Otherworldly Iceland: Lessons from Hiking Laugavegur Trail

Join us for a free, story-rich look at Iceland’s iconic Laugavegur Trail trekking route. Stretching across the Icelandic highlands, Laugavegur links steaming geothermal valleys, black-sand deserts, and colorful rhyolite mountains that look more like another planet than a hiking destination. When hiking Iceland’s remote Laugavegur Trail last summer, Photographer, Joe Gremillion learned the hard way what happens when you underestimate a snow-covered lava plain - encountering rain, sleet, and sudden bursts of sun, past rumbling hot springs and into the mossy birch groves locals call “Thor’s Forest,” a place where low clouds, twisting roots, and volcanic cliffs create an almost mythical atmosphere. Joe will share maps, photos, and videos from his journey, what worked, what absolutely did not, and break down how to prepare for your own Laugavegur adventure—from weather and terrain to huts, packing, and training. Whether you are actively planning a trek in Iceland or just daydreaming about otherworldly landscapes, you will leave with practical tips, honest lessons learned, and a clear sense of what it really feels like to hike one of the world’s most unforgettable trails. About our speaker: Joe Gremillion is a photographer and local volunteer group hike leader who guides outings close to home and overseas. He loves sharing real-world trail lessons through engaging stories, maps, photos, and videos to help more people feel confident tackling big adventures.