Wikipedia
Laugavegur is the primary commercial artery of downtown Reykjavík, Iceland and one of the oldest shopping streets. The name means "wash road", as it used to lead to the hot springs in Laugardalur where in olden times the women of Reykjavík took their laundry for washing.
It was constructed in 1885 as a result of town council's decision. It has experienced economic setbacks in recent years mostly because of the increase in popularity of shopping malls, most notably Kringlan and the recent Smáralind. It still maintains the charm of a historical shopping street and is still home to the more exclusive stores in Iceland.
It is also home to many bars, nightclubs and restaurants. On Friday and Saturday nights the street is often filled with people all night long. The Icelandic Phallological Museum is also located on this street.
The Laugavegur is a famous trekking route in South-West Iceland from the hot springs area of Landmannalaugar to the glacial valley of Þórsmörk . It is noted for the wide variety of landscapes on its path. The route is typically completed over 2–4 days with potential stops at the mountain huts at Hrafntinnusker, Álftavatn, Hvanngil and Emstrur. An ultramarathon is held on the route each July. It is possible to combine the trek with the Fimmvörðuháls route which goes over the pass from Þórsmörk to Skógar for an additional one or two days or an additional . Landmannalaugar, Þórsmörk, and Skógar are all reachable by bus during the summer. A bus from Hella connects with Álftavatn once a day during the summer.