Landmannalaugar Hike & the Valley of Tears from RVK & Selfoss

Landmannalaugar is a day for Iceland’s wilder side: steaming water, vivid mountain colors, broad lava fields, and roads that get rough well before you reach the trail. I like that the trip pairs a guided highlands hike with time to soak in a natural hot pool, then adds the waterfalls of Sigöldugljúfur and Hjálparfoss. It is a lot of scenery in one outing.

I also like that the bus takes care of the long drive and the demanding highland roads, which can make a self-drive trip a poor fit for a standard rental car. The trade-off is a full day on the road, limited food and bathroom options, and less time to hike or soak than you might wish.

At a glance

• Landmannalaugar’s colorful rhyolite mountains are the main event, with a guided hike of roughly 1.5 to just over 2 hours, depending on the group and route.
• The natural hot pool is a welcome finish. Pack a swimsuit and towel, and plan to change in the bathroom building rather than beside the pool.
• The highland drive is part of the adventure. Expect gravel and bumpy sections, including a rough final stretch reported at about 24 kilometers.
• Sigöldugljúfur and Hjálparfoss add two very different waterfall stops to the day, though time at each place is limited.
• The group is capped at 19 people, and the price of $199 includes transport, Wi-Fi, fees, and taxes. Lunch is not included.

Why the highlands are worth a long day

Landmannalaugar feels far removed from Reykjavík. The appeal is not a quick roadside photo, but the chance to walk among Iceland’s highland colors and volcanic forms, then warm up in naturally heated water. The day gives you a taste of a remote region without having to drive there yourself.

That convenience matters. The route includes rough gravel roads, and one traveler described the last 24 kilometers as particularly uncomfortable. A guide who knows the roads and a vehicle suited to the journey remove a real planning burden. If you have a two-wheel-drive rental car, or simply do not want to navigate winding highland roads, the bus is a sensible choice.

The scenery gets especially high praise. The mountains, lava fields, rivers, and water features are a striking contrast to the more familiar coastal stops around Reykjavík. Guides have included Sara, Ignacio, Eddie, James, and Keren, with reports of warm, funny, careful, and informative guiding. Your guide will vary, and the amount of commentary may vary too. If you enjoy learning about the geology and places along the route, it is worth asking questions rather than counting on a running explanation for every stretch of the drive.

The drive from Reykjavík or Selfoss

The tour takes about 11 hours, with travel time included. Some days run closer to 12 hours, so keep the whole day open. The published start time is 7:30 am, while pickup details describe a window beginning at 8 am and warn that the bus may take up to 30 minutes to arrive. Confirm your exact pickup instructions and be ready for the stated window. Reykjavík pickups may use a nearby bus stop instead of a hotel entrance, so keep a working phone number available.

Pickup is also offered in Selfoss. That can be handy if you are staying on the South Coast, though the precise pickup arrangement should be confirmed when you book. The vehicle has air conditioning and Wi-Fi, and the group has no more than 19 people. That is a manageable size for a day with several stops, though it is not a private tour.

The drive is not just dead time between attractions. You pass through changing scenery on the way into the highlands, with comfort and sightseeing stops along the route. Still, the road can be bumpy, especially on gravel. If you are prone to motion sickness or have a low tolerance for rough rides, prepare for a substantial stretch of travel rather than expecting a smooth coach journey.

Hiking among Landmannalaugar’s rhyolite hills

At Landmannalaugar, the central activity is a guided walk through an unusual mix of colorful rhyolite mountains, geothermal features, and lava fields. The hike has taken around 1.5 to just over 2 hours, depending on the pace and route. One guide led a gentler walk with frequent photo stops, while another group described a brisker climb with few water breaks. The pace is not guaranteed to suit everyone, so tell your guide early if you need a slower rhythm or a short rest.

This is not a paved stroll. The route can include steep sections, and conditions may change quickly. Reports describe rain, sun, snow, and strong wind on the same outing. A reasonable level of fitness will make the walk more enjoyable, and you should be comfortable on uneven ground. Families with children aged 10 to 15 have managed the hike, but that does not make it effortless for every child or adult.

The tour appears to offer choices at the hiking area. Some people have stayed with the group, while others have taken an orange loop back toward the start and reached the hot pool earlier. The guide may also lead a shorter route so people can spend time bathing. These options help different walkers make the most of the stop, but they also mean you should listen closely to the guide’s meeting time and instructions.

If you are a strong hiker, the main compromise is time. Landmannalaugar has more trails than a single group outing can cover, and several people wished they could have walked longer or explored more independently. Think of this as an introduction to the area, not a full hiking day. If you want maximum trail time, a longer stay in the highlands would suit you better.

A soak after the walk

The hot pool is one of the day’s most appealing features. After a windy or wet hike, naturally warm water offers a simple, memorable way to end your time at Landmannalaugar. Bring a swimsuit and towel, as the tour specifically recommends both.

Practical details matter here. There are no changing rooms beside the pool, so use the bathroom building to change. You may have to walk between the changing area and the water in cold air, but the pool itself is naturally heated. Allow for the fact that the group’s schedule sets your soaking time. Some people would happily spend longer in the water, but the remaining stops and return drive keep the day moving.

Facilities and food choices at the site are limited. There may be snacks for sale, but do not count on finding a satisfying lunch there. Pack your own food and water, and use the bathroom break before setting off on the hike. There are opportunities to refill water bottles at the hike base, according to one account, but bringing enough water from the start is still a sensible plan.

Sigöldugljúfur and Hjálparfoss

The tour also visits Sigöldugljúfur, associated with the Valley of Tears, a striking series of waterfalls and waterways. It offers a different view from the broad mountain scenery at Landmannalaugar, with water as the focus. The stop is a welcome change of pace after the hike, though you should expect a visit rather than an extended walk or long stay.

Hjálparfoss is another waterfall stop and a useful break on a long day. It was described as a pleasant bonus by one visitor, and the route can include other comfort or scenic stops as conditions allow. The exact timing at each place is limited by the drive and the need to return to Reykjavík or Selfoss. If you like taking photographs, be ready to make the most of the time you have at each stop.

The order and length of stops can depend on the day. The tour aims to include Landmannalaugar, Sigöldugljúfur, and Hjálparfoss, but weather, road conditions, and group timing affect how leisurely the visits feel. Keep expectations realistic: this is a broad sampler of the highlands, not a slow-paced photography tour.

What $199 buys you

At $199 per person, the main value is access and logistics. The price includes round-trip transport, an air-conditioned vehicle, Wi-Fi, fees, and taxes. You do not need to arrange a highland-capable vehicle, drive rough roads, or plan separate transport between the stops. For someone without the right car or experience on those roads, that can make the tour worth the cost.

The price does not include lunch. Bring a packed meal and snacks, since food choices at Landmannalaugar are limited. Wi-Fi can be useful during the long ride, though it is best treated as a convenience rather than a reason to book. The real value is the combination of guided transport, a hike, a hot-pool stop, and two waterfall visits in one demanding day.

The tour is recommended by all of its 68 participants in the available rating summary and holds a 4.9 rating. The strongest praise focuses on the scenery, the guides, and the feeling of reaching a remote part of Iceland. The main reservations are consistent too: a long and bumpy drive, limited facilities, and a desire for more hiking or bathing time. Those are not small details, but they are also the natural limits of fitting this much into one day.

Pack for wind, rain, and a long schedule

I would pack a swimsuit, towel, lunch, snacks, and water. Wear walking clothes that can handle changing weather, and bring layers for wind, rain, or cold. Conditions have ranged from sunshine to snow and strong wind, so a pleasant forecast in Reykjavík should not be your only guide.

A few simple preparations make the day easier:

• Keep your phone on and check the pickup location, especially if you are staying in central Reykjavík.
• Eat breakfast before departure and bring enough food for the day.
• Use comfort stops when they are offered, since facilities are limited in the highlands.
• Ask how long the hike will be and where the group will meet afterward.
• If you want to walk independently or at a different pace, clarify the route and return time before splitting from the group.

There is no need to bring technical hiking gear based on the information provided, but you should be ready for uneven and sometimes steep ground. Anyone with limited mobility or poor balance should consider the terrain carefully. The activity says most people can participate, yet that does not mean every section will feel easy.

Who should book this highlands day

This tour suits active people who want to see Landmannalaugar but do not have the vehicle or time to organize the highland drive themselves. It is also a strong fit if you enjoy a guided hike, changing weather, and a warm soak after being outdoors. The group size is modest enough to feel more personal than a large coach outing, while still keeping the trip affordable compared with arranging a private driver.

It is less suited to anyone who wants a relaxed day with short transfers, polished facilities, or hours on the trail. The drive is long, the roads are rough in places, and the schedule puts a limit on both hiking and bathing. If you need frequent bathroom access or want to choose your own pace throughout, those constraints matter.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if seeing Landmannalaugar is a priority and you value safe, organized transport as much as the hike itself. The color-filled mountain scenery, the hot pool, and the Valley of Tears make a persuasive day, especially when a guide handles the highland driving. Go in prepared for bumps, weather changes, packed food, and a full schedule.

Skip it if you want a long, unhurried hike or a comfortable ride with frequent facilities. For most active visitors with one day to spare, though, $199 buys a practical way into a difficult-to-reach part of Iceland, with enough variety to make the long return drive feel worthwhile.

FAQ

How long does the tour take?

The tour lasts about 11 hours, including travel time. Some days may run closer to 12 hours, so leave the full day free.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $199 per person. Transport, Wi-Fi, fees, and taxes are included, but lunch is not.

Where can I be picked up?

Pickup is offered in Reykjavík, including hotel pickup, and in Selfoss on the South Coast. In central Reykjavík, the pickup point may be a nearby bus stop rather than your hotel entrance.

What time does pickup begin?

The tour start time is listed as 7:30 am. Pickup details say pickups begin at 8 am and may take up to 30 minutes, so check your confirmed instructions and be ready for the full pickup window.

How many people are in the group?

The maximum group size is 19 people.

Do I need to bring lunch?

Yes. Lunch is not included, and food options at Landmannalaugar are limited. Bring a packed meal and snacks.

Should I bring a swimsuit and towel?

Yes. The tour includes time at a natural hot pool, and you should bring both a swimsuit and towel. There are no changing rooms beside the pool, so change in the bathroom building.

How difficult is the hike?

The hike has taken about 1.5 to just over 2 hours, and some sections can be steep or uneven. A decent level of fitness is advisable, and conditions can include wind, rain, or snow.

Can I cancel if my plans change?

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. If poor weather cancels the tour, you will be offered another date or a full refund.