Icetrek

Iceland’s Hidden Highland Route

Dalastígur: The Untouched Side of the Laugavegur Highlands

A quieter four-day highland trek alongside the Laugavegur, offering raw landscapes, solitude, and a true off-the-beaten-path Iceland experience.

Duration:

4 days

Total hiking distance:

74 km

Highest point:

~700–750 meters (2,300–2,460 feet)

Daily hiking time:

5 – 8 hours

Total ascent :

~1,400–1,700 meters (4,600–5,600 feet)

Difficulty:

Moderate

Accommodation:

Mountain Huts

Group size:

up to 16

Season:

Summer

Region:

Fjallabak / Vatnajökull National Park / Highlands of South Iceland

Introduction

Step beyond the crowds and into the untamed beauty of Iceland’s South Coast Highlands. This four-day trek follows a remote route parallel to the famous Laugavegur — close enough to share the same dramatic landscapes, yet far enough to feel like you have the wilderness to yourself. There are no trail poles guiding your way and only faint paths across volcanic sands and moss-covered valleys. This is real Highland trekking.

Set within the protected Fjallabak Nature Reserve, the journey showcases everything that makes this region unforgettable: colorful rhyolite mountains, steaming geothermal vents, wide black-sand plains, and sweeping highland panoramas. Each day brings varied terrain and a sense of discovery as you move deeper into Iceland’s raw interior.

The trek begins in Landmannalaugar and concludes in Mosi, where your transfer back to Reykjavík awaits. Along the way, you stay in traditional mountain huts, enjoying the simplicity and camaraderie of life in the Highlands. With luggage transported between huts, you can hike comfortably with just a daypack, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the landscape.

This is more than a trek. It’s a genuine Highland experience designed for those who want something quieter, wilder, and truly off the beaten path.

Price From

Currency Final payment is charged in ISK. Converted prices are for reference only.

Per person · Small group tour

Free cancellation (see tour-specific policy)  

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Trekking Tours: Free cancellation within 48h of booking

Easy booking with instant confirmation

Travel & medical insurance suggested

Operated by licensed local guides

No hidden fees · Small groups only

Got questions or need a private booking?

Seasonal availability · Book early

Tour Itinerary

Reykjavík to Landmannalaugar to Landmannahellir

After pickup in Reykjavík, we journey into the Highlands toward Landmannalaugar, the gateway to the Fjallabak Nature Reserve. This protected wilderness is known for its colorful rhyolite mountains, steaming geothermal areas, vast lava fields, and raw volcanic beauty — a dramatic introduction to Iceland’s interior.

The trek begins at about 600 meters above sea level as we set off through the Laugahraun lava field, following a stretch of the renowned Laugavegur Trail. Soon, we leave the busier path behind and turn toward the remote Dalastígur route — stepping into quieter, untouched terrain.

The landscape shifts to open highland plateaus, mountain lakes, and sweeping ridgelines. The day’s highest point stands at 823 meters, offering spectacular panoramic views on clear days. On exceptional days, it is even possible to see three of Iceland’s largest glaciers — Vatnajökull, Langjökull, and Hofsjökull — from a single vantage point.

Today’s trek covers approximately 19 km before descending back to a similar elevation at Landmannahellir hut, where we settle in for our first night in the Highlands.

Accommodation & Facilities – Landmannahellir Hut

Tonight we stay at Landmannahellir mountain hut in simple, shared Highland accommodation. Facilities are basic but comfortable, offering an authentic wilderness experience. There is access to potable water and toilet facilities. Showers are not guaranteed at all Highland huts, and facilities are rustic compared to city standards — part of the true Highland charm.

Distance & Elevation – Day 1

Approximately 19 km
Highest point: 823 m above sea level
Elevation gain: ~450–550 m
Elevation descent: similar descent toward the hut


Included in Day 1

  • Transfer from Reykjavík to Landmannalaugar

  • Guided trek from Landmannalaugar to Landmannahellir

  • Packed lunch and refreshments for the day

  • Dinner at the hut

  • Sleeping bag accommodation in shared mountain hut

  • Luggage transfer between huts

  • Professional, experienced Highland guide

  • Hut and facility fees

This first day sets the tone for the Dalastígur Trek — remote, colorful, and immersed in Iceland’s wild interior.

Good to know

Supported Trek with Luggage Transfer

The Dalastígur Trek is a fully supported Highland adventure designed for comfort without sacrificing authenticity. Your main luggage is transported between mountain huts, allowing you to hike with only a light daypack. You carry just your daily essentials — lunch, water, extra layers, rain gear, medication, river-crossing shoes, and personal items — so you can focus on the landscape rather than the load on your back.

Difficulty Level

Dalastígur is graded moderate to demanding and is ideal for trekkers with solid general fitness and prior hiking experience. While it avoids extreme alpine climbs, the terrain is wild and varied. Expect daily distances of 16–22 km across volcanic sands, mossy valleys, geothermal areas, and remote highland plateaus.

The cumulative elevation gain over the four trekking days is approximately 1,400–1,700 meters. The challenge comes not from altitude, but from distance, terrain, and exposure to Iceland’s ever-changing weather.

Participants must be prepared for uneven ground, occasional river crossings, and full days of hiking in remote terrain. Proper highland equipment is essential — sturdy hiking boots and protective layers for wind, rain, and cold conditions are mandatory.

This is true Highland trekking — guided, supported, and immersive — offering the freedom of wilderness exploration with the comfort of hut stays and luggage transfer.

Included

  • A knowledgeable, English-speaking local guide who knows the Highlands inside and out
  • Multi-day trekking adventure with overnight stays in mountain huts
  • All accommodations during the tour
  • Most meals on the trail, plus refreshments as noted
  • Full access to cooking and kitchen equipment
  • Transportation from Reykjavík to the trail and back
  • Any transport needed during the tour
  • All safety gear required for the journey
  • Daily luggage transfer between huts

Not Included

  • Flights to Iceland Airport transfers
  • Showers at camp sites
  • Accommodation before and after the tour
  • Meals before and after the hike (breakfast on day 1 in the trek are not included, dinner on the last day of the trek is not included.
  • Travel and medical insurance
The Dalastígur Trek is considered moderate to demanding. It involves full days of hiking across remote and varied Highland terrain and is best suited for active travelers with good overall fitness and prior hiking experience. While there are no extreme climbs, the distance, exposure, and rugged landscape make it a rewarding physical challenge.
Previous multi-day or long-distance hiking experience is recommended but not mandatory. Good fitness, balance, and comfort hiking for several hours a day are essential.
Accommodation is in mountain huts, shared dormitory-style. Huts are simple but comfortable, offering shelter, mattresses, and basic facilities.
Breakfast and dinner are typically included, along with packed lunches for trekking days. Dietary requirements should be communicated in advance.
You hike with a daypack only. Main luggage is transported from hut to hut, allowing you to carry just daily essentials such as water, snacks, extra layers, and rain gear.
The trekking season runs from late June to early September, when the trail is accessible and conditions are most stable.
Weather in the Highlands can change quickly. Our guides adjust the pace or plan as needed, always prioritizing safety.
Yes. Travel and medical insurance is strongly recommended for all participants.
You should have a solid, moderate level of fitness, capable of hiking 4 consecutive days, for 5–9 hours per day, covering approximately 12–15 km (7–9 miles) daily.
The route is not technical, but it is physically demanding. Expect steep sections, uneven volcanic terrain, sand, mud, snow patches, and exposed areas.
Endurance is far more important than speed. The ability to hike comfortably over multiple consecutive days matters more than moving fast on any single day.
You carry a daypack only. Your main luggage is transported between huts, making daily hiking more comfortable.
Yes. You will cross cold, unbridged rivers on foot, which is a normal part of the Laugavegur experience.
Recommended preparation includes long hikes to build endurance, hill or stair training, hiking with a lightly loaded pack, and basic strength training for legs, core, and back.
Conditions can change rapidly, even in summer. You should be prepared for wind, rain, cold temperatures, and mentally ready for variable weather.
While some complete the route faster, four days is the recommended and most comfortable pace, allowing time to recover and fully enjoy the landscape.

Pickup Places

We pickup and drop of at hotels and bus stops in Reykjavík. Pickup and drop of place is chosen from a list when the tour is booked.

information about pickup and drop of can be seen here:    Pickup & Drop off Information

What To Bring

What to wear – Packing list – WTW

  • Thermal underwear (top and bottom), at least two sets of shirts.
  • Wool or fleece thermal mid layer.
  • Hiking pants.
  • Waterproof and breathable pants and jacket.
  • Wool hat.
  • Gloves.
  • 2 to 3 pairs of hiking socks.
  • Waterproof hiking boots.
  • Sleeping bag and travel pillow.
  • Sunglasses.
  • Sunscreen / after sun cream.
  • Travel sack for your baggage that is transported between huts/campsites. 20 – 30 l duffel bag is the limit. If you travel with more luggage most hotels store luggage for guests.
  • Day backpack, 25-40 L.
  • River crossing shoes (old sneakers or similar for fording rivers).
  • Health supplies and prescription medicine.
  • Personal medical kit to include personal medication.
  • 1–2-liter water bottle.
  • Towel.
  • Swimming clothes.
  • Shoes to wear when not hiking, like Teva-type sandals or similar.

Adventure brochure

Download brochure with full itineraries, key info, and guide details.

Gallery

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Dates & Times

Free cancellation (see tour-specific policy)  

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Trekking Tours: Free cancellation within 48h of booking

Easy booking with instant confirmation

Travel & medical insurance suggested

Secure Booking & Live Availability

You’ll be redirected to our secure booking system to see real-time availability and pricing for this tour.

Secure checkout • No hidden fees • Licensed local operator • Small Group Only

Talk to our team

Have questions or need more information? Whether you’re looking for a private or custom tour or just have a question—we’re here to help.