HOW TO EXTEND THE LAUGAVEGUR TRAIL TO CREATE A NINE DAY TREK.
The Laugavegur Trail is an iconic 55km trail in the heart of Iceland’s Highlands. It has long been on our hiking bucket list. But, when we decided to walk it this summer, we had doubts about travelling to the Highlands, just for four days of walking.
Don’t get me wrong, just doing the Laugavegur trail is an experience in itself. But, as long-distance hikers, we tend to prefer our trails to be….longer.
From experience, after three or four days of walking, I know that I always want more. Luckily, it is entirely possible to extend the trail in either direction – creating a trail that can take up to nine days.
In this blog post, I’ll set out everything you need to know to do this.
The Hellismannaleid Trail
The Hellismannaleid is a 55km trek that starts in Rjupnavellir and ends in Landmannalaugar. It is typically walked in three days.
This route is best walked before the Laugavegur, but it’s possible to do it in reverse.
Route details
Day 1: Rjúpnavellir to Áfangagil (approx. 18km)
A steady climb up through lava fields and wide-open plateaus. Expect your legs to feel it, especially with the loose, gravelly terrain underfoot.
Day 2: Áfangagil to Landmannahellir (approx. 20km)
A day of ever-changing landscapes, from pitch-black sand to pockets of moss-covered lava. The final descent to the hut is especially beautiful.
Day 3: Landmannahellir to Landmannalaugar (approx. 17km)
Perhaps the most scenic of the three, this section takes you across obsidian plains, rhyolite hills, and right into the colourful bowl of Landmannalaugar.
Highlights
- A much quieter route than the Laugavegur – we met only one other hiker, and they were heading the opposite way.
- Majestic “black carpet” lava fields and surreal obsidian plains.
- Approaching Landmannalaugar from this angle gives you a completely different perspective on its rainbow-coloured peaks.
Challenges
- Flies. Plagues of them, especially on Day 1 – bring a head net or lose your mind.
- Longer distances than the Laugavegur. Up to 20km per day, on trickier terrain.
- Energy-sapping terrain – soft sand, loose gravel, and very little flat ground.
Accommodation
There are huts and campsites at Rjúpnavellir, Áfangagil, Landmannahellir, and Landmannalaugar. The three-day route fits neatly with the locations of these huts.
Accommodation is basic, but offers running water, showers and toilets. Prices are generally lower than on the Laugavegur.
Full details for accommodation can be found in our write up here.
Getting to/from the route
While you could walk the trail westwards, it’s most commonly done eastwards from Rjúpnavellir to Landmannalaugar.
We took the Reykjavik Excursions highland bus from Reykjavik to Rjúpnavellir. It’s the same route that continues on to Landmannalaugar, and we definitely got a few confused looks when we got off in the middle of nowhere.
Expect to pay around £75 / 12,000 ISK. Book ahead where possible, as buses can fill up during the summer season.
The Fimmvörðuháls Trail
The Fimmvörðuháls trail connects the lush valley of Thórsmörk with the southern coast at Skógar. It is most often walked after completing the Laugavegur trail, but it can also be done beforehand. At 25km, the route could be completed as a day hike (you’d have to quite mad for it though!) Two days offers a steadier pace.
Route details
Day 1: Thórsmörk to Baldvinsskáli or Fimmvörðuháls Hut (approx. 15km)
A steep climb from the green valley of Thórsmörk into volcanic terrain between two glaciers. Expect snow patches, lava fields, and sweeping views as you reach the high plateau huts.
Day 2: Baldvinsskáli/Fimmvörðuháls Hut to Skogar (approx. 12km)
A downhill day following the Skoga River past over 20 waterfalls, finishing at the dramatic Skogafoss — a spectacular end to the extended trek.
Highlights
- Knowing that the adventure isn’t over when you reach Thórsmörk.
- Dramatic contrast in scenery – from highland passes and volcanic craters to lush green hillsides.
- Arriving at Skógafoss, one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls, is a spectacular finish to the hike.
Challenges
- Weather. The Fimmvörðuháls pass is notorious for poor weather. Snow and high winds can make it dangerous – even in summer. We had to cancel our attempt due to gale-force winds. Others who continued said it was one of the most terrifying days of their life.
- Elevation. Whether you’re going up from Skógar or up from Thórsmörk, you’re in for a climb. There’s no easy direction.
Accommodation
On route: You can spend the night at either Baldvinsskáli or the nearby Fimmvörðuháls Hut. Both are basic mountain huts located on the high plateau between Thórsmörk and Skogar. Baldvinsskáli has running water, whilst Fimmvörðuháls Hut does not. Booking ahead is essential.
In Skógar: There’s a popular campsite right next to the waterfall, and guesthouses in the village.
Getting to/from the route
If you walk the Fimmvörðuháls after the Laugavegur (which most trekkers do), getting to the start is easy. The trail begins from Basar camp in Thórsmörk.
For this reason, you may wish to stay at Basar before starting the climb. We stayed at the Volcano Huts, which adds an extra 4km to get to Basar. That said, if you need a little TLC before commencing the Fimmvörðuháls, then I can’t recommend the Volcano Huts enough (hot water, sauna, WiFi, plugs and a restaurant with beer!)
From Skogar, there are buses operated by Reykjavik Excursions, or you can take the Bus number 51 from Skogar Campsite. This takes around 3 hours and costs about 7,000kr. Bus 51 does not need to be booked in advance, but private transfers will.
Laugavegur Guide Book
Looking for a little more information? You can find our ebook in our shop. It includes 60+ pages of useful information about planning and preparing for the trail. As well as daily stages and route guides. The book also sets out how you can extend the Laugavegur to create a 9 day trek in Iceland’s Highlands.
Written by Emma
Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.
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