Join Mount Everest climbers Dave Ashley and Shelley Johannesen on a small, private group journey through Iceland's volcanic interior! Explore glacier fed lakes, deep canyons and hidden waterfalls on Icelands Laugavegur trail.

This 34 mile / 55-kilometer route is known for its stunning scenery, featuring a variety of landscapes. We start in Landmannalaugar, with its colorful mountains and hot springs, and pass through valleys and volcanic deserts. The trail is recognized by National Geographic as one of the world's most beautiful.

We hike at a slow pace, taking frequent stops for photographs. We are also covering challenging terrain, and we can expect snow (even in August!), strong winds, rain, mud, and several river crossings.

Three of our 5 camp sites have restaurants on site; 2 require preparing our own food. You can choose to cook each meal or purchase prepared food where available.

Each campsite also has western toilets and sinks available for use by campers. We're not roughing it too much!

You'll need warm, waterproof layers for the 6-day backpacking trip. In addition you'll need a 4 season tent, sleeping pad, and sleeping bag rated to 15F or lower. For meals you'll need a stove and cookware. Stove fuel is readily available for purchase in Iceland. We also recommend sturdy camp shoes with heel straps, like Crocs, that are great for camp and crossing rivers.

Your adventure begins in downtown Reykjavik at BSÍ Bus Terminal at 6:15 am.  It's an early morning, but there is so much sunlight during the month of August in Iceland!  Next we'll catch the bus at 0630 for the 4 hour ride to Ladmannalaugar.  The road itself is amazing — you’ll pass one of the most active volcanoes in Iceland, Hekla, called “The Gateway to Hell,” which erupted every 10-15 years throughout the last century. 

Today we have the option to explore the Laugahraun lava field, vibrantly colored Vondugil canyon and the green Graenagil gorge. We'll also have the option to enjoy a natural hot spring, then we'll camp out under the stars while we get to know each other better, and relax in the serenity of Icelandic nature. 

Restaurant available.

Optional Hiking distance: 8 km / 4.9 mi
Walking time: 4 hours
Elevation gain: 470 m / 1540 ft

We’ll start off by climbing a waymarked path up to the lava field of Laugahraun. The path is steep and strenuous but it soon levels out.

The lava field consists of dark basalt, ossified into strange formations and dotted with green moss. As we walk, we’ll see evidence of geothermal activity, including steam rising from vents in the ground, and puddles of bubbling mud.

Craggy volcanic mountains loom up on either side. We’ll head downhill to a plateau, just below the mountain of Brennisteinsalda (also known as the ‘Sulphur Wave’). This is a great spot for a snack break and to take in views of multicolored rhyolite mountains and gorges.

The scenery changes significantly as we continue. Higher peaks are striated with snow all year round and the temperature drops significantly until we reach the Hrafntinnusker Hut located at an elevation of 1110m, it’s the highest point on the trail.

If we arrive on time and the weather is ok, we can walk to a nearby ice cave!

Hiking distance: 10.7 km / 6.7 mi

Walking time: 4-5 hours

Ascent: 533 m / 1750 ft

Today we'll stop at the black obsidian desert Hrafntinnusker and Stórihver hot spring. Explore Reykjafjöll mountains and the Jökultungur area whose colors contrast dramatically with the soft pale sand-toned peaks around them. Enjoy spectacular views over the Fjallabak area and Álftavatn lake. To get to the mountain hut campground where you’ll spend the night, you’ll have to cross a river on foot...the first of several!

Restaurant available.

Hiking distance: 14.7 km / 9.18 mi

Walking time: 4-5 hours

Ascent: 304 m / 1000 ft

Descent 792 m / 2,600 ft

Today we'll set off to Mælifellssandur by wading across another stream and enter the volcano country. We pass Stórasúla and Hattafell volcanoes on the way to Emstrur, and if there is good visibility, enjoy outstanding views of two volcano mountain glaciers, Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull. As we approach Botnar, a green oasis amid a black sand desert area, we’ll see Markarfljótsgljúfur—a stunning canyon.  

Hiking distance: 15 km / 9.5 mi

Walking time: 6-7 hours

Descent: 40 m / 130 ft

We leave the Emstrur area and continue along the trail to Porsmork. Enjoy a great view of the glaciers as we go through the picturesque Almenning gorge and with a view of Mount Einhyrningur, also known as the Unicorn Mountain. As we get closer to Porsmork, the landscapes change and we will be surrounded by a dense birch forest for which Porsmork is famous.

Restaurant available. Glamping upgrade options available at the Volcano Hut campground.

Hiking distance: 15km / 9.5 mi

Walking time: 6-7 hours

Descent: 300 m / 985 ft

Finally, we celebrate your completion of the world-famous Laugavegur trail with a glimpse of the elegant waterfall Seljalandsfoss! The bus departs at 4:00 pm. We should be back in Reykjavik around 9:30 pm.