The Emstrur track is a rough, unofficial mountain trail that leads to the Emstrur-Botnár hut—an important stop on the Laugavegur hiking trail—as well as to one of the most spectacular viewpoints of Markarfljótsgljúfur Canyon from the east. The route consists of three possible branches (eastern, northern, and western), with varying levels of difficulty; the western approach is particularly notorious for its rough conditions.

While the Emstrur track does not involve river crossings, it demands a serious vehicle—at minimum a large 4x4, though a high-clearance super jeep is strongly recommended. The trail is steep, heavily uneven, and scattered with large rocks and deep potholes that can pose a challenge even for experienced drivers. This is not a marked F-road, but a remote highland track, often excluded from standard insurance coverage—always confirm with your rental company and only attempt the route if you're well-versed in off-road driving.

‍

Hut and Campsite Emstur-Botnar: