10 Best Landmannalaugar Hikes: A Guide From the Trail

Up here, steam rises straight out of the ground, and the rhyolite mountains look like someone spilled red, yellow, and green paint across their slopes. 

Landmannalaugar lies within the Fjallabak Nature Reserve in the southern Icelandic Highlands. Arctic Adventures guides walk these trails every week of the season, and this guide draws on 14+ years of leading groups through the area.

What's below: a breakdown of each trail, a comparison table, gear and safety notes, and a framework for picking the right hike for your day.

All trails in this guide start from or near the Landmannalaugar campsite, where you'll also find the wardens' hut and Tourist Information Center. The wardens sell a small but detailed Landmannalaugar hike map for 400 ISK (~$3.25) in A4 size. The map is hand-drawn and colored, and makes a good souvenir.

Mobile signal is very limited throughout the reserve, with no service in many areas, so download Google Maps or maps.me for offline use before you arrive.

A designated hot spring for soaking sits right by the campsite if you want to relax after a long day on the trail. Read more about it and about safety during geothermal bathing in our guide to hot springs in Landmannalaugar.

Compare the best day hikes in Landmannalaugar by time, distance, difficulty, or what each trail is best for. The list runs from easiest to hardest. Short on hours? Start with the top three. Full day? The Brennisteinsalda–Bláhnúkur Loop is worth every step.

Short trails in Landmannalaugar cross lava fields, drop through canyon floors, and climb to a small crater rim. None of the three below requires special fitness, but the ground is uneven volcanic rock, so sturdy hiking boots are essential. The Laugahraun Lava Field Loop, the Grænagil Canyon Trail, and Stútur Crater are the most popular Landmannalaugar short hikes for first-time visitors. 

The Laugahraun Lava Field Loop is the most popular Landmannalaugar short hike and a good first walk for visitors new to the area. From the Tourist Information Center, follow the marked trail up onto the lava field. The rock underfoot is rough, solidified basalt from the 1477 Veiðivötn eruption, much of it now patched with thick green moss. The basalt is unusual here. Landmannalaugar's surrounding mountains are colorful rhyolite from the Torfajökull volcanic system, but the lava under your feet comes from Bárðarbunga, a volcanic system 100 km (62 mi) northeast. Its magma flowed underground through the Veiðivötn fissures and surfaced in the middle of the rhyolite landscape.

Note: The moss looks sturdy, but it's surprisingly fragile. Walking on it is not allowed in Iceland, so stick to the marked path.

After crossing the lava field, the path drops into a small valley at the base of Brennisteinsalda mountain. Here, you get your first close look at its sulfur-yellow and rust-red slopes. The smell of sulfur is strong. You can see steam rising from a large vent that also marks the turn back. Turn left toward Grænagil and head north back to the campsite. The return path runs through the canyon, with walls streaked green by moss-covered rhyolite.

Prefer to explore the area with an expert? Our Landmannalaugar Hiking Day Tour crosses the Laugahraun lava field as part of a guided 8 to 10 km (5 to 6 mi) route. The hike also passes through Vondugil canyon, climbs Brennisteinsalda mountain, and descends through Grænagil.

Grænagil, meaning "Green Canyon," is one of the easiest and most photogenic short walks in Landmannalaugar. The trail starts on flat ground between Brennisteinsalda and Bláhnúkur mountains. One side of the canyon is mineral-stained green rhyolite. The other is moss-covered lava. The contrast between black rock, layers of green, and orange mountains makes for striking photos.

A small stream runs through parts of the canyon. Depending on water levels, you may need to step or rock-hop across once or twice. Nothing technical, but waterproof boots will keep your socks dry.

The canyon connects directly to the Laugahraun Lava Field Loop, which means you can pair the two into a roughly three-hour walk without backtracking. The combination covers the essentials of the Landmannalaugar landscape at a gentle pace.

Stútur, which means "nozzle" or "bottleneck" in Icelandic, is a small volcanic crater about 45 minutes to 1 hour from the Landmannalaugar campsite. The crater was formed during the same 1477 eruption that created the Laugahraun lava field, when magma from Bárðarbunga flowed underground to the Torfajökull volcanic system. Today, it's a near-perfect bowl with deep black slopes patched with moss, and 360° views over the surrounding rhyolite mountains from the rim. 

The trail to Stútur crater starts at the campsite. The same path continues to Ljótipollur crater lake, so you can either turn around at Stútur if you want a shorter walk or continue for a longer hike.

Half-day hikes in Landmannalaugar give you a choice between climbing and covering distance. Brennisteinsalda is the climb up the most colorful mountain in the area for panoramic views from the summit. Ljótipollur is a longer walk to a deep red crater rim with a vivid blue lake at the bottom. Both have exposed sections where the wind can pick up fast.

Brennisteinsalda ("Sulfur Wave") is the most colorful mountain in Landmannalaugar and the hike most of our guides recommend for visitors with half a day. Its colors come from sulfur, iron, and silica in the rhyolite, with each mineral oxidizing to a different shade as geothermal heat works on the rock over centuries. Red is iron. Yellow is sulfur. Green is a combination of moss and mineral staining.

The route starts at the campsite and heads through Grænagil canyon on the eastern side of Laugahraun lava field. The ascent splits into two sections. The first is the approach: boulders you zigzag between, with patches of snow sometimes lingering early in the season. At the base of the mountain, fumaroles release sulfur gas through vents beside the trail. The ground might be hot, so stay on the marked path. As you climb, the colors intensify: reds, yellows, and greens where iron, sulfur, and moss meet.

The second section is shorter but steeper, splitting from the Laugavegur Trail to the summit. The ground here is packed and rocky.

From the summit, you can see the full Laugahraun lava field and Bláhnúkur mountain to the east. The descent drops over the other side of the mountain toward Vondugil valley, where the trail leads back across the lava field to the campsite.

Ljótipollur, ironically named "Ugly Puddle," is one of Iceland's most striking volcanic crater lakes, with deep red slopes dropping into vivid blue water. The trail leaves the campsite, passes close to Stútur crater after about 40 minutes, and climbs gently to the Ljótipollur rim over about 5 km (3 mi).

The viewpoint sits directly on the edge. From the south, the red slopes drop straight into the lake. From the north, you look across to softer green hills. The rim itself makes a natural lunch stop: flat ground, open views, and a nice shelter from the wind. Walking the full rim adds about an hour to the hike and gives you the inverse view across the crater. 

Ljótipollur can also be reached by 4x4 vehicle from a separate car park on the northern side, which cuts the walk to about 20 minutes round trip. However, if you want the full experience and the sense of scale the long walk gives you, the trail from the campsite is usually the better choice.

Full-day hikes in Landmannalaugar reward you with 360° views, fewer crowds, and the area's most distinctive terrain. The trails below require physical preparation. The Landmannalaugar hike difficulty goes up at this tier: expect long climbs, exposed ridges with steep drop-offs, and weather you'll feel on the ground. Skip this tier if heights make you uneasy. Start early, carry layers, and check the forecast before you set off.

Bláhnúkur ("Blue Peak") is the steepest ascent in Landmannalaugar. The 360° panorama from the summit at 943 m (3,094 ft) is the most expansive in the area. The slopes look black from a distance, but up close, volcanic ash and rhyolite give them their blue hues. 

Bláhnúkur demands good fitness. The Landmannalaugar Bláhnúkur hike starts from the southern edge of the campsite and zigzags up the slopes with loose volcanic gravel underfoot. You're hiking along the green edge of Grænagil canyon. The upper third is the toughest section: narrow trail, steep drop-off on one side, and rock that moves when you step on it. The summit ridge is exposed, so in strong winds the approach needs more care than the elevation alone suggests.

From the top, you can see Laugahraun lava field directly below, Brennisteinsalda mountain to the west, and Ljótipollur crater lake to the north. On clear days, the view reaches further across the southern Highlands. You can see over the Norðurnámur mountain.

Bláhnúkur can be hiked as a standalone out-and-back, or extended into the Brennisteinsalda–Bláhnúkur Loop, which can be an excellent full-day trip for well-prepared fit hikers. Expect to cross a stream between the two peaks and a steep way down Bláhnúkur.

The combined Brennisteinsalda–Bláhnúkur Loop is the signature day hike of Landmannalaugar. It covers both peaks and the best views of the area.

The loop starts and ends at the campsite, stretching over Grænagil valley, through the Laugahraun lava field, up to Brennisteinsalda summit, Vondugil valley, and Bláhnúkur summit. Carry at least 1.5 liters (50 oz) of water, a packed lunch, snacks, and rain layers. Start by 9:00 AM to finish comfortably before the evening wind picks up in the valley.

Time breakdown by segment:

• Campsite to Brennisteinsalda summit: 45 minutes to 1 hour. Short, but very steep in the final stretch.
• Brennisteinsalda descent to the stream crossing in Vondugil: 1 to 1.5 hours. The descent is the trickiest section of the loop.
• Stream crossing to Bláhnúkur summit: roughly 1 hour. Loose volcanic rock underfoot.
• Bláhnúkur summit to campsite: 1.5 hours, sometimes more. Steep, with a narrow ridge and loose ground.

Total moving time runs from 4 to 6 hours, depending on pace, with breaks on top.

If you'd rather walk this loop with a guide who knows the day's conditions and terrain, our Landmannalaugar Hiking Day Tour covers the best sections of the route.

Suðurnámur climbs approximately 440 m (1,444 ft) to a long plateau above the campsite. The trail crosses the Námshraun lava field before rising steadily through loose rock to the ridge.

Most visitors don't know about this trail, which is exactly the reason to do it. It's a good alternative for hikers wanting solitude. On a clear day, you can see south from the ridge to the Brennisteinsalda–Bláhnúkur peaks and north to Ljótipollur and the surrounding hills. The plateau itself runs for about 2 km (1.2 mi), and you can turn around whenever you need to.

Skalli is one of the most challenging day hikes in Landmannalaugar, with 736 m (2,415 ft) of elevation gain to a snow-capped summit. The trail is long, exposed, and marked but lightly traveled. Only attempt it in clear weather with a full day of daylight and proper gear.

From the campsite, you climb steadily along a ridgeline with open views over the southern Highlands. The final ascent crosses a snowfield that lingers well into summer. The snow is soft, so you don't need crampons, but waterproof boots are essential and trekking poles are helpful. From the summit, you’ll see colored rhyolite ridges, canyons to the east, and the Torfajökull glacier on the southern horizon. The trail returns to the campsite, following part of the Laugavegur Trail on the way back.

Grænihryggur is the locals' favorite hike in Landmannalaugar. It’s so well hidden that most visitors never see it. The name translates to "Green Ridge," and the trail leads to a narrow rhyolite spine with a distinctive blue-green color. 

Two approach routes lead to Grænihryggur. The Halldórsgil trail is more established, marked, and easier to follow, though still unmapped in places where water has shifted the path. The longer alternative through Jökulgil canyon is unmarked in several sections and crosses rivers that rise and fall with the day's melt. The second route is best attempted only with a guide who knows the current ground conditions.

If you want to walk the ridge with a guide who knows it, our Hidden Highlands three-day trek goes there as one of its main objectives.

Landmannalaugar is the starting point of Iceland's most famous long-distance hike: the Laugavegur Trail. The classic route covers 55 km (34 mi) over four days, ending at Þórsmörk Nature Reserve. Hikers stay in mountain huts along the way, with bunk beds, basic kitchens, and toilets.

If you have more time, you can extend the Laugavegur Trail another 25 km (15.5 mi). Trek over the Fimmvörðuháls pass, between the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers, ending at Skógar village on the South Coast. The Fimmvörðuháls extension adds two days to the journey. 

Huts book out months in advance for July and August. If you'd rather not plan the logistics yourself, our guided treks handle the booking, gear, and route:

• 4-Day Laugavegur Trekking Tour—classic Landmannalaugar–Þórsmörk route
• 6-Day Laugavegur Trek with Fimmvörðuháls (Huts)—extended version ending in Skógar village.

The best Landmannalaugar one-day hike depends less on fitness than on how many hours you have at the campsite. Use the framework below to match the right trail to your window.

If you have 1 to 2 hours: Take the Laugahraun Lava Field Loop, the Grænagil Canyon Trail, or the Stútur Crater Trail. All three start at the campsite and cover the essentials of the landscape without a climb. Combine Laugahraun and Grænagil into a single ~3-hour walk if you want a bit more.

If you have 2 to 3 hours: Brennisteinsalda is the pick. The mountain has the most color of any in the area, and the climb is the gentler of the two summit options. For a steeper climb and a wider panorama, Bláhnúkur (2.5 to 3.5 hours) is the alternative. Brennisteinsalda needs clear skies for the colors to show. Bláhnúkur needs calm wind on the ridge.

If you have 3 to 6 hours: Ljótipollur for the crater lake. The route is more sheltered and more forgiving in mixed weather than the summit trails. For solitude, Suðurnámur (3 to 4.5 hours) climbs to a quiet ridge with plateau views away from the popular routes.

If you have a full day (6+ hours): The Brennisteinsalda–Bláhnúkur Loop is the signature day hike, covering both peaks and the lava field in a single outing. For experienced hikers wanting more, Skalli pushes to a snow-capped summit, and Grænihryggur leads to a hidden ridge most visitors never see.

If you arrive by Highland bus (~4 hours at Landmannalaugar): The bus typically arrives around 11:30 AM and departs around 4:00 PM. The Laugahraun Lava Field Loop, plus a soak in the hot spring, is the realistic option in 4 to 4.5 hours. Skip the soak, and you can squeeze in the Grænagil Canyon Trail too.

Landmannalaugar sits at 600 m (1,968 ft) elevation in Iceland's interior, where the weather can shift from sun to sleet within an hour. Layering is essential, and the right footwear and clothing make a real difference to your comfort on the hike.

Footwear: Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support. The trails cross loose volcanic gravel, lava rock, and occasional snow patches. Trail runners don't provide enough support or grip on loose descents. Find more details in our guide to the best hiking boots for Iceland.

Clothing: Base layer (merino or synthetic), insulating mid-layer (fleece), waterproof and windproof outer shell. Cotton holds water and loses insulation when wet, so better to avoid it. Highland weather changes rapidly, and being wet in the wind is the fastest way to get cold. Learn more about what to wear in Iceland in our detailed guide. 

Trekking poles: Highly recommended for Bláhnúkur and Brennisteinsalda. Both trails have steep sections on loose rock where poles take strain off your knees on the descent. 

Backpack essentials: 1.5 liters (50 oz) of water, energy bars or a packed lunch, sunscreen, sunglasses, a swimsuit, and a small towel for the hot springs after hiking.

Navigation: A downloaded offline map (Google Maps or maps.me).

Safety: Before setting out, inform someone of your planned route. Register your trip at safetravel.is. The process takes 2 minutes and lets rescue services locate you quickly in an emergency.

Our Iceland packing list covers everything beyond the hiking essentials.

Arctic Adventures has operated in the Landmannalaugar area since 2012. The safety points below are based on years of experience leading groups through these trails.

Weather: Weather in the Highlands can change fast. In rain, fog, or strong wind, exposed routes like Brennisteinsalda, Bláhnúkur, and Skalli become much harder to navigate. Check the forecast at vedur.is before you set out, and skip the summits if the weather is bad. Wardens at the Landmannalaugar hut also have local updates and can advise on conditions for the day. 

Trail conditions: Early in the season, especially in June, parts of the trails are still covered with winter snow. It can form bridges over ravines and streams. These snow bridges can collapse under your weight, so assess each crossing on the day. Don't follow existing footsteps blindly. They might be days old, and conditions change quickly. 

River crossings: Several trails pass through streams fed by glacial meltwater. Water levels rise during warm afternoons and after rain, so what was ankle-deep in the morning can be thigh-deep by 4:00 PM. Avoid wading through water above knee depth if you're unfamiliar with glacial rivers. If the route looks uncertain, turn around. 

Trail markings: Most trails are marked with colored posts: red, orange, white, and yellow, depending on the route. Stay on marked paths. The area includes active geothermal zones where the ground can be unstable or very hot.

Emergency contacts: Iceland's emergency number is 112. During the summer season, the nearest rescue team is based in Landmannalaugar. Outside the season, the nearest team is in Hella, about 90 minutes away. 

Mobile coverage: Don't rely on phone signal beyond the immediate campsite area. Coverage is intermittent at best and drops out entirely on most trails. 

Road conditions: Highland roads (F-roads) close in bad weather and during shoulder-season storms. Check Road and Highland conditions before any self-drive attempt, and plan for closures.

You can get to Landmannalaugar in three ways: drive yourself, book the bus from Reykjavík, or join a guided tour. Full access details: Landmannalaugar Location and Access.

Driving yourself. You'll need a 4x4 vehicle. Icelandic law requires it on F-roads. The two Highland roads are F208 and F225, both open from June to September. F208 is the longer route but has no river crossings. F225 is shorter, but you'll need to cross rivers along the way. River crossings aren't covered by any car insurance. 

Taking the bus. A daily Highland bus operated by tour companies connects Reykjavík and Landmannalaugar through the summer season. The journey takes about 4 hours one way. Our bus from Landmannalaugar to Reykjavík handles the return trip. 

Joining a guided tour. A guided trip is the easiest option if you don't want to drive F-roads or work around bus times. Our Landmannalaugar tours cover transport, gear rental, and itineraries.

The best time to hike Landmannalaugar is between June and September. That’s when trails are generally open, depending on snow and road conditions each year. 

June: The lower trails (Laugahraun, Grænagil, Stútur) open first, while higher routes like Skalli and Suðurnámur often hold snow into early July. Crowds are lighter than peak summer. Wardens may temporarily close some trails when the ground is very muddy. This prevents hikers from stepping off the path and damaging the surrounding vegetation. 

July and August: All trails open and daylight is at its longest (up to 21 hours in early July). According to the Icelandic Met Office, Highland daytime temperatures usually range from 5 to 10°C (41 to 50°F), with clear days occasionally reaching higher. These are also the busiest months, with the campsite filled most days. Huts on the Laugavegur Trail need to be booked months in advance. 

September: Trails remain open, but weather changes frequently, with a higher chance of rain. Autumn colors emerge in the lower valleys, and crowds thin significantly. Some higher routes may close earlier than the official mid-September date if snow arrives early.

For a broader view of the season, explore our guide to summer in Iceland.

The advantage of a Landmannalaugar guided hike isn't comfort. It's judgment. A guide knows which trails are in the best condition on any given day. An expert can tell you which summit is worth pushing for and which should wait, and when it’s best to turn around regardless of what the sky looks like. 

A guided trip also takes the logistics off your plate. Round-trip transport from Reykjavík means you don't need a 4x4 vehicle or experience driving on F-roads. Gear rental and route planning are included. 

Arctic Adventures has operated in Iceland since 1983, and our Landmannalaugar guides walk these trails weekly through the summer season. Group sizes range from 6 to 19 people on every Landmannalaugar departure. All guides hold wilderness first aid and rescue qualifications, with many also certified as Wilderness First Responders. See all our Landmannalaugar hiking tour options, from a day on the trail to multi-day Laugavegur treks.

Hiking times in Landmannalaugar range from 1 hour for short trails like the Grænagil Canyon Trail to 7 to 8 hours for full-day routes like Grænihryggur. The signature day hike, the Brennisteinsalda–Bláhnúkur Loop, takes 4 to 6 hours. How long you actually spend depends on your fitness, the weather, and how many photo stops you take. And there are many excellent photo stops in Landmannalaugar.

The Brennisteinsalda–Bláhnúkur Loop is the most recommended day hike, covering both iconic peaks and the most varied terrain in a single trip. For a shorter option, just the Brennisteinsalda hike delivers the area's most striking colors without committing to a full day. If you want something easier, the Laugahraun Lava Field Loop is the classic first hike for anyone visiting Landmannalaugar for the first time.

Yes. Most trails are well-marked, so you can hike them on your own. Just keep in mind that Highland weather changes fast, and the ground underfoot can be tricky, with a lot of loose volcanic gravel. That catches a lot of first-timers off guard. For the longer or more exposed routes, a guide makes things easier and safer. Arctic Adventures runs guided Landmannalaugar day hikes and multi-day treks from Reykjavík.

Landmannalaugar is accessible via the F208 and F225 Highland roads, which require a 4x4 vehicle and are generally open from June to September. You can drive yourself or take a daily scheduled bus from Reykjavík that runs through the summer season. If you don't want to drive F-roads or coordinate bus timing, guided tours that include round-trip transport are the most straightforward option.

You can’t self-drive to Landmannalaugar without a 4x4. Icelandic law requires a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle on F-roads, and rental insurance typically does not cover 2WD vehicles on these routes. The alternatives are the daily scheduled bus service from Reykjavík and guided tours using modified 4x4 vehicles, specifically adapted for Highland roads.

Difficulty varies significantly by trail. The Grænagil Canyon Trail and the Laugahraun Lava Field Loop are easy and suitable for most fitness levels. The Brennisteinsalda hike is moderate, with some steep, loose sections near the summit. Bláhnúkur and Skalli trails are challenging, requiring good fitness, proper gear, and stable weather.

The best time to hike Landmannalaugar is July and August, when all trails are snow-free, and daylight is at its longest. Trails generally open in June and most close by September, but exact dates depend on each year's snow and weather conditions. There are fewer crowds in June, but some higher trails may still hold snow. September brings autumn colors and quieter campsites, but the weather might change from sun to rain quickly.

Yes. From June 20 to September 13, vehicles arriving between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM must reserve a parking spot through parka.is. Parking costs start at 1,200 ISK (~$10) for cars with up to 5 seats. Parking reservations are not required for visitors arriving by scheduled bus or guided tour.