Laugavegur
Landmannalaugar on the Laugavegur
Length54 km (34 mi)
LocationSouthwest Iceland
Established30 September 1978 (1978-09-30)
TrailheadsLandmannalaugar
Þórsmörk
UseHiking
Elevation gain/loss500 metres (1,600 ft)
Highest pointHrafntinnusker, 1,050 m (3,440 ft)
MonthsJune to September
Maintained byFerðafélag Íslands
Websitewww.fi.is/en/hiking-trails/trails/laugavegur
Trail map

 Landmannalaugar
 Hrafntinnusker
 Álftavatn
 Hvanngil
 Bláfjallkvísl
 Emstrur
 Þröngá
 Þórsmörk
 Fimmvörðuháls
 Skógar

Laugavegur (Icelandic pronunciation: [ˈlœyːɣaˌvɛːɣʏr̥]) is a hiking trail in South Iceland.[1][2][3][4] It is the most popular trail in Iceland, with an estimated 75,000-100,000 people hiking it every year.[5][6] In 2012, National Geographic listed it as one of the twenty best trails in the world.[7]

Laugavegur runs from the hot springs area of Landmannalaugar to the glacial valley of Þórsmörk.[8] It is noted for the wide variety of landscapes on its path: colourful mountains, black lava, bubbling hot springs, lakes, canions and a black sandy desert.[1]

The route is typically completed by hikers in four days, north to south, with stops at the mountain huts of Hrafntinnusker, Álftavatn, and Emstrur. At least three rivers must be forded during the walk. It is possible to combine the trek with a hike over the Fimmvörðuháls route from Þórsmörk to Skógar.[1]

The trail is clearly signposted throughout its length. However, adverse weather conditions such as thick fog or heavy snow can dramatically reduce the visibility. This is particularly relevant for the first two sections of the trail.[1]

The trail is open from the end of June 25 to mid September, when the huts close.

The Laugavegur Ultramarathon has been held annually on the trail since 1997.[9]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Trails: Laugavegur". Ferðafélag Íslands. Retrieved 27 January 2021.
  2. ↑ Halpern, Jake (21 August 2019). "A Chance to Bond on a Perilous Hiking Trail in Iceland". The New York Times. Retrieved 27 January 2021.
  3. ↑ Wismayer, Henry (27 June 2014). "Iceland's Laugavegurinn Trail Is Beautiful But Tough". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 27 January 2021.
  4. ↑ Kohn, Michael Kohn (1 July 2019). "Best foot forward: hiking your way around the world". Lonely Planet. Retrieved 27 January 2021.
  5. ↑ Þorsteinsson, Leifur; Ó.Magnússon, Guðjón. "Books and maps: The Laugavegur Hiking Trail". Ferðafélag Íslands. Retrieved 27 January 2021.
  6. ↑ "One Hundred Thousand Hike Laugavegur". Iceland Review. 26 November 2013. Retrieved 27 January 2021.
  7. ↑ Schnitzspahn, Doug (31 July 2012). "World's Best Hikes: Epic Trails". National Geographic. Retrieved 27 January 2021.
  8. ↑ Vasile, Iulia (26 August 2023). "Most Popular Hiking Trails In Iceland". JuliaSomething | DIY Europe Travel. Retrieved 6 September 2023.
  9. ↑ "Laugavegur Ultra Marathon". Reykjavik Sports Union. Retrieved 27 January 2021.
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