Landmannalaugar Hike & the Valley of Tears from RVK & Selfoss

Landmannalaugar is the main event here: a wild highlands area of colorful rhyolite mountains, lava fields, rivers, and steaming ground that is hard to reach in a normal rental car. The route also adds the Valley of Tears, a chain of waterfalls and steep ravines, plus Hjálparfoss, a graceful waterfall near the end of the day.

I like two things especially. First, the guide handles the rough highland roads, so you can enjoy the scenery instead of worrying about a 2WD rental car, a tire, or a wrong turn. Second, you get a proper hike and a natural hot spring, not just a quick roadside photo. The drawback is simple: this is a long 11-hour day, with a rough final stretch of road, limited food and bathroom access, and only so much time at each stop.

Key points before you book

• Colorful Landmannalaugar hike: Expect rhyolite mountains, lava fields, rivers, and changing weather on a hike of roughly 1.5 to just over 2 hours.
• Natural hot pool finish: Bring a swimsuit and towel. The hot spring is scenic and relaxing, but changing rooms are not located directly beside the pool.
• Highlands driving included: The air-conditioned vehicle and experienced driver save you from tackling rough gravel roads in a standard 2WD car.
• Three strong sightseeing stops: The day includes Landmannalaugar, Sigoldugljufur, and Hjálparfoss.
• Small group format: The vehicle carries no more than 19 people, with Wi-Fi on board.
• Active travelers fit best: Most people can participate, but steep sections and a brisk pace mean you should be in decent shape.

Why Landmannalaugar is worth the long ride

Iceland’s southern highlands feel very different from the coast. You leave behind the familiar ring-road scenery and head toward a rougher world of volcanic ridges, broad valleys, rivers, and empty slopes. Landmannalaugar is famous for its unusual colors, created by rhyolite rock and volcanic activity. The mountains can show shades of red, orange, yellow, green, and gray, often changing again when cloud or sunlight moves across them.

That variety is what makes the trip special. You are not simply looking at one waterfall or standing on one viewpoint. You walk through a place where the rock, water, and geothermal heat all appear together. The setting can look stark in bad weather and almost unreal in clear weather.

The cost is $199 per person. That is a fair price for a full-day highlands trip when you add round-trip transport from Reykjavík, a specialist vehicle, guide service, several major stops, and the time required to reach this remote area. It is less attractive if you want a slow, private day or dislike long drives. A rental car may seem cheaper, but a normal 2WD vehicle is not a sensible way to tackle rough highland roads, and driving yourself means taking on the navigation and road conditions.

The early pickup from Reykjavík or Selfoss

The advertised start time is 7:30 a.m., with a pickup window that can extend for about 30 minutes. Pickup is available in Reykjavík and also in Selfoss on the South Coast. You should be ready early and keep your phone working, since one pickup issue involved a meeting point being shifted to a nearby bus stop.

The vehicle is air-conditioned and has Wi-Fi, which matters on a day with a lot of road time. The group limit of 19 people keeps the outing smaller than a large coach excursion, though it is still a group trip with a set schedule. The driver must keep everyone moving if the group is to reach all three main stops and return to Reykjavík on time.

The ride is part of the experience, but it is not always comfortable. The final stretch includes roughly 24 kilometers of particularly rough road, according to the practical experience of the trip. Expect bumps and winding sections. The reward is access to a part of Iceland that many visitors with ordinary rental cars cannot reach safely or legally.

Landmannalaugar: the main hike

At Landmannalaugar, you get time to use the facilities and pick up snacks before setting out. Food choices at the site are limited, so I would bring a packed lunch and extra snacks. Lunch is not included, and the group may eat before or after the walk depending on the day’s timing.

The hike usually lasts about 1.5 to just over 2 hours. Guides set a pace that works for the group and stop for photos, but the exact feel can vary. Some outings have offered a shorter route for people who wanted more time at the hot pool, while stronger walkers have wished for more trail time. If you hike quickly, you may find the group pace a little restrained. If you are less confident, that same pace can make the route manageable.

The terrain deserves honest attention. This is not a flat stroll beside a paved path. You may encounter steep sections, uneven ground, wind, rain, snow, and changing conditions during the same walk. One outing moved through rain, sun, snow, and strong wind. Another had excellent weather and broad views in every direction.

You should be able to walk for several hours and handle uphill sections. Families with children aged 10 to 15 have completed the hike, but the tour is best for active people rather than anyone seeking an easy sightseeing loop. Good walking shoes, warm layers, waterproof clothing, and a small day pack are sensible choices.

Your guide may explain the area’s geology and volcanic past as you walk. Guides such as Sara, Ignacio, Eddie, Keren, James, and others have been singled out for their humor, care, driving, and clear explanations. The quality of the day depends partly on how much your guide talks during the long drives and how well the group stays together. Most of the time, the guide’s role is practical as well as informative: setting the pace, watching the route, and making sure nobody gets left behind.

The natural hot pool after the hike

The hot spring is one of the best reasons to choose this particular outing. After walking through cold wind and volcanic terrain, you can soak in naturally warm water surrounded by the mountains. The contrast is excellent: cold air on your face, hot water around your shoulders, and a rugged Icelandic setting all around you.

Bring a swimsuit and towel. There are no changing rooms directly beside the pool, so plan to change in the bathroom building before heading to the water. This is a small but useful detail. If you wait until you reach the pool, you may find yourself trying to manage wet clothing and a towel without much privacy.

The amount of soaking time depends on the group and the day’s schedule. Some people have wanted more time here, especially after the long ride and hike. The guide may offer a shorter walking route so part of the group can reach the pool earlier. If the hot spring is a major reason for your booking, pay attention to the guide’s instructions and keep your own changing time efficient.

This is not a polished spa. Facilities are limited, and the weather can remain cold even when the water is warm. That is part of the appeal, but it also means you should not expect lockers, a full changing area beside the pool, or an unhurried resort-style soak.

Sigoldugljufur and the Valley of Tears

Sigoldugljufur is commonly called the Valley of Tears, and it gives the tour a second major scenic moment after Landmannalaugar. The area is known for a series of waterfalls cutting through a dramatic gorge, with water, cliffs, and distant highland views arranged in layers.

The stop is especially valuable because it changes the rhythm of the day. Landmannalaugar is about walking through volcanic mountains and geothermal terrain. The Valley of Tears is more about looking across a deep, water-filled gorge and taking in a broad view. The waterfalls can be at their most striking in wet conditions, though rain and wind may make the stop less comfortable.

Time is limited, so do not expect a long hike here. You will want to move quickly between the viewpoints, take photos, and stay aware of the agreed meeting time. The guide needs to keep the schedule tight to preserve the final waterfall stop and the return journey.

Hjálparfoss, a welcome final waterfall

Hjálparfoss is an attractive waterfall where streams split and fall through dark volcanic rock. It is often treated as an extra reward on the return route, but it is a worthwhile stop in its own right.

The waterfall is easier to appreciate after the remote highlands because it provides a final scenic break before the long drive back. You can stretch your legs, take photos, and enjoy a view that feels more accessible after the rough road into Landmannalaugar.

Bathroom and comfort stops are limited across the day, so use every planned break. You may also have chances to buy snacks along the route, but do not rely on those stops for a full meal. Bring water and food from Reykjavík or Selfoss.

The guide and the group pace

The guide can make a major difference on this trip. The strongest guides have been praised for safe driving, geology explanations, humor, and attention to the group. Ignacio, Sara, Eddie, Keren, and James are among the named guides associated with especially memorable days.

You should also know what the guide cannot control. A group of up to 19 people will include different walking speeds and different hopes for the day. One person may want to climb higher, while another wants to reach the hot pool early. The guide’s job is to keep the group together and protect the overall schedule, so you will not have unlimited freedom to explore.

Some guides provide plenty of background during the drive. On other days, quiet time or music may fill parts of the road journey. If learning about Iceland as you travel is important to you, ask questions. The area offers plenty to discuss, from volcanic rock and geothermal water to the practical challenge of crossing the highlands.

What to bring for this 11-hour outing

Pack as if you may experience several seasons in one day. The highlands can change quickly, and the supplied experiences include rain, snow, strong wind, sun, and cold conditions.

Bring:

• A packed lunch and extra snacks
• Water
• Swimsuit and towel
• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Warm layers
• Sturdy walking shoes
• A small bag for wet swimwear
• Phone and portable charger

The Wi-Fi-equipped vehicle is useful, but it is not a substitute for carrying what you need on the trail. There are limited places to buy food, and the snack selection at Landmannalaugar may be basic.

Who should book this tour?

I would choose this trip if you want to see the southern highlands without renting a suitable 4WD vehicle or arranging a private guide. It suits active visitors who are happy to trade comfort and free time for access to dramatic volcanic scenery.

It is also a good fit if you want a full day with several different experiences: a serious mountain walk, a natural hot pool, a waterfall gorge, and Hjálparfoss. The small group size is helpful, especially compared with a large coach, and the guide handles the difficult driving.

I would think twice if you dislike bumpy roads, need frequent bathroom access, or want a relaxed schedule. The day is long, the drive takes up a large part of it, and the main hike includes steep or uneven sections. Seniors can take part if they are in good shape, but the tour should not be treated as an easy sightseeing ride.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. If poor weather or an insufficient number of bookings cancels the outing, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Should you book the Landmannalaugar day trip?

Book it if Landmannalaugar is high on your Iceland wish list and you do not have the right vehicle or time for a multi-day highlands trip. The combination of colorful mountains, the Valley of Tears, Hjálparfoss, and the hot spring gives you a lot for $199.

Go in with realistic expectations. You will spend hours on the road, face rough sections, carry your own food, and follow a group schedule. But if you are active, prepared for changeable weather, and eager to see Iceland beyond the usual coastal stops, this is one of the strongest full-day outings in the area.

FAQ

How long is the Landmannalaugar tour?

The tour lasts approximately 11 hours, including travel time from Reykjavík or Selfoss.

What time does the tour start?

The listed start time is 7:30 a.m. Pickup has a window of about 30 minutes, so you should be ready early and expect the vehicle to arrive within that period.

Can I be picked up in Selfoss?

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

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included. Bring a packed lunch and snacks, since food choices and access to food are limited.

Should I bring a swimsuit and towel?

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

How difficult is the hike?

The hike lasts roughly 1.5 to just over 2 hours and includes uneven and sometimes steep sections. Most active people can participate, but you should have a decent level of fitness.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 19 people. The vehicle is air-conditioned and includes Wi-Fi.