Iceland's most famous multi-day hike runs 55 kilometres through a landscape that looks freshly made — rhyolite mountains streaked yellow and red, black sand deserts and glacial rivers you ford barefoot.
The classic route runs north to south from Landmannalaugar to Thorsmork over four days, with mountain huts spaced a comfortable walk apart. Book hut beds months ahead; the alternative is a tent and Icelandic weather.
Day two crosses the otherworldly obsidian fields below Hrafntinnusker, often under snow even in July. The reward is the descent into the green valley of Alftavatn, a lake the colour of pewter.
Pack for four seasons in one day, carry quick-dry layers for the river crossings, and watch the wind forecast — it, not the rain, decides whether you walk.
Good to know
- Book hut beds months ahead, or carry a tent rated for real wind.
- Pack quick-dry layers and sandals for the barefoot river fords.
- Check the wind forecast daily; it, not the rain, decides the day.
