Challenge yourself on an adventure across the volcanos and glaciers of Iceland
ABOUT THE CHALLENGE
Rated one of the top 20 best hikes in the world by National Geographic
Welcome to the Laugavegur trail, a unique and immersive experience which takes adventurers deep into the heart of Iceland, beginning at the geothermal hot spots of Landmannlaugar and hiking through to the green valleys of Thórsmörk on a journey like no other.
Find yourself trekking through bright rhyolite mountains, past vast Icelandic canyons, across deserts of black sand, past glaciers, glacial lakes and next to waterfalls all that date back thousands of years.
7 days in total, with 5 days of hiking, and time in the capital to explore. Join us and discover the beauty of Iceland.
All our challenges are inclusive of accommodation, guides, food and in country transport.
Choose from a university specific challenge, or join one of our student open groups
For your full itinerary, FAQ's, what's included / not included and sign up please select 'INFO' on your preferred option below.
July 18 - 24 2023
Immerse yourself in Iceland's Laugavegur trail, home to ancient glaciers, volcanos and stunning landscapes every step of the way
COMING SOON
Arriving in Iceland (KEF International) in the afternoon, you will be met by a member of our team and board our shuttle bus into the Reykjavik, where we have a briefing and can prepare for the challenge, staying overnight.
Included: Airport Transfer, Airport Rep, Accommodation (Hostel)
Not Included: Flights, Dinner
We awake and meet with the guides at the hostel, before boarding a private transfer minibus into the heart of Iceland, arriving at Landmannalaugar, the start of our trek.
Upon arrival in Landmannalaugar, there will be an opportunity to bathe in the hot springs, have lunch and refresh yourself before we begin trekking!
We start out by crossing the 500-year-old Laugahraun lava flow that is still giving heat to Landmannalaugar hot springs. Climbing steadily past numerous Sulphur vents, we top a succession of rolling rhyolite hills before descending to the steaming hot springs of Stórihver.
As you climb, the temperature falls, but with this comes an incredible viewpoint of the region that showcases all the forces of nature on the trail. Up on the plateau, steam rises in all directions from unseen vents, whilst thick glaciers and black volcanic rock can be seen all around.
We reach our accommodation at Hrafntinnusker mountain hut in the late afternoon.
Drive Time: 5 hours
Trek: 12km - Active walking time: 5 hours Ascent: 470m (1540')
Accommodation: Hrafntinnusker Mountain Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included: All meals, in country transport, guide, accommodation
We head south from our mountain hut into the canyon complex to the south of Hrafntinnusker. Descending into the gorges of Jökultungur, we come across hundreds of bubbling hot springs and mud pools.
The route winds southwards, crossing old snow patches and climbing ridges where we have views across dark volcanic plains towards lake Álftavatn and the Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull glaciers.
Crossing the southern edge of the Torfajökull Massif, we descend a long slope towards the black sands and palagonite ridges around Lake Álftavatn (Swan Lake). Arriving at the lake, one of the most beautiful locations on our route, we check in at the Álftavatn mountain hut.
Trek: 12km (7.5 miles) Active walking time: 4-5 hours Descent: 490 m (1610 ‘)
Accommodation: Mountain Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner