Álftavatn Hut and Campsite

Located beside Lake Álftavatn, this site sits roughly halfway between Hrafntinnusker and Emstrur along Iceland’s famed Laugavegur Trail, offering stunning alpine scenery by water and mountains.

Managed by Ferðafélag Íslands (FÍ), the site includes two mountain huts (total capacity: ~72 guests) equipped with gas stoves, running cold water, utensils, and charcoal grills. Shared toilets and showers are located in a separate building nearby—showers may incur a small fee.

Beside the huts lies a spacious lakeside campground, featuring outdoor sinks, benches, and a winter latrine. Day visitors not staying overnight are asked to pay a facility fee to use toilets, boiling water, grill space, and showers.

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Access & Season

Accessible by 4×4 vehicles via Fjallabaksleið syðri (F210), though several unbridged river crossings are required en route. The final approach is vehicle-only up to the river’s edge; then a short walk over a foot bridge is necessary.

Open season typically runs from June 25 to September 17, depending on road conditions and snow melt.

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Rough Pricing 2025

• Hut bed (sleeping bag style): approx. 9,600 ISK per person per night; advance booking required.
• Camping: approx. 2,400 ISK per person per night + ~400 ISK per tent.
• Facility fee for day-use visitors: 700 ISK—for using toilets, showers, benches, and grill.

Showers typically cost extra (commonly ~500–1000 ISK per session) and are housed in the shared bathroom building.

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Highlights & Options

• Dramatic location: Lakeside views framed by rugged mountain silhouettes—ideal for midday rest or photography.
• Restaurant: A small restaurant run by Volcano Huts operates during summer, offering hot meals, snacks, and drinks (typically open 11:30–23:00)
• Trail context: The ascent from Hrafntinnusker to Álftavatn (via Jökultungur plateau) is steep and exposed—many hikers recommend reinforcing tent placements due to strong winds
• Dry-campers note: Álftavatn is measurably windier and more exposed; many prefer staying at nearby Hvanngil, which offers better shelter.

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Why Stop Here?

1. Critical mid-point: Perfect rest stop after traversing high-altitude terrain.
2. Facilities: Shared showers, and even meals—luxuries along this rugged trail segment.
3. Iconic shoreline camping: A serene, picture-perfect setting with glacier-capped peaks in view.
4. Well-supported base: Valuable communication point for river conditions or trail updates—existence of wardens onsite in summer adds reassurance.

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Final Summary

Álftavatn Hut & Campsite is the most well-developed stop on the Laugavegur trail, offering shelter, showers, cooking areas, and even restaurant service in a stunning lakeside setting. Best suited for hikers who value both facilities and natural beauty—but be prepared for wind and busy July–August traffic.

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