Landmannalaugar Hiking, Haifoss Waterfall and Hot Springs Tour

Landmannalaugar is the main event here, a remote highland area of rhyolite hills, lava fields, and steaming pools that is difficult to reach without a capable driver. This 13-hour outing adds Háifoss, Iceland’s fourth-highest waterfall, plus two other striking stops along the way.

I like the small maximum group of 15, which makes a guided walk easier to manage, and I like the generous 3.5 hours at Landmannalaugar for hiking and bathing. The trade-off is the long day on rough F-roads, and the company has had serious transport delays and breakdowns, so this is not the trip for a tightly packed schedule.

Key points to know before booking

• Háifoss is a special inclusion: This 122-meter waterfall is rarely paired with Landmannalaugar on a standard day trip.
• Landmannalaugar gets most of the day: You have about 3.5 hours for an easy guided hike, free time, and the natural hot springs.
• The ride is built for the highlands: A professional driver handles difficult unpaved roads while you focus on the scenery.
• The group is capped at 15: That is a useful size for keeping a hiking group together without feeling like a crowd.
• Bring your own food and water: Lunch, bottled water, and dinner are not included.
• Weather and road access matter: The tour can be moved or canceled when conditions make the highlands unsafe.

Why Landmannalaugar is worth the long ride

Landmannalaugar feels far removed from Reykjavik. The route takes you into Iceland’s central highlands, where the scenery changes from open countryside to volcanic terrain marked by lava, colored hills, and geothermal steam.

The hills here are made of rhyolite, a volcanic rock that can show unusual shades across the slopes. Add black lava fields and patches of steam, and you get scenery that feels very different from Iceland’s coastal waterfalls and beaches.

The tour gives you 3.5 hours in this area. That matters. Some highland excursions allow only a quick photograph and a short walk, but this schedule leaves room to hike at an easy pace, pause for views, eat lunch, and use the hot springs before returning to Reykjavik.

The guided walk is described as easy, but you still need to be comfortable walking over uneven volcanic ground. The route can include rocky surfaces and changing weather. One review describes a 90-minute hike that reached the summit of Laugavegur, followed by lunch and more than an hour in the hot spring. Your exact walk can vary with the guide, weather, and conditions.

Háifoss is the waterfall highlight

Háifoss rises 122 meters above the countryside, making it one of the most dramatic waterfall stops near the route. The name means High Waterfall, and the setting gives you more than a single falling stream. Nearby Granni adds a second major cascade to the view.

You have about 30 minutes here. That is enough to reach the viewpoint, take photographs, and study the surrounding gorge, but it is not a long hike or a relaxed picnic stop.

I especially like this part of the plan because Háifoss gives the day a strong opening payoff. Landmannalaugar is the reason to book, but Háifoss is a serious attraction in its own right. The tour provider describes this as the only day tour visiting Háifoss, though availability and route conditions can change.

The access road is part of the experience and part of the caution. The rough route toward the highlands can make driving slow. A guide who knows the road is valuable here, and several guides have been praised for smooth driving and handling difficult unpaved sections.

Hjálparfoss and the turquoise pool

Hjálparfoss is a smaller stop, but it has a distinctive setting. Two rivers meet at the waterfall, which drops into a pool surrounded by dark basalt formations.

The pool is noted for its turquoise color. Against the black volcanic rock, that water can make a strong photograph even on a short visit.

You get about 20 minutes here, with no admission fee. Think of it as a compact scenic pause rather than a major walk. It breaks up the drive and gives you a close look at Iceland’s volcanic geology before the longer stops.

The contrast with Háifoss is useful. Háifoss gives you height and a wide rural setting. Hjálparfoss gives you rock formations, flowing water, and a tighter viewpoint. Together they show two different styles of Icelandic waterfall scenery.

Bláhylur, a crater lake with a volcanic past

Bláhylur is a volcanic crater lake formed about 1,200 years ago during a major eruption involving two nearby volcanoes. The lake adds a quiet pause to a day otherwise filled with roads, waterfalls, and hiking.

You have about 30 minutes here. The stop is mainly about the view and the story of how the crater formed. It is a good reminder that Iceland’s scenery is not just pretty, it is the result of active volcanic forces over a relatively short span of time.

The visit also helps break up the long drive into Landmannalaugar. This tour covers a lot of ground, and stops like Bláhylur keep the day from becoming one continuous stretch of bus travel.

The natural hot springs at Landmannalaugar

The hot springs are one of the tour’s best practical touches. After walking over volcanic ground, you can rest in naturally heated water before the return journey.

Bring a swimsuit and a towel if you plan to bathe. The tour description confirms the hot spring visit, but it does not list towels or bathing equipment among the inclusions. Lunch and bottled water are also not included, so pack both before departure.

The bathing time is not a rushed add-on. The schedule allows 3.5 hours at Landmannalaugar, and one account describes spending more than an hour in the water after lunch. That gives you flexibility: hike first, eat, then soak, or adjust the order with your guide.

The hot spring is not a substitute for the hike. The real appeal is the combination of geothermal water and highland scenery. You can finish your walk, sit in warm water, and look back at the volcanic setting around you. That is a far better use of a long drive than simply arriving, taking one photograph, and leaving.

What the 13-hour day feels like

The meeting point is Bus Stop 12 at Höfðatorg, Þórunnartún 6, in Reykjavik. Departure is at 7:00 am, and the tour returns to the same meeting point.

This is a full day from start to finish. The highlands are remote, and the journey can involve roughly six hours of driving in total, with a substantial portion on bumpy F-roads. If you dislike long rides, this may feel like too much time in a vehicle.

For me, the driving is justified by the destination, but only if you treat the road as part of the outing rather than an inconvenience between attractions. You will want a seat where you can see out, a charged phone, and enough food and water for the day. WiFi is listed on board, though reception in remote areas can vary.

The vehicle is described as spacious, air-conditioned, and suited to the trip. The group limit of 15 is a real advantage. It can make stops less chaotic, help the guide keep everyone together, and give you a better chance to ask questions.

Guides can make or break the day

The tour uses different guides, so your exact experience depends on the person leading the departure. HBO was praised for giving clear information about the sites, Icelandic settlement, and geology, while also allowing time for independent exploration.

Roman was praised for keeping a large group together and making sure people saw the best viewpoints. Tom was described as both a strong driver and an attentive guide, and guides Sarah and Beggi were credited with keeping morale high during serious transport problems.

Those details matter because this is not a simple city sightseeing ride. The guide must explain the geology, manage a walk, judge timing, and handle rough roads. A good guide knows when to talk and when to give you quiet time.

The strongest praise is directed at the guides’ care, driving ability, and knowledge of the route. Several accounts describe guides helping with the hike, watching the group, and adjusting the day when problems arose.

The important warning: transport reliability

I would not book this tour without understanding its operational risks. Several serious incidents involved delayed departures, bus breakdowns, or long waits for replacement transport.

One departure began 45 minutes late because the assigned bus was unavailable and a driver had called in sick. In another case, a bus developed a tire problem on the route, followed by a breakdown and a wait of roughly six hours for a replacement vehicle. Another departure involved a five-and-a-half-hour wait after a breakdown on the return from Landmannalaugar.

There was also a cancellation dispute in which people said they waited in cold conditions without receiving the notice. The company stated that cancellation messages are sent by email, then followed by a phone call and text if needed. Another booking was moved several days before departure because of highland access and safety concerns.

These are not minor annoyances on a 13-hour tour. A breakdown can remove much of the hiking and waterfall schedule. It can also leave you returning much later than planned.

The positive side is that the guides appear to have worked hard when problems occurred. Sarah arranged help with park rangers and tried to salvage part of the day. Beggi kept the group’s spirits up during a long wait. That does not excuse poor vehicle preparation, but it helps explain why some ratings remain high despite company-level failures.

My advice is simple: do not schedule a flight, special dinner, or another fixed activity immediately after this tour. Confirm your phone number and email when booking, check your spam folder, and monitor messages before departure. Weather and highland road conditions can change quickly.

Is the $227 price fair?

At $227 per person, this is not a cheap bus ride. The value comes from combining several difficult-to-reach places in one day: Hjálparfoss, Háifoss, Bláhylur, and Landmannalaugar.

You are also paying for a driver who can handle rough highland roads, a guide-led hike, vehicle transport, WiFi, and included fees and taxes. Doing this independently would require your own transport and confidence on the route, and some roads may not be practical for a standard rental car.

The price makes the most sense if Háifoss matters to you and you want Landmannalaugar without arranging a highland vehicle yourself. It makes less sense if you mainly want a quick Landmannalaugar visit or prefer slow, flexible exploration.

Since lunch, water, and dinner are extra, add those costs yourself. The tour does not include accommodation or any overnight stay. You return to the Reykjavik meeting point the same day.

Who should book this highland excursion?

I would recommend it to you if you want a broad taste of Iceland’s interior in one demanding day. It suits hikers who enjoy an easy walk, photographers looking for volcanic scenery, and first-time visitors who do not want to manage highland driving.

The tour also suits people who value a small group and a guide who can explain what they are seeing. Most travelers can participate, but the walk still requires basic comfort on uneven ground and the ability to spend a long day in a vehicle.

I would think twice if you need a predictable schedule. The road is rough, weather can close access, and past vehicle problems caused major delays. You should also avoid it if you want a strenuous full-day hike, since the walking portion is described as easy and includes time for the hot springs.

Booking details worth keeping handy

Confirmation is provided at booking. Pickup is offered from select Reykjavik hotels, but the stated meeting point is Bus Stop 12 at Höfðatorg, and the activity ends there.

The group maximum is 15 people. The tour is offered in English and includes a mobile ticket.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted, and late cancellations are not refunded. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you should be offered another date or a full refund.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want Landmannalaugar, Háifoss, and a natural hot spring in one ambitious day, and you value having an experienced driver on the F-roads. The scenery is exceptional, the itinerary is unusually full, and the 3.5-hour stay in Landmannalaugar gives you time to hike rather than simply pose for a photo.

I would book with two conditions. First, keep your schedule open after the tour. Second, go prepared with food, water, swimwear, and patience for a long ride.

The guides appear to be the strongest part of the operation, while vehicle reliability and cancellation communication are the main concerns. If those risks fit your plans, this is a memorable way to reach Iceland’s interior. If you need total punctuality, choose a shorter excursion closer to Reykjavik.

FAQ

How long is the Landmannalaugar and Háifoss tour?

The tour lasts about 13 hours. It starts at 7:00 am and ends back at Bus Stop 12 in Reykjavik.

Where does the tour begin and end?

The stated meeting point is Bus Stop 12 Höfðatorg, Þórunnartún 6, 105 Reykjavik. The activity ends at the same meeting point.

How much time is spent at Landmannalaugar?

The scheduled time at Landmannalaugar is about 3 hours and 30 minutes. This includes an easy guided hike, time to explore, and a chance to use the natural hot springs.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch, bottled water, and dinner are not included, so you should bring food and water for the full-day outing.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 15 travelers.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

The experience requires good weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Cancellations and changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund.