Laugavegur Trail Self Guided Walk

An early start this morning (6:30am at the bus terminal), taking the 7:00am bus from Reykjavik that drives along the mountain tracks that lead to Landmannalaugar, passing by the Hekla volcano and others in the Domadalur area. The bus arrives in Landmannalaugar at noon - so it's ideal to have lunch. Set out on foot from Landmannalaugar, heading south into the mountains. The trail takes you past small gorges, steaming hot springs and yellow mountain ridges. You'll arrive at Hrafntinnusker mountain hut in the late afternoon, where you stay overnight. Distance: 12km / 7.5mi. Ascent: 470m / 1540ft.

From Hrafntinnusker the trail descends into the gullies of Jökultungur, where there are hundreds of steaming hot springs and mud pools. Enjoy fascinating views southwards to the Álftavatn area (Swan lake) and the Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull glaciers. After passing the lake, which is one of the most beautiful locations on your route, you finish the day’s hike and check in at the Hvanngil mountain hut. Distance: 15-16km / 9.3-9.9mi. Descent: 490m / 1610ft.

Pass the foot of the green conic volcano Stórasúla before entering the black deserts of Maelifellssandur. Heading towards another ancient and verdurous volcano, the Hattfell, you enter the Emstrur region, where farmers used to graze their sheep in summer. Before arriving at the Botmar hut, where you stay tonight, you can visit the magnificent Markarfljót canyon, cut almost 200m into the rocks south of Hattfell. Distance: 12km / 7.5mi. Descent: 100m / 328ft

Continue up and down through the small valleys and gullies of Emstrur, where the great Mýrdalsjökull glacier rises only a couple of kilometres away. At the end of the day the vegetation starts to grow thicker and higher as you descend into Thórsmörk's green valleys (the 'woods of Thor'), filled with arctic birch forests and colourful flowers. Accommodation is in one of the huts in Thórsmörk. Distance: 19km / 12mi. Descent: 300m / 985ft.

Spend the morning in Thórsmörk, with the possibility of walking along one of its numerous paths - for example, visit the Sönghellir cave (a 'singing' cave'), or climb the small mountain of Valahnúkur from where you'll enjoy magnificent views. Afternoon bus to Reykjavík, arriving at Reykjavik BSI bus terminal at 7.30 pm.