From Reykjavik: Landmannalaugar & Háifoss Waterfall Tour

Landmannalaugar’s striped rhyolite hills and black lava formations make this a day trip for people who want to see a wilder side of Iceland, not just its roadside sights. You get time for a guided hike, a soak in a natural hot spring, and stops at the twin waterfalls Háifoss and Granni.

I like the contrast between the colorful highland trails and the stark, turquoise crater lake at Hnausapollur. I also like that a guide handles the rough inland roads and brings context to the geology and Icelandic life along the way.

The trade-off is the long day: expect about 13 hours, and be ready for a return that may run late. The hike is moderate, the bus ride is lengthy, and some passengers have found the vehicle cramped.

At a glance

• A 1.5 to 2-hour hike: Walk the Lauga loop past rhyolite hills, obsidian rock, and the foothills of Bláknúkur.
• A geothermal soak: Bring swimwear and a towel for the hot spring after your walk.
• Three distinct photo stops: See Hnausapollur’s crater lake, Frostastaðavatn, and the highland waterfalls, including Háifoss and Granni.
• A full day on the road: The tour runs about 13 hours, with a long ride each way and several short breaks.
• An English-speaking guide: Guides have included Ottar, Kalman, Beggi, and HBO. Names and individual guiding styles vary by departure.
• A moderate hike, not a casual stroll: Wear hiking shoes and bring water, food, and clothing for changing weather.

Into the highlands from Reykjavík

The day begins with a long drive east and inland from Reykjavík. The first listed stretch is about 105 minutes, followed by another 30-minute drive and a brief break at The Highland Center Hrauneyjar. That stop gives you a chance to use the facilities and pick up food before heading farther into the highlands.

The drive is part of the experience, but it is also the day’s main test of patience. You will spend many hours in the vehicle, and sections of the route are rough enough to make for a bumpy ride. The bus takes you into an area where self-driving means dealing with difficult roads and limited directions. If you are not comfortable navigating remote routes, having a guide and driver is a real practical advantage.

Small-group travel makes the outing feel more personal than a large coach tour, though the vehicle can still feel tight when full. One passenger described a 16-person van as cramped, particularly in the back row. If having room to stretch matters to you, it is worth keeping that possibility in mind when deciding whether a long day by road suits you.

Hnausapollur’s blue crater lake

Hnausapollur is a volcanic crater filled with turquoise water, set against dry, dark ground. The stop is short, about 10 minutes, so think of it as a chance to take in the color and get photos rather than a place to linger.

The contrast is what makes the stop rewarding. Iceland’s highlands can shift quickly from rough volcanic rock to water that looks startlingly bright. Your guide may explain how eruptions shaped the area, giving the view more meaning than a quick photo from the roadside.

Next comes Frostastaðavatn, another brief photo stop. It offers a different view of the region’s lakes and volcanic terrain before the route reaches Landmannalaugar. These stops help break up the drive, but don’t expect long walks at either one. The main time on foot comes later.

Four hours among Landmannalaugar’s rhyolite hills

Landmannalaugar is the heart of the trip. You have roughly four hours here for the guided walk, free time, and hot spring. The stated route is the easy Lauga loop, usually taking about 1.5 to 2 hours. The hike is described as moderate overall, and the full loop has been put at around 6 kilometres, so plan for a sustained walk rather than a quick leg-stretch.

The route passes the area’s famous rhyolite hills, whose bands of mineral color give the mountains their striking appearance. You also see obsidian formations, dark volcanic rock with a glassy surface, and climb toward steaming geothermal pools near Bláknúkur’s foothills. The scenery changes as you go, which is part of the appeal: the walk is not one long view from a single lookout.

A guide can add a lot here. Guides such as Ottar have been noted for explaining volcanic rocks and hot springs along the trail and accompanying the group on the climb. Other guides, including Kalman, Beggi, and HBO, have also been praised for clear explanations, practical help, and a warm manner. The person leading your departure will vary, but the tour is in English.

The walk may feel harder if the weather turns wet, windy, or cold. Even in summer, conditions can change; one group encountered snow flurries in August. Take weather-appropriate layers and proper hiking shoes, and be realistic about your fitness. The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and children under 8 are not accepted.

A hot spring after the walk

After hiking, you can soak in Landmannalaugar’s geothermal pool. It is a welcome change of pace: warm water, open-air views, and tired legs. The hot spring is a major part of the day, not a minor extra, so bring your swimwear and towel even if you are unsure about swimming when you set out.

Pack with limited facilities in mind. There are no changing rooms or lockers at the pool, so keep your valuables simple and have your swimwear easy to reach. Food and drinks are not included, and the day is long. Bring enough water and something to eat rather than counting on a convenient meal stop near the trail.

You have about four hours in the area, but that time has to cover the walk, the soak, and getting organized. If you like to linger in hot water or move slowly on hikes, keep an eye on the schedule. The tour needs to bring the group back to the vehicle and continue on to the next stops.

Waterfalls and the return journey

The route includes a stop at Háifoss, one of Iceland’s tallest waterfalls and a striking double-fall scene with Granni nearby. The itinerary allows about 20 minutes here. That is enough for a look and photos, but not a long wander around the gorge, so follow the guide’s timing and stay within safe viewing areas.

Hjálparfoss is another named waterfall on the route. Its setting among dark volcanic rock gives it a different feel from the high, plunging falls at Háifoss. The tour also highlights the waterfalls of Granni and Hjálparfoss, and the precise order of stops can vary with the route and conditions.

The drive back includes a short break in Selfoss before the final stretch to Reykjavík. Expect to return tired. The advertised duration is 13 hours, but this is a remote outing with long drives, and some days can run longer. Past trips have stretched to 14 or even 16 hours, and a bus breakdown once caused a four-hour delay. That is not a reason to rule out the trip, but it is sensible not to schedule a tight connection, dinner reservation, or other fixed plan for the evening.

What the $226 price gets you

At $226 per person, the price includes transport from Reykjavík, an English-speaking guide, onboard Wi-Fi, and Landmannalaugar facility fees. Food and drinks are extra, as is hotel pickup and drop-off. The advertised meeting point is Tour Bus Stop 12 at Höfðatorg on Þórunnartún, unless your selected option specifies pickup.

The value is strongest if you want to reach Landmannalaugar without driving yourself. The remote roads, distance, and need to coordinate several stops make this a demanding day to organize independently. Here, transport, guiding, and access to the highlands come as one package, with waterfalls and crater scenery included along the way.

It is not a cheap way to see one single landmark, and it is not a relaxed day trip. You are paying for a full route into the highlands, a guided hike, a geothermal soak, and several stops that would be awkward to combine without a vehicle. Wi-Fi on board is useful during the long drive, though the experience is about being away from Reykjavík, not staying online.

The basic outing does not include food or hotel transfer. Bring lunch, snacks, water, swimwear, towel, hiking shoes, and layers. If you choose a pickup option, check the voucher for the time and location; the pickup process can take up to 30 minutes.

Who should book this highland day

This tour suits you if colorful volcanic terrain is high on your Iceland wish list and you are comfortable spending much of a day on the road. It also makes sense if you want a guide for the rough route and prefer a planned hike over finding your own way around Landmannalaugar.

It is a less suitable choice if you need an easy-access outing, dislike long drives, or want a quiet, unhurried day at one site. The hike is moderate, the bus can be cramped, and the return time is not something to build a strict evening plan around. With the right shoes, warm layers, food, and a flexible schedule, though, this is a strong way to see a part of Iceland that feels far removed from the capital.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The scheduled duration is 13 hours. The day may run longer because of the remote route, road conditions, or delays.

How difficult is the Landmannalaugar hike?

The tour includes a moderate hike on the Lauga loop, which takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Hiking shoes, water, and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended.

Can I swim in a hot spring?

Yes. There is time to bathe in a geothermal pool at Landmannalaugar after the hike. Bring swimwear and a towel.

What should I bring to eat and drink?

Food and drinks are not included. Bring your own food and water for the long day.

Where is the meeting point in Reykjavík?

The stated meeting point is Tour Bus Stop 12 at Höfðatorg on Þórunnartún. If you selected pickup, follow the time and location on your voucher.

Is the tour suitable for young children?

The activity is not suitable for children under 8 years.

What language is the tour guide?

The live tour guide speaks English.