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Laugahraun Hike

By François · updated in June 202506/2025My rating

Key facts about the hike

Difficulty
Easy Hikes are rated from very easy to very hard: my difficulty scale
Duration
1h30 Estimated time, short breaks included (photos, water, snacks), picnic not included: how it is calculated
Distance
4.7km
Elevation gain
160m
Type of route
Loop
Maximum altitude
720 m
Vertiginous Five levels, depending on how exposed the route is: the levels in detail
No
Marked
Yes
Popularity
High
Region
Highlands
Start point
63.99055, -19.06025
Activity
Hiking

Hike overview

The vast Laugahraun lava field is one of Landmannalaugar's most remarkable features, extending right to the edge of the campground. This hike is the shortest and most accessible in the area. It winds through the lava field to Brennisteinsalda and then returns via the Grænagil Canyon.

You will have the opportunity to admire the magnificent, glass-like obsidian rocks and fumaroles, as well as the stunningly colorful mountains that characterize the region. This circuit can easily be combined with other Landmannalaugar hikes.

Map and elevation profile of the hike

Laugahraun Hike

Difficulties of the hike

As with all hikes in Landmannalaugar, the trail is well-maintained and clearly marked. It is an easy route with no technical difficulties, making it ideal for a quick introduction to this extraordinary region. It is also perfectly suited for families with young children.

What you'll love

  • Spectacular color contrasts: The contrast between the black lava fields and the colorful mountains that are typical of the region is striking.
  • Omnipresent geothermal activity: Fumaroles, sulfurous vapors, and hot springs bear witness to intense underground volcanic activity.
  • The opportunity to admire magnificent, pure obsidian rocks similar to glass.

Practical information

Getting to Landmannalaugar

The roads in the highlands are only open in the summer. Several bus companies provide connections to Reykjavik. If you prefer to drive, you will need a 4WD vehicle to travel on F-roads. There are three options available to you:

  • The F208 road from the north: the easiest option, with no river crossings.
  • The F225 road: more picturesque but requires crossing several shallow rivers.
  • The F208 road from the south: crosses several medium-depth rivers.

See my dedicated page on driving in the Highlands for more information.

Parking

It is now necessary to reserve a parking space before your arrival.

Hiking in Landmannalaugar

Check out my Landmannalaugar guide to help you choose your hikes.

Brennisteinsalda
Brennisteinsalda
Laugarhaun lava field
Laugarhaun lava field
Laugahraun
Laugahraun
Solfatare
Solfatare
Brennisteinsalda
Brennisteinsalda
Laugahraun
Laugahraun
Graenagil canyon
Graenagil canyon
Graenagil canyon
Graenagil canyon
Graenagil canyon
Graenagil canyon

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Printed from www.horizonrando.fr/en/iceland/laugahraun/