Notes on Preparation and Expectations

It's October 28; if you would like to stay in the huts in summer 2017 while hiking Iceland's Laugavegur Trail, then contact the good folks at fi@fi.is and book now!  If it's too early, then ask when you should write back.  I contacted them in February of 2016 and almost all the spaces were already filled for mid-June through the end of August 2016.
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Hut information and reservations -- http://en.fi.is/lodges/skalar-fi.  You must email them for reservations -- again, start this process EARLY.

Guidebook - I enjoyed Zimmer's descriptions of the landscape and his humorous notations.  https://www.amazon.com/Laugavegur-Trail-Hiking-Companion-Icelands/dp/149758356X

Map -- Pick one up at the BSI station in Reykjavik

FlyBus -- to get to and from the airport -- https://www.re.is/flybus

Bus to/from Landmannalaugar -- http://www.nat.is/travelguideeng/bus_stop_rek_landml_rek.htm

Bus to/from Thorsmork -- http://www.volcanohuts.com/how-to-get-to-the-volcano-huts
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Misc. Notes

Bring food from home.  Seriously.  Everything in Iceland is three times as expensive as it is elsewhere.

During this trek, you will be exposed to the elements ALL THE TIME.  There are no trees to keep the worst of the wind/rain/snow away.  Whatever is going on outside, you will be IN IT 100% the entire day.  Bring layers, and make sure your waterproof layers are truly waterproof.  Do not leave the balaclava and winter gloves at home.  Bring extra shoes for the water crossings (do not attempt to cross barefoot, as there are sharp rocks and strong currents...just bring the extra shoes).

We wore our full winter gear, including our puffies, during most of our hike.  Yes, we went during the shoulder season of September, but there are frequently blizzards in July.  Play it safe and have the layers you need to survive a bad day above treeline.

This view can happen to you!  Dress accordingly.

If you are a regular, all-season hiker, then the trail itself is not difficult.  If you are used to rocks and roots, then the footing on this trail will be a nice break -- it's soft dirt or gravel most of the time (sometimes ice).  However, again, it is not the footing that makes this trek challenging -- it is the complete exposure.  If there is a white out, or if snow covers the tracks and trail, then you could easily get lost...and stay lost.

I was surprised at the number of people hiking in mid-September.  I thought there would only be a few...nope, the huts were full and the hikers were plentiful (bring earplugs!).

The scenery is gorgeous!  Straight out of a fairy tale.  Don't worry, if the weather is awful and you can't see anything one day, the next day will likely make up for it.

Have fun!  This is a great trek for those who want a gorgeous adventure but don't have a lot of vacation days.