Landmannalaugar Hiking Tour
Hiking Tour in the Highlands of Iceland
Landmannalaugar is every hiker's wonderland and every photographer's dream. Explore one of the ultimate highlight of the Icelandic highlands.
Landmannalaugar is a unique bubbling geothermal wonderland with caramel color peaks, soothing hot springs, rambling lava flows and clear blue lakes.
Landmannalaugar is home to Lagahraun lava fields, Mount Brennisteinsalda and Bláhnjúkur, forming a beautiful and colorful setting for our hiking tour. Landmannalaugar is located in a place called Fjallabak Reserve in the remote highlands of Iceland, here you can find some of the most stunning hiking trails in the country as well as being the starting point for the famous Laugavegur trail. We end our day of hiking with a nice soak in the natural hot pool.
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Availability
June 15th - September 30th
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Duration
5 hrs from Landmannalaugar 14 hrs from Reykjavik
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Level
Moderate
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Pickup
Yes
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Meet on location
Yes
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Min. Age
10 years
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Ratio
1:16
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Departs from
Landmannalaugar
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Price from
12.990 ISK
- Tour highlights
- Landmannalaugar
- Small group experience
- Brennisteinsalda mountain
- Hekla volcano
- Laugahraun lava fields
- Hot spring bathing
- Included
- Guiding service
- Hiking
- Bathing in a natural hot pool
- Landmannalaugar facility fees
- Transportation can be purchased with your tour
Landmannalaugar
Landmannalaugar is located in a place called Fjallabak Nature Reserve in the Icelandic Highlands. Landmannalaugar is geothermally active, a fact that is displayed with incredibly colorful mountains, steam rising from the ground, and of course the natural hot pool that is popular for bathing.
The landscapes are extremely diverse ranging from the black lava of Lagahraun lava field, Mt. Brennisteinsalda multicolored by sulphur, steaming hot springs, green moss and red iron. In front of Brennisteinsalda, we find a field of obsidian and nearby Bláhnúkur volcano, with black and blue sides. All of this and much more create a unique color flow that is almost painting-like. A wonderful setting for a great day hike in Iceland.
This secluded area has been a favorite among adventure seekers for years and now you have the chance to visit this magnificent place.
The Tour
The tour is available with or without pick up from Reykjavík. Please be sure to add pick up to your booking if you are not planning on meeting us in Landmannalaugar for the tour. If you plan to meet us in Landmannalaugar then please keep in mind that you will need a 4*4 jeep that is permitted on F-roads to drive to Landmannalaugar.
Your hiking adventure will start from the main hut in Landmannalaugar and take off for about four-hours where you will hike around this gorgeous place. The total hiking distance is approximately 8-10 km. The route goes over Laugahraun lava field, through Vondugil canyon and up to Mt. Brennisteinsalda a multicolored peak that is highly characteristic of the area. On the way down you will walk down Graenagil gorge, called Green Gorge in Icelandic because of the dominant green color of rhyolite in the area. If time allows, we will summit Blahnukur Volcano before soaking in the hot pool in Landmannalaugar and take in the spectacular surroundings of this phenomenal place!
Remember to bring: It is extremely important to have warm outdoor clothing, waterproof jacket & pants, headwear and gloves. Good hiking shoes are essential on this tour.
Sturdy hiking shoes, waterproof jacket, and pants can be rented beforehand if you contact us or book online. Last but not least, don’t forget your bathing suit and towel!
Pick up times and places (if you purchased the pick up):
- 7:15 from Ráðhúsið (City Hall) on Vonarstræti – in front of the Reykjavik Tourist Information Center
- 7:30 from Hallgrímskirkja Church – bus pick up/drop off nr. 8
- 7:45 from Reykjavík Campsite in Front of Reykjavik City Hostel
- 8:35 from Selfoss N1 Gas Station
- 9:15 from Hella Bus Stop
and if you did not purchase the pick up:
- 12:00 in front of the Main Hut in Landmannalaugar – Please keep in mind that you need a 4*4 jeep that is permitted to drive on F-roads to drive to Landmannalaugar
What if I don’t own all of these clothing necessaries?
Don’t worry, you can always rent the necessary clothing in the booking process or add it to your booking later either by contacting us (info@adventures.is) or using this link.
What type of transportation is used on this tour? Will there be stops along the way to purchase a lunch?
We use a 4*4 highland bus company to transport us to the amazing Landmannalaugar and yes, we will be making a short restroom break at a roadside shop where you can also purchase a lunch to bring on the tour.
What is the distance and elevation gain?
We hike about 8 km. which is around 4 hours of hiking including a lunch break. The elevation gain is about 4-500 m. going to approx. 890 m. above sea level.
What type of weather can I expect? What should I wear?
First of all, check the weather forecast but keep in mind that the weather in Iceland can be extremely unpredictable, as you may have heard. We have a saying “If you don’t like the weather in Iceland, just wait 15 minutes” which is sometimes disturbingly accurate!
The weather can be anything from sunny to snowy in almost all seasons although snow is rare during summer time but we do suggest you dress accordingly. This means in layers, thermal closest to you and waterproof on top. We’ve prepared a guide to help you get ready for your adventures, check out – How to prepare for hiking and trekking in Iceland.
I would like to meet the group in Landmannalaugar - what kind of vehicle will I need?
You will need a 4*4 jeep to drive the roads to Landmannalaugar. These are rough F-roads and many car rental companies don’t allow you to drive on these roads so be sure to contact them beforehand to make sure it is permitted. These roads take longer to drive so make sure you allow for plenty of time. If you arrive before the group then you are in luck, enjoy the scenery and breathe the fresh highland air – you wont regret spending some extra time in this beautiful area!
What is the group size on the tours?
All of our tours are small group experiences. We have a maximum of 16 participants on the hut tour and 14 participants on the camping tour.
Is there any drinking water along the trail?
Yes, you can fill your water bottles with tap water at the huts/campsites. It’s perfectly safe to drink. There are also a few streams along the way with safe drinking water, just ask your guide.
Are gaiters necessary?
Gaiters are optional but we always recommend that our participants use them. The weather in Iceland can be quite wet so the trails subsequently get wet as well. They are not necessary but being drenched on a hike when conditions are wet and muddy is very unpleasant. Some rain pants have straps at the bottom which serve a similar purpose as gaiters so if you are equipped with those you don’t need both.
Are hiking poles necessary?
Hiking poles are also optional. The choice of using them or not of course depends on your own personal preference. Note that we do recommend hiking poles if you are used to hiking with them.
Disclaimer
All our tours are undertaken on the responsibility of its participants. Arctic Adventures does not assume any responsibility for accidents that are caused by its customers or can be traced to their own actions. Participants have to sign a waiver before undertaking all trips stating that they realize that all outdoor activities carry an inherent risk.
“Day Hike to Landmannalaugar”
Brilliant day had with artic adventures. Both tour guides were informative and sound. Our day tour guide was Inga and she was great. The hike wasn’t too strenuous but unless you have proper gear renting boots and waterproofs is required. It was raining and snowing and the luminous orange overalls I got were more than handy. We also got to bathe in the natural hotspring at the base camp which was handy after the hike! The journey from Reykjavik is about 3.5 hours each way so if I was to go again I would do the multi day tour but for a day trip it is still worth the travelling times as most of it is through the highlands!
