Things to Do at Landmannalaugar Iceland: Hiking and Hot Springs

Landmannalaugar sits in Iceland’s Central Highlands at around 600m elevation, surrounded by some of the most dramatic terrain in the country. Lava fields from a 1477 eruption run right up to a valley where geothermal water heats a natural bathing river, and the ridgelines above are striped in green, red, yellow, and purple — rhyolite volcanic rock that weathers into a colour palette unlike anything else in Iceland.

It’s a summer-only destination. The F-roads close in late September or October and typically reopen in late June, depending on snowmelt and conditions. The highland hut operates from late June through early September. Outside those dates, Landmannalaugar is inaccessible by road.

Natural Hot Springs

The geothermal springs are the focal point of the valley and the first thing most visitors head for. A shallow river fed by hot spring water mixes with the cold river, creating a pool that sits at a comfortable bathing temperature — roughly 35–40°C depending on where you stand. Entry is free. The springs can be busy from late morning through the afternoon in peak season. Going early in the morning (before 8am) or late in the evening means far fewer people and, in mid-June to mid-July, still several hours of light.

There are no changing facilities at the springs themselves — the hut nearby has basic toilets.

Brennisteinsalda Hike

One of the standard day hikes from Landmannalaugar. The Brennisteinsalda route (approximately 5km return, 3–4 hours) climbs the flanks of the Brennisteinsalda volcano, whose name translates as “Sulphur Wave.” The mountain is one of the most colourful in the rhyolite range — greenish-yellow sulphur deposits over red and ochre rock, with steaming vents near the summit. The route is marked and moderately strenuous. No entry fee; no guide required, though a map or the Landmannalaugar hiking map (available at the hut) is useful.

Bláhnjúkur Hike

A slightly longer route (approximately 5.5km return, 4 hours) that climbs Bláhnjúkur (“Blue Peak”) to around 943m. The summit views extend across the lava fields, the rhyolite range, and on clear days to Hekla and the southern plains. The descent on the far side passes through the lava field. Marked trail; no entry fee.

Laugavegur Trail — Start Point

Landmannalaugar is the northern start point of the Laugavegur Trail, one of Iceland’s best multi-day hikes. The full trail is 55km to Þórsmörk and typically takes 4 days, with mountain huts spaced 12–18km apart. Hut bookings are made through Ferðafélag Íslands at fi.is — demand for peak summer slots (July–August) is very high. Hut bookings open in January and the most popular dates sell out quickly.

Hut accommodation costs approximately ISK 7,500 per person per night as of 2026. Camping beside the huts costs approximately ISK 2,500 per person per night. The trail passes through dramatically varied terrain — lava, geothermal areas, obsidian fields, river crossings, and the glacial valley at Þórsmörk.

Lava Fields from the 1477 Eruption

The lava field that fills the valley floor around Landmannalaugar was produced by an eruption in 1477 from the Veiðivötn fissure system. The cooled lava surface is rough and angular — rough enough to shred tent material, which is why camping on gravel rather than directly on lava is strongly advised. Walking across the lava field is possible and free; allow 30–60 minutes to cross from the hut to the far edge. The surface is uneven — ankle support matters.

Guided Day Tours from Reykjavík

If you don’t have a 4WD rental, guided day tours from Reykjavík are the most practical option. Tours depart BSÍ bus terminal (or with hotel pickup, depending on the operator), drive the F-roads in purpose-built highland buses, and give you 3–4 hours in the valley. Prices from approximately ISK 19,000–25,000 per person as of 2026. Operators include Reykjavík Excursions, Gray Line Iceland, and several smaller companies.

Staying at Landmannalaugar

The Ferðafélag Íslands (FÍ) highland hut at Landmannalaugar accommodates around 75 people in sleeping bag spaces. Showers and meals are available. Booking is required — open through fi.is from January for the following summer season. Alongside the hut, there are designated camping areas costing approximately ISK 2,500 per person per night as of 2026.

There is no accommodation in Landmannalaugar itself — it’s a highland wilderness area. The nearest town with hotels is Hella (approximately 1.5 hours south on the F-road/road combination), or Reykjavík for a wider range of options.