Landmannalaugar to Hrafntinnusker

The Hrafntinnusker day hike follows the first stage of the Laugavegur trail from Landmannalaugar up to the obsidian-strewn high ground and the Höskuldsskáli hut at Hrafntinnusker, and back. It is one of the toughest day hikes in Iceland's southern highlands: about 10 km each way, 20 km out-and-back, 5.5–7.5 hours, with 650 m of ascent and a high point of 1,050 m. It is rated challenging for its length, altitude and exposure to weather.

The route climbs past steaming vents and colourful rhyolite slopes, then onto a stark plateau of black obsidian, snowfields and fumaroles. Hrafntinnusker means obsidian skerry, and the glassy rock is everywhere near the top. Fog, snow and strong wind are common even in midsummer. If you would rather not walk back the same day, you can stay at the Hrafntinnusker hut, booked in advance.

Highlights

• Black obsidian fields around Hrafntinnusker
• Steaming fumaroles and the Stórihver hot spring area
• Rhyolite slopes in red, orange and green
• Snowfields lingering into summer
• A taste of the Laugavegur without the multi-day logistics

The route

Getting to the trailhead

Landmannalaugar is reached on highland roads F208 or F225, which require a 4x4 and are open only in summer. The final approach to the hut involves a river ford; many park before it and cross on the footbridge. Summer highland buses run from Reykjavík. Check road.is for current openings and conditions.

Where to stay

Ferðafélag Íslands (FÍ) runs the huts and campsites at Landmannalaugar and Hrafntinnusker. Both huts get booked up in summer, so reserve early. Staying at Hrafntinnusker turns this into a more relaxed two-day trip.

Best time to hike

July, August and September, when the highland roads are open. Early July often has extensive snow on the upper part of the route; August usually has the best conditions. September is quieter but colder, with shorter days and a risk of early snow.

Safety

This is a long, high and exposed hike. Weather can change from sunshine to fog, sleet or snow quickly, even in July. Carry waterproofs, warm layers, food, water and a map or GPS track. Follow the marker stakes in poor visibility. Stay away from geothermal ground off the path. Check vedur.is and SafeTravel.is, leave a travel plan, and call 112 in an emergency.