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Laugavegur Trail, Iceland. Photo: Host - 66 Nord / Altai
4.9
| 15 reviews

Trek the Laugavegur Trail in Iceland: The Camping Edition

6 nights
Challenging

Tackle Iceland's otherworldly and legendary trek, sleeping out in the elements as you go for added wild-factor

What's Included?

Activities & Certified Guides

All itinerary activities with expert, local, English-speaking trekking guides

Camping & Guesthouse

2 nights in a Reykjavik guesthouse and 4 nights camping

Meals

All breakfasts, 5 lunches and 4 dinners

Transfers

Transfers between Reykjavik and the trailhead, including luggage transfer by 4x4 between each camp

Equipment & Permits

Expedition tents, Thermarest sleeping mats, group mess tent, tables, chairs, cooking gear, all permits and entry fees

Small Like-minded Groups

Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 12 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people
From

excluding flights
From

excluding flights

What's it like?

4.9
| 15 reviews
Laugavegur Trek a success!
August 2024
alan c.
Laugavegur Trek a success!
August 2024
alan c.
Laugavegur Trek a success!
August 2024
alan c.
Laugavegur Trek a success!
August 2024
alan c.
Laugavegur Trek a success!
August 2024
alan c.
Laugavegur Trek a success!
August 2024
alan c.
Laugavegur Trek a success!
August 2024
alan c.
Awe inspiring landscapes & unsurpassable guide
August 2024
jane M.
Awe inspiring landscapes & unsurpassable guide
August 2024
jane M.
Laugavegur Trek
July 2024
Louise W.
Laugavegur Trek
July 2024
Louise W.
Laugavegur Trek
July 2024
Louise W.
Laugavegur Trek
July 2024
Louise W.
Laugavegur Trek
July 2024
Louise W.
Laugavegur Trek
July 2024
Louise W.
Laugavegur Trek
July 2024
Louise W.
Laugavegur Trek
July 2024
Louise W.
Laugavegur Trail, Iceland. Photo: Host - 66 Nord / Altai
Laugavegur Camping, Iceland. Photo: Canva - https://www.canva.com/photos/MAEae3xOIJs-camping-in-the-outdoors/
Rhyolites of Landmannalaugar, Iceland. Photo: Host - 66Nord/Altai

Trek through the multi-coloured Landmannalaugar mountains, past serene Lake Álftavatn, and into the surreal Valley of Thor

Tick off one of National Geographic's '20 Best Hikes in the World' to finish beneath the infamous Eyjafjallajökull volcano

Camp beside thermal rivers, epic glaciers and volcanic lakes for memorable sleep-outs and warm dips beneath Iceland’s midnight sun

Not a camper? Then check out our much-loved hut-to-hut edition of the Laugavegur Trail instead

Key Information

Day 1

Welcome to Reykjavik

Reykjavik skyline, Iceland. Photo: Canva - MAEFAilV3

Touchdown at Keflavik Airport and hop on the Flybus that whisks you to downtown Reykjavik. Check into your guesthouse and if you have spare time you can explore the city’s huge array of quaint bars, cafes, art museums and churches. Meet up with your fellow trekkers and guide at 18:00 for a chat through the adventure to come, then head out for dinner.

Day 2

Road trip to Landmannalaugar & warm up hike

Laugavegur Trail, Iceland. Photo: Host - 66Nord/Altai

Driving

4.5hrs · 250km

Hiking

3hrs · 12km · 300m up · 300m down

Grab an early breakfast then hop on the bus, settling in for a road trip through Iceland's highlands to the trailhead at Landmannalaugar. Arrive late morning, set up camp and grab some lunch before setting off for a warm-up hike in preparation for your trek. Hike up to the astonishing red and orange Ljótipollur crater, or if conditions are good you can opt for an ascent of Bláhnúkur (the 'blue mountain') to gaze over the landscape you'll be immersed in for the next week. At the end of the day grab a swim in the warm thermal waters of the Landmannalaugar River while the midnight sun lingers above. Settle in for your first night of camping in the Icelandic wilds.

Day 3

Set off on the Laugavegur Trail

Laugavegur Trail Hiking, Iceland. Photo: Host image - 66 Nord/Altai

Hiking

6-7hrs · 19km · 900m up · 950m down

It's time to set off on one of the world’s great hikes – the Laugavegur Trail. Meander through the mesmerising rhyolite massifs toward the high plateau of Hrafntinnusker, into the heart of a vast caldera. This landscape is unlike anything else with a stunning array of pastel colours in one of the most active geothermal areas on earth. The area is dotted with countless fumaroles (pools of sulfurous mud), lava fields, crystal-clear lakes and pristine ice caps stretching as far as the eye can see. Descend from the caldera to the south through a series of hidden valleys nestled at the base of the Tindfjöll glacier, catching glimpses of the massive Myrdalsjökull glacier cap. Wind up your first day on the trail at Lake Álftavatn, where you'll set up camp for the night and tuck into dinner.

Day 4

Lake Álftavatn to the Myrdalsjökull glacier

Laugavegur Trail Trekkers, Iceland. Photo: Host - 66 Nord/Altai

Hiking

5hrs · 14km · 300m up · 300m down

Unzip the tent and peer out at the lakeside setting, fuel up on coffee and breakfast and set off through the black desert of Emstrur. Pass a series of huge, lonesome, conical green mountains contrasting against the volcanic backdrop – this section of the trail is like nowhere else. At certain times in the summer the trail here gets interrupted by glacial rivers that you'll need to wade through. It's a chance to bond further with your fellow trekkers and show some teamwork, as these river crossings are definitely a group effort. Make your way around the Hattafell cone and eventually reach your campsite while gazing at the majestic Mýrdalsjökull glacier.

Day 5

The Thorsmörk Valley

Thorsmork, Iceland. Photo: Canva - https://www.canva.com/photos/MAC89McVPjs-thorsmork-mountains-canyon-and-river-near-skogar-iceland/

Hiking

5hrs · 14km · 500m up · 700m down

You'll have settled into the rhythm of life on the trail by now, waking under canvas before packing down camp and prepping for the day ahead. Trekking further on from Emstrur, you'll reach the impressive canyon of the Markarfljót this morning with roaring water flowing 200m below you. The trail runs along this immense gorge decorated with basalt sculptures for a while before continuing south towards Thorsmörk. Little by little the landscape softens and takes on the appearance of an alpine cirque. You'll reach the cheerful valley of Thorsmörk (Thor's Woods) as you hike the final stretch among Arctic birches and birdsong to the banks of the Krossa River. Set up camp in another beautiful spot for your final night sleeping out in the Icelandic elements.

Day 6

The final stretch of the Laugavegur Trail

Laugavegur Trail Camping, Iceland. Photo: Canva - https://www.canva.com/photos/MADLGtWyuiI-sunset-landscape-with-campsite-of-botnar-ermstur-laugavegur-trail-from-thorsmork-to-landmannalaugar-iceland/

Hiking

4hrs · 10km · 200m up · 200m down

Pack down camp one last time and set off for the final stretch of the Laugavegur Trail through the surreal setting of 'Thor’s wood'. Meander on further between the black canyons veined with fluorescent green and volcanic rock formations sculpted by wind and sea spray, flanked by the steel-coloured rivers and the sparkling ice cap of Myrdallsjökull. The landscape the past few days has been otherworldly, so soak up the last of this truly unique trek ahead of the finish line where you'll reluctantly hop in the van for the return drive to civilisation, arriving in Reykjavik in the early evening. Enjoy some creature comforts at the hotel and head out to toast the end of an epic trek with a beer and a bite downtown.

Day 7

Bid farewell in Reykjavik

Reykjavik Harbour, Iceland. Photo: Canva - https://www.canva.com/photos/MAEEzx5MxCc-old-harbor-in-reykjavik-iceland/

Your adventure comes to an end today. Check out of the guesthouse this morning and either explore some more of the land of fire and ice, or head back to the airport in time for your flight home.

The Area

map

Logistics

Starts

Reykjavik accommodation

Flexible – arrive any time on Day 1

Ends

Reykjavik city centre

Flexible – depart any time on Day 7

Transfers

At Keflavik Airport you'll need to hop on one of the frequent Flybus services operated in connection with all arriving flights at Keflavik Airport. You can buy a ticket in advance on the Flybus website or at the Flybus desk in the Keflavik terminal: tickets cost £20/€24/$27 each way. The bus is very easy to find, right outside the arrival terminal – just look for signs for Flybus. Your host will provide details on where you need to get off the bus and how to find your hotel in the pre-departure information you are sent prior to travelling to Iceland. There is a group briefing at 18:00 to chat about the adventure ahead, before everyone heads out for dinner in Reykjavik.

On Day 7 you can grab any Flybus from the various hop-on points around the city, to get back to Keflavik Airport in time for your onward flight.

Travel options

There are regular direct flights to Iceland from airports across the UK, Europe and North America.

Day 1

Guesthouse · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 2 – Day 5

Campsite · Twin tent

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 6

Guesthouse · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 7

Departure day

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

What is the food like?

Each day will start with a hearty breakfast of muesli, porridge, crispbread and fillings, eggs and bread accompanied by plenty of tea and coffee. Every morning you'll prepare and carry a picnic lunch for the day which will consist of salads and sandwiches with salmon and cold meats, fruit and cakes, among other options. Dinner is prepared and eaten together after reaching camp at the end of each day. Your guide will seek to introduce you to the little-known gastronomy of Iceland and will ensure a regular supply of vegetables and fruits. Some of your host's favourite dishes are leek fondue with shrimp, salmon en papillote and sweet potatoes, leg of lamb with mustard, salmon pasta, pilsur (Icelandic hot dogs), dhals and stews. You'll also try skyr (local yoghurt) and kleinur (Icelandic doughnut).

This is a participatory camping expedition, so your help with food prep is much appreciated, particularly in the evenings. The whole group works as a team to cook dinner, it creates a great atmosphere as you reflect on the day's adventures together.

Vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for – please just request this on your passenger info form.

What is the accommodation like?

Guesthouse Aurora, Reykjavik
Reykjavik

Before and after the trek you'll stay in one of a selection of 3-star hotels dotted around the centre of Reykjavik. Depending on availability it'll be either Aurora Guesthouse, Alba Guesthouse, Hotel Klettur or Hotel Cabin. They are all similarly located, just a stone's throw from bars and cafes in the heart of Reykjavik. You'll stay in twin-share rooms as standard, with private bathrooms.

Laugavegur Trail Campsite
Canva: https://www.canva.com/design/DAFxuaj9ou0/fuzSkQAz8bjBhQHgtiTQHA/edit
On the trek

During the trek, you’ll camp at sites along the Laugavegur Trail located near the mountain refuges that punctuate the route. The campsites have toilet facilities, and hot showers may be available for a fee of around £3/€4/$4 per shower at the huts. Camping along the route allows you to enjoy the spectacular landscapes around you and offers a bit of space and calm outside of the hustle and bustle of the mountain huts. Your host will provide you with a Simond MAKALU T3 three-person tent for two people to share, as well as an individual self-inflating Thermarest mattress. The camp is set up around a large mess tent which has a communal table and chairs where you'll share the stories of the day with a good meal. The assembly of the mess tent and individual tents is carried out by the group as a whole – this is all part of the adventure!

Upgrades

For solo travellers wanting their own space, there is the option to upgrade to a private room for the two nights in Reykjavik and a solo tent for the four nights of camping if you would like to do so. Please note, this is subject to availability and accommodation can be tricky to secure in Iceland, so please request this at the time of booking and your host will do their best to confirm. See Optional Extras for prices.

This trip has been rated as Challenging

You'll need to have good fitness levels for this trek. You'll be hiking for 5-7 hours each day on five consecutive days of hiking. The route isn’t overly technical and doesn’t reach high altitudes, so beginner hikers will be fine – providing you have good fitness levels and a pair of broken-in hiking boots! The camping on this trip adds another layer to the adventure: Iceland is a place known for its harsh elements and fickle weather. This adventure is best enjoyed with a come-what-may attitude towards whatever the Icelandic weather gods throw at you. Remember there is no such thing as bad weather – only bad clothing... In short, ever-changing and awesome. It is sometimes a bit rocky but very accessible for those used to hiking over uneven terrain. You will need to cross rivers almost every day and the water level can fluctuate due to seasonal conditions – from stone to stone to get to the other side, to full-on wading. Neoprene socks and sandals or neoprene shoes (beach shoes) are the best choice to bring along and trekking poles might also come in handy. Your guide can provide you with advice. For those bringing their phone, connection can be unstable and you might need to hike up the nearest hilltop to find a network. There's no WiFi on the route, but you might be able to connect to 4G in certain places along the trail.

We've written a detailed guide to hiking the Laugavegur trail with plenty of information on what to expect. The day-by-day itinerary in the guide is based on our shorter hut-to-hut edition but you'll do the exact same route from Day 3 to Day 6 on this camping edition after your warm-up hike on Day 2.

What will I need to carry?

During the trekking days, you'll only need to carry a small daypack (approximately 30 litres) containing personal belongings, extra clothing layers for changeable weather, your packed lunch and water. Your main bag is transported between each camp spot by 4x4 vehicle, along with the group camping gear and food supplies.

As the old Icelandic saying goes, “If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes”. Icelandic weather is famously fickle so you’ll need to prepare for anything – from balmy all-day sunshine in the mid-twenties, to wind, rain – and everything in between! This is all part of the adventure, but be sure to pack good waterproofs in case the rain gods come calling. You're also advised to bring dry bags, including something to keep your sleeping bag dry, in case it gets wet during the pack down and luggage transfer each day. Remember that in Iceland summer means nearly 24 hours of daylight, so don’t forget your eye mask!

Clare C.(October 2024)
Wonderful Experience

This trip is a great way to see a beautiful part of Iceland, and I really enjoyed the experience of camping along the way. Our guide Steven did a wonderful job looking after us, and the food he prepared for each meal was amazing.

Jamie G.(September 2024)
Amazing Trek!

The scenery on this trek was absolutely incredible! It honestly felt unreal at times. Our guide Steven did a really great job of anticipating the weather and getting us moving early enough that we didn't end up hiking in rain and managed to get good camping spots. He kept us very well-fed as well! Everything was well organized and it was nice to have all the logistics taken care of. I would highly recommend this trip!

alan c.(August 2024)
Laugavegur Trek a success!
Laugavegur Trek a success!
Laugavegur Trek a success!
Laugavegur Trek a success!
Laugavegur Trek a success!
Laugavegur Trek a success!
Laugavegur Trek a success!
Laugavegur Trek a success!

Our guide-Steve- was fantastic- as was the rest of the group- we had such fun despite the rain. I highly recommend this trek but be prepared for rain😜

Laura W.(August 2024)
Incredible Hiking Adventure in Iceland

This trip is nothing short of amazing. The views were absolutely breathtaking, with stunning landscapes that left us in awe at every turn. The group was fantastic—everyone was passionate about the outdoors, and their positive energy made even the challenging weather enjoyable. Our guide Steven was exceptional, not only taking great care of us but also impressing us with his culinary skills. This trip was an unforgettable experience, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for an hiking adventure in Iceland!

Benjamin A.(August 2024)
Magical Iceland

Iceland is stunning and the Laugavegur trail showed this with the incredible transition in the landscape over the trip. Absolutely cracking guide in Steven as well - really dedicated to making sure we had a great time, which we did! Ben

Connor M.(August 2024)
Amazing experience

Incredible guide, amazing time, great food and stunning views

Graham T.(August 2024)
Teamwork in Iceland

A great trip with a fantastic group of people. We all got on well from the start and throughout the week. Many laughs, even when the weather turned against us. The scenery was amazing. Steven, our guide, was outstanding from the first briefing onwards. His culinary skills under canvas meant we were well nourished for our endeavours. There were seven of us plus Steven. Without exception, we all helped each other setting up camp and with other tasks. The hikes were all done at a reasonable pace, with plenty of stops either to take photos or recover from a climb or to have lunch or a snack. I’m glad I took the single occupancy tent option, as did everyone else, except a couple. It was a three person tent, which made life a lot easier. This was a great trip, but make sure you have everything on the kit list. The weather gods liked a laugh!

Vanessa H.(August 2024)
Great trek!

I had an absolutely wonderful time with MBA in Iceland! Our guide Steven was fantastic and attentive, and kept us all well very fed. The views were incredible, and everything was super easy and organized.

jane M.(August 2024)
Awe inspiring landscapes & unsurpassable guide
Awe inspiring landscapes & unsurpassable guide
Awe inspiring landscapes & unsurpassable guide

The Laugavegur trail provided 5 walking days in remote, wild and majestic terrain. Three days on the trail itself and a pre and post trail hike. The walking and the views are truly epic and worth the efforts of camping and the equally epic and unpredictable Icelandic weather. Our guide Steven not only ensured we had ample amounts of varied, warm nourishing and fresh food and snacks to keep us going but was inexhaustible in providing support and information. The luggage ( +food, tents, thermarests) transfers were greatly appreciated. Whilst there were some other groups and walkers on the trail it did not feel crowded. The tents allowed reasonable space but if you are more that 1.7 m, go for a non- shared tent. Be prepared with good waterproofs, dry bags, waterproof gloves, hand cream to deal with the after effects of placing tents on black sand, and a rain poncho. The drive out in the estuary was something else! The only thing to improve- make the trail longer with the trail extension.

Junia F.(August 2024)
Very alright

The scenery is amazing, one of the best I’ve ever seen. It is an easy trek, very easy if the weather helps. Guide was good. The added value of having done it through MBA is close to null. This was my first trip with them, to test it out. Quite disappointed. Not better, not more sustainable, not cheaper. They advertise themselves as being quite unique… they are a “middlemen” travel company like any other, selling other people’s services.

Reply from Much Better Adventures  (07 August 2024)

We appreciate your honest feedback and would like to clarify our model. Much Better Adventures is a curated platform and we work with hosts around the world for each of our adventures. With the exception of some classic routes (such as the Laugavegur Trek), most of our itineraries are unique and cannot be found elsewhere. Our team of adventure hunters carefully select host partners based on their expertise, activity specialism and shared commitment to operating in a sustainable manner. The host who operates this trip is an Iceland specialist and their commitment to sustainable tourism has been internationally recognised via their Travelife Certification.

Booking through MBA means you will be heading out on an adventure with like-minded people; 95% of customers rate the group dynamic as 5/5. Plus 5% of our revenues (not profits) go into our Foundation, primarily focused on supporting the World Land Trust (https://www.worldlandtrust.org/). As a B-corp company we are bound to prioritise the environment and society in our approach to business. We also ensure that the carbon emitted from all of our trips is offset by purchasing high-quality REDD+ nature-based carbon credits via the World Land Trust's Carbon Balanced programme. More details available at: https://www.muchbetteradventures.com/about/sustainability/

Louise W.(July 2024)
Laugavegur Trek
Laugavegur Trek
Laugavegur Trek
Laugavegur Trek
Laugavegur Trek
Laugavegur Trek
Laugavegur Trek
Laugavegur Trek
Laugavegur Trek

A week after returning from the trip I am still dreaming of Iceland. The trip did not disappoint in any way. So difficult to encapsulate in a review - multi coloured mountains, volcanos, lava, glaciers, flowers, trees, snow, sunshine, rain, rainbows, rivers, streams, boulders, black sand and the stunning, stunning views in all directions, the list goes on. An overwhelming sense of being close to nature and in the wilderness and 100's of photos.

Jenny A.(July 2024)
Out of this world!

It’s difficult to put into words how great this trip was. The trail itself & the scenery were on a difficult scale.. absolutely stunning varied landscapes & felt so vast. Loved the fact that we were camping too, waking up to incredible views.

Steven, our guide, was just awesome. He worked incredibly hard but made it look easy.. always calm & checking in regularly with everyone individually. The food & snacks were plentiful & the evening meals he cooked were amazing. If you do the trip this summer you’ll be incredibly lucky to have him as your guide.

And last (but definitely not least), the group on the trip were brilliant. A mixture of solo travellers & couples which just clicked, creating a positive & cohesive team feeling. Such good fun, everyone got involved & helped each other out & there was a lot of laughter.

The combination of the group, Steven & the scenery made this an unforgettable experience.. can’t recommend it enough.

Linda R.(July 2024)
Great trip of a lifetime with amazing scenery

The camping edition of this trek was great - a good way to enjoy the amazing scenery even more. It was very well organised all the way through. It was good to have a warm up hike and stay the night in Landmannalaugar so we could sit in the hot springs in the evening. The trek was 3 days of wild remote countryside with lots of variety. There is also a nights camp and a half day hike at the end so you don't have to rush off - with stunning scenery. Our guide Steven was excellent - very knowledgeable, with a good sense of humour and always watching out for everyone. He planned and cooked some amazing meals on the camp cooker and there were always lots of tasty snacks to keep us going! An all round great trip with a bunch of fun like-minded people. Would certainly recommend it over the Hut version.

Kae P.(July 2024)
Amazing!

Iceland is such an incredible country. This trip was one we will remember forever! MBA ensured that we were prepared and that everything went very smoothly. From prepping a kitlist, to before and after trip lodging, and throughout our Trek we were spectacularly taking care of. Our local guide, Steven, was knowledge, personable, and overall lovely. I highly recommend doing this Trek to experience this otherworldly location!

Angela M.(July 2024)
Book this trip.

There are few words which encompass the scale of the scenery on the Laugevegur trail. Every single corner revealed another breathtaking sight, and the nature of the landscape changed hour by hour. It was the most diverse and awe inspiring walk I’ve ever done. I leave Iceland with a rested mind, a restored soul…and around 7000 photographs. Stephen, our guide, was simply wonderful. Calm, super fun, and a fantastic cook. Meals were waaaay beyond the quality expected for a camping through-hike. You’ll be in great hands if you are trekking with him this summer.

Do not worry about booking alone-the group bonded rapidly, and we had so much fun both during the hikes, and at camp. Bring some group card games for chilly nights in the group tents.

Do have a relatively good level of fitness-the first day is a long walk (15miles, rather than km as the website says!) with climbs and descents. Neoprene shoes or crocs are ideal for the river crossings (which are really fun!). Minor practical suggestions-no need for a headtorch…it’s light 24/7, and our guide had lunchboxes for us, so save yourself the space. We didn’t need water purification tablets-there was fresh (glacial temperature!) drinking water at all the huts.

In summary, do it. It’s the trek of a lifetime!

Itinerary Activities

  • Guided warm-up hike to the Ljótipollur crater
  • 4 days of guided hiking along the Laugavegur Trail

Guides

  • Expert, English-speaking trekking guides

Accommodation

  • 2 nights in a Reykjavik guesthouse
  • 4 nights camping along the Laugavegur Trail

Meals

  • All (6) hearty breakfasts
  • 5 picnic lunches
  • 4 Icelandic dinners

Transfers

  • Transfers between Reykjavik and the trailhead

Luggage Transfers

  • Your overnight luggage will be transferred by 4x4 for you between each camp

Equipment

  • Expedition tents, Thermarest sleeping mats, group mess tent, tables, chairs and all cooking gear

Permits

  • All permits and entry fees

Our trips are hassle-free by design. We include all the activities and equipment, as well as many of the meals, so you can simply rock up with your rucksack and share the adventure with your new pals.

Travel to and from the trip

Our trips do not include flights, trains or other travel to the start point and back from the end point.

Airport transfers

This trip begins and ends in central Reykjavik, so you'll need to make your own way to and from the airport – see the 'Getting There' section for more information.

Tips

Tipping is welcomed but not mandatory in Iceland and should be at the discretion of each individual. It's important to note that tips do not serve as a substitute for fair wages; the guides on this trip are paid well and receive excellent care from your host.

If you find yourself pleased with the services provided by your guide, we suggest a tip in the range of £30-£40 per person for the whole trip, which equates to 5000-6600 ISK. If you feel you received average or subpar service there is no expectation to leave a tip.

Personal Expenses

You know your own spending habits best, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals and drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing. Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness. Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine, as their insurance offers all of the above.

Visas

Visa requirements often change, and you are responsible for obtaining any required visas for this trip. Please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for up-to-date advice.

Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear

In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 12.5% discount to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.

What do I need to bring?

Bags

  • Small backpack to trek with (25-30 litres)
  • Main luggage (approx. 60 litres) - maximum 15kg; must be a soft bag, no hard cases please! This will be transferred for you from camp-to-camp
  • Waterproof liners for both packs
  • Drybag or waterproof bag for your sleeping bag

Clothes

  • Hiking boots (worn-in, waterproof and with ankle support)
  • Long-sleeved thermal tops/breathable wicking layers (wool or synthetic)
  • T-shirts
  • Fleece jacket or similar
  • Lightweight hiking trousers/shorts (quick-drying, e.g. softshell)
  • Waterproof jacket with hood (windproof and breathable, e.g. Gore-Tex or similar)
  • Waterproof trousers (windproof and breathable, e.g. Gore-Tex or similar)
  • Gaiters (optional, but recommended for June/early July departures)
  • Lightweight down/synthetic fill jacket
  • Lightweight gloves (wool or synthetic)
  • Underwear
  • Hiking socks (2-3 pairs, wool or synthetic)
  • Buff or neckscarf
  • Swimwear (for thermal pools)
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunhat
  • Something to sleep in
  • Sandals/beach shoes/old trainers for crossing rivers, and a pair of neoprene socks
  • Clothes and shoes/sandals for the evenings at camp

Other

  • Sleeping bag, 3-4 season with a comfort rating up to -5°C
  • Sleeping bag liner (optional)
  • Inflatable pillow and pillow case
  • Eyemask
  • Walking poles (optional but recommended, with rubber tips to protect the environment)
  • Reusable water bottle x 1 litre (bring 2 of these if you have room)
  • Headtorch (especially for late August departures)
  • Universal travel adapter
  • Power bank or solar charger (small solar cells tend not to work too well in Iceland so a power bank is preferable)
  • Spare camera batteries
  • Passports (and visas)
  • Travel insurance documents
  • Earplugs
  • Suncream
  • Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
  • Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
  • Quick-dry towel
  • Alcohol hand-gel
  • Biodegradable wet-wipes
  • Energy bars and snacks
  • Cards or travel games for evenings at camp
*Requests for optional extras can be made after booking on your “My Bookings” page

Double room in Reykjavik

Payable Before Departure

Double room in Reykjavik

Per Night

Single room in Reykjavik

Payable Before Departure

Single room in Reykjavik

Per Night

Optional Private Room and tent upgrade

Payable Before Departure

Optional Private Room and tent upgrade

Optional private tent upgrade (for camping nights only)

Payable Before Departure

Optional private tent upgrade (for camping nights only)

We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.

What's the number?
It works out on average at 113kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.

The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.

But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:

  • Driving 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
  • A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
  • 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.

What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.

Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.

As the Icelandic Tourist Board explains in this video, it's confined to the Reykjanes Peninsula and not affecting travel at all. Iceland is open for business and perfectly safe.

If the hotel in Reykjavik does not have enough space to store your luggage then it is possible to store it in the luggage lockers at BSI Central Station (the departure point for the bus to Landmannalaugar). Your host will offer some guidance, but this is best done on the evening of Day 1 as you'll have an early start on Day 2 to catch the bus to Landmannalaugur. On Day 6 you'll return to BSI Bus Terminal, where you can collect your excess luggage before transferring back to your hotel in Reykjavik.

Alternatively, there are four other centrally located places in Reykjavik where you can store luggage. Speak to your host about the options, or you can pre-book here.

Tipping is welcomed but not mandatory in Iceland and should be at the discretion of each individual. It's important to note that tips do not serve as a substitute for fair wages; the guides on this trip are paid well and receive excellent care from your host. If you find yourself pleased with the services provided by your guide, we suggest a tip in the range of £30-£40 per person for the whole trip, which equates to 5000-6600 ISK. If you feel you received average or subpar service there is no expectation to leave a tip.

The tap water in Iceland is safe to drink and you'll be able to fill up from the taps at the mountain refuges located close to each campsite that you'll stay at. There are also natural water sources to fill up from along the route – your guide will provide guidance on this, but we recommend bringing along water purification options if you wish to do this. Have a read of our guide to the best water filters for adventurers.

Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.

Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).

For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.

We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.

We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.

If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.

All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.

You're always in good company on one of our adventures.

Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.

Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.

It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.

Don't just take our word for it:

  • 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
  • 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
  • 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends

See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.

Interested in a more exclusive experience? Opt for a 'Private Group' through the dates and prices tab to book this adventure for just you and your chosen companions.

We've got your back

Guaranteed to run

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Secure your spot with the minimum deposit and pay off the remaining balance in as many instalments as you like, with no interest or fees. Full details

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We’re so confident you’ll have an amazing time we’ll put our money on it. Full details

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Tried & Trusted

Much Better Adventures is rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot with over 1000 verified trip reviews averaging 4.8/5.

Connect before you go

You'll be invited to join a WhatsApp group to get to know each other before your big adventure together. Full details

DEPARTURE DATES

June 2025

Sunday 29th June 2025

to Saturday 5th July 2025
Guaranteed to run
Early Bird Offer - Next 2 spots available at 5% off
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Go private and split the bill with ease.

Forget complex logistics, we've taken care of all the details to ensure a hassle-free get together. All of the adventure, none of the faff.

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