Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk — Laugavegur Highland Track via Hrafntinnusker and Emstrur (Full Classic Traverse)
Volcanoes, obsidian, and glacial fords — no bridges.
The Laugavegur is not a gentle walk — it is Iceland’s interior laid bare. Starting from the rhyolite rainbow hills of Landmannalaugar, the track climbs immediately past boiling fumaroles and black obsidian fields at Hrafntinnusker before dropping into the stark glacial plain at Álftavatn lake. From there the route crosses open Emstrur with the Mýrdalsjökull icecap grinding the horizon, then descends into the birch scrub and canyon drama of Þórsmörk. Every glacial river crossing is different every season — Fremri-Emstruá can be ankle-deep in July or thigh-deep after a warm night. There are no bridges. Know your river reading before you start.
This is a high-clearance 4WD route at either end — only modified expedition trucks with snorkels and aggressive all-terrain tyres should attempt the F225 and F249 approach roads. The Icelandic Road Administration (Vegagerðin) controls F-road opening dates, typically late June to mid-September, and they mean it — driving closed F-roads is illegal and carries a steep fine. Book the Ferðafélag Íslands mountain huts well in advance or bring a tent rated to 50 km/h wind. No fuel between Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk. Satellite communicator mandatory. What you get: one of the most visually concentrated overland corridors on the planet.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 34 mi / 55 km |
| Duration | 3-4 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 3543 ft |
| Best season | Late June–September |
| Minimum vehicle | Modified 4WD with snorkel and high clearance |
| Nearest town | Hvolsvöllur, Iceland |
| Land manager | Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration (Vegagerðin) / Ferðafélag Íslands |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | Vegagerðin F-road status Ferðafélag Íslands hut bookings |
| Verified | |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Land Cruiser or Defender handle this, or do I need a snorkel?
A snorkel is strongly recommended — several glacial river fords can hit 60–80cm depending on snowmelt and rainfall, and water depth is unpredictable day to day. A stock high-clearance 4WD can make it in dry late-summer conditions, but without a snorkel you're gambling. Modified rigs with a snorkel and lockers are the right call.
When do the F-roads into Landmannalaugar actually open each year?
Typically late June, but it varies year to year based on snowpack. The Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration (Vegagerðin) posts live F-road status at road.is — check it the week you're leaving, not months out. Opening dates have shifted by two to three weeks between seasons.
Do I need permits or hut bookings to drive and camp this route?
No permit is required to drive the F-roads or use dispersed camping, but if you plan to sleep in Ferðafélag Íslands mountain huts at Hrafntinnusker, Álftavatn, Emstrur, or Þórsmörk, those must be booked in advance at fi.is — they fill months ahead during peak season. Camping near the huts requires a fee paid on-site.
What's the hardest section to drive and what should I actually expect?
The Þórsmörk river crossings at the southern end are the most serious obstacle — multiple braided glacial channels, zero bridges, and the volume changes fast with afternoon glacial melt. Cross in the morning when levels are lowest. The approach into Landmannalaugar also has a notorious ford that has swallowed unprepared vehicles.
How far is the nearest fuel stop, and is there any cell service if something goes sideways?
Hvolsvöllur is your last reliable fuel stop before heading into the highlands — roughly 90–100km from Landmannalaugar depending on your entry route, so top off there. Cell service is spotty to nonexistent across most of the traverse; carry a satellite communicator (inReach or SPOT) as your emergency backup, not your phone.
Trail track
No GPX track for this trail yet. If you've driven it and have a track, contribute below.
Log in to contribute a GPX track.