposed plan, unforeseen circumstances such as weather conditions, safety concerns, or other factors beyond our control may necessitate adjustments to the itinerary. We prioritize your safety and enjoyment throughout the adventure, and any modifications made will be done with careful consideration. We will make every effort to inform you in advance of any changes and provide suitable alternatives to ensure a fulfilling experience.