Guided hut-to-hut trail running across Iceland's Highlands

HardWin Iceland
Laugavegur Trail
Experience Iceland’s most iconic trail the right way.

This is a guided hut-to-hut trail running and fast hiking journey across the Laugavegur Trail, Iceland’s legendary long-distance route through the Highlands. Over one unforgettable week we travel point to point from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk and continue over the Fimmvörðuháls pass to finish at Skógar beneath the waterfalls of Skógafoss.

The terrain changes every day. Colorful rhyolite mountains. Geothermal steam fields. Wide volcanic plateaus. Quiet alpine lakes. Green birch forests. Glacier views. Waterfall canyons.

This is not a race. It is a guided experience for strong runners and hikers who want to move through big landscapes with intention, flexibility, and a great group.

General Travel logistics

Participants are responsible for their own travel to Reykjavík and their own airport transportation at the end of the trip.

Day 1
You must be at the designated Reykjavík bus stop on time for the scheduled highland bus to Landmannalaugar. The exact location and timing will be provided before the trip.

Final day
After returning to Reykjavík on Day 6, participants arrange their own airport transportation and departures on Day 7.

Many guests choose

What Makes It Special

• The full Laugavegur Trail with the Fimmvörðuháls extension to Skógar
• One of the most iconic point-to-point routes in the world
• Constantly changing terrain and scenery
• Hut-to-hut travel with packs kept light
• All meals included while on the trail
• Small group with experienced HardWin guides

General Itenerary

General itinerary
Weather and conditions may require adjustments, but this is the planned layout.

Day 1
Arrival and transfer to the Highlands

Participants arrive in Iceland and make their own way to Reykjavík. The group meets at a designated Reykjavík bus stop and boards the scheduled highland bus to Landmannalaugar.

After arriving, we settle into the huts and get oriented. Optional short walk or jog. Weather permitting, a soak in the natural hot spring before dinner.

Night in Landmannalaugar huts.

Day 2
Landmannalaugar to Álftavatn
Approximately 12 miles

We begin the Laugavegur Trail proper. Colorful ridgelines, geothermal steam, and open volcanic terrain lead into the quiet lake basin of Álftavatn. Night in Álftavatn hut or a tent if you prefer.

Day 3
Álftavatn to Emstrur
Approximately 9–10 miles
Rolling terrain, river crossings, and expansive canyon views. This is one of the most remote feeling sections of the trail.
Night in Emstrur hut or tent if you prefer.

Day 4
Emstrur to Þórsmörk
Approximately 9–10 miles
A dramatic transition into greener terrain. Birch forests, sheltered valleys, and flowing singletrack signal our arrival in Þórsmörk.

Night at Volcano Huts with hot showers and a recovery-focused evening.

Day 5
Þórsmörk to Skógar via Fimmvörðuháls
Approximately 14–16 miles

The crown jewel of the trip. This is the biggest distance for the entire trip. We climb between glaciers, cross the volcanic pass, and descend through a canyon lined with waterfalls before finishing at Skógafoss.

Night in the Skógar area.

Meals are not included after the hike ends. Dinner in Skógar and all meals from this point forward are on your own. Skógar has multiple restaurants and cafés within walking distance.

Rooms in Skógar are double occupancy. Solo travelers may be paired with another participant.

Day 6
Return to Reykjavík
Morning bus transfer from Skógar back to Reykjavík. Free afternoon and evening to explore the city and enjoy a final night together.
Night in a Reykjavík hotel.

Day 7
Departures
The guided portion of the trip has concluded. Participants arrange their own airport transportation and departures. Some guests choose to depart this day, while others extend their stay in Iceland.

Fitness, Terrain & Gear

• Expect 5–7 hours/day on volcanic singletrack: climbs, technical footing, and cold creek crossings.
• Not a race—A/B route options most days; smart regroup points and conservative river criteria.
• Required essentials: waterproof jacket and pants, warm midlayer (fleece/puffy), wicking base, hat/beanie, gloves; trail shoes with real lugs (bring 2 pairs if possible); neoprene socks recommended; running vest (1.5–2L), soft flasks, electrolytes, personal trail snacks; headlamp, foil blanket, whistle, blister kit/first aid, phone in waterproof pouch. Will go over the exact materials you need on future calls and in documents.
• Hut kit: lightweight sleeping bag, earplugs, towel/sandals, EU plug adapter (Type F), power bank.

Meals

Meals
From the time we enter the Highlands until the hike officially ends in Skógar, all meals are included.
Included while on trail
• Breakfast each morning at huts
• Packed lunch each hiking day
• Dinner each night at huts

Meals are simple, filling, and designed to support long days on the trail. Coffee and tea are available at hut locations.
Participants should still bring personal snacks and preferred nutrition.

Not included
• Dinner in Skógar
• All meals during the Reykjavík stay
• Snacks
• Alcohol
• Sleeping pads if you choose a tent

Whats Included

What’s included
• Guided hut-to-hut travel on the Laugavegur Trail and the extra hike to Skogar
• All hut accommodations or tents if you like. (We like to sleep in two person tents)
• One night lodging in Skógar
• One night hotel in Reykjavík
• All breakfasts, lunches, and dinners while on the trail
• Duffel transport between key locations
• Route planning, guiding, safety oversight, and daily briefings

What’s not included
• Flights to or from Iceland
• Airport transportation
• Meals after the hike ends in Skógar
• Lodging beyond the listed itinerary
• Sleeping bag
• Cost outside the stated agenda. This includes emergency cost.

Required gear

Required gear (high level)

A detailed gear list will be provided after registration.

• Sleeping bag rated to approximately 30°F
• Waterproof jacket and pants
• Warm mid layer
• Hat and gloves
• Trail running shoes with good lugs
• Running vest with water capacity we recommend a 12 liter
• Headlamp
• Three water bottles with one being a filter
• Personal snacks and nutrition
• One duffle bag with you name on it, for the guides to carry via bus

Who is this for?

Who this trip is for
This trip is for you if
• You love adventure vacations
• You are comfortable covering 10–16 miles per day
• You enjoy long days in remote terrain
• You value huge life experiences, flow, and group camaraderie

This trip is not for you if
• You want hotel comfort every night
• You prefer short or fully supported hikes
• You are uncomfortable with changing mountain weather

Refund Policy

Refund Policy
Fully refundable within 30 days of booking, provided your trip start date is more than 90 days away.
After the 30-day grace period, payments become non-refundable, as we begin securing huts, transportation, permits, and other advance logistics.
Bookings made within 90 days of departure require full payment at the time of booking, and we begin booking immediately.

Cancellations
If your trip start date is more than 90 days away:
After the 30-day grace period, refunds depend on what costs we are able to recover from our vendors. Any recoverable amounts will be refunded, but refunds are not guaranteed.

Within 90 days of departure:
Due to non-refundable reservations and short booking timelines, refunds are unlikely, but we will make a good-faith effort to recover any possible funds from vendors and pass those back to you if available.

Important Note on Travel Insurance
Because refunds are dependent on vendor policies and availability, travel insurance is required for all participants. Insurance is the best way to protect your investment in the event of illness, injury, travel disruption, or other unforeseen circumstances.

Event's current local time: 9:59 PM GMT