Reykjavík: Landmannalaugar Hike and the Valley of Tears

Landmannalaugar is where Iceland’s volcanic interior feels most otherworldly: black obsidian lava cuts across mountains streaked with yellow, red, and green. I like the two-hour hike toward Brennisteinsalda, and I like that you still have time afterward for a soak in the natural hot pool. The Valley of Tears adds a fine waterfall stop on the way home.

The catch is the road. You spend many hours in a vehicle, and the F-road is rough enough to make some people queasy. Bus noise, a cramped back seat, or a guide whose microphone is hard to hear can also affect the day, so choose your seat and bring motion-sickness medicine if you need it.

Key points to know before booking

• Landmannalaugar gets more than a quick photo stop: You have over three hours in the area, including an optional guided hike and time for the hot pool.
• Brennisteinsalda explains the colors: Iron, sulphur, quartz, and silica give the rhyolite mountains their bold bands and stains.
• The F-road is part of the adventure: A Super Jeep or high-clearance minibus is needed for this remote route, but the ride is bumpy.
• The Valley of Tears is a strong second act: Sigöldugljúfur has clear waterfalls, ponds, spring-fed streams, cliffs, and colorful plant life.
• The hike is manageable for many beginners: The route is described as easy by several participants, though wind, rain, and uneven ground can change the experience.
• Bring lunch and swim gear: Food and drinks are not included, while a swimsuit, towel, hiking shoes, rain gear, gloves, and warm outdoor clothing are essential.

Why Landmannalaugar is worth the long ride

At $210 per person, this is not a cheap bus outing. It is a full-day trip into an area that is difficult to reach without a four-wheel-drive vehicle, and that access is the main reason the price can make sense.

You leave Reykjavík early, with pickup set around 7:30 AM. The entire day lasts about 11 hours, and roughly four hours are spent on the road in total. That sounds like a lot because it is, but the route breaks up the driving with Hjálparfoss, scenic roadside views, Landmannalaugar, and Sigöldugljúfur.

I would book this trip if you want to see the Iceland Highlands but do not have a suitable vehicle or the confidence to handle remote F-roads yourself. You are paying for transport, a driver who knows the route, a guided walk, and a day in a place that cannot be folded neatly into a standard Golden Circle schedule.

The price is less appealing if your main goal is a long, serious hike. You get about two hours with the guide and more than three hours in the Landmannalaugar area, but this is an introduction rather than a multi-day trekking experience.

The ride from Reykjavík into Iceland’s interior

Pickup is available from selected hotels and Reykjavík bus stops, including City Hall, Miðbakki, Snorrabraut, the Reykjavík Bus Terminal, Hilton Reykjavík Nordica, Storm Hotel, and several other central locations. Be ready at 7:30 AM, but allow up to 30 minutes for the vehicle to arrive.

Keep your phone switched on and connected to mobile data. The operator needs to find you at the correct stop, and missing the pickup could mean missing the tour.

The vehicle is described as a comfortable Super Jeep or high-clearance minibus with Wi-Fi and USB ports. Those are useful touches on a long day, especially when you want to charge your phone for photographs. Still, comfort is not the same as a smooth ride. The road into the Highlands includes rough gravel and F-road sections, with plenty of jolts and engine noise.

Choose a seat away from the very back if you can. The rear can feel cramped, and the bouncing is usually more noticeable there. If you are prone to motion sickness, bring medication that works for you and avoid starting the day without food.

The scenery changes as you move away from Reykjavík. You may pass open farmland, see the terrain shaped by volcanic activity near Hekla, and then reach broad, stark areas where the road itself feels like part of the wilderness. Sheep and horses can occasionally slow progress, and weather can also affect the pace.

Hjálparfoss, a waterfall with a useful name

Hjálparfoss is the first planned stop. The name means Help’s Fall, and the surrounding area is called Hjálp, or help.

That name comes from old highland travel. People crossing the harsh Sprengisandur route between northern and southern Iceland needed grazing for their horses. Reaching the grassy area near Hjálparfoss was a welcome relief after the barren crossing.

The waterfall itself is a two-step cascade dropping into a wide plunge pool. Basalt formations frame the water, giving the stop more character than a simple roadside cascade. You have time for photographs, a short walk, and a chance to stretch your legs before the longer drive.

I like this stop because it gives the day a bit of historical context without requiring a long explanation or strenuous walk. It is not the main reason to book the tour, but it makes a useful opening stop and reminds you that Iceland’s interior was once crossed by people relying on horses and grass, not heated buses and GPS.

Landmannalaugar and the black lava of Laugahraun

Landmannalaugar sits in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve, in Iceland’s southern Highlands. It is famous for hot springs, lava fields, unusual mountains, and hiking routes that look unlike the coastal scenery around Reykjavík.

The colors begin with the rhyolite mountains. Rhyolite contains quartz and silica, while minerals such as iron and sulphur add yellow, red, orange, and green shades. Brennisteinsalda, known as the Sulphur Wave, is one of the clearest examples.

The nearby Laugahraun lava field formed during an eruption in 1477. Its surface is covered with dark, rough volcanic rock and large pieces of obsidian. Obsidian has a smooth look and sharp edges, and its black glassy appearance is often compared with the fictional Dragon Glass from Game of Thrones.

This is not a place where you simply point a camera at one mountain and move on. The colors shift as you walk. Black lava sits below slopes marked by sulphur yellow, while steam from small hot springs adds a faintly strange touch. The combination is the real attraction: geology here is not a plaque beside a path. It is under your boots, in the rocks, and across the hills.

The Brennisteinsalda hike

The guide offers an approximately two-hour walk through the obsidian fields toward Brennisteinsalda. The route is intended as a gentle introduction, and several participants found it suitable even with limited fitness.

That does not mean you should treat it as a city stroll. You will be walking on uneven volcanic ground, and the Highlands can bring rain, wind, and sudden changes in comfort. Hiking shoes matter. So do gloves, a hat, waterproof clothing, and layers that you can add or remove.

One useful feature is choice. You can join the guide, follow another marked route in the area, spend more time taking photographs, or remain near the huts and hot pool. Some people have used the time for a longer walk, while others have chosen a shorter outing because of rain and strong wind.

The guide’s role can make a real difference. Eddi, Eddy, Tomasz, Sarah, Ignacio, Bessi, and other guides have been praised for clear explanations, safe driving, humor, and flexibility. The guide roster changes, so you should not book expecting one particular person unless the operator confirms it.

You can also ask for help with photographs. The guide offers photo assistance during the day, which is handy in a place where the best composition may involve balancing a person against a broad slope of colored rock.

The natural hot pool after the walk

After hiking, you can bathe in Landmannalaugar’s natural hot pool. Bring your swimsuit and towel, because neither is supplied.

The timing is good. A soak gives you a warm, quiet break after the rough road and uneven trail. It also means you can enjoy Landmannalaugar even if poor weather makes hiking less pleasant.

Do not assume the bathing time will feel endless. The group has to stay together and continue to the next stop, and the exact amount of time can shift if people wander or need help finding their way back. If the pool is your top priority, keep track of the meeting time and return promptly.

There are no included meals or drinks, so buy lunch before departure and carry water and snacks in a daypack. One participant specifically advised buying lunch ahead of time. That is sensible, since you should not count on finding a full meal during the Highland portion of the day.

Sigöldugljúfur, the Valley of Tears

Sigöldugljúfur is often called the Valley of Tears, and it may be the day’s most surprising stop. The canyon contains many small spring-fed streams, ponds, clear waterfalls, colorful vegetation, and steep, unusual cliffs.

The water can look strikingly blue, but the appeal is not just one dramatic cascade. It is the number of small falls and channels gathered in one narrow setting. After the stark volcanic ground at Landmannalaugar, the canyon feels like a different kind of Iceland.

You stop for photographs and sightseeing rather than a long hike. That distinction matters. Landmannalaugar is the active walking portion of the day, while the Valley of Tears is mainly a scenic viewpoint stop.

Some people choose this excursion specifically because Sigöldugljúfur is not included on every route to Landmannalaugar. If you have already visited the better-known waterfalls near the coast, this canyon offers a different view of Iceland’s water, fed by springs and moving through cliffs rather than dropping in one huge curtain.

Guides, group size, and the quality of the day

The experience is designed for a small group, which should allow more flexibility than a large coach tour. A good guide can explain why the mountains have different colors, point out volcanic features, adjust the walking pace, and help with photographs.

The strongest guide experiences described for this trip include Eddi, Tomasz, Eddy, Sarah, James, Einar, Bessi, and others. Einar, in particular, has been praised for handling difficult Highland driving, including a flat tire on one outing. That kind of road skill matters more here than polished commentary alone.

Guide quality can vary. A few people found the commentary too quiet or missed explanations because the headset was not used well. If you cannot hear, say so early rather than waiting until the group reaches Landmannalaugar.

The same applies to the hike. Some guides are highly engaged and offer alternatives, while others may walk ahead with less interaction. The scenery remains excellent, but the educational value depends partly on how actively your guide communicates.

The overall rating is 4.8 from 281 reviews, and the most consistent strengths are the scenery, the hot pool, the safe driving, and the chance to reach the Highlands without renting a 4×4. The less consistent points are vehicle noise, bumpy roads, and occasional weak commentary.

Weather, fitness, and what to pack

Icelandic Highland weather can change the feel of the outing completely. In good weather, the hike is easy to enjoy and the colors are clear. In heavy rain and strong wind, you may prefer a shorter walk and more time in the hot pool.

The tour is not suitable for children under 10 or wheelchair users. It is a walking day, but not an extreme mountaineering trip. You should be comfortable on uneven ground and prepared to walk for about two hours.

Pack:

• Hiking shoes with dependable grip
• Waterproof rain gear and warm outdoor layers
• Hat and gloves
• Swimsuit and towel
• Camera and charged phone
• Daypack with lunch, drinks, and snacks

The operator provides Wi-Fi and USB ports, but do not rely on onboard charging as your only power source. A full phone battery helps with navigation to the pickup point and with photographs.

Is the 11-hour day good value at $210?

For a simple waterfall bus ride, $210 would feel steep. For Landmannalaugar, the calculation is different. You are reaching a remote Highland area by a suitable vehicle, traveling with a small group, receiving guided hiking and geological interpretation, and stopping at two additional scenic sites.

The main value is access. Without a 4×4, driving this route yourself is not a practical option. You also avoid the planning burden of route conditions, vehicle requirements, and finding your way through the reserve.

The tradeoff is time. Four hours of road travel is a serious part of an 11-hour day, and the F-road can be tiring. If you dislike rough transport or want a relaxed schedule, this may not be your best choice.

I consider the price fair for a first Highland experience, especially if Landmannalaugar is high on your Iceland list. It is less compelling for someone already planning a longer stay in the Highlands or a multi-day trek with more walking.

Should you book this Landmannalaugar trip?

Book it if you want one demanding but manageable day that combines Iceland’s volcanic interior, a hot spring, and the Valley of Tears. It suits adults and older children who can handle a long ride, basic hiking, and changing weather.

You should also book it if you do not have a 4×4 and want more than a quick view from the roadside. The hike is beginner-friendly for many people, and you can choose how hard to push yourself once you reach Landmannalaugar.

Skip it if long, bumpy drives make you miserable, if you need full wheelchair access, or if your priority is a full-day trek rather than a broad introduction. For everyone else, pack lunch, sit near the front, bring motion-sickness medicine if needed, and protect enough time for both the hike and the hot pool. The road is rough, but the destination earns the effort.

FAQ

How long does the Landmannalaugar tour last?

The experience lasts about 11 hours, including travel from Reykjavík, sightseeing stops, the Landmannalaugar hike and hot pool, and the return journey.

What time is pickup in Reykjavík?

You should be ready at your selected pickup point at 7:30 AM. The minibus may take up to 30 minutes to arrive, depending on the distance from the starting point.

Is pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included from selected hotels and Reykjavík bus stops.

What language is the tour conducted in?

The live guided tour is conducted in English.

How much time do I get at Landmannalaugar?

The tour stays in Landmannalaugar for more than three hours. This includes time for the optional guided hike, independent exploring, photographs, and bathing in the natural pool.

How long is the guided hike?

The guided walk through the Laugahraun obsidian fields toward Brennisteinsalda takes approximately two hours.

Can I skip the hike?

Yes. You can explore at your own pace, choose another trail, relax near the huts, or spend more time at the natural hot pool within the allotted time.

Is swimming included?

You may bathe in the natural hot pool at Landmannalaugar. Bring your own swimsuit and towel.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, so buy lunch before the tour and bring provisions for the day.

Is the tour suitable for children and wheelchair users?

The activity is not suitable for children under 10 years old or wheelchair users. Hiking shoes and outdoor clothing are required for the Highland conditions.