LAUGAVEGUR TRAIL IN JUNE: WHAT TO EXPECT.
When we were planning our trip to Iceland, we knew two things: we wanted to go in summer, and we wanted to spend about a month exploring the country. The plan was to complete a few long-distance hikes back-to-back – a full immersion in Iceland’s wild landscapes.
When we started looking into travel dates, June seemed perfect. A quick bit of research told us that it was possible to hike then, so we went ahead and booked. What we didn’t realise at the time was that “possible” doesn’t necessarily mean “straightforward.”
Of all the hikes we planned, the Laugavegur was at the top of our list. I’d read that the season runs from June to September, so we assumed we’d be fine. But as it turns out, tackling the Laugavegur in June comes with a few challenges.
Based on our experience, here’s everything you need to know about hiking this iconic trail in June, from trail conditions and weather to crowds and what to pack.
Is the Laugavegur Trail open in June?
Straight to the key question! Is the Laugavegur Trail open in June?
Technically, yes – you can hike it. But there are caveats. June marks the start of “hiking season” in Iceland, but that doesn’t mean everything will be accessible.
To reach the start of the Laugavegur (and other highland hikes like the Hellismannaleið), you need to take F-roads. Most hikers rely on theHighland Buses that run from Reykjavík to Landmannalaugar – the start point of the trail. These buses, in turn, depend on the F-roads being open for the season. If the roads aren’t open, no one can reach Landmannalaugar – meaning no hiking, no huts, and no access.
So, the trail’s opening is entirely dependent on road conditions. Usually, the F-roads open between mid and late June, depending on how much snow remains on the mountain passes.
We booked onto the very first Highland Bus of the season – on June 14th. The company warned us they couldn’t guarantee it would run, so until the day before, we were on tenterhooks wondering if we’d even make it.
All this to say: if you want to guarantee being able to hike in June, aim for the end of the month. Even mid-June can be a bit dicey. Anything after the 24th or 25th is generally much safer.
By late June, things get easier – huts and buses are running, the snow melts quickly, and the trail becomes far more accessible. If you’re hoping to combine the Laugavegur with the Fimmvörðuháls route to Skógar, plan your trip for the second half of the month.
You can read more about how to extend the Laugavegur Trail here.
Facilities & huts on route
The huts along the Laugavegur, at Landmannalaugar, Hrafntinnusker, Álftavatn, Hvanngil, Emstrur, and Þórsmörk, are managed by the Icelandic Touring Association (Ferðafélag Íslands). They usually open around mid-June and close by mid-September, though exact dates depend on the F-roads opening.
Each hut offers bunk-bed accommodation, toilets, and cooking facilities, but you’ll need to bring your own sleeping bag and food – there are no shops on the trail.
If you prefer to camp, you can pitch your tent next to the huts once they open. You can find our full guide to camping on the trail here.
Even in June, it’s best to book in advance, as spaces fill quickly once the season begins. That said, we managed to get last-minute beds in Hrafntinnusker Hut. We arrived freezing, shocked by how much snow there still was, and desperate to avoid camping that night!
A couple of things weren’t open in mid-June, even though the huts were. The “Mountain Mall” (a bus with a small shop inside) in Landmannalaugar wasn’t running – it doesn’t open until early July. So if you’re hiking in June, don’t rely on picking up supplies there.
Similarly, the restaurant at Álftavatn Hut was closed – which was honestly a big disappointment. We’d been looking forward to splurging on a hot meal and maybe even a beer, but it only opens for peak season.
It’s also worth noting that we walked the Hellismannaleið trail before joining the Laugavegur, and although the Highland Buses were running, the huts and campsites there weren’t yet open in mid-June – so we had to be completely self-sufficient for those three days.
Weather and terrain in June
In the highlands, the weather can change quite literally on a dime. One minute you might have sunshine peeking through; the next, it’s snowing. And always – expect wind!
Don’t be fooled into thinking June will feel like summer. Daytime temperatures in the highlands average between 4–10°C, and it can drop below freezing at night. Strong winds and sudden storms are common.
If you’re camping, expect the nights to feel very cold. I’m not sure I’ll ever forget the experience -braving the cold to dash to the bathroom in the middle of the night, washing my hands in ice-cold water, will haunt me forever.
We knew to expect snow patches, particularly around Hrafntinnusker, one of the trail’s highest and coldest sections, but we hadn’t anticipated full-on snowfields. River crossings were also icy (though that’s true throughout the season).
On clear days, though, the scenery was absolutely breathtaking. And while we never quite made it to shorts and t-shirts, there were a few glorious moments when we could peel off a layer or two.
How busy is the trail in June
June is one of the quieter months to walk the Laugavegur. July and August bring the biggest crowds, once the buses and huts are fully operational. We loved the mid-June vibe – it felt like only about 50 people were walking each day, so we started recognising the same faces along the trail.
By contrast, July and August are much busier, and I do think some of the magic would be lost if the trail felt crowded.
Packing to walk the Laugavegur in June
Packing smartly for June on the Laugavegur is all about preparing for variety. You’ll need gear for cold, wind, and rain – and a few lighter items for the rare sunny afternoon.
You can find our detailed packing guide for the Laugavegur here.
More Laugavegur Guides
You can read more about our experience of walking the Laugavegur below.
- Daily stages guide
- FAQs on the trail
- Detailed packing list
- Camping guide
- Choosing campsites in Thorsmork
- How to extend the Laugavegur
Written by Emma
Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.
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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.
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