Iceland is one of the most desirable destinations in the world. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most expensive. But it's also cheaper to do it on your own. At the same time, you can experience this beautiful country in a much more adventurous way than most tourists. This will definitely be the experience of a lifetime! The route will take you through the world famous Laugavegur trek.
Laugavegur trek is ranked among the top 20 most beautiful treks in the world by National Geographic. Over a distance of 55km you will experience rainbow mountains, lava fields, thermal springs, massive glaciers, lunar landscapes, rare Icelandic forest and much more. Laugavegur is normally completed in 2 to 4 days and only during the summer months. The rest of the year the route is closed.
Prepare for 55 km of walking with a total ascent of 1085 m.
As far as equipment is concerned, you can take inspiration from the article about crossing the Spanish Pyrenees on my blog https://marekrybar.cz/vybaveni-gr-11-spanelske-pyreneje/. I recommend a tent such as the MSR hubba hubba, or any other, as long as it is lightweight, waterproof and sealed for wind and sand.
I've also written a lot of other useful information about this particular trek on the site. Read the article here: https://marekrybar.cz/laugavegur-trek-island/
You don't need any cash on the entire island. You can conveniently pay everywhere with your credit card.
Flight to Iceland, transfer to the capital Reykjavik.
The capital city of Reykjavik is about an hour's drive from the airport. It's home to an estimated one-third of Iceland's population, and the city centre in particular has a lot to offer. It's also the best place on the island to stock up on food for the crossing, unless you're taking it straight from home.
At 7am a bus leaves Reykjavik for the rainbow mountains - Landmannalaugar. On the way there is only one stop for refreshments and toilets. The time spent on the bus is usually around 4 hours.
Landmannalaugar or the Rainbow Mountains are one of the most beautiful places on the whole island. Before starting the trek, it is ideal to stay here for a full day, warm up your muscles on the surrounding comps and finish the day in the adjacent thermal spring.
From Landmannalaugar to Álftavatn is 21 km and about 10 hours walk. Ascent 881 m and descent 915 m. In my opinion this is the most exhilarating stage of the whole trek. It is slightly more challenging, but offers unforgettable views of the surrounding landscape along the way.
Hrafntinnusker is the highest point on the entire route. It is possible to spend the night here, but the surroundings are quite uninteresting in my opinion. I would recommend to continue to Álftavatn and stay overnight there. It tends to be a friendlier place in terms of weather. Hrafntinnusker on top of that is the highest point on the trek and especially in a tent it can be colder at night here. A stop for a snack and rest is therefore sufficient.
Alftavatn is a picturesque area located somewhere in the middle of nowhere. Right next to the campsite is a giant lake with endless views. On the way to Álftavatn, you pass boiling springs, rainbow mountains, remnants of never-dying snow, and wade through a few rivers.
From Álftavatn to Emstrur is 16 km and about 7 hours walk. 600 m ascent and 667 m descent.
A mountain hut just a few kilometres outside Álftavant. During my last visit I met only one animal here.Between Hvanngil and Álftavatn is the first river ford on this stage.
A short distance beyond Hvanngil is the second ford. This time a little more "nutritious". Be prepared for long, black plains beyond the river. You'll probably have sand everywhere. This lunar landscape is a bit monotonous, but it still has its charm.
From Emstrur to Thorsmork is 16 km and about 6 hours walking. 439 m ascent and 706 m descent.
The Thorsmork area is on the radar of many visitors to Iceland. This beautiful inland part of Iceland is harder to access and walking here is definitely one of the more fun options. I recommend staying here for at least one full day. Shortly before your destination, you'll find the last and wildest river ford. Try to wade the widest possible spot where the water flow is weaker. Paradoxically, this tempts people to do the exact opposite.
A day for regeneration or some light hiking in the area. With a bit of luck, you may even spot Arctic foxes. There is cooking at Volcano Huts and you don't have to pack food for this extra day if you don't want to. However, expect "high mountain" surcharges. PS: They also have beer and burgers on tap.
Take the afternoon bus back to Reykjavik where you will find accommodation, a hot shower and a soft bed. You'll have time to do more errands around town, shop for souvenirs, grab some dinner, etc.
In the afternoon you can have some breakfast in one of the local bakeries, or buy some souvenirs, etc. The planes back to Prague usually fly in the afternoon.
Iceland is one of the most desirable destinations in the world. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most expensive. But it's also cheaper to do it on your own. At the same time, you can experience this beautiful country in a much more adventurous way than most tourists. This will definitely be the experience of a lifetime! The route will take you through the world famous Laugavegur trek.
Laugavegur trek is ranked among the top 20 most beautiful treks in the world by National Geographic. Over a distance of 55km you will experience rainbow mountains, lava fields, thermal springs, massive glaciers, lunar landscapes, rare Icelandic forest and much more. Laugavegur is normally completed in 2 to 4 days and only during the summer months. The rest of the year the route is closed.
Prepare for 55 km of walking with a total ascent of 1085 m.
As far as equipment is concerned, you can take inspiration from the article about crossing the Spanish Pyrenees on my blog https://marekrybar.cz/vybaveni-gr-11-spanelske-pyreneje/. I recommend a tent such as the MSR hubba hubba, or any other, as long as it is lightweight, waterproof and sealed for wind and sand.
I've also written a lot of other useful information about this particular trek on the site. Read the article here: https://marekrybar.cz/laugavegur-trek-island/
You don't need any cash on the entire island. You can conveniently pay everywhere with your credit card.
Flight to Iceland, transfer to the capital Reykjavik.
The capital city of Reykjavik is about an hour's drive from the airport. It's home to an estimated one-third of Iceland's population, and the city centre in particular has a lot to offer. It's also the best place on the island to stock up on food for the crossing, unless you're taking it straight from home.
At 7am a bus leaves Reykjavik for the rainbow mountains - Landmannalaugar. On the way there is only one stop for refreshments and toilets. The time spent on the bus is usually around 4 hours.
Landmannalaugar or the Rainbow Mountains are one of the most beautiful places on the whole island. Before starting the trek, it is ideal to stay here for a full day, warm up your muscles on the surrounding comps and finish the day in the adjacent thermal spring.
From Landmannalaugar to Álftavatn is 21 km and about 10 hours walk. Ascent 881 m and descent 915 m. In my opinion this is the most exhilarating stage of the whole trek. It is slightly more challenging, but offers unforgettable views of the surrounding landscape along the way.
Hrafntinnusker is the highest point on the entire route. It is possible to spend the night here, but the surroundings are quite uninteresting in my opinion. I would recommend to continue to Álftavatn and stay overnight there. It tends to be a friendlier place in terms of weather. Hrafntinnusker on top of that is the highest point on the trek and especially in a tent it can be colder at night here. A stop for a snack and rest is therefore sufficient.
Alftavatn is a picturesque area located somewhere in the middle of nowhere. Right next to the campsite is a giant lake with endless views. On the way to Álftavatn, you pass boiling springs, rainbow mountains, remnants of never-dying snow, and wade through a few rivers.
From Álftavatn to Emstrur is 16 km and about 7 hours walk. 600 m ascent and 667 m descent.
A mountain hut just a few kilometres outside Álftavant. During my last visit I met only one animal here.Between Hvanngil and Álftavatn is the first river ford on this stage.
A short distance beyond Hvanngil is the second ford. This time a little more "nutritious". Be prepared for long, black plains beyond the river. You'll probably have sand everywhere. This lunar landscape is a bit monotonous, but it still has its charm.
From Emstrur to Thorsmork is 16 km and about 6 hours walking. 439 m ascent and 706 m descent.
The Thorsmork area is on the radar of many visitors to Iceland. This beautiful inland part of Iceland is harder to access and walking here is definitely one of the more fun options. I recommend staying here for at least one full day. Shortly before your destination, you'll find the last and wildest river ford. Try to wade the widest possible spot where the water flow is weaker. Paradoxically, this tempts people to do the exact opposite.
A day for regeneration or some light hiking in the area. With a bit of luck, you may even spot Arctic foxes. There is cooking at Volcano Huts and you don't have to pack food for this extra day if you don't want to. However, expect "high mountain" surcharges. PS: They also have beer and burgers on tap.
Take the afternoon bus back to Reykjavik where you will find accommodation, a hot shower and a soft bed. You'll have time to do more errands around town, shop for souvenirs, grab some dinner, etc.
In the afternoon you can have some breakfast in one of the local bakeries, or buy some souvenirs, etc. The planes back to Prague usually fly in the afternoon.
itinerary by Marek Rybar
Iceland is one of the most desirable destinations in the world. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most expensive. But it's also cheaper to do it on your own. At the same time, you can experience this beautiful country in a much more adventurous way than most tourists. This will definitely be the experience of a lifetime! The route will take you through the world famous Laugavegur trek.
Laugavegur trek is ranked among the top 20 most beautiful treks in the world by National Geographic. Over a distance of 55km you will experience rainbow mountains, lava fields, thermal springs, massive glaciers, lunar landscapes, rare Icelandic forest and much more. Laugavegur is normally completed in 2 to 4 days and only during the summer months. The rest of the year the route is closed.
Prepare for 55 km of walking with a total ascent of 1085 m.
As far as equipment is concerned, you can take inspiration from the article about crossing the Spanish Pyrenees on my blog https://marekrybar.cz/vybaveni-gr-11-spanelske-pyreneje/. I recommend a tent such as the MSR hubba hubba, or any other, as long as it is lightweight, waterproof and sealed for wind and sand.
I've also written a lot of other useful information about this particular trek on the site. Read the article here: https://marekrybar.cz/laugavegur-trek-island/
You don't need any cash on the entire island. You can conveniently pay everywhere with your credit card.
Flight to Iceland, transfer to the capital Reykjavik.
The capital city of Reykjavik is about an hour's drive from the airport. It's home to an estimated one-third of Iceland's population, and the city centre in particular has a lot to offer. It's also the best place on the island to stock up on food for the crossing, unless you're taking it straight from home.
At 7am a bus leaves Reykjavik for the rainbow mountains - Landmannalaugar. On the way there is only one stop for refreshments and toilets. The time spent on the bus is usually around 4 hours.
Landmannalaugar or the Rainbow Mountains are one of the most beautiful places on the whole island. Before starting the trek, it is ideal to stay here for a full day, warm up your muscles on the surrounding comps and finish the day in the adjacent thermal spring.
From Landmannalaugar to Álftavatn is 21 km and about 10 hours walk. Ascent 881 m and descent 915 m. In my opinion this is the most exhilarating stage of the whole trek. It is slightly more challenging, but offers unforgettable views of the surrounding landscape along the way.
Hrafntinnusker is the highest point on the entire route. It is possible to spend the night here, but the surroundings are quite uninteresting in my opinion. I would recommend to continue to Álftavatn and stay overnight there. It tends to be a friendlier place in terms of weather. Hrafntinnusker on top of that is the highest point on the trek and especially in a tent it can be colder at night here. A stop for a snack and rest is therefore sufficient.
Alftavatn is a picturesque area located somewhere in the middle of nowhere. Right next to the campsite is a giant lake with endless views. On the way to Álftavatn, you pass boiling springs, rainbow mountains, remnants of never-dying snow, and wade through a few rivers.
From Álftavatn to Emstrur is 16 km and about 7 hours walk. 600 m ascent and 667 m descent.
A mountain hut just a few kilometres outside Álftavant. During my last visit I met only one animal here.Between Hvanngil and Álftavatn is the first river ford on this stage.
A short distance beyond Hvanngil is the second ford. This time a little more "nutritious". Be prepared for long, black plains beyond the river. You'll probably have sand everywhere. This lunar landscape is a bit monotonous, but it still has its charm.
From Emstrur to Thorsmork is 16 km and about 6 hours walking. 439 m ascent and 706 m descent.
The Thorsmork area is on the radar of many visitors to Iceland. This beautiful inland part of Iceland is harder to access and walking here is definitely one of the more fun options. I recommend staying here for at least one full day. Shortly before your destination, you'll find the last and wildest river ford. Try to wade the widest possible spot where the water flow is weaker. Paradoxically, this tempts people to do the exact opposite.
A day for regeneration or some light hiking in the area. With a bit of luck, you may even spot Arctic foxes. There is cooking at Volcano Huts and you don't have to pack food for this extra day if you don't want to. However, expect "high mountain" surcharges. PS: They also have beer and burgers on tap.
Take the afternoon bus back to Reykjavik where you will find accommodation, a hot shower and a soft bed. You'll have time to do more errands around town, shop for souvenirs, grab some dinner, etc.
In the afternoon you can have some breakfast in one of the local bakeries, or buy some souvenirs, etc. The planes back to Prague usually fly in the afternoon.
Iceland is one of the most desirable destinations in the world. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most expensive. But it's also cheaper to do it on your own. At the same time, you can experience this beautiful country in a much more adventurous way than most tourists. This will definitely be the experience of a lifetime! The route will take you through the world famous Laugavegur trek.
Laugavegur trek is ranked among the top 20 most beautiful treks in the world by National Geographic. Over a distance of 55km you will experience rainbow mountains, lava fields, thermal springs, massive glaciers, lunar landscapes, rare Icelandic forest and much more. Laugavegur is normally completed in 2 to 4 days and only during the summer months. The rest of the year the route is closed.
Prepare for 55 km of walking with a total ascent of 1085 m.
As far as equipment is concerned, you can take inspiration from the article about crossing the Spanish Pyrenees on my blog https://marekrybar.cz/vybaveni-gr-11-spanelske-pyreneje/. I recommend a tent such as the MSR hubba hubba, or any other, as long as it is lightweight, waterproof and sealed for wind and sand.
I've also written a lot of other useful information about this particular trek on the site. Read the article here: https://marekrybar.cz/laugavegur-trek-island/
You don't need any cash on the entire island. You can conveniently pay everywhere with your credit card.
Flight to Iceland, transfer to the capital Reykjavik.
The capital city of Reykjavik is about an hour's drive from the airport. It's home to an estimated one-third of Iceland's population, and the city centre in particular has a lot to offer. It's also the best place on the island to stock up on food for the crossing, unless you're taking it straight from home.
At 7am a bus leaves Reykjavik for the rainbow mountains - Landmannalaugar. On the way there is only one stop for refreshments and toilets. The time spent on the bus is usually around 4 hours.
Landmannalaugar or the Rainbow Mountains are one of the most beautiful places on the whole island. Before starting the trek, it is ideal to stay here for a full day, warm up your muscles on the surrounding comps and finish the day in the adjacent thermal spring.
From Landmannalaugar to Álftavatn is 21 km and about 10 hours walk. Ascent 881 m and descent 915 m. In my opinion this is the most exhilarating stage of the whole trek. It is slightly more challenging, but offers unforgettable views of the surrounding landscape along the way.
Hrafntinnusker is the highest point on the entire route. It is possible to spend the night here, but the surroundings are quite uninteresting in my opinion. I would recommend to continue to Álftavatn and stay overnight there. It tends to be a friendlier place in terms of weather. Hrafntinnusker on top of that is the highest point on the trek and especially in a tent it can be colder at night here. A stop for a snack and rest is therefore sufficient.
Alftavatn is a picturesque area located somewhere in the middle of nowhere. Right next to the campsite is a giant lake with endless views. On the way to Álftavatn, you pass boiling springs, rainbow mountains, remnants of never-dying snow, and wade through a few rivers.
From Álftavatn to Emstrur is 16 km and about 7 hours walk. 600 m ascent and 667 m descent.
A mountain hut just a few kilometres outside Álftavant. During my last visit I met only one animal here.Between Hvanngil and Álftavatn is the first river ford on this stage.
A short distance beyond Hvanngil is the second ford. This time a little more "nutritious". Be prepared for long, black plains beyond the river. You'll probably have sand everywhere. This lunar landscape is a bit monotonous, but it still has its charm.
From Emstrur to Thorsmork is 16 km and about 6 hours walking. 439 m ascent and 706 m descent.
The Thorsmork area is on the radar of many visitors to Iceland. This beautiful inland part of Iceland is harder to access and walking here is definitely one of the more fun options. I recommend staying here for at least one full day. Shortly before your destination, you'll find the last and wildest river ford. Try to wade the widest possible spot where the water flow is weaker. Paradoxically, this tempts people to do the exact opposite.
A day for regeneration or some light hiking in the area. With a bit of luck, you may even spot Arctic foxes. There is cooking at Volcano Huts and you don't have to pack food for this extra day if you don't want to. However, expect "high mountain" surcharges. PS: They also have beer and burgers on tap.
Take the afternoon bus back to Reykjavik where you will find accommodation, a hot shower and a soft bed. You'll have time to do more errands around town, shop for souvenirs, grab some dinner, etc.
In the afternoon you can have some breakfast in one of the local bakeries, or buy some souvenirs, etc. The planes back to Prague usually fly in the afternoon.
