Everyone who visits Iceland probably goes for the glacier lagoon, the waterfalls and of course, the Golden Circle. They're all amazing but if you have the time, do the Laugavegur hiking trail. This is an amazing 55-kilometre (34-mile) hike through diverse landscapes, connecting Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk. I took four days but I read that it can be done in three. And if you run ultramarathons, then pffft.. it only takes mere hours.
I did this hike way back in August 2014 with Trek Iceland (website: https://www.trek.is). You can go at it on your own but since it was my first multi-day hike, my friends and I decided to get someone else to transport all our personal gear, tents and food, shaving off a load of weight and allowing us to truly enjoy the journey. If you decide to go solo, bear in mind that you'll have to carry everything you need, which includes all food and emergency supplies AND you'll also have to carry out your trash.
Day 1: Landmannalaugar to Hrafntinnusker (12km)
We started off in Rekjavik, where we met our guide and the rest of the hikers in our group. I only needed to carry a day pack so the rest of our stuff was loaded into monster trucks. Then we all got into a bus to make our way to the starting point, which takes three to four hours. There's a pit stop on the way to stretch your legs and use the restroom. I honestly can't remember much of the journey to Landmannalaugar because we had a very early start, so I was sleeping three-quarters of the time. I perked up very quickly though when I saw where we had arrived at:
I read that there are hot springs here that one can swim in but we didn't have time, so after the necessary introductions and making our lunch, we set off for the rhyolite mountains. Now, by this time, I had already spent a few days in Iceland and was no stranger to its unique brand of rugged beauty, but the colours of these vast peaks rising up were nothing like I've seen before. Then again, having lived in a city my whole life, I do tend to ooh and ah at many aspects of nature.
Also, I should really let the photos do more of the talking.
So excited to finally start this!
The rhyolite mountains of Landmannalaugar.
I was astounded at how bright, almost-fluorescent green the moss was.
The legend is that the huge rocks were trolls that the sun turned into stone.
Iceland is awesome.
SUCH PRETTY COLOURS.
A stark reminder of the unforgiving nature of this country.
After dinner, we took a hike up to a peak and were rewarded with this stunning view of the mountains lightly kissed by the rays of the setting sun.
Day 2: Hrafntinnusker to Alfatavn (12km)
I didn't get much sleep the night before because the wind was howling until about 3am and I underestimated how cold it would get. I was also half-afraid my tent would blow over but thankfully, we both survived the night. After an early breakfast, we dismantled our camp before setting off for what I thought was the best day of the trek.
Some advice: when your guide recommends that you take a side trip, DO IT. Just drop your packs and follow him like he's the Pied Piper. Don't even think about it.
This is why:
My favourite view on this hike looks like a scene straight out of Jurassic Park or the Land Before Time. Take your pick.
After the mountain, we descended into an ICE CAVE. If you're worried that it'll collapse, fret not because the guide will assess if it's safe to do so.
Day 2 has a tricky descent with lots of switchbacks, which ended up with me falling on my butt a few times. Once that's over and done with, there's another pretty vista to admire and a beautiful campsite waiting at the end. The scenery changes quite dramatically between Days 1 and 2 and this trend continues over the four days, showing you the best Iceland has to offer.
Aforementioned pretty vista.
The next morning at our campsite, Lake Alfatavn ("Swan Lake") though no swans have ever been spotted.
The entry on Day 3 and 4 will be up soon so do check back! In case anyone's wondering what the essential items are to bring on this trek, I'll post it up at the end of the second entry.
Feel free to ask any questions you may have about the hike and/or leave any comments on how to make this blog better :)
This is not a sponsored post and I am not affiliated with Trek Iceland. All opinions are my own.
