Reykjavík: Landmannalaugar Hike and the Valley of Tears

Landmannalaugar is the main event here: a volcanic wonderland of striped rhyolite mountains, black obsidian lava, steaming springs, and rough Highland roads. I like the generous time on site and the mix of walking and bathing. I also like that Sigöldugljúfur, the Valley of Tears, adds a second major stop rather than leaving you with one attraction and a long ride home.

The trade-off is the distance. This is an 11-hour day with roughly two hours of driving each way, and the F-roads can be very bumpy. A few people also found the vehicle noisy or had trouble hearing the guide, so sit near the front if you want the clearest commentary.

Key points at a glance

• More than three hours in Landmannalaugar: Enough time for the guided hike, photographs, lunch, and a hot-spring soak.
• A two-hour walk through Laugahraun: Follow the guide toward Brennisteinsalda, the Sulphur Wave, among obsidian and colorful volcanic peaks.
• The Valley of Tears is not filler: Sigöldugljúfur has clear waterfalls, spring-fed streams, small ponds, and bright vegetation.
• A true Highland road trip: The 4WD vehicle reaches places ordinary cars cannot, but expect gravel, bumps, and a long day.
• Good value at $210: The price covers transport, a local guide, the hike, stops, Wi-Fi, USB charging, and the hot-pool option.
• Bring the right gear: Hiking shoes, rainwear, gloves, a swimsuit, towel, and food make a big difference.

Why Landmannalaugar deserves a full day

Iceland’s Highlands are not a quick roadside attraction. Roads into the interior are rough, seasonal, and often limited to vehicles built for difficult ground. That makes this trip useful if you do not have a 4WD vehicle or do not want to tackle the route yourself.

The reward is Landmannalaugar, inside the Fjallabak Nature Reserve. The area was shaped by repeated volcanic activity, leaving behind lava fields, hot springs, and mountains colored by minerals. Iron and sulphur give the rhyolite its red, yellow, green, and brown tones. The result is a place that looks unlike the black-sand coast, glacier valleys, or mossy lava fields around Reykjavík.

The black rock underfoot is Laugahraun, formed during an eruption in 1477. Much of it is obsidian, a volcanic glass with smooth surfaces and sharp edges. Its dark, glossy appearance is often compared with the fictional Dragon Glass from Game of Thrones. Watch your footing, since the rock can be uneven and jagged.

You get about three hours or more in Landmannalaugar. That matters. A shorter stop would force you to choose between the hike and the pool, while this schedule gives you room for both.

The long ride into Iceland’s interior

Pickup is offered at selected Reykjavík bus stops and hotels, with an early start around 7:30 AM. The vehicle is described as a comfortable Super Jeep, while the route operates as a small bus or minibus depending on the departure. Either way, this is a small-group trip rather than a large coach outing.

The ride is part of the experience, though not always the easiest part. Once the route leaves the smoother roads, expect gravel, jolts, and stretches where the vehicle works hard. Several people found the back seats cramped or more uncomfortable, so choose a forward seat if you are prone to motion sickness. Bring medication if you normally need it for rough roads.

The vehicle has Wi-Fi and USB ports, but do not count on a quiet ride. Engine noise can make the guide difficult to hear, especially toward the back. A working phone with data access is important because the pickup vehicle may take up to 30 minutes to reach your stop, and the operator needs to contact you if it has trouble finding you.

The scenery changes steadily on the way inland. You pass open country shaped by volcanic forces, with views toward the Hekla area noted along the route. The guide may also point out local stories, geology, and roadside details. Guides have included Eddi, Tomasz, Sarah, Eddy, Bessi, Einar, and others, so the exact personality and amount of commentary can vary from one departure to another.

Hjálparfoss, a useful first stop

Hjálparfoss is a two-level waterfall that drops into a broad pool framed by unusual basalt formations. It is a short sightseeing and photo stop, not a major hike, but it breaks up the drive and gives you an early look at Iceland’s volcanic character.

The name means Help’s Fall. Historically, people crossing the harsh Sprengisandur route from northern to southern Iceland searched for places where their horses could feed. The grassy area around Hjálparfoss offered welcome relief after the barren crossing, hence the name.

You will not spend hours here, and that is fine. Think of Hjálparfoss as a compact stop with a strong setting, not the core of the day. The best reason to appreciate it is how quickly the scene combines falling water, basalt, and open Highland country.

Walking through Laugahraun toward Brennisteinsalda

The guided hike lasts about two hours and leads through the Laugahraun lava field toward Brennisteinsalda, known as the Sulphur Wave. This is where the trip earns its price.

The route puts you among black volcanic glass, steaming patches, and mountains marked by mineral colors. Brennisteinsalda is one of the clearest examples of the area’s sulphur-stained geology. Steam rising near small hot springs adds to the strange feel, but this is still an exposed outdoor walk, not a paved park path.

The walk is described as suitable for beginners, and one sedentary participant found it manageable. Still, beginner-friendly does not mean effortless. Wind, rain, uneven lava, and changing weather can make the same route feel very different from one day to the next. In poor conditions, you can choose a shorter option, stay near the huts, or spend more time by the pool.

Your guide may lead the main route or offer alternatives. Some departures allow people to walk independently within the allotted time. This gives you freedom, but you need to keep track of the meeting point and return time. The group cannot wait indefinitely for someone who wanders farther than planned.

If you want the best photographs, slow down for the color changes. Black rock can lead into ochre slopes, pale steam, and bands of red or green mountain. The scenery is easy to admire from a distance, but the walk lets you see the textures up close.

The natural hot pool after the hike

The bathing pool at Landmannalaugar is a major reason to pack a swimsuit and towel. After two hours over uneven ground, a warm soak is a welcome contrast. You can also choose to spend more of your free time here instead of taking a longer walk.

The pool is natural and sits within the wider geothermal area. It is not a private spa, so bring modest expectations about facilities and atmosphere. The important point is that you get the chance to warm up outdoors, surrounded by the same volcanic setting you have just crossed.

Time can feel short here, especially if the group returns late from the hike or you want to eat as well as bathe. One person wished for a longer soak after other members of the group went the wrong way. Keep your return time in mind, and change efficiently if you want a proper swim.

Pack your towel in an easy-to-reach part of your daypack. You will not want to empty the whole bag beside the pool in cold or wet weather.

Sigöldugljúfur, the Valley of Tears

Sigöldugljúfur is one of the strongest parts of the itinerary and a good reason to choose this outing over a basic Landmannalaugar transfer. The canyon is filled with small spring-fed streams, clear waterfalls, ponds, green plant life, and steep, colorful cliffs.

The name Valley of Tears sounds dramatic, but the sight itself is delicate rather than harsh. Water threads through the canyon in several channels, creating a series of falls instead of one large plunge. The clear blue water and varied vegetation make this a rewarding photography stop.

You normally visit after Landmannalaugar, when the light and weather may have changed. It also gives your legs a quieter stop after the hike. You can take photographs, look across the canyon, and listen to the guide explain how the water and geology shaped the area.

The stop is mainly for sightseeing and photos, so do not expect another long walk. Its value is contrast: Landmannalaugar is dominated by lava, color, and open mountain slopes, while Sigöldugljúfur feels enclosed, watery, and unexpectedly lush.

What $210 buys you

At $210 per person, this is not a cheap day trip, but the price is reasonable for the logistics. You are paying for a full-day Highland route that requires a capable vehicle, an English-speaking local guide, fuel, pickup and return in Reykjavík, and a guided walk in a place you may not want to reach alone.

The price also covers several different experiences: Hjálparfoss, the drive through the interior, Landmannalaugar, the guided hike, the natural pool, and Sigöldugljúfur. If you rented a suitable 4WD vehicle, you would still need to manage the roads, route, weather, parking, and timing yourself.

The value is strongest if you do not have a car or only have a few days in Iceland. It is weaker if you dislike long vehicle days or want a serious multi-day hike. This gives you an introduction to the Highlands, not a complete trek through them.

Food and drinks are not included. Buy lunch before departure and carry snacks and water. There are toilet stops during the day, but do not treat this as a café-based excursion.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would choose this trip if you want a first taste of the Highlands without driving F-roads yourself. It suits people who can manage an easy-to-moderate walk over uneven ground and who like geology, photography, hot springs, and unusual scenery.

It also works well for solo visitors. The small-group setup makes it easier to meet other people, while the free time at Landmannalaugar lets you choose your own pace.

This is not suitable for children under 10 or wheelchair users. It is also a poor match if you need smooth roads, quiet transport, or a tightly controlled indoor schedule. Weather can bring strong wind and heavy rain, and the plan may need to adjust.

Bring:

• Hiking shoes with good grip
• Waterproof clothing and extra outdoor layers
• Gloves and a hat
• Swimsuit and towel
• Camera
• Daypack
• Lunch, snacks, and drinks
• Motion-sickness medicine if rough roads affect you

Should you book the Landmannalaugar tour?

Book it if you want Landmannalaugar, do not have a suitable 4WD vehicle, and can accept a long, bumpy day. The hike is accessible for many first-time walkers, the hot pool adds a welcome reward, and the Valley of Tears gives the outing a second memorable stop.

Skip it if your priority is comfort or a long uninterrupted swim. For the best experience, sit near the front, pack lunch, wear proper rain gear, and keep your phone connected for pickup. At $210, this is a fair way to reach one of Iceland’s most remarkable inland areas without taking on the Highland roads yourself.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts 11 hours, including pickup and drop-off in Reykjavík.

What time is pickup?

You should be ready at your selected pickup point at 7:30 AM. The minibus may take up to 30 minutes to arrive, depending on your location.

How much time do I get in Landmannalaugar?

You spend more than three hours in Landmannalaugar, including time for the guided hike, free exploration, and the natural hot pool.

How long is the guided hike?

The guided hike through Laugahraun toward Brennisteinsalda takes about two hours.

Can I bathe in the hot spring?

Yes. You can bathe in the natural pool at Landmannalaugar. Bring swimwear and a towel.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, so bring lunch, snacks, and something to drink.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

The hike is described as beginner-friendly, but you still need hiking shoes and outdoor clothing for uneven ground and changing weather.

What language is the tour conducted in?

The live guided tour is conducted in English.

Can children or wheelchair users join?

Children under 10 and wheelchair users are not suitable for this activity.