Landmannalaugar Hike & the Valley of Tears from RVK & Selfoss

Landmannalaugar is the kind of place that makes the long ride worthwhile. After the bus leaves the paved roads behind, you enter a rough, remote part of Iceland filled with striped rhyolite mountains, lava fields, rivers, and geothermal water. The day also includes the photogenic Valley of Tears and Hjálparfoss waterfall.

I like the practical setup: transport from Reykjavik or Selfoss, a small group of no more than 19 people, and a guide who handles the difficult highland roads. I also like the ending, a soak in Landmannalaugar’s natural hot pool. The main catch is the schedule. This is an 11-hour day with a long, bumpy drive, limited food and bathroom access, and only a set amount of time for hiking and bathing.

Key points before you book

• The drive is part of the adventure: The final highland roads can be rough, but you get access to country that is difficult to reach in an ordinary 2WD rental car.
• Landmannalaugar gets the most time: Expect a guided hike of roughly 1.5 to just over 2 hours, with photo stops and route choices.
• The Valley of Tears is a major highlight: A later stop reveals a striking chain of waterfalls and wide mountain views.
• Pack for changing weather: Rain, snow, wind, and sun can all arrive during the same hike.
• Bring a swimsuit and towel: The natural hot pool is one of the best parts of the day, though changing facilities are limited.
• Lunch is not included: Bring a packed meal and snacks, since food choices on the route and at Landmannalaugar are limited.

Why Landmannalaugar is worth the long ride

Landmannalaugar sits in Iceland’s interior highlands, far from the easy road network around Reykjavik. The appeal is not one single landmark. It is the combination of unusual colors and textures: orange, red, yellow, and gray mountain slopes; broad lava fields; streams; volcanic craters; and steam-warmed ground.

That remoteness is also the reason this tour takes most of a day. The road is long, and the last section can be rough enough to make a rental-car driver uncomfortable. You may bounce along gravel and winding tracks for a significant part of the journey. For many people, that is a fair trade for reaching a place that is hard to visit independently without the right vehicle and highland driving experience.

I see this as a strong option if you have only one day for the interior. You will not explore every trail in Landmannalaugar, but you will see its main character, enjoy a proper hike, visit two other striking sites, and finish with a hot soak.

The tour is capped at 19 people. That is not a private outing, but it is more manageable than a large coach trip. A smaller group also makes it easier for the guide to keep people together on uneven ground and to adjust the pace when needed.

The morning ride from Reykjavik or Selfoss

The advertised start time is 7:30 am, with pickup service from Reykjavik and an option to be collected in Selfoss. Pickup can run within a 30-minute window, so you should be ready early and expect a short wait. In central Reykjavik, the bus may use a designated pickup point rather than stopping directly outside your hotel, so check the exact instructions and keep a working phone number available.

The vehicle is air-conditioned and has Wi-Fi. That matters on a long transfer, though the scenery outside is likely to be more interesting than your screen. The road takes you from the settled south toward Iceland’s interior, with breaks along the way for comfort, snacks, and sightseeing.

Pack food before leaving. Lunch is not included, and the selection at Landmannalaugar may be limited to basic snack food. You can refill water at the base of the hike, but it is still sensible to carry enough for the walking portion.

The highland road is not smooth. The final stretch has been described as particularly rough, and the ride can be tiring. A skilled driver makes a real difference here. Guides including Ignacio and James have been praised for handling the difficult road carefully, while the route itself gives you views that help break up the journey.

Landmannalaugar’s colorful mountains and lava fields

At Landmannalaugar, you usually have a short chance to use the toilet and buy snacks before the hike begins. This is a good time to organize your layers, water, camera, and lunch. Do not wait until the trail to discover that your rain jacket is buried under everything else.

The hike follows a route through the area’s distinctive volcanic scenery. You can expect colorful mountains, large lava fields, rivers, and views across the surrounding valleys. Some sections are steep, and the ground can be uneven. The walk is manageable for an active person with a decent level of fitness, but it is not a flat stroll.

Weather can change quickly. One day may bring rain, sun, snow, and strong wind in succession. Even when the forecast looks fair in Reykjavik, conditions in the highlands may feel very different. Wear sturdy walking shoes and bring waterproof layers, warm clothing, gloves, and a hat.

The guide normally keeps the group together and sets a steady pace with time for photographs. Guides such as Sara, Eddie, Ignacio, and Keren have been praised for explaining the geology, keeping the group organized, and making the walk enjoyable. The quality of the day depends partly on your guide’s style. Some guides offer plenty of information about the sights, while others allow more quiet time.

The walking time can vary. Reports describe hikes of around 1.5 hours, two hours, or a little more. A shorter route may leave extra time for the hot pool. Faster walkers may feel that they could cover more ground, while less confident walkers may appreciate the group pace and regular photo stops.

One useful feature is the choice offered partway through the route. You may stay with the main group or take an orange loop back toward the starting point and reach the geothermal pool earlier. That gives you some control over the day, although you should follow the guide’s instructions closely and return on time.

The natural hot pool, the best reward of the hike

The hot pool at Landmannalaugar is not a polished spa. That is part of its appeal. Warm geothermal water flows into a natural bathing area surrounded by mountains, and the setting feels wonderfully wild.

Bring a swimsuit and towel. Changing facilities beside the pool are limited, so it is practical to change in the bathroom building before walking over. A warm layer or dry clothes for afterward will also make the transition easier, especially if the wind is cold.

The water can feel very warm while cold air moves across your shoulders. That contrast is part of the experience. You may also choose to cool off briefly before returning to the hot water, but use your own judgment and keep an eye on the time.

Bathing time is limited by the rest of the itinerary. Some people would prefer a longer soak, especially after the hike and the rough drive. If the hot pool is your main reason for booking, understand that this is a sightseeing and hiking trip with a bath at the end, not a dedicated bathing excursion.

Sigoldugljufur and the Valley of Tears

The name Valley of Tears refers to a striking series of waterfalls and waterways in the highlands. This stop is one of the strongest reasons to choose this particular outing instead of a Landmannalaugar trip that returns directly to Reykjavik.

You will see water cutting through the dark volcanic terrain, with broad views that feel far removed from the busy southwest. The scene is especially rewarding after the more intimate trail around Landmannalaugar. At Landmannalaugar, you study the colors and shapes up close. At the Valley of Tears, the scale opens out.

Sigoldugljufur adds another water-filled stop to the day. The exact feel of the visit depends on weather and light, but expect rivers, mountain views, and a remote setting rather than a developed attraction with many facilities.

These stops also explain why punctuality matters. The guide needs to keep the group moving to fit in the hike, the hot pool, the waterfalls, and the return drive. If someone is late at each stop, the group loses time at the places that make the tour worthwhile.

Hjálparfoss, a well-placed waterfall stop

Hjálparfoss is included as another scenic break, sometimes serving as a welcome leg stretch during the long ride. The waterfall is framed by volcanic rock and flowing water, giving you a compact but memorable photo stop.

It is not the main reason to book the tour. Landmannalaugar and the Valley of Tears are the stars. Still, Hjálparfoss helps divide the driving into more comfortable sections and gives you a chance to see another side of Iceland’s volcanic river scenery.

Bathroom access is limited across the day, so use the facilities whenever the guide offers a stop. This is not a route lined with cafes and service stations. You are visiting a remote interior region, and the schedule reflects that.

How hard is the hike?

The hike suits active people who are comfortable walking over uneven, sometimes steep ground. It is not presented as an extreme expedition, and most people with a decent fitness level should find it manageable. Still, the terrain deserves clear expectations.

You may deal with:

• Steep sections
• Uneven volcanic ground
• Wind, rain, snow, or cold
• A brisk pace at times
• Limited chances to stop for a long rest
• Wet or muddy conditions, depending on the weather

Some guides walk at an easy pace and allow many photo stops. Others may set a faster rhythm, so tell the guide early if you need more breaks. Families with children aged 10 to 15 have completed the hike, but younger children and anyone with mobility concerns should consider the terrain carefully.

The total duration includes all driving. You are not spending 11 hours on the trail. Most of the day is transportation, sightseeing stops, hiking, and the hot pool. That is normal for a highland excursion from Reykjavik, but it is worth knowing before you book.

What the $199 price really buys you

At $199 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a day in Iceland. The value comes from the access. You receive round-trip transportation, a driver familiar with difficult highland roads, a guide, vehicle costs, Wi-Fi, and admission-related fees and taxes.

Renting a car might appear cheaper when split between several people, but reaching this area safely requires the right vehicle and comfort with rough roads. A standard 2WD rental is not a sensible match for this route. You also avoid navigation, road decisions, and the stress of watching the clock across a long day.

The compromise is flexibility. You cannot stay at Landmannalaugar for several hours, wander every trail, or linger as long as you like at the Valley of Tears. If you want maximum hiking time, a longer dedicated highlands trip or an overnight stay would suit you better.

For a first visit to Iceland with limited time, I think the price is reasonable. You get several remote sights in one day, and the transport solves the hardest part of the trip.

Small details that make the day easier

Wear waterproof hiking shoes with good grip. Trainers may be uncomfortable on wet or uneven ground.

Bring a packed lunch, snacks, and a refillable water bottle. Food availability is limited, and waiting until the destination to buy lunch gives you fewer choices.

Pack a swimsuit and towel in an easy-to-reach place, not at the bottom of your luggage. You may want dry clothes after bathing.

Carry warm and waterproof layers even on a sunny morning. The highlands can produce cold wind and sudden rain or snow.

Arrive early for pickup. The stated start time is 7:30 am, and the pickup system allows a 30-minute window. If you are staying in central Reykjavik, confirm the exact collection point.

Keep some flexibility in your expectations. Weather can change the feel of the hike, and poor conditions may lead to cancellation or a different date. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. If the operator cancels because of weather or insufficient numbers, you are offered another date or a full refund.

Should you book the Landmannalaugar day trip?

Book it if you want to see Iceland’s remote interior without driving the highland roads yourself. It is especially good for active visitors who want colorful volcanic mountains, a real hike, waterfalls, and a natural hot pool in one demanding but rewarding day.

I would hesitate if you dislike long drives, rough roads, changing weather, or strict timing. I would also choose a longer outing if your priority is hiking as many Landmannalaugar trails as possible.

For most fit visitors with only one day available, I think this is a strong choice. The scenery is unusual even by Icelandic standards, the Valley of Tears adds real value, and the hot pool gives the day a memorable finish. Pack lunch, dress for four seasons, and accept that the road is part of the price of admission.

FAQ

How long is the Landmannalaugar tour?

The tour lasts approximately 11 hours, including all transportation, sightseeing stops, hiking, and the return journey.

Can I be picked up in Selfoss?

Yes. Pickup is available from Reykjavik and Selfoss. Pickup begins around the stated start time, and you should allow for a possible 30-minute wait.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, so bring a packed meal and snacks. Food for purchase may be available at Landmannalaugar, but choices are limited.

Should I bring a swimsuit and towel?

Yes. The itinerary includes time at a natural geothermal hot pool, so a swimsuit and towel are strongly recommended.

How many people are in the group?

The group can include a maximum of 19 people.

What happens if the tour is canceled because of bad weather?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund if the experience is canceled because of poor weather. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached.