You may never remember how to pronounce the name Laugavegur, but this 40-mile trek in the remote Southern Highlands of Iceland will be unforgettable.
In August 2019, I walked 40 miles over 5 days on one of the most beautiful hiking trails in the world, Iceland’s the Laugavegur Trek. In 2025, women who love hiking can join me on this incredible journey.
My interest, and now love for hiking was born in Iceland. Since 2017, I have been leading Iceland adventures for women that are multi-sport adventures from the Snaefellnes Peninsula to the glacial lagoons on the south coast. These trips are mostly day hiking to waterfalls and glaciers. I wanted to venture deeper into Iceland’s and onto the path less traveled.
There is endless daylight in the summer, and I am sure this; and the fact that this island is the cap of rock floating on a deep sea fire plume spewing from the core of the Earth is why I felt so much energy that I could walk for days — True story, both parts.
The Laugavegur Trek (pronounced Loy-ga-vey-gur) starts at a the Landmannalaugar hot spring and ends in the green forest of Thorsmork, named after the Norse God, Thor. The landscape was otherworldly. I crossed steamy valleys with bubbling mud pools, snow covered canyons, and expansive black sand deserts.
Some days I walked in the shadows of glaciers, and in others under the gaze of mountain trolls.
The trail was challenging, but not scary or intimidating. The first couple of days were filled with rolling hills and ups and downs that seemed to go on forever.
Midway, the elevation leveled out and so did the effort.
There were rivers to cross. Very cold rivers that made my toes go numb in my neoprene booties.
I laughed a lot. I cursed a little.
There were times I was far enough from the group to be alone with my thoughts, with nothing but wide open space and tundra plants to keep me company. — That felt good.
I disconnected with life’s burdens.
My focus each day was walking, eating, socializing, and sleeping. – Imagine that? My attention was on myself, my body, and connecting with others. – What a concept.
Evenings were spent in dormitory style, cozy mountain huts. I was warmed up and refreshed by great food and conversations with travelers from all over the world.
The hike ended in Thor’s valley with green fairy-like birch trees, and winding paths that led to the final hut of the adventure. It felt so good knowing that I conquered those 40 miles by simply putting one foot in front of the other.
In 2025 we will offer another all-women Laugavegur Trek in Iceland. Since 2021 we have taken groups of women to Iceland for a hiking adventure in the highlands.
Wanna join us on this Women’s Iceland Hiking Adventure? This could be your ticket to feel freedom once again.
Criteria:
- Must LOVE hiking.
- Positive-can-do-attitude! We can’t have anybody giving up midway.
- Some hiking experience carrying a backpack for 6-7 hours per day in mountain terrain.
- Willingness to give unlimited hi-fives and words of encouragement to your adventure buddies.
Details: This trip is fully supported.
- You only carry your personal items.
- Luggage transport throughout the hike.
- All meals are included during the hike.
- Lodging: 2 nights guest houses in Reykjavik, and 4 nights in dormitory mountain huts.
- Trip is led by an Icelandic trekking guide.
- Trip is supported by your tour leader.
Facebook Group:
Join the Facebook Interest Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/greenedventuresicelandlaugavegur
Questions?
Contact: Tara Short
tara@3.17.200.177 or +1-715-252-1238