From Reykjavík: Landmannalaugar Hiking Day Tour

Landmannalaugar looks like Iceland turned its geology up a notch: black lava, steaming ground and mountains streaked with sulfur yellow, red and green. This roughly 13-hour trip gets you there without the F-road driving puzzle, then takes you on a guided hike through some of the highlands’ most striking terrain.

I like two things in particular: the route links very different scenes, from the dark Laugahraun lava field to the colored slopes of Brennisteinsalda, and the natural hot spring gives you a chance to rest after the walk. The main trade-off is the long, often bumpy ride, with a full day required before you’re back in Reykjavík.

Key points before you book

• Laugahraun’s black lava makes a dramatic start to the hike, with rough volcanic rock underfoot.
• Brennisteinsalda’s mineral colors include sulfur yellow, red iron tones and mossy green.
• The day is long: plan on about 13 hours, including a drive of nearly four hours each way.
• The hike is moderate, not a stroll: the planned route covers about 8 to 10 km, with steep climbs and descents.
• The hot spring is optional in spirit, but part of the schedule: bring a swimsuit and towel if you want to bathe.
• Small group means up to 16 people, not a private walk with a guide.

The drive is part of the highlands experience

From Reykjavík, pickup is offered at selected locations between 7:00 and 7:30 a.m. The listed stops are City Hall on Vonarstræti, Hallgrímskirkja Church and the Reykjavík Campsite. The operator does not pick up from central hotels or private rentals, so check the pickup list and confirm your assigned point before the morning of the trip. A pickup mix-up can mean an unnecessary early walk across town.

You can also join from Selfoss at 8:15 a.m. or Hella at 9:00 a.m. If you meet the group directly at Landmannalaugar, you need a 4×4 approved for F-roads. These highland routes are not ordinary paved roads, and the tour’s transportation option removes the need to arrange a suitable vehicle yourself.

The drive from Reykjavík takes close to four hours. About half is on the highway, with the rest on rougher mountain roads. That final stretch can be bumpy, and it may be uncomfortable if you get motion sickness. Bring any usual precautions, and don’t mistake the ride for a quick transfer: the broad views and changing terrain are part of the day, but the jolts are real.

There are stops along the way for facilities and to buy food. That helps, since lunch is not included and there may not be convenient food options once you reach the hiking area. Pack something substantial rather than relying on a quick snack, especially if you tend to get hungry after a few hours on your feet.

Laugahraun and the changing route

The hike begins in the Landmannalaugar area, where a short distance can bring a sharp change in scenery. Laugahraun is a field of black lava, shaped by volcanic activity and erosion. Its dark, broken surfaces set up a striking contrast with the lighter and more colorful rock farther along the route.

From there, the trail passes through Vondugil Canyon and climbs toward Brennisteinsalda. The mountain’s slopes show sulfur yellows, red iron tones and green moss. These colors are not a painted backdrop: they come from the area’s volcanic minerals and rock, and they shift in appearance with light and weather. On a clear day, the views stretch across valleys and surrounding peaks. In cloud or rain, the scenery can feel more severe, but the hike still passes through terrain unlike the usual coastal stops in Iceland.

The planned trek is described as about four hours and 8 to 10 km. In practice, the amount of time spent walking and the pace can vary. Some outings have included a shorter hike or a more compressed stretch on the trail, while the overall time at Landmannalaugar is divided between hiking, the hot spring and other stops. If you have your heart set on a long, unhurried hike, ask the operator what the current route and on-site schedule allow.

The route can be moderately challenging. Expect steep gravel sections, climbs and a descent that may be hard on your knees. Snow or slushy patches can make a slope trickier, even when the rest of the path feels manageable. Good hiking boots with a firm grip are a smart choice. Sneakers may get you through in favorable conditions, but they offer less support on loose gravel and steep ground.

Mt. Blahnukur may be climbed if time and weather permit. Treat this as a possible extra, not a guaranteed summit. Weather in the highlands can change the plan, and the guide may choose a safer or more suitable route. A guide can also set the pace, help the group handle tricky footing and make sure people stay together. Guides named on different departures have included Dimitris, Gummie, Mariano, Mario, Gia, Andrea, Emma, Matt, Vjeran and Biggi. The guide on your date will vary.

Graenagil Gorge and the hot spring

The descent through Graenagil Gorge brings another change in color and texture. Green rhyolite sits beside obsidian in black and blue tones, a fitting final chapter to a route that keeps changing underfoot and in view. If weather has clouded the higher slopes, the gorge still offers close-up details that make the walk worthwhile.

After the hike, you can soak in a natural hot pool surrounded by mountain views. The water and setting make a welcome contrast to the cold, exposed trail, and the soak can feel especially good after a steep descent. Bring a swimsuit and towel if you plan to bathe. The hot spring is not everyone’s idea of a relaxing finish, though, and the scheduled time there may feel long if you would rather keep walking or explore elsewhere. The tour information does not promise a separate activity for people who skip the soak, so plan to use that time to rest or enjoy the surroundings.

What the price covers, and what it doesn’t

At $218.98 per person, this is a costly day out, but the price covers the hard part of reaching Landmannalaugar: round-trip transport from Reykjavík when you choose that option, an expert hiking guide, a guided hike, a small-group cap of 16, and time for a natural hot pool. For someone without a suitable 4×4, the transport alone can make the trip much simpler. You also avoid planning a route through remote highland roads and coordinating your own hiking day.

Food and drinks are not included, and hiking boots can be rented for an extra cost. Waterproof gear and boots may be available to rent through the operator if you arrange it in advance. Ask about rentals before departure rather than assuming there will be spare gear waiting at the trailhead. The price also does not guarantee a particular guide, summit attempt or exact amount of hiking time.

For value, compare this with the real cost and effort of getting to the highlands independently. If you already have a capable vehicle and prefer to set your own pace, a guided bus tour may feel restrictive. If you want a guide and transport handled in one booking, the fee buys convenience in a remote place where the access road is a major part of the challenge.

Pack for wind, rain and uneven ground

The highlands call for more than a light jacket. Bring warm outdoor layers, a waterproof jacket and pants, a hat or other head covering, gloves, sturdy hiking shoes, water and a packed lunch. Wind can make a summit chilly even when the sheltered parts of the trail feel warm. Dress so you can add or remove layers as the route climbs and the weather shifts.

A walking pole can help on steep gravel and descents, particularly if your knees are sensitive. Guides have brought spare hiking poles on some outings, but don’t count on a specific piece of equipment being available. If you have concerns about balance or downhill walking, consider whether a moderate hike with steep sections suits you.

The minimum age is 10, and participants should have a moderate level of fitness. You do not need to be a mountaineer, but you should be comfortable walking several kilometers on uneven ground and managing climbs. The route’s difficulty depends in part on weather and trail conditions, so a fit-for-purpose pair of boots is more than a comfort upgrade.

Is this the right Landmannalaugar day trip?

This tour suits you if you want to see the highlands without driving an F-road yourself, enjoy guided walks, and are willing to give up most of a day to reach a remote place. It is especially appealing if you like geology and want a route that combines lava, mineral-streaked mountains, a gorge and a geothermal soak.

Think twice if you dislike long bus rides, get motion sick easily, need a guaranteed summit climb or want complete control over your time on the trail. The drive is long, conditions can change, and the schedule balances hiking with the hot spring and transport needs. The group cap of 16 is modest for a day tour, but it is still a group outing, not a private hike.

I would book it if the highlands are a priority and you can manage a moderate walk plus a full day on the road. Before paying, confirm your pickup point, ask about the planned hike length and rental gear, and pack food and proper waterproof layers. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience begins; after that, the fare is not refunded.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

Plan for about 13 hours. The drive from Reykjavík takes close to four hours each way, with time at Landmannalaugar for the guided hike and hot spring.

How far is the hike?

The planned trek is about 8 to 10 km and is described as roughly four hours. The route and time on foot can vary with weather and the day’s schedule.

Where can I be picked up in Reykjavík?

Pickup is offered at Reykjavík City Hall on Vonarstræti, Hallgrímskirkja Church and the Reykjavík Campsite, between 7:00 and 7:30 a.m. Pickup is not available at central hotels or private rentals.

Can I meet the tour at Landmannalaugar?

Yes. You can meet at Landmannalaugar Camping. You must have a 4×4 vehicle approved for F-roads to drive there.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, so bring a packed lunch. There are stops along the drive where you can buy food.

What should I bring for the hike and hot spring?

Bring warm layers, waterproof jacket and pants, a head covering, gloves, good hiking shoes, water and a packed lunch. Bring a swimsuit and towel if you want to use the hot spring.

How old do you have to be, and what fitness level is needed?

The minimum age is 10. You should have a moderate level of fitness and be prepared for uneven ground, climbs and steep descents.