From Reykjavik: Landmannalaugar & Háifoss Waterfall Tour

Landmannalaugar is where Iceland turns wonderfully strange: rainbow-colored rhyolite hills, black lava, steaming ground, and a hot pool tucked into the Fjallabak Nature Reserve. Add Háifoss, one of Iceland’s tallest waterfalls, and Hnausapollur’s blue crater lake, and this is a big day of scenery far beyond the usual Reykjavík circuit.

I like the way the tour combines a proper highlands hike with several short stops. I also like that you do not need to tackle the rough mountain roads yourself. Guides such as Ottar, Beggi, Kalman, HBO, and Siggi have been praised for safe driving, stories about Icelandic life, and willingness to add a waterfall or canyon when time and conditions allow.

The trade-off is the very long day, usually around 13 hours and sometimes longer because of road, weather, or vehicle delays. The minibus can feel cramped, especially when full, and the hike is moderate rather than a simple stroll.

Key points at a glance

• Landmannalaugar’s Lauga loop: Expect about 1.5 to 2 hours of hiking through rhyolite hills, obsidian formations, lava fields, and the foothills of Bláknúkur.
• A rewarding hot spring stop: Bring swimwear and a towel for the geothermal pool after the hike. There are no changing rooms or lockers at the hot pool area.
• Three major waterfall stops: See Háifoss, Granni or Glanni, and Hjálparfoss, each with a different setting and character.
• Turquoise Hnausapollur: Stop at an ancient volcanic crater lake whose blue water contrasts sharply with the dark highland ground.
• Remote-road convenience: A guided vehicle handles rough tracks, river crossings, and the route into the highlands.
• Pack for a full day outdoors: Bring lunch, snacks, water, hiking shoes, swimwear, a towel, and clothing for fast-changing Icelandic weather.

Why Landmannalaugar is worth the long ride

Iceland’s most famous stops are often easy to reach from Reykjavík. Landmannalaugar is different. It lies deep in the southern highlands, inside the Fjallabak Nature Reserve, and getting there means leaving smooth main roads for rougher mountain routes.

That remoteness is the point. The scenery changes often enough to keep the bus ride interesting: broad volcanic plains, dark lava, crater lakes, colorful slopes, and open views with few buildings. In August, snow flurries are possible. In rainy weather, the colors can look muted from a distance, yet the highlands still have plenty to offer.

This trip suits you if you want to see a part of Iceland that is difficult to reach independently. It also makes sense if you do not want to rent a high-clearance vehicle or deal with mountain-road conditions. The road journey is not a minor part of the experience, though. You spend many hours in the vehicle, so bring water, food, layers, and something to occupy you during the longer stretches.

The small-group format helps. It feels more personal than a large coach excursion, and the guide can explain volcanic rocks, local life, stories about Vikings and trolls, and the names of the places you pass. Guides including Ottar, Kalman, Beggi, Siggi, HBO, and Petur have been singled out for friendly, engaging service, though your assigned guide will depend on the departure.

From Reykjavík to the highlands

Pickup is optional, and the meeting point is Tour Bus Stop 12 at Höfðatorg on Þórunnartún. If you choose hotel pickup, allow up to 30 minutes for the vehicle to arrive. Hotel drop-off is not included as a standard feature, although the bus serves many Reykjavík drop-off points at the end of the day.

The route begins with a long stretch by bus or minibus. There is a short break at The Highland Center Hrauneyjar, useful for the toilet and for buying food or snacks if needed. Do not rely on this stop as your only chance to eat. Food and drinks are not included, and you should carry your own lunch.

The vehicle is practical rather than luxurious. Several people found the ride comfortable enough for the scenery and the access it provides, while others found a full minibus cramped, particularly in the back row. That matters on a day with many hours on rough roads. If you are sensitive to limited legroom, arrive prepared for a compact ride.

Hnausapollur and Frostastaðavatn

Hnausapollur is one of the most memorable short stops. This ancient crater lake has striking turquoise water, made even more dramatic by the bare, dark ground around it. You get about 10 minutes for photos and a quick look, so this is a viewpoint stop rather than a place for a long walk.

The color can vary with weather and light, but the contrast remains strong. Hnausapollur shows how quickly Iceland’s volcanic terrain can shift from black and brown to brilliant blue.

The route also pauses at Frostastaðavatn for roughly 10 minutes. This highland lake gives you another chance to see the open terrain before reaching Landmannalaugar. The stops are short, but they break up the drive and help you understand the scale of the region.

You should keep your jacket close. Highland weather can change quickly, and a sunny Reykjavík morning does not guarantee mild conditions farther inland. A waterproof outer layer, warm mid-layer, hat, and gloves are sensible even in summer.

The Lauga loop through Landmannalaugar

Landmannalaugar receives about four hours, giving you time for the guided walk, photos, lunch, and the hot spring. The main hike follows the easy Lauga loop for about 1.5 to 2 hours, although the overall distance has been described as roughly 6 kilometers depending on the route taken.

The trail passes some of the area’s defining features:

• Rhyolite hills: These volcanic mountains show shades of red, yellow, green, brown, and orange. The colors are not painted on the hills, of course. They come from different minerals in the rock.
• Obsidian formations: Black volcanic glass appears along parts of the route, giving the trail a sharp, unusual texture.
• Lava fields: You walk through rough volcanic ground rather than a smooth park path.
• Bláknúkur foothills: The route rises toward the base of this dark mountain, adding higher views without turning the walk into a full mountain climb.
• Steaming geothermal ground: Heat from below makes itself known near the hot spring area.

The hike is described as easy in relation to highland routes, but it still requires a moderate level of fitness. Uneven volcanic ground, wind, rain, and occasional snow can make it more demanding. Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good grip, not casual trainers.

The guide walks with the group and explains the rocks and geothermal features. Some guides have accompanied people all the way to higher viewpoints, while also adjusting the pace to the group. You should still expect the group to remain together rather than choose any route you like.

The hot pool after the hike

The geothermal pool is one of the smartest parts of the day. After walking over lava and uneven ground, you can change into swimwear and sit in naturally warm water while looking across the surrounding hills.

Bring your own towel. There are no changing rooms or lockers at the pool, so keep valuables on the bus and use a small waterproof bag for anything you must carry. Modest changing arrangements may be a concern for some people, so plan ahead rather than expecting a spa-like facility.

The water is refreshing rather than a polished resort experience. That is part of its appeal. You are bathing outdoors in a remote highland setting, with the same colorful slopes and volcanic ground around you. If the weather is cold or wet, the pool can feel especially welcome.

Allow enough time for both the hike and the bath. The four-hour visit is generous compared with a quick photo stop, but it can pass quickly once you have walked, eaten, changed, and taken pictures.

Háifoss, Granni, and Hjálparfoss

Háifoss is the major waterfall stop and one of the day’s visual highlights. The name means high waterfall, and the water drops into a deep gorge surrounded by volcanic cliffs. Granni, sometimes written as Glanni in tour information, is nearby, creating the impressive double-waterfall setting.

You get about 20 minutes at Háifoss. That is enough for the main viewpoint and photographs, but not enough for an extended walk along the gorge. Stay aware of the ground near viewpoints, especially in wind or rain.

Hjálparfoss appears on the route as another waterfall stop. It has a different feel from Háifoss, with water framed by dark lava and open countryside. The setting is calmer and more enclosed, making it a useful contrast after the huge drop and broad views at Háifoss.

The tour may also include an extra waterfall, canyon, or scenic stop if the guide has time. Past departures have included places such as Sigöldugljúfur, Gjáin, Viking ruins, and Tear Canyon. These additions are not guaranteed, so treat them as a pleasant bonus rather than part of the promised schedule.

Fjallabak and the return to Reykjavík

After Landmannalaugar, the route includes a short photo stop in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve before continuing toward Háifoss. The drive back is long, with another break in Selfoss. This gives you a chance to stretch and buy food before the final leg into Reykjavík.

Expect the full day to run close to 13 hours. In some cases, road conditions, breakdowns, strong winds, or delays can push it well beyond that. One past departure reached Reykjavík very late after a vehicle problem, though the guide kept the group occupied while replacement transport was arranged.

That possibility is worth considering if you have an evening flight, dinner reservation, or another fixed booking. I would schedule this tour on a day with no important plans afterward.

The final drop-off options cover many central Reykjavík stops, including Höfðatorg, the BSÍ Bus Terminal, Hallgrimskirkja, City Hall, Perlan, several hotels, and the cruise terminal. Check your voucher carefully so you know where to meet the bus and where you can get off.

Is $226 a fair price?

At $226 per person, this is not a cheap day trip. The value comes from access. You are paying for transportation into difficult highland terrain, an English-speaking guide, the Landmannalaugar facility fee, Wi-Fi on board, and several major stops in one day.

Driving this route independently would require the right vehicle, comfort with rough roads, careful planning, and confidence in changing conditions. A guided trip removes much of that work. You can look out the window, listen to stories, and concentrate on the walk instead of navigation.

The price is less attractive if you dislike long vehicle journeys or prefer to spend most of your day hiking. Landmannalaugar deserves more than four hours if you want a longer trail, but a longer independent visit requires more planning and usually an overnight stay.

For a first highlands visit, I consider the cost reasonable because the tour combines the best-known sights in a single day. The main question is not only price. It is how much you value reaching a remote part of Iceland without driving there yourself.

Who should book this tour?

I would choose this trip if you want colorful mountains, volcanic features, waterfalls, and a hot spring in one demanding day. It is especially good for photographers, geology fans, and people who want more than Reykjavík’s standard sightseeing route.

You should be comfortable with:

• Up to two hours of hiking on uneven ground
• A full day lasting about 13 hours, possibly longer
• Rough roads and a compact vehicle
• Changing weather, including rain, wind, or snow
• Carrying your own food, water, swimwear, and towel

The tour is not suitable for children under eight or people with mobility impairments. It is also a poor fit if you need guaranteed comfort, a short day, or a fully predictable schedule.

Guiding is a major part of the experience. Guides such as Ottar, Beggi, Kalman, HBO, and Siggi have brought the drive to life with music, stories, and explanations of Icelandic traditions. Still, the guide’s personality can vary, so book this for the places and route first, with the personal style as an added benefit.

Should you book it?

Book it if you want to reach Landmannalaugar without handling highland roads yourself, and if you are willing to trade comfort for access. The combination of rhyolite hills, obsidian, lava, Hnausapollur, Háifoss, and a geothermal bath gives you an unusually full picture of southern Iceland.

Skip it if a cramped vehicle, a long ride, or a moderate hike would spoil your day. If you book, bring serious outdoor clothing, pack lunch and snacks, keep your evening free, and treat the hot pool as a simple natural bath rather than a staffed changing facility. With those expectations, this is one of the strongest ways to see Iceland’s southern highlands in a single day.

FAQ

How long does the Landmannalaugar and Háifoss tour last?

The scheduled duration is 13 hours. The day can run longer because of weather, road conditions, traffic, or vehicle problems.

Where does the tour meet in Reykjavík?

The meeting point is Tour Bus Stop 12 at Höfðatorg on Þórunnartún. Pickup may be available depending on the selected option.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Hotel pickup is optional, and standard hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. The tour has many designated Reykjavík pickup and drop-off points.

What language is the tour conducted in?

The live guided tour is conducted in English.

How difficult is the hike?

The Lauga loop is described as an easy 1.5 to 2-hour hike, but the activity has a moderate overall level because of uneven volcanic ground and changing weather.

How much time do you get in Landmannalaugar?

You have about four hours in Landmannalaugar for the guided hike, free time, photos, lunch, and the geothermal pool.

Can you swim in a hot spring on the tour?

Yes. You can bathe in the geothermal hot spring at Landmannalaugar after the hike.

What should you bring for the hot spring?

Bring swimwear and a towel. There are no changing rooms or lockers at the hot pool site.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, so bring lunch, snacks, and water. There is also a short break at The Highland Center Hrauneyjar and another break in Selfoss.