Self-Launched Laugavegur Trail Hut-to-Hut Trek, Iceland
6 days · Iceland
Much Better Adventures charges £1,295
No-markup version: ~£565 per person
Estimate only, not a guaranteed price. Always verify costs independently before booking.
Iceland's legendary Laugavegur Trail — 55km of rainbow-coloured rhyolite mountains, steaming hot springs, glaciers and black lava deserts — is one of the world's great hikes and is completely doable without a guided tour. Book your mountain hut nights directly through the Icelandic Touring Association (FÍ) website, jump on the publicly available Reykjavik Excursions bus to Landmannalaugar, and follow the well-waymarked trail at your own pace. This self-launched version replicates every night and every kilometre of the Much Better Adventures itinerary at a fraction of the cost.
Day-by-day
Arrive in Reykjavik
Reykjavik
Fly into Keflavik International Airport (KEF) and take the Flybus (Strætó/RE Flybus) directly to Reykjavik city centre — tickets cost around £20 each way and run in connection with every arriving flight. Check into a budget guesthouse or hostel in the centre (KEX Hostel, Loft Hostel or Oddsson are great options with dorm and private rooms). Spend the afternoon and evening exploring Reykjavik on foot — Hallgrímskirkja church, the Harpa concert hall, the old harbour, and the legendary hot dog stand (Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, ~£3) are all free or very cheap. Grab dinner at a local spot; Hlöllabátar (filled baguettes) or Noodle Station are reliable budget picks for around £12-15.
🚌Flybus from KEF airport to Reykjavik BSÍ bus terminal, ~£20 one-way. Book at re.is or at the airport desk.
🛏KEX Hostel, Loft Hostel, or Oddsson Hostel — dorm from ~£35/night, private room from ~£70/night
- →Flybus transfer from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik (~£20)
- →Walk up to Hallgrímskirkja church (free exterior, £8 tower entry)
- →Stroll the old harbour and Harpa concert hall (free)
- →Grab an Icelandic hot dog at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur (~£3)
- →Explore Laugavegur shopping street and local bars
Bus to Landmannalaugar & First Hike to Hrafntinnusker
Landmannalaugar to Hrafntinnusker
Rise early and make your way to BSÍ Bus Terminal in Reykjavik (a short walk or cheap taxi from most central hostels). Store any excess luggage in the BSÍ lockers (~£5). Board the Reykjavik Excursions (RE) bus to Landmannalaugar, departing around 07:00–08:00 — book in advance at re.is; the journey takes around 4–4.5 hours and costs approximately £50 each way. On arrival at Landmannalaugar, soak in the famous natural geothermal pool (free) before hitting the trail. The first stage winds through sulphur-yellow ridges, obsidian lava fields and past steaming vents, climbing to the Hrafntinnusker mountain hut (12km, ~588m ascent). Check in at the hut — pre-book your bunk through the Icelandic Touring Association at fi.is (around £50–60/night including sleeping bag use). Dinner is a self-cooked group-style meal on the hut's gas stoves.
🚌Reykjavik Excursions bus, Reykjavik BSÍ → Landmannalaugar, ~£50. Book at re.is.
🛏Hrafntinnusker Mountain Hut (FÍ hut) — bunk in mixed dorm ~£55/night. Book via fi.is well in advance (huts sell out months ahead).
- →Bus from Reykjavik BSÍ to Landmannalaugar with Reykjavik Excursions (~£50)
- →Soak in the Landmannalaugar geothermal pool (free)
- →Hike Stage 1: Landmannalaugar to Hrafntinnusker (12km, 588m ascent, ~4–5hrs)
- →Pass through obsidian lava fields and sulphur vents
- →Self-cook dinner at Hrafntinnusker mountain hut
Hrafntinnusker to Álftavatn (Swan Lake)
Hrafntinnusker to Álftavatn
After a porridge or muesli breakfast at the hut, set off on Stage 2 of the trail — a spectacular descent into the gullies of Jökultungur, dotted with hundreds of steaming hot springs and boiling mud pools. As the trail swings south, enjoy panoramic views across dark volcanic plains towards the Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull glaciers. This stage is 12km with around 617m of descent and takes 4–5 hours. Arrive at the Álftavatn hut beside beautiful Swan Lake — one of the most scenic spots on the entire route. Check in (pre-booked via fi.is), make a hot drink, and watch the light play across the lake and glaciers. Self-cater dinner from supplies you've brought or buy a simple meal option at the hut (soups and pasta available at most FÍ huts for ~£12–18).
🚌On foot along the Laugavegur Trail.
🛏Álftavatn Mountain Hut (FÍ hut) — bunk in mixed dorm ~£55/night. Book via fi.is.
- →Hike Stage 2: Hrafntinnusker to Álftavatn (12km, 617m descent, ~4–5hrs)
- →Walk through steaming hot springs and boiling mud pools of Jökultungur
- →View Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull glaciers from the ridge
- →Relax beside Álftavatn (Swan Lake)
- →Self-catered or hut-bought dinner (~£12–18)
Álftavatn to Botnar Through Black Deserts
Álftavatn to Botnar (Emstrur)
Today's stage is the longest and most dramatic — 16km crossing ancient volcanic terrain, black sand deserts and a series of river crossings. Skirt the base of the green conic volcano Stórasúla, then navigate several river crossings (sandals or neoprene socks are essential here). Cross the surreal black desert of Mælifellssandur before passing ancient volcano Hattfell and entering the lush pasturelands of Emstrur. Take a short detour to the jaw-dropping Markarfljót canyon — nearly 200m deep — before arriving at Botnar (Emstrur) hut. This is a longer day at 6–7 hours, so fuel up with a decent packed lunch (make sandwiches using supplies bought in Reykjavik before departure). River crossings can be knee-deep depending on season; trekking poles are highly recommended.
🚌On foot along the Laugavegur Trail.
🛏Botnar (Emstrur) Mountain Hut (FÍ hut) — bunk in mixed dorm ~£55/night. Book via fi.is.
- →Hike Stage 3: Álftavatn to Botnar/Emstrur (16km, ~6–7hrs, multiple river crossings)
- →Cross the black sand desert of Mælifellssandur
- →View Stórasúla green conic volcano
- →Detour to Markarfljót canyon (~200m deep)
- →Packed lunch on the trail (self-catered)
Final Stage to Þórsmörk & Bus Back to Reykjavik
Botnar to Þórsmörk to Reykjavik
The triumphant final stage — 17km through the undulating valleys of Emstrur with the Mýrdalsjökull glacier looming close. The trail finishes at Þórsmörk (Valley of Thor), beneath the shadow of Eyjafjallajökull volcano — the dramatic finale to one of the world's great hikes. Take a moment to soak it all in before boarding the Reykjavik Excursions bus (or Trex bus) back to Reykjavik — book in advance at re.is or trex.is, cost ~£50, approximately 3–4 hours. Return to your Reykjavik hostel for a much-deserved hot shower. Celebrate with dinner out — Reykjavik has excellent options at all price points.
🚌Reykjavik Excursions or Trex bus, Þórsmörk → Reykjavik, ~£50. Book at re.is or trex.is.
🛏Return to Reykjavik hostel/guesthouse — dorm from ~£35/night, private room from ~£70/night (rebook KEX, Loft or Oddsson).
- →Hike Stage 4: Botnar to Þórsmörk (17km, 412m ascent, 686m descent, ~6–7hrs)
- →Pass beneath Eyjafjallajökull volcano
- →Bus from Þórsmörk back to Reykjavik with Reykjavik Excursions or Trex (~£50)
- →Celebratory dinner in Reykjavik (~£15–20)
Depart Reykjavik
Reykjavik
Check out of your hostel and, if your flight allows, squeeze in a few more Reykjavik highlights — the Reykjavik Art Museum, the National Museum of Iceland (£12–15 entry), or a soak at one of the city's geothermal pools like Vesturbæjarlaug (~£7) or the iconic Sundhöllin (~£7). For a final Icelandic experience, grab a bowl of Icelandic lamb soup at a local café. Then take the Flybus back to Keflavik Airport (~£20) in time for your flight. Tip: book your return Flybus in advance at re.is.
🚌Flybus from Reykjavik BSÍ to Keflavik Airport, ~£20. Book at re.is.
🛏N/A — departure day
- →Optional: National Museum of Iceland (~£12–15)
- →Optional: swim at Vesturbæjarlaug or Sundhöllin geothermal pool (~£7)
- →Flybus back to Keflavik Airport (~£20)
- →Final Icelandic lamb soup or skyr (~£8–12)
Self-launched vs. Much Better Adventures
| This itinerary (self-launched) | Much Better Adventures | |
|---|---|---|
| Price per person | ~£565 | £1,295 |
| Duration | 6 days | 6 days |
| Who books it | You and your group, direct | Tour operator, guided group |
| Savings | £730 per person (56%) | |
Estimate only, not a guaranteed price. Always verify costs independently before booking.
Want to see more Much Better Adventures-style trips? Check them out here.~£565
estimated per person
You never pay Travel Crew for this — you pay hostels, transport, and activity providers directly, the same as if you'd booked it all yourself.
This publishes your dates so other travellers can find and join you — no tour operator needed.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does Self-Launched Laugavegur Trail Hut-to-Hut Trek, Iceland cost?+
Doing it yourself with this self-launched itinerary costs an estimated £565 per person for 6 days in Iceland. This is an AI-generated estimate based on typical budget-traveller prices — actual costs will vary by season and how you book.
Is this cheaper than booking with Much Better Adventures?+
Yes — Much Better Adventures charges around £1,295 per person for a similar tour. Doing the same route independently, using the same standard of accommodation and activities, costs an estimated £565 — a saving of roughly £730 (56%) per person.
How long is the Iceland trip?+
This itinerary runs 6 days, covering 6 day-by-day stops through Iceland.
How do I join this trip?+
You can join an existing open departure using this itinerary if one is scheduled, or launch your own departure with your own dates and invite other travellers to join you — no tour operator required.
Isn't it easier to just use a tour operator?+
Well, yes, a tour operator will book all the individual parts of your travel for you and provide a guide. That's obvious, but doing this has the potential to save the group thousands, which can in turn improve your itinerary substantially or save you huge amounts of money. Also, when you launch a departure, Travel Crew has tools in place to help you book the individual sections of the trip or make it easier for you to do this as a group. Really, you do not need a middle man. If you are more comfortable paying more and using a middle man, then you should certainly do this.
Is it safer to book through a tour operator?+
Arguably, there isn't much difference. A self-launched trip runs on the same principle as a group travel crew: collective responsibility, everyone looking out for each other, the same way it would if a group of friends organised the trip themselves — because that's exactly what's happening. You should always take out travel insurance before you go, self-launched or not; that doesn't change either way. Every open departure is published publicly with real dates and a real trip organiser, so it's never an anonymous arrangement, and our support team is reachable any time you need help, including in an emergency while you're away. Longer-term, we're building direct relationships with ground DMCs in popular destinations, offered as an optional paid add-on for extra on-the-ground support. Ultimately, though, the group is responsible for its own conduct and safety on a self-launched trip, same as on any trip you plan yourself.
What kind of trip is this?+
This is a hiking, adventure, backpacker trip through Iceland, self-launched rather than run by a tour operator — you organise it with a group you find or bring yourself.
Would you like to name the operator, name the trip, or have any suggestions about how to improve this itinerary?
Drop your comment below — if you've done a similar route, tell us what worked, what you'd add, or what you'd skip.
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