Guided hut-to-hut trail running across Iceland’s Highlands

HardWin Iceland
Laugavegur Trail
Experience Iceland’s most iconic trail the right way.

This is a guided hut-to-hut trail running and fast hiking journey across the Laugavegur Trail, Iceland’s legendary long-distance route through the Highlands. Over one unforgettable week we travel point to point from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk and continue over the Fimmvörðuháls pass to finish at Skógar beneath the waterfalls of Skógafoss.

The terrain changes every day. Colorful rhyolite mountains. Geothermal steam fields. Wide volcanic plateaus. Quiet alpine lakes. Green birch forests. Glacier views. Waterfall canyons.

This is not a race. It is a guided experience for strong runners and hikers who want to move through big landscapes with intention, flexibility, and a great group.

What Makes It Special

• The full Laugavegur Trail with the Fimmvörðuháls extension to Skógar
• One of the most iconic point-to-point routes in the world
• Constantly changing terrain and scenery
• Hut-to-hut travel with packs kept light
• All meals included while on the trail
• Small group with experienced HardWin guides

General Itenerary

General itinerary

Participants are responsible for their own travel to Reykjavík and their own airport transportation at the end of the trip from the hotel.

Weather and conditions may require adjustments, but this is the planned layout.

Day 1
Arrival and transfer to the Highlands

Participants arrive in Iceland and make their own way to Reykjavík. The group meets at a designated Reykjavík bus stop and boards the scheduled highland bus to Landmannalaugar.

After arriving, we settle into the huts and get oriented. Optional short walk or jog. Weather permitting, a soak 

Fitness, Terrain & Gear

• Expect 5–7 hours/day on volcanic singletrack: climbs, technical footing, and cold creek crossings.
• Not a race— If needed we can split into two groups days; smart regroup points and conservative river criteria.
• Required essentials: waterproof jacket and pants, warm mid-layer (fleece/puffy), wicking base, hat/beanie, gloves; trail shoes with real lugs (bring 2 pairs if possible); neoprene socks recommended; running vest (1.5–2L), soft flasks, electrolytes, personal trail snacks; headlamp, foil blanket, whistle, blister kit/first aid, phone in waterproof pouch. Will go over the exact materials you need on future calls and in documents.
• Hut kit: lightweight sleeping bag, earplugs, towel/sandals, EU plug adapter (Type F), power bank.

Meals

Meals
From the time we enter the Highlands until the hike officially ends in Skógar, all meals are included.
Included while on trail
• Breakfast each morning at huts
• Packed lunch each hiking day
• Dinner each night at huts

Meals are simple, filling, and designed to support long days on the trail. Coffee and tea are available at hut locations.
Participants should still bring personal snacks and preferred nutrition.

Not included
• Dinner in Skógar
• All meals during the Reykjavík stay
• Snacks
• Alcohol
• Sleeping pads if you choose a tent

Whats Included

What’s included
• Guided hut-to-hut travel on the Laugavegur Trail and the extra hike to Skogar
• All hut accommodations or tents if you like. (We like to sleep in two person tents)
• One night lodging in Skógar
• One night hotel in Reykjavík
• All breakfasts, lunches, and dinners while on the trail
• Duffel transport between key locations
• Route planning, guiding, safety oversight, and daily briefings

What’s not included
• Flights to or from Iceland
• Airport transportation
• Meals after the hike ends in Skógar
• Lodging beyond the listed itinerary
• Sleeping bag
• Cost outside the stated agenda. This includes emergency cost

Required gear

Required gear
A detailed gear list will be provided after registration.

• Sleeping bag rated to approximately 30°F
• Waterproof jacket and pants
• Warm mid layer
• Hat and gloves
• Trail running shoes with good lugs
• Running vest with water capacity we recommend a 12 liter
• Headlamp
• Three water bottles with one being a filter
• Personal snacks and nutrition
• One duffle bag with you name on it, for the guides to carry via bus

Who is this for?

Who this trip is for
This trip is for you if
• You love adventure vacations
• You are comfortable covering 10–16 miles per day
• You enjoy long days in remote terrain
• You value huge life experiences, flow, and group camaraderie

This trip is not for you if
• You want hotel comfort every night
• You prefer short or fully supported hikes
• You are uncomfortable with changing mountain weather

Refund Policy

Refund Policy
Fully refundable within 30 days of booking, provided your trip start date is more than 90 days away.
After the 30-day grace period, payments become non-refundable, as we begin securing huts, transportation, permits, and other advance logistics.
Bookings made within 90 days of departure require full payment at the time of booking, and we begin booking immediately.

Cancellations
If your trip start date is more than 90 days away:
After the 30-day grace period, refunds depend on what costs we are able to recover from our vendors. Any recoverable amounts will be refunded, but refunds are not guaranteed.

Within 90 days of departure:
Due to non-refundable reservations and short booking timelines, refunds are unlikely, but we will make a good-faith effort to recover any possible funds from vendors and pass those back to you if available.

Important Note on Travel Insurance
Because refunds are dependent on vendor policies and availability, travel insurance is required for all participants. Insurance is the best way to protect your investment in the event of illness, injury, travel disruption, or other unforeseen circumstances.

About HardWin

My name is John Hardin, and I’m the founder of HardWin Adventures, an established outdoor event company based in the Nashville, TN area. HardWin has a rich history of orchestrating a variety of outdoor events and local outings, leveraging my 20 years of expertise in the event production field. While running vacations abroad are a newer endeavor, organizing adventures is what I excel at.

Beyond HardWin, I’ve accomplished and also failed on numerous ambitious Fastest Known Times (FKTs), including a notable recent attempt at the Appalachian Trail FKT. During this attempt, I maintained a record pace for 779 miles until a minor quad tear curtailed my progress. The footage featured on the Maine Event vacation page highlights parts of this journey. I’m always pushing the boundaries for myself when time permits. I am equally passionate about outdoor adventures and deeply committed to the running community, always striving to enhance and expand it.