
Trek the Laugavegur Trail in Iceland: The Camping Edition
- Iceland
- 6 nights
Tackle Iceland's otherworldly and legendary trek, sleeping out in the elements as you go for added wild-factor
What's Included?
- Activities & Certified GuidesAll itinerary activities with expert, local, English-speaking trekking guides
- Camping & Guesthouse2 nights in a Reykjavik guesthouse and 4 nights camping
- MealsAll breakfasts, 5 lunches and 4 dinners
- TransfersTransfers between Reykjavik and the trailhead, including luggage transfer by 4x4 between each camp
- Equipment & PermitsExpedition tents, Thermarest sleeping mats, group mess tent, tables, chairs, cooking gear, all permits and entry fees
- Small Like-minded GroupsSolo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 12 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people
From…excluding flights
Highlights
Trek through the multi-coloured Landmannalaugar mountains, past serene Lake Álftavatn, and into the surreal Valley of Thor
Tick off one of National Geographic's '20 Best Hikes in the World' to finish beneath the infamous Eyjafjallajökull volcano
Camp beside thermal rivers, epic glaciers and volcanic lakes for memorable sleep-outs and warm dips beneath Iceland’s midnight sun
Not a camper? Then check out our much-loved hut-to-hut edition (opens in new tab) of the Laugavegur Trail instead
Itinerary
Day 1
Welcome to Reykjavik
GuesthouseTwin shareShow Day 1 detailHide detail
Touchdown at Keflavik Airport and hop on the Flybus that whisks you to downtown Reykjavik. Check into your guesthouse and if you have spare time you can explore the city’s huge array of quaint bars, cafes, art museums and churches. Meet up with your fellow trekkers and guide at 18:00 for a chat through the adventure to come, then head out for dinner.
Day 2
Road trip to Landmannalaugar & warm up hike
Driving4.5hrs · 250kmHiking3hrs · 12km · 300m up · 300m downCampsiteTwin tentAll meals includedShow Day 2 detailHide detail
Grab an early breakfast then hop on the bus, settling in for a road trip through Iceland's highlands to the trailhead at Landmannalaugar. Arrive late morning, set up camp and grab some lunch before setting off for a warm-up hike in preparation for your trek. Hike up to the astonishing red and orange Ljótipollur crater, or if conditions are good you can opt for an ascent of Bláhnúkur (the 'blue mountain') to gaze over the landscape you'll be immersed in for the next week. At the end of the day grab a swim in the warm thermal waters of the Landmannalaugar River while the midnight sun lingers above. Settle in for your first night of camping in the Icelandic wilds.
Day 3
Set off on the Laugavegur Trail
Hiking8hrs · 21km · 900m up · 950m downCampsiteTwin tentAll meals includedShow Day 3 detailHide detail
It's time to set off on one of the world’s great hikes – the Laugavegur Trail. Meander through the mesmerising rhyolite massifs toward the high plateau of Hrafntinnusker, into the heart of a vast caldera. This landscape is unlike anything else with a stunning array of pastel colours in one of the most active geothermal areas on earth. The area is dotted with countless fumaroles (pools of sulfurous mud), lava fields, crystal-clear lakes and pristine ice caps stretching as far as the eye can see. Descend from the caldera to the south through a series of hidden valleys nestled at the base of the Tindfjöll glacier, catching glimpses of the massive Myrdalsjökull glacier cap. Wind up your first day on the trail at Lake Álftavatn, where you'll set up camp for the night and tuck into dinner.
Day 4
Lake Álftavatn to the Myrdalsjökull glacier
Hiking5hrs · 14km · 300m up · 300m downCampsiteTwin tentAll meals includedShow Day 4 detailHide detail
Unzip the tent and peer out at the lakeside setting, fuel up on coffee and breakfast and set off through the black desert of Emstrur. Pass a series of huge, lonesome, conical green mountains contrasting against the volcanic backdrop – this section of the trail is like nowhere else. At certain times in the summer the trail here gets interrupted by glacial rivers that you'll need to wade through. It's a chance to bond further with your fellow trekkers and show some teamwork, as these river crossings are definitely a group effort. Make your way around the Hattafell cone and eventually reach your campsite while gazing at the majestic Mýrdalsjökull glacier.
Day 5
The Thorsmörk Valley
Hiking5hrs · 14km · 500m up · 700m downCampsiteTwin tentAll meals includedShow Day 5 detailHide detail
You'll have settled into the rhythm of life on the trail by now, waking under canvas before packing down camp and prepping for the day ahead. Trekking further on from Emstrur, you'll reach the impressive canyon of the Markarfljót this morning with roaring water flowing 200m below you. The trail runs along this immense gorge decorated with basalt sculptures for a while before continuing south towards Thorsmörk. Little by little the landscape softens and takes on the appearance of an alpine cirque. You'll reach the cheerful valley of Thorsmörk (Thor's Woods) as you hike the final stretch among Arctic birches and birdsong to the banks of the Krossa River. Set up camp in another beautiful spot for your final night sleeping out in the Icelandic elements.
Day 6
The final stretch of the Laugavegur Trail
Hiking4hrs · 10km · 200m up · 200m downGuesthouseTwin shareBreakfast and lunch includedShow Day 6 detailHide detail
Pack down camp one last time and set off for the final stretch of the Laugavegur Trail through the surreal setting of 'Thor’s wood'. Meander on further between the black canyons veined with fluorescent green and volcanic rock formations sculpted by wind and sea spray, flanked by the steel-coloured rivers and the sparkling ice cap of Myrdallsjökull. The landscape the past few days has been otherworldly, so soak up the last of this truly unique trek ahead of the finish line where you'll reluctantly hop in the van for the return drive to civilisation, arriving in Reykjavik in the early evening. Enjoy some creature comforts at the hotel and head out to toast the end of an epic trek with a beer and a bite downtown.
Day 7
Bid farewell in Reykjavik
Breakfast includedShow Day 7 detailHide detail
Your adventure comes to an end today. Check out of the guesthouse this morning and either explore some more of the land of fire and ice, or head back to the airport in time for your flight home.
Getting There
- Nearest airport
- Keflavik International Airport (KEF)
- Pick up
- Reykjavik accommodation
Flexible – arrive any time on Day 1 - Drop off
- Reykjavik city centre
Flexible – depart any time on Day 7
What is and isn't Included?
What's included
- Guided warm-up hike to the Ljótipollur crater
- 4 days of guided hiking along the Laugavegur Trail
- Expert, English-speaking trekking guides
- 2 nights in a Reykjavik guesthouse
- 4 nights camping along the Laugavegur Trail
- All (6) hearty breakfasts
- 5 picnic lunches
- 4 Icelandic dinners
- Transfers between Reykjavik and the trailhead
- Your overnight luggage will be transferred by 4x4 for you between each camp
- Expedition tents, Thermarest sleeping mats, group mess tent, tables, chairs and all cooking gear
- All permits and entry fees
What's not included
Our trips do not include flights, trains or other travel to the start point and back from the end point.
This trip begins and ends in central Reykjavik, so you'll need to make your own way to and from the airport – see the 'Getting There' section for more information.
Tipping is welcomed but not mandatory in Iceland and should be at the discretion of each individual. It's important to note that tips do not serve as a substitute for fair wages; the guides on this trip are paid well and receive excellent care from your host.
If you find yourself pleased with the services provided by your guide, we suggest a tip in the range of £30-£40 per person for the whole trip, which equates to 5000-6600 ISK. If you feel you received average or subpar service there is no expectation to leave a tip.
You know your own spending habits best, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals and drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry.
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures, and you'll need to provide your policy details before departure. Your insurance should offer adequate cover for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment, and the specific activities involved in your adventure. We also recommend ensuring your policy includes cancellation and curtailment cover, in case you're unable to join your trip due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness.
Standard travel insurance may not cover all the activities included in your adventure, so it's essential to check the details carefully. There are adventure-specific providers that many travellers have used in the past, such as True Traveller (opens in new tab) (for those based in the UK or Europe), or Rise + Shield (opens in new tab), both of which offer cover for a wide range of adventurous activities.
Please make sure your chosen policy meets your individual needs and covers all aspects of your trip.
Visa requirements often change, and you are responsible for obtaining any required visas for this trip. Please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for up-to-date advice.
Where You'll Stay
Looking for a private room? See Optional Extras for details and pricing.
What You'll Eat
Each day will start with a hearty breakfast of muesli, porridge, crispbread and fillings, eggs and bread accompanied by plenty of tea and coffee. Every morning you'll prepare and carry a picnic lunch for the day which will consist of salads and sandw…
Optional Extras
Pre/Post Trip Accommodation
- ouble room in Reykjavik
- …/per night
- Single room in Reykjavik
- …/per night
Upgrades
- Optional Private Room and tent upgrade (2026)
- …
- Optional private tent upgrade (for camping nights only) (2026)
- …
For solo travellers wanting their own space, there is the option to upgrade to a private room for the two nights in Reykjavik and a solo tent for the four nights of camping if you would like to do so. Please note, this is subject to availability and accommodation can be tricky to secure in Iceland, so please request this at the time of booking and your host will do their best to confirm. See Optional Extras for prices.
To request any extras, message your host via your Much Better Adventures account once you have booked your trip.
All extras must be paid before your trip starts.
This Trip is Graded Level 4
Ratings & Reviews
- 2 stars (0)
- 1 star (0)
Category rating
- Food
- 5.0
- Guides & crew
- 5.0
- Accommodation
- 4.0
- Itinerary
- 5.0
Latest Reviews
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Departure dates
Sunday 5th July 2026
to Saturday 11th July 2026
Last minute - Host approval required
Last Minute Offer - Next 2 spots available at 10% off
……Sunday 26th July 2026
to Saturday 1st August 2026
Last minute - Host approval required
…
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Got a Group of 6 or More?
What to Pack

Know before you go! Some stuff we'll provide, other things you'll need to bring.
FAQs
Can I leave my excess luggage somewhere?
If the hotel in Reykjavik does not have enough space to store your luggage then it is possible to store it in the luggage lockers at BSI Central Station (the departure point for the bus to Landmannalaugar). Your host will offer some guidance, but this is best done on the evening of Day 1 as you'll have an early start on Day 2 to catch the bus to Landmannalaugur. On Day 6 you'll return to BSI Bus Terminal, where you can collect your excess luggage before transferring back to your hotel in Reykjavik.
Alternatively, there are four other centrally located places in Reykjavik where you can store luggage. Speak to your host about the options, or you can pre-book here.
What do I do about drinking water?
The tap water in Iceland is safe to drink and you'll be able to fill up from the taps at the mountain refuges located close to each campsite that you'll stay at. There are also natural water sources to fill up from along the route – your guide will provide guidance on this, but we recommend bringing along water purification options if you wish to do this. Have a read of our guide to the best water filters for adventurers.
Can my dietary requirements be catered for on this adventure?
At Much Better Adventures, we work hard to accommodate dietary requirements and allergies so your trip is safe, inclusive and enjoyable. That said, options can vary by country, location and accommodation, and in some places options may be limited or unavailable. The information below has been provided by your host so you’re fully informed about what will be possible on your trip depending on your individual requirements. This information should be read carefully prior to your trip to ensure that you are adequately prepared for the situation ‘on the ground’.
Once you have booked on your trip, please fill out your passenger information form asap with any dietary requirements. Once you complete your passenger information, your dietary needs and any allergies are automatically shared with your host and, in turn, your guide. Please submit this as early as possible so they can plan accordingly and deliver the best experience. Please also remind your guide about your dietary requirements upon arrival, as mentioning these in person allows your guide to comprehend individual preferences and limitations as soon as you arrive.
BACKGROUND
Icelandic cuisine is shaped by a subarctic climate, volcanic landscape and centuries of isolation, resulting in simple, resourceful dishes built around lamb, fish, dairy and preserved ingredients, with limited fresh produce historically available. Today, travellers with dietary requirements will find that accommodation providers and guides are generally accustomed to catering for a range of needs, especially on organised trips, though options can still be narrower in rural areas. On camping trips, food is pre-planned and carried in, which can limit flexibility for specific dietary requirements, though common needs can often be accommodated if notified in advance. It helps to plan ahead and communicate clearly, as meals may be pre-arranged, with your guide able to coordinate and manage requirements throughout the trip.
SPECIAL DIETS
Vegetarian Vegetarian diets can be catered for on this trip, provided that your host is made aware in advance. Please consider bringing your favourite snacks or food supplements from home to ensure that you always have enough fuel for your adventure.
Vegan Vegan diets are difficult to cater for on this trip. While your host will do their best to meet these requirements, please be aware that the required produce and ingredients are not abundant in this destination, and you may find the food provided repetitive. Please consider bringing your favourite snacks or food supplements from home to ensure that you always have enough fuel for your adventure.
Kosher Fully certified Kosher kitchens and supervision are rare and usually cannot be guaranteed unless expressly confirmed in advance by your host. Vegetarian or vegan options can often be the most reliable alternative if this is acceptable to you. Please read the related sections above.
Halal Certified Halal supply varies by destination and may not always be possible. Vegetarian or vegan options can often be the most reliable alternative if this is acceptable to you. Please read the related sections above.
INTOLERANCES
Gluten Free (for Coeliac, please see Allergies section below) Gluten-free diets are difficult to cater for on this trip. While your host will do their best to meet these requirements, please be aware that the required produce and ingredients are not abundant in this destination, and you may find the food provided repetitive. Please consider bringing your favourite snacks or food supplements from home to ensure that you always have enough fuel for your adventure.
Lactose-free Lactose-free diets can be catered for on this trip, provided that your host is made aware in advance. Please consider bringing your favourite snacks or food supplements from home to ensure that you always have enough fuel for your adventure.
ALLERGIES
Our host has confirmed that they are able to accommodate mild allergies to the 14 allergens identified by the UK Food Standards Agency, where these are disclosed in advance. However, if you have a severe or life-threatening food allergy, please get in touch with our Customer Experience team prior to booking to discuss whether your requirements can be accommodated safely on this trip. This will allow us to carefully consider the sensitivity and severity of your allergy, the available provision on the trip and the accessibility of medical care should a reaction occur. Your safety is always our top priority.
Please note that when travelling overseas, local ingredients, food preparation methods and labelling standards may vary, particularly in remote areas. It is also worth noting that any allergies may result in more limited options and repetitive provision in some areas. Whilst your guide will help communicate dietary requirements where possible, customers remain responsible for managing their own allergies during the trip.
Can I book on my own?
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Who is running the trip?
Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.
What is the official travel advice?
Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).
For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.
What vaccinations do I need?
We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.
How are the trips priced?
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
Why are your adventures only for adults?
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. You must be over 18 to join one of our trips.
Who else will be on my trip?
You're always in good company on one of our adventures.
Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.
Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way. Check out our Community Values – a shared code to make sure that everyone's experience is safe, inclusive and brilliantly unforgettable.
It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.
Don't just take our word for it:
- 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
- 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
- 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends
See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.
What's the weather like?
As the old Icelandic saying goes, “If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes”. Icelandic weather is famously fickle so you’ll need to prepare for anything – from balmy all-day sunshine in the mid-twenties, to wind, rain – and everything in between! This is all part of the adventure, but be sure to pack good waterproofs in case the rain gods come calling. You're also advised to bring dry bags, including something to keep your sleeping bag dry, in case it gets wet during the pack down and luggage transfer each day. Remember that in Iceland summer means nearly 24 hours of daylight, so don’t forget your eye mask!
What's the carbon footprint for this trip?
We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 113kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
- Driving 1000 miles/1609km would be approximately 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person, if there were two of you in it).
- A return economy class flight between London and New York would be approximately 1619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approximately 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
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