Travel Stories
Hiking the Laugavegur Trail in Iceland
Embarking on an unforgettable adventure, my friends and I set out to conquer the breathtaking Laugavegur Trail in South Iceland this past July. Renowned as one of Iceland’s finest hikes, this thirty-four-mile journey weaves through stunning landscapes, volcanoes, and glaciers, showcasing the best of Iceland’s natural beauty. Our four-day, three-night trek was nothing short of incredible! Here’s a glimpse into our transformative journey across the land of fire and ice through these captivating photos. Our adventure began in Landmanalauger, where we warmed up with some pre-hike exploration, soaked in the geothermal river, and prepared for the thrilling journey ahead.
We parted on our journey at 730Am, tackling a 15-mile hike to our first stop at Alftavatn. Despite a chilly and rainy start, our determination paid off as the weather transformed into a stunning day by mid-afternoon. The trail presented many challenges, including inclines, decents, and snowcaps that persist throughout the summer, but the breathtaking scenery made every step worthwhile. This demanding first day set the tone for an unforgettable adventure.
We arrived at Alftavatn, a breathtakingly beautiful destination that exceeded our expectations. The huts we stayed in were exceptional and I highly recommend them to anyone embarking on this journey. Each hut also offered camping options for a more budget-friendly alternative, but the huts themselves were equipped with heaters, kitchens, and cozy beds, making for a wonderfully restful evening. Alftavatn’s picturesque setting, nestled between a serene lake and majestic volcanoes on the horizon, was truly inspiring.
We arrived at Emstrur mid afternoon, feeling invigorated by the prospect of exploring this incredible destination. Emstrur sits on the edge of a volcano, offering endless opportunities for thrilling hiking adventures in the surrounding area. We decided to embark on a hike to the breathtaking Markarfljot canyon, conveniently located near the Emstrur Hut. The canyon’s 200m depth took our breath away, its beauty magnified by the clear afternoon sky. We felt grateful for the experience, especially since the following day’s cloudy and overcast weather would have limited our visibility.
As we embarked on the final stretch of the Laugavegur trail, the rain and overcast skies couldn’t dampen our spirits. We powered through the 9.5-mile journey from Emstrur to Thorsmork, tackling river crossings along the way, and arrived at our destination in the mid-afternoon, feeling accomplished and triumphant.
This hike was a truly transformative experience that left me feeling invigorated and inspired. Our exceptional crew made all the difference, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared adventure. Immersing ourselves in the vast wilderness was exhilarating, sparking meaningful conversations, laughter, and a welcome respite from the digital world. While the hike presented some challenges, it was undoubtedly achievable for those with intermediate skills. Returning from our journey, I felt revitalized and humbled, with a renewed passion for exploring the great outdoors.
Light Shifter Studios is a wedding, portrait, and live music photographer based in Asheville, North Carolina. Lightshifter Studios is available for destinations worldwide and for couples on all Wedding budgets. We would love to get to know you and hear all about your dream wedding. We love to travel and we would love to bring you unique Wedding photography for you to remember forever. To view more of our work please visit: www.lightshifterstudios.com