Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
This hut is on an alternative path, 5km south of Álftavatn. It holds 60 people, and has a
kitchen and shower (Ikr500). It's a good choice for people tackling Laugavegurinn in two
days. It tends to be much less busy than Álftavatn.
Emstrur
HUT, CAMPGROUND
(Botnar;N 63°45.980', W 19°22.450';hut per person Ikr6500)
Emstrur has 60 beds divided into three huts. There are two showers (Ikr500 for five
minutes of hot water), toilets and a gas stove. There are no garbage facilities or power out-
lets. Although it's located under the glacier, the other huts have a more striking position
along the trail. Note that mobile-phone reception is particularly spotty here.
Information
the area and its website is loaded with information, including details on the hike. They
publish (and sell at Landmannalaugar) a small booklet about the hike in English and
Icelandic offering detailed information about the landscape, sights and path (Ikr1900), and
also sell a map (Ikr1700).
Most adventure operators throughout south Iceland offer Laugavegurinn guiding. In ad-
dition to the traditional hike, some can do longer variations off the beaten track (literally),
to hiker-free mountain passes that run parallel to the main trail.
Most hikers walk from north to south to take advantage of the net altitude loss and the
facilities at Þórsmörk. From Þórsmörk you can catch a bus or continue hiking to Skógar on
the
Fimmvörðuháls
hike, which takes an extra day or two (about an additional 22km).
WEATHER & GEAR
We highly recommend bringing along a map and GPS if you plan on tackling the walk
without a guide.
The track is almost always passable for hiking from early July through to mid-Septem-
ber. Early in the season (late June to early July) there can be icy patches that are difficult to
manoeuvre - projected hut openings offer a good gauge of conditions. Huts are locked out
of season, so hiking the trail out of season is decidedly discouraged (and dangerous).
At any time of year the Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk hike is not to be undertaken
lightly. It is imperative that you pack appropriate hardcore waterproof and warm clothing
