From Reykjavik: Landmannalaugar & Háifoss Waterfall Tour

The best part of this trip is the sudden change from ordinary Iceland road scenery to the wild interior of the highlands. After rough tracks, open desert, volcanic craters, and broad views, you reach Landmannalaugar, where red, yellow, green, and black hills gather around a geothermal valley. It feels far removed from Reykjavík, and reaching it without driving mountain roads yourself is a major advantage.

I like two things especially. First, the four-hour stay at Landmannalaugar gives you time for both the 1.5 to 2-hour Lauga-loop hike and a soak in the hot pool. Second, the route includes several strong stops, including Hnausapollur, Háifoss, Granni, and Hjálparfoss, so the long drive delivers more than one headline sight. The main drawback is the day’s length. The advertised duration is 13 hours, but road conditions, pickup delays, and vehicle trouble can make the day longer. The van may also feel cramped when full.

Key points to know before booking

• Landmannalaugar combines a moderate hike and a natural hot pool: You can walk through lava fields and colorful rhyolite hills, then bathe in geothermal water.
• The route reaches places that are awkward to visit independently: Highland roads can be rough, and the trip includes river crossings and remote tracks.
• Hnausapollur is a striking early stop: Its turquoise water contrasts sharply with the dark volcanic ground around it.
• Háifoss is only one of several waterfalls: You also see Granni and Hjálparfoss, with additional stops depending on conditions and the guide.
• Guides are a major part of the experience: Ottar, Beggi, Kalman, HBO, Siggi, Petur, Karla, and Anna have all been praised for clear explanations, careful driving, humor, and flexibility.
• Bring lunch, swimwear, a towel, and serious outdoor clothing: Food is not provided, and Icelandic weather can turn quickly even in summer.

Why Landmannalaugar is worth the long ride

Landmannalaugar is often called the pearl of Iceland’s highlands, and the name makes sense once you see the color range. Rhyolite, a volcanic rock formed from slowly cooled lava, gives the hills shades of red, orange, cream, green, and yellow. Dark obsidian appears in sharp black patches, while old lava flows make the walking route feel rough and otherworldly.

You do not simply arrive, take one photograph, and leave. The schedule allows about four hours in the area. That is enough time to walk the Lauga loop, pause for photographs, eat your packed food, and use the geothermal pool afterward.

The hike is described as easy to moderate, but you should take the word moderate seriously. It covers roughly two hours, and one past participant estimated the full route at about six kilometers. The path passes lava fields, obsidian formations, colorful hills, steaming ground, and the foothills of Bláknúkur mountain. Some sections can be uneven, especially in poor weather.

You do not need to be a serious mountain hiker, but you should be comfortable walking for several hours on rough ground. Good hiking shoes matter more here than fashionable waterproof boots. Bring layers, gloves, and a rain shell, even if Reykjavík is sunny when you leave. Snow flurries have occurred in August, and wet weather can make the trail harder.

The highland road is part of the experience

The journey from Reykjavík is long, but it is not empty time. The road gradually leaves the settled southwest behind and reaches more isolated country. You pass through wide, dark volcanic areas and approach tracks where a normal rental car would not be suitable.

The route can include rough driving and river crossings. That is one reason this tour has real value at $226 per person. You are paying not only for a guide and transport, but also for access to a region where navigation, road conditions, and vehicle suitability matter. Several guides, including Kalman, HBO, and Beggi, have been praised for safe driving and for making the long ride informative.

The vehicle is the practical weak point. When all seats are filled, the van can feel cramped, particularly in the back row. One trip also experienced a breakdown that caused a four-hour delay and a return to Reykjavík around 1 a.m. That is not a normal part of the schedule, but it is a useful reminder that remote Iceland trips have more mechanical and weather risk than a short city excursion.

The guide can make a large difference during these hours. Past guides have filled the ride with Icelandic music, stories about Viking times, local customs, trolls, and everyday life. You may also get extra stops if road conditions and timing allow. The schedule is fixed enough to cover the main sights, but guides have sometimes added places such as Sigöldugljúfur, Gjáin, Tear Canyon, or another lake and waterfall.

Hnausapollur gives you an early taste of the highlands

Hnausapollur is an ancient volcanic crater filled with turquoise water. The color looks almost artificial against the brown and black volcanic ground, but it comes from the crater lake and the surrounding geology.

The planned stop is short, around 10 minutes, so this is mainly a photograph and viewpoint stop rather than a walk. Keep your camera ready, but do not expect much time to explore on foot. Its position early in the route is useful because it shows you the region’s volcanic character before you reach Landmannalaugar itself.

You also stop at Frostastaðavatn, another highland lake with a brief viewing period. It adds variety to the route and gives you a chance to see the open terrain from another angle. These stops are especially worthwhile in clear weather, though the area can still look dramatic under cloud and mist.

The Lauga loop shows Landmannalaugar at walking speed

The guided hike is the heart of the day. From the vehicle, you see the broad colors of the highlands. On foot, you notice the smaller details: black obsidian fragments, changing rock colors, steaming patches, and the way the trail moves between lava and mountain foothills.

The Lauga loop takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. The guide walks with the group and explains the volcanic rocks and hot springs. Ottar has been praised for accompanying the group toward the summit area and explaining the geology along the way. Other guides, including Beggi, Kalman, HBO, and Petur, have been noted for keeping the walk friendly and well paced.

The route is not a technical climb, but it is not a flat park path. Wind, rain, snow, and wet ground can change the effort required. You should be able to walk steadily for several hours and manage uneven surfaces without mobility assistance. The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or children under eight.

Plan your food carefully. Food and drinks are not included, and the timing of the meal stop may not be obvious at first. One useful approach is to pack a substantial lunch and carry water in an accessible place, rather than burying it in the luggage. There is a break at the Highland Center Hrauneyjar earlier in the day, but do not count on buying a full meal there.

The hot pool is a reward, not a spa

After hiking, you can bathe in the geothermal pool at Landmannalaugar. This is one of the tour’s most appealing features because it turns the walk into a complete highland outing. You hike through cool air and rough volcanic ground, then sit in naturally warm water with the hills around you.

Bring swimwear and a towel. Do not expect the setup of a commercial spa. There are no changing rooms or lockers at the hot pool site, according to practical trip feedback, so pack with modesty and convenience in mind. A small waterproof bag for essentials is useful, though you should only bring what you can manage safely.

The pool is refreshing rather than luxurious. If the weather is wet or cold, the warmth feels especially welcome. You should still allow time to dry off and put on warm layers before returning to the vehicle. The bus ride back is long, and sitting in damp swimwear would make an already tiring day much less comfortable.

Háifoss and the waterfall stops add scale

Háifoss is one of Iceland’s highest waterfalls, dropping in a powerful stream through a steep gorge. Nearby Granni creates a double-waterfall scene, making this stop more than a single viewpoint. The setting is broad and severe, with cliffs and open ground that show how water cuts through the volcanic terrain.

The planned visit lasts about 20 minutes. That gives you time to take photographs and look from the viewpoint, but it is not a long hike. You should stay aware of wind and footing near any exposed edge. The stop is best treated as a viewpoint visit rather than an extended walk.

Hjálparfoss appears elsewhere on the route, often as a calmer contrast. It is set among lava formations and tends to feel more enclosed and peaceful than Háifoss. The combination works well: Háifoss provides height and force, while Hjálparfoss gives you a lower, more intimate waterfall setting.

The exact order can vary with road conditions and the guide’s decisions. Some trips have included extra waterfalls or valleys. That flexibility is useful, but you should not book this tour expecting every additional stop mentioned by another person. The dependable core is Landmannalaugar, Hnausapollur, Frostastaðavatn, the waterfall stops, and the highland drive.

A closer look at the timing and transport

The schedule includes several long driving sections:

• About 105 minutes at the start
• A 10-minute break at the Highland Center Hrauneyjar
• Shorter highland transfers between Hnausapollur, Frostastaðavatn, and Landmannalaugar
• About 30 minutes from Landmannalaugar to the Fjallabak Nature Reserve
• About 40 minutes to Háifoss
• Around 80 minutes to Selfoss
• About an hour from Selfoss back to Reykjavík

This adds up to a very full day. Pickup may take up to 30 minutes, and the return includes several Reykjavík drop-off points. You should avoid booking an evening activity that cannot tolerate delay.

The tour meets at Tour Bus Stop 12, Höfðatorg, on Þórunnartún, with optional pickup arrangements depending on the selected option. Wi-Fi is included on board, though you should not rely on internet access as a substitute for downloaded maps or entertainment. The guide speaks English.

At $226, I consider the price fair for someone who wants Landmannalaugar without renting a suitable highland vehicle. A self-drive trip would require a proper 4×4, confidence on rough roads, careful route planning, and responsibility for weather and river conditions. This tour also includes guiding, facility fees, Wi-Fi, and several major stops.

The value is weaker if you dislike long bus rides or prefer to set your own pace. Four hours at Landmannalaugar sounds generous, but the journey consumes most of the day. You are buying access and convenience, not a relaxed small-distance outing.

Who should book this highland day trip

I would choose this tour if you have a strong interest in volcanic geology, dramatic scenery, and remote parts of Iceland. It suits you if you want a guided hike but do not want to drive highland roads yourself. It is also a good pick if a hot spring, waterfalls, crater lakes, and mountain colors sound more appealing than another standard Golden Circle stop.

You should think twice if you have limited walking ability, dislike rough roads, or need a firm return time. The vehicle may feel tight, and the day can run beyond its stated length. Families should note the minimum age of eight, while anyone with mobility limits should choose a different outing.

The guide can shape the mood of the entire day. Ottar, Beggi, Kalman, HBO, Siggi, Petur, Karla, and Anna have been praised for warmth, humor, local stories, route knowledge, and careful driving. Guide assignments can change, so you cannot select a particular person when booking, but the repeated strength of the guiding is a good sign.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if Landmannalaugar is high on your Iceland list and you want a practical way to reach it from Reykjavík. The colorful hills, obsidian, lava fields, hot pool, crater lake, and waterfalls make this a much fuller day than a simple viewpoint tour.

Skip it if you want a short, gentle excursion or if a cramped vehicle and possible delays would spoil your holiday. For the right person, the long ride is the price of admission to Iceland’s remote interior, and $226 is reasonable for the access, transport, guide, and variety packed into one demanding day.

FAQ

How long is the Landmannalaugar and Háifoss tour?

The advertised duration is 13 hours. Pickup can take up to 30 minutes, and road, weather, traffic, or vehicle problems may make the day longer.

Where does the tour meet in Reykjavík?

The meeting point is Tour Bus Stop 12, Höfðatorg, on Þórunnartún. Pickup may be available depending on the option you select.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included as standard. The tour has multiple Reykjavík drop-off locations, including bus stops, hotels, the BSÍ Bus Terminal, and the cruise terminal.

How difficult is the hike at Landmannalaugar?

The hike is described as moderate and takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. The route includes lava fields, uneven ground, rhyolite hills, obsidian formations, and foothills near Bláknúkur.

Can I swim in a hot spring?

Yes. You have the opportunity to bathe in the geothermal pool at Landmannalaugar after the hike.

What should I bring for the hot spring?

Bring swimwear and a towel. There are no changing rooms or lockers at the hot pool site, so keep your belongings manageable.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. Bring lunch, snacks, and water for the long day.

Is the tour suitable for children?

The tour is not suitable for children under eight years old. The hike is moderate, and the day includes long periods in a vehicle.

What happens if I need to cancel?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.