Trail of the Week: Laugavegur Route, Iceland
An epic trek through a multitude of landscapes in Iceland.
Our Trail of the Week feature is made possible through a partnership with Trail Run Project, a crowd-sourced collaboration by and for the running community. Thanks to Brian Smith for mapping and describing this route.
Iceland is the kind of destination that is best experienced with a tour company and guide. With routes and trails that interconnect through remote mountains, local knowledge and pre-planned logistics are invaluable.
The Laugavegur Route is a mind-blowing, multi-day overland route in the highlands of Iceland. On this point-to-point hut adventure you’ll follow singletrack through a multitude of landscapes including geysers, multicolored rhyolite mountains, bubbling mud, endless lava fields and glaciated mountain vistas.
The trip can be broken down into three long days or five shorter days. The last day from Þórsmörk to Skogafoss is truly epic and travels between two major glaciers and across the slopes of a cooling volcano. This day is only for those who are very fit and very adventurous.
The highlands region is a remote and exposed environment. Expect the weather to change quickly and be prepared with extra layers, waterproof gear, as well as plenty of food and water. Snow is possible in the summer months of July and August.
A GPS unit is a good bet to help with navigation when the weather rolls in and visibility could become limited.
RELATED: Iceland’s Laugavegur Ultra Marathon
The Data
Miles: 52.0
Runnable: 90 percent
Average Grade: 6 percent
Max Grade: 69 percent
Total Ascent: 7,331 feet
Total Descent: -9,186 feet
Highest Elevation: 3,484 feet
For a closer look, check out the interactive map, data, photos and virtual run simulator courtesy of Trail Run Project: