Landmannalaugar Hike & the Valley of Tears from RVK & Selfoss

Landmannalaugar is where Iceland seems to turn up its color dial. Rhyolite mountains shift from rust and gold to green, gray, and rose, while lava fields, rivers, volcanoes, and hot water crowd into one extraordinary corner of the highlands. This full-day trip also reaches the Valley of Tears and Hjálparfoss, so you see far more than one hiking area.

I like the small maximum group of 19, which makes a remote day easier to manage, and I like the mix of hiking and soaking in the natural hot pool. Guides such as Sara, Ignacio, Eddie, Keren, and James have been praised for their driving, humor, geology knowledge, and care on the trail.

The tradeoff is the road. This is a long day, and the final highland stretch includes rough gravel that can be uncomfortable. Facilities and food choices are limited, and the hike includes some steep sections, so you should arrive fit, prepared, and ready for changing weather.

Key points about this Landmannalaugar day

• Colorful rhyolite mountains: Walk among Iceland’s famous multicolored volcanic peaks, lava fields, rivers, and geothermal ground.
• A natural hot pool after the hike: Bring a swimsuit and towel, then change in the bathroom building before soaking.
• Three major stops: Landmannalaugar, Sigoldugljufur, and Hjálparfoss give the day a strong mix of hiking, waterfalls, and highland views.
• Remote roads without a 4WD rental: An experienced driver handles the rough approach that many visitors would rather not tackle in a small rental car.
• A long but useful 11-hour outing: Travel time takes up much of the day, but it lets you reach a difficult-to-access part of Iceland from Reykjavik or Selfoss.
• Weather matters: The trip requires suitable conditions and may be rescheduled or refunded if poor weather prevents operation.

Why Landmannalaugar feels unlike the rest of Iceland

Iceland has no shortage of beautiful places, but Landmannalaugar has a special visual character. Its rhyolite mountains were shaped by volcanic activity, and their mineral colors create broad bands of red, orange, yellow, green, and muted blue-gray. The setting feels rough and open, with giant lava fields, rivers, valleys, and sharp ridges all sharing the same view.

The appeal is not just one famous viewpoint. You keep changing your angle as the trail rises and bends through the mountains. One minute you are looking across volcanic rock, and the next you are beside geothermal water or facing a broad valley cut by rivers.

This is a good choice if you want Iceland beyond the familiar route of waterfalls and black-sand beaches. It is also a sensible way to reach the highlands if you have only a 2WD rental car. The road is demanding enough that an experienced highland driver adds real value, not just convenience.

The long ride from Reykjavik to the highlands

The day begins early, with a listed start time of 7:30 a.m. Pickup arrangements can vary by location, and the operator allows a 30-minute pickup window. In Reykjavik, larger vehicles may use a nearby designated pickup point rather than stopping directly outside every downtown hotel, so keep your phone working and check the exact meeting instructions carefully.

From Selfoss, pickup is also available. The air-conditioned vehicle has Wi-Fi, and transportation, fees, and taxes are included in the $199 price. That price makes the most sense if you value not having to arrange a suitable vehicle, navigate rough roads, or plan several highland stops yourself.

You should still think of this as an expedition-style day rather than a quick excursion. The total duration is about 11 hours, and driving is included in that figure. The ride is broken up by comfort stops, views, and a waterfall stop, but you will spend a substantial amount of time in the vehicle.

The final 24 kilometers have been described as especially rough. Expect gravel, winding roads, and jolts. The scenery helps, but this is not the right outing if you need a smooth coach ride or dislike long transfers.

Hiking through Landmannalaugar’s colored mountains

Landmannalaugar is the heart of the day. The walking portion generally lasts around one and a half to just over two hours, depending on the route and group pace. Guides lead the way, explain the geology and local setting, and keep the group together where needed.

The trail is manageable for an active person, but do not treat it as a flat stroll. Some sections are steep, and weather can change quickly. Strong wind, rain, snow, and sun can all appear in one outing, even during a season that began pleasantly.

You will want sturdy walking shoes, warm layers, waterproof clothing, and water. A swimsuit and towel belong in your day bag, not buried in the luggage, since the hot pool comes after the hike.

The pace can vary by guide and by group. Some visitors appreciated an easy pace with frequent photo stops, while others found the hike brisk and wished for more water breaks. If you are older or less conditioned, be honest about your fitness before booking. An active family with children aged 10 to 15 completed the hike, but the route still calls for sensible preparation.

One useful feature is the possibility of choosing a shorter walk. At one point, some people can continue on an orange loop while others return earlier for more time at the hot pool. This gives the group some flexibility, though faster walkers may still feel they could use additional independent hiking time.

The hot pool is more than a footnote

The geothermal bath is one of the day’s best rewards. Hot water flows into a natural pool, creating a warm place to soak while cold highland air moves around you. It is a simple, memorable Iceland experience, especially after walking over volcanic ground.

There are no changing rooms directly beside the pool. Plan to change in the bathroom building before heading to the water. The pool area is not a polished spa, and the wind can be chilly when you climb out, but that is part of the setting. Bring a towel, swimsuit, and something warm to put on immediately afterward.

Time at the pool may be limited by the route, traffic, and the need to reach the later stops. If soaking is your main reason for booking, understand that this is a hiking and sightseeing tour with a hot spring included, not a dedicated bathing trip. A longer version of the day would allow more time in the water, but the current schedule aims to fit several major sights into one outing.

Sigoldugljufur and the Valley of Tears

The Valley of Tears adds a different mood to the day. Instead of Landmannalaugar’s colored peaks and geothermal activity, you get a series of waterfalls, rivers, and open highland views. The sight is especially striking when water runs through the rugged valley in several cascades.

This stop is a strong reason to choose this tour over a simple Landmannalaugar transfer. You are not only dropped at the trailhead and sent back. The route includes another dramatic piece of Iceland’s interior, and the changing scenery helps break up the return journey.

Sigoldugljufur is known for its water-cut gorge and bright highland setting. Together with the Valley of Tears, it gives you more variety: narrow channels, falls, rivers, and broad views instead of one repeated mountain scene.

The exact amount of time at each stop can feel tight. The group must stay on schedule, and some people would happily trade a shorter stop elsewhere for more time hiking or soaking. Still, the broad range of sights is part of the tour’s value.

Hjálparfoss, a worthwhile bonus stop

Hjálparfoss is a two-stream waterfall where water drops into a broad pool surrounded by dark volcanic rock. It is a fitting stop on a day centered on rivers and volcanic terrain, and it provides an easier sightseeing break after the rougher highland roads.

The waterfall is also practical. A short comfort stop here can give you time to stretch, use facilities, and take photographs without adding another major hike. It helps make the long drive feel less relentless.

Do not expect every stop to receive the same amount of time. This is a packed day, and the guide has to balance road conditions, walking pace, weather, and the advertised route. The reward is seeing Landmannalaugar, Sigoldugljufur, the Valley of Tears, and Hjálparfoss in one trip.

Guides, driving, and the small-group advantage

The guide can make a real difference on this outing. Sara has been praised for being funny, engaging, and informative. Ignacio earned strong marks for prompt handling of the day, upbeat explanations, and careful timing. Eddie was singled out for his guiding, while Keren was described as both funny and well informed. James has been praised as a capable driver and guide.

Those names may not be assigned to your departure, but they show the range of service you can expect from the guiding team. On this route, driving skill matters. The rough road is not a place for unnecessary speed or uncertainty, and a careful driver helps you relax and focus on the scenery.

The group limit of 19 is another plus. It is not a private tour, but it is more personal than a large bus excursion. Guides can explain the geology, set a meeting time, and adjust the walking plan more easily with a smaller group.

There is one point to keep in mind: commentary during the long drives may vary. Some guides fill the road sections with information about Iceland, while others allow more quiet time or music. If you want constant explanation, ask questions. The highland setting gives you plenty to talk about.

Food, bathrooms, and what to pack

Lunch is not included. You can buy snacks at some points, but the selection at Landmannalaugar may be limited and unappealing. I would bring a proper packed lunch, snacks, and a refillable water bottle.

Facilities are limited in the highlands. Comfort stops are built into the day, and water bottles can be refilled at the base of the hike, but you should not assume a bathroom will be available whenever you want one. Use facilities during the planned breaks.

Pack for a day that can shift from warm sunshine to cold rain:

• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Warm layers
• Sturdy hiking shoes
• Swimsuit and towel
• Packed lunch and snacks
• Refillable water bottle
• Phone or camera with enough battery
• Dry clothes for after the hot pool

The vehicle is air-conditioned and has Wi-Fi, but Wi-Fi does not change the basic nature of the outing. You are heading into a remote area, so practical clothing and food matter more than onboard comforts.

Is $199 good value?

At $199 per person, this is not the cheapest Iceland day trip. It can still be good value because the price covers transport from Reykjavik or Selfoss, an air-conditioned vehicle, Wi-Fi, taxes, and fees. More important, it gives you access to a part of Iceland that is difficult to reach in an ordinary rental car.

A self-drive alternative would require the right vehicle, confidence on rough roads, fuel, route planning, and responsibility for changing conditions. You would also need to fit the waterfall stops and hot pool into your own schedule. For many people, the guided option is worth paying for simply to avoid those concerns.

The value is weaker if you want a slow, private day or a long soak. You are paying for range and access, not for an unhurried schedule. Faster walkers may wish for more time on the trails, and several people would happily extend the day to spend longer in the water.

Who should book this highland outing?

I would recommend it to active visitors who want a dramatic day outside Reykjavik and do not have a suitable 4WD vehicle. It works well for couples, small groups, and families with older children who can handle a moderately demanding hike and a long road day.

It is especially good for you if:

• You want colorful volcanic mountains rather than only coastal sights.
• You enjoy hiking but do not need a full multi-day trek.
• You want to combine a trail, waterfalls, and a hot spring.
• You prefer a guide and driver for difficult highland roads.
• You can handle changing weather and a bumpy ride.

I would think twice if you have limited mobility, dislike uneven or steep paths, or want generous time at each stop. Most people can participate, but the terrain and weather deserve respect. This is an adventure day, not a gentle sightseeing loop.

Booking, cancellation, and final advice

The tour is offered in English, uses mobile tickets, and has free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund. The operator may also cancel for poor weather or if the minimum number of participants is not reached, offering another date, another experience, or a full refund.

I would book this tour if Landmannalaugar is high on your Iceland wish list and you want to see it without renting a highland-ready vehicle. The combination of colorful mountains, the Valley of Tears, Sigoldugljufur, Hjálparfoss, and a geothermal soak gives you a lot for one day.

Book it with realistic expectations: bring lunch, expect a rough final drive, pack for rain and wind, and do not count on a long, leisurely bath. If those conditions sound acceptable, this is one of the strongest ways to reach Iceland’s remote interior from Reykjavik or Selfoss.

FAQ

How long is the Landmannalaugar tour?

The advertised duration is approximately 11 hours, including travel time.

What time does pickup begin?

The listed start time is 7:30 a.m. Pickup uses a 30-minute window, and the bus may arrive up to 30 minutes after pickup begins. Check your exact pickup instructions before departure.

Can I be picked up in Selfoss?

Yes. Pickup is available in Selfoss as well as Reykjavik.

Is transportation included?

Yes. Round-trip transportation is provided in an air-conditioned vehicle. Wi-Fi is also available on the bus.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, so bring a packed meal and snacks. Food may be available for purchase, but choices at Landmannalaugar can be limited.

Should I bring a swimsuit and towel?

Yes. The tour includes time at a natural geothermal hot pool, and you should bring both a swimsuit and towel.

How many people can join the group?

The tour has a maximum of 19 participants.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded. If poor weather or insufficient bookings cancel the tour, you will be offered another date, another experience, or a full refund.