Iceland Valley views near Emstrur, Laugavegur Trail

The final section of the Laugavegur Trail from Emstrur to Þórsmörk is a spectacular finale to one of Iceland’s most famous multi-day hikes. The landscape gradually changes from the dark, volcanic desert around Emstrur to greener valleys, moss-covered hillsides, and the lush vegetation of Þórsmörk. Along the way, the trail crosses rugged terrain shaped by glaciers, rivers, and volcanic activity. One of the highlights is the dramatic Markarfljót canyon, where the river has carved deep into the surrounding landscape. The route continues through open valleys and across sandy plains, with distant glaciers and rugged mountain ridges providing a constant backdrop.
The route covers approximately 15 km, with around 300 metres of descent, and usually takes six to seven hours to complete.

Several steep gullies and narrow river valleys add variety to the otherwise gradual descent. A footbridge over the Fremri-Emstruá offers an impressive view into the deep gorge below. Further along, the landscape slowly becomes softer and more colourful, with patches of green vegetation appearing between the dark volcanic ground. The final major challenge is crossing the Þröngá River on foot, where water levels can rise after heavy rain. Beyond the river, the trail enters the birch woodland of Þórsmörk, a welcome contrast to the exposed highlands behind you. Reaching the green valley marks the end of the Laugavegur Trail and a fitting conclusion to an unforgettable journey through Iceland’s diverse landscapes.

For a longer hike like the Laugavegur, I focused on carrying just two lenses: a wide-angle and a telezoom. The wide-angle is ideal for the big landscapes of this first stage, capturing the colorful mountains, lava fields and dramatic skies while keeping the trail and surrounding terrain in the frame.

The telezoom is just as valuable here, especially when you want to simplify the landscape. From the trail you can isolate distant ridges, geothermal details and layers of colorful mountains, turning the landscape into almost abstract compositions. It also allows you to compress different layers of the terrain and pick out small hikers in the distance, showing just how vast the Icelandic Highlands really are.

For a multi-day trek, this combination gives you a lot of flexibility without carrying a whole collection of lenses: wide for the scale, tele for the details and minimalist compositions.

For the Laugavegur hike, taking a Highland bus to Landmannalaugar is usually the most practical option. The trail is a one-way route of around 55 km, starting in Landmannalaugar and ending in Þórsmörk, so you don't have to worry about getting your car back to the starting point. Several seasonal bus services connect Reykjavík with Landmannalaugar, and buses can also take you back from Þórsmörk after finishing the hike.

For Laugavegur specifically, I’d recommend the bus: because the trail is not a loop, driving there means you would need to arrange transport back to your car in Landmannalaugar. The bus makes the logistics much easier. Get dropped off at the trailhead, hike all the way to Þórsmörk, and take a bus back from the other end.

Please check the booking page https://www.fi.is/en/mountain-huts/camping and reserve your hat or camp-spot with your own tent in advance.

Conditions can be very challenging and different each day. Please be well prepared and check our equipment before.