Choosing a trek
Ancient Trails vs Laugavegur: two ways into Iceland’s Highlands
Compare Ancient Trails and Laugavegur by route, landscape, hut stays and luggage support, and choose the Iceland trek that fits your walking holiday.
Photo from Norse AdventuresYou have decided to spend several days walking in Iceland. Now comes the more interesting decision: which kind of journey? A famous trail and a supported trip along old Highland routes can both lead to memorable days, but their names alone tell you very little about life between the start and finish.
Choose Laugavegur if walking the Landmannalaugar–Þórsmörk trail is your priority. Consider Ancient Trails if the central Highlands, an organised small group and the Kjalvegur landscape appeal to you. Compare the actual itinerary and support arrangements, rather than assuming that a famous trail is independent or that every guided trek carries your luggage.
- Laugavegur
- Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk
- Ancient Trails
- Central Highlands and Kjalvegur
- The key choice
- Route, pace and support
| Consider | Laugavegur | Ancient Trails |
|---|---|---|
| Route identity | A named walking trail | A six-day Norse Adventures itinerary |
| Landscape focus | Fjallabak to Þórsmörk | Kerlingarfjöll and central Highland travel routes |
| Organisation | Independent and guided options | Guided, with hut and luggage arrangements |
| Before booking | Reserve stages and transfers | Check daily walks and current inclusions |
Begin with the landscape
Laugavegur links Landmannalaugar with Þórsmörk over roughly 55 kilometres. Its established stages make it a recognisable journey with a clear beginning and end. Ancient Trails is the name of an operator’s itinerary rather than another name for that trail.
Norse’s route combines Kerlingarfjöll with the old Kjalvegur corridor between Langjökull and Hofsjökull. You are choosing different country, not two versions of the same walk. Look at the overnight stops on a map and ask which places you want time to understand.
Read the walking days, not just the difficulty label
Before comparing itineraries, put distance, ascent, terrain and pack weight next to one another. Ask which outings are optional and what happens if the planned day changes. A distance that feels comfortable once may feel different after several consecutive days outside.
Norse currently describes Ancient Trails as six days, with hiking days generally around 12–19 kilometres; the upper end includes an optional summit outing. Use those figures to start a conversation about your experience rather than interpreting a moderate label as a personal guarantee.
A guide and luggage transport are separate choices
Establish who books the huts, who provides meals and what you carry. A guided Laugavegur departure may include luggage transport; another may not. Independent walkers need a complete plan for accommodation, provisions and reaching both ends of the trail.
Ancient Trails currently includes main-luggage transport, meals, hut accommodation and sleeping bags. You still carry your walking essentials. Compare a written list of inclusions rather than putting a complete trip price next to the cost of a hut reservation.
- Confirm meeting and return arrangements.
- Ask which bag stays with you on the walk.
- Check sleeping arrangements and dietary provision.
- Read the operator’s change and cancellation terms.
Choose the social side, too
A trekking holiday includes breakfast and evenings indoors. Would you enjoy a fixed group and shared meals, or prefer to manage your own timetable? Neither approach removes the need to respect the hut and other guests.
Avoid choosing solely on a promise of solitude. Other visitors vary. Ask whether the itinerary leaves time for the things you enjoy: conversation, photography, a slower lunch, or sitting outside after the walk. Write down your three priorities and ask each provider how its trip meets them.
Common questions
Is Ancient Trails the same route as Laugavegur?
No. Ancient Trails is Norse Adventures’ central Highland itinerary; Laugavegur is the trail between Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk.
Is one automatically easier?
No. Compare daily distance, ascent, terrain and carried weight for your specific departure. Support arrangements can change the experience substantially.
