Landmannalaugar: Iceland's Highland Jewel

Landmannalaugar sits at approximately 600m altitude in Iceland’s southern Highlands, where a 1477 CE lava flow dammed the Jökulsgilskvísl river and created a geothermal pool at the edge of the lava field. The landscape around it is unlike anything else in Iceland - bright rhyolite mountains in greens, pinks, yellows, and purples, obsidian lava fields, and the river valley stretching south. It’s the start of the Laugavegur trail - arguably Iceland’s greatest multi-day hike - and a destination in its own right for day hikers.

Getting There

By 4WD (self-drive): Take Route 26 from Route 1 at Hella, then F208 south through the highlands. A river ford is required - depth varies but is often 40–60cm in summer. Only cross in a properly equipped 4WD. Check road.is and gauge conditions before crossing. Allow approximately 3 hours from Reykjavík.

By Highland Bus: Reykjavík Excursions (re.is) runs scheduled buses from the BSÍ terminal in Reykjavík and from Selfoss. Journey time approximately 4–5 hours. Bus approximately ISK 8,900 one way as of 2026. Operates daily in July and August, reduced frequency in June and September.

The Natural Hot Spring

Immediately accessible from the hut and campsite - a geothermal stream mixes with the cold river, creating a natural bathing pool at approximately 38–40°C. The pool is free and open at all times, though it can be crowded midday in peak season. Bathing in the early morning or evening is quieter. The views while bathing - rhyolite mountains on three sides - are spectacular.

Day Hikes from Landmannalaugar

Brennisteinsalda Loop (approximately 3–4 hours, 8km) - The most popular day hike. A circuit around the Brennisteinsalda rhyolite mountain and through sulphurous geothermal areas. Excellent colour views. Moderate difficulty.

Bláhnúkur (approximately 2–3 hours, 6km) - A steep climb to the summit of a black obsidian peak (943m) with views over the entire highland plateau. Steep in places; not dangerous but requires care on loose scree.

Ljótipollur crater lake - An explosion crater lake with vivid red-orange crater walls and a dark teal lake in the bottom, approximately 5km north of Landmannalaugar. Accessible by foot (full day return) or 4WD.

Laugavegur Trail

Landmannalaugar is the northern start of the 55km Laugavegur trail to Þórsmörk - one of the world’s great multi-day treks. The trail passes through highland desert, across rivers, over two mountain passes, and through the Þórsmörk valley. Typically completed in 4 days with huts along the route.

See the dedicated Laugavegur trail article for full route information, hut booking, and gear requirements.

Overnight Stay

The only accommodation at Landmannalaugar is the FÍ mountain hut (sleeping bag dorms) and an open campsite - there are no hotels. The hut fills months in advance for July and August. See the full Landmannalaugar accommodation guide for hut booking details, campsite logistics, and the nearest hotel-standard options at Hella and Selfoss.

The hut café sells basic supplies (soup, snacks, hot drinks) at highland prices - bring most of your food from Selfoss or Hella before heading up the F-road.

Practical Notes

• River crossings on the approach road: always check conditions and do not attempt without experience and a proper vehicle
• Weather changes rapidly in the highlands - bring full waterproofs and warm layers even in summer
• Mobile signal is limited at Landmannalaugar; download maps offline before arriving
• Leave nothing behind - pack out all rubbish; the site is fragile and heavily used

Costs and Budgeting

Day trip from Reykjavík (Highland Bus): Approximately ISK 8,900 one way, ISK 16,500 return. The bus departs BSÍ terminal early morning and returns late afternoon, giving approximately 4–5 hours at Landmannalaugar - enough for the hot spring and one day hike. Total cost for a day trip: approximately ISK 16,500 transport + ISK 2,000–3,000 for snacks/soup at the hut café = ISK 18,500–19,500 per person.

Self-drive (4WD): Fuel from Reykjavík and back approximately ISK 8,000–12,000 depending on vehicle. The advantage is flexibility with timing - you can arrive early and leave late.

For overnight costs (hut dorms and camping), see the dedicated Landmannalaugar accommodation guide.

Hekla Volcano

Route F208 to Landmannalaugar passes within sight of Hekla (1,491m) - one of Iceland’s most active volcanoes, with five eruptions in the 20th century alone. The mountain is visible from much of the highland road on clear days. During the medieval period, Europeans believed Hekla was one of the gates to Hell. The volcano has no current eruption warning (as of 2026), but it is considered overdue - the Icelandic Met Office monitors it continuously.

Climbing Hekla is technically straightforward in summer (approximately 4–5 hours return from the car park at the base), but the eruption risk means it is not officially recommended. Most visitors view it from the road.

Frostastaðavatn Lake

A clear lake approximately 3km south of Landmannalaugar, accessible by a walking trail or the F208 road. The lake sits between dark lava fields and coloured rhyolite hills. It’s a quieter alternative to the main Landmannalaugar area - good for a picnic lunch with mountain views. Free.

What to Bring

The highland weather is unpredictable even in summer. Essential gear for Landmannalaugar:

• Waterproof jacket and trousers (not optional - rain can arrive in minutes)
• Warm layers (temperatures drop significantly in wind, even in July)
• Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support
• Swimwear for the hot spring
• Food and water - the hut café runs out of supplies at peak times
• Offline maps downloaded to your phone - mobile signal is unreliable

Book Laugavegur trek options - guided and self-guided packages with luggage transfers available.

Pre-book Keflavík airport transfers - Flybus and private options for the 45-minute route to Reykjavík.

Compare car hire in Iceland - a 4WD or campervan gives the flexibility to explore at your own pace.

Explore Landmannalaugar Further

• Landmannalaugar day hikes - Full guide to the coloured rhyolite mountain hikes, loop routes, and viewpoint climbs
• Laugavegur trail - The 55km multi-day trek from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk
• City/Landmannalaugar things to do - Practical guide to the highland camp, hot spring, and day activities
• Landmannalaugar vs Þórsmörk - Comparing the two highland endpoints: rhyolite mountains vs glacier valley

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