Landmannalaugar Hike & the Valley of Tears from RVK & Selfoss

Landmannalaugar is the kind of Icelandic outing that earns the long, rough ride. You reach a remote highland area of striped rhyolite mountains, lava fields, rivers, and hot springs, then finish with a soak in naturally warm water. The scenery is the main event, and it looks unlike the coastal waterfalls and black-sand beaches closer to Reykjavik.

I like two things especially: the tour gives you access to difficult highland roads without risking a 2WD rental car, and it combines a proper hike with a hot-spring bath. Guides such as Sara, Eddie, Ignacio, Keren, and James have been praised for their driving, humor, safety, and explanations.

The tradeoff is simple: this is a long day, about 11 hours, and much of the journey is spent on bumpy gravel roads. Food and bathroom options are limited, and faster walkers may wish for more time on the trails.

Key points to know before booking

• Remote highland access: The tour handles the rough roads to Landmannalaugar, including the final stretch that can be especially uncomfortable in a regular car.
• A hike with a flexible finish: You can stay with the main walking group or take a shorter route back toward the hot springs.
• Hot water after the trail: Bring a swimsuit and towel. Changing rooms are not located right beside the pool.
• Three major stops: The day includes Landmannalaugar, Sigoldugljufur, and Hjálparfoss.
• Small group transport: The vehicle carries no more than 19 people and includes air conditioning and Wi-Fi.
• Pack your own lunch: Lunch is not included, and food choices in the highlands are limited.

Why Landmannalaugar is worth the long drive

Landmannalaugar sits in Iceland’s interior highlands, far from the easy-access sights around the capital. The trip takes you away from paved roads and into a rougher, quieter part of the country, where volcanic forces have shaped mountains in shades of red, yellow, brown, green, and gray.

The rhyolite mountains are what give the area its unusual color. Instead of one grand viewpoint, you get changing angles as the trail crosses open ground, passes lava fields, and skirts rivers and geothermal areas. In good weather, the views are broad and dramatic. In rain, wind, or snow, they can feel raw and even more remote.

The area also has a strong geological story. Your guide may explain how volcanic rock, geothermal heat, and erosion created the ridges and valleys around you. That background matters here because the scenery is not just pretty. The colors and shapes are the result of a very active volcanic region.

The tour is a practical choice if you have a 2WD rental car. Highland roads can be rough, winding, and demanding, and driving them requires care. A review described the final 24 kilometers as particularly bumpy. You can leave that work to a driver who knows the route and concentrate on the views.

The journey from Reykjavik or Selfoss

Pickup begins in the morning, with the stated start time around 7:30 or 8:00 depending on the pickup details. A 30-minute pickup window is used, so do not schedule anything tightly around the departure. Be ready early, keep your phone working, and check your exact pickup point carefully.

In central Reykjavik, larger vehicles may use a nearby designated bus stop rather than stopping directly outside your hotel. This is worth checking before bed, especially if you are staying in an area with vehicle restrictions. Pickup is also available in Selfoss, which can make the tour useful if you are staying along Iceland’s South Coast.

Once aboard, you have an air-conditioned vehicle and Wi-Fi. The ride is part of the day, not a minor transfer. Comfort stops break up the journey, and the changing views help keep the drive interesting, but you should still be prepared for several hours on the road.

The closer you get to the highlands, the rougher the ride becomes. Gravel and uneven surfaces are part of the price of reaching this remote area. If you get motion sickness, sit where the ride feels smoothest and bring whatever remedies you normally use. There are limited bathrooms, so use the available stops rather than waiting for the next one.

Hiking through Landmannalaugar

The main hike usually lasts about one and a half to just over two hours, depending on the route, pace, and conditions. It takes you among colorful mountains, giant lava fields, rivers, and volcanic ground. The guide sets the pace and stops for photographs, though the exact rhythm can vary.

This is not a technical mountaineering trip, but it is not a flat stroll either. Some parts are steep, and wet weather can make the ground more difficult. One account described a hike through rain, sun, snow, and strong wind on the same day. Icelandic weather can change quickly, so waterproof clothing and sturdy walking shoes matter more than fashionable outerwear.

The group normally stays together, which is useful in a remote area and helps the schedule run on time. Several people have appreciated guides who kept a careful eye on the group and explained the geology along the way. At the same time, a fast and fit walker may find the group pace conservative, while someone who wants frequent water breaks may find the pace brisk.

The tour offers some flexibility. At the midpoint, you may be able to remain with the main group or follow a shorter loop back to the starting area and reach the hot springs sooner. This is a thoughtful option because not everyone wants the same amount of walking. Ask your guide early how the route will work that day.

Families with children from about 10 to 15 have completed the hike, and most people with a decent level of fitness should find it manageable. Still, do not confuse that with effortless. If you are a senior or have trouble with steep or uneven ground, the physical demands deserve serious thought.

The natural hot pool finish

The hot spring is one of the strongest reasons to choose this particular outing. After walking in cold wind or unsettled weather, getting into naturally warm water is a memorable finish. Water flowing into the pool keeps it warm, even when the air feels chilly.

Bring a swimsuit and towel. There are no changing rooms directly beside the pool, so use the bathroom building or another designated changing area before walking over. A small dry bag can help keep your clothing organized, though the tour information does not promise storage facilities.

Time at the pool depends on the group schedule and the day’s conditions. Some people would happily trade another sightseeing stop for extra soaking time. If bathing is a major priority for you, ask the guide how much time is planned before you set off on the hike.

The setting adds to the experience. You are not soaking in a polished spa with tiled floors and a café. You are in a natural highland pool, surrounded by volcanic scenery and open air. That means less comfort and privacy, but a much stronger sense of place.

Sigoldugljufur and the Valley of Tears

The itinerary includes Sigoldugljufur, often associated with the Valley of Tears, a striking area of waterways and waterfalls. The views here are different from Landmannalaugar’s colored mountains. Expect a series of falls, channels, and broad highland views that reward a camera stop.

This stop is valuable because it adds variety to the day. Landmannalaugar gives you close contact with volcanic rock and mountain trails. Sigoldugljufur gives you moving water and a wider view across the interior. After the hike and hot spring, it also provides a final scenic payoff before the long return.

The exact time at each stop is limited. Several people have wished for longer at every location, but the schedule has to cover a large area in one day. Keep your camera ready and listen carefully when the guide gives the departure time. Missing the bus here would create a serious problem in such a remote setting.

Hjálparfoss, a worthwhile extra stop

Hjálparfoss is another waterfall included in the route. It is a useful break on a day dominated by remote roads, and it gives you one more chance to see Icelandic water shaped by volcanic ground.

The waterfall stop also helps divide the long return journey. You are not simply driven straight back to Reykjavik after the highlands. Instead, the route includes another attractive natural sight before the final leg.

Do not expect a full afternoon at Hjálparfoss. This is a sightseeing stop within a packed day, not a separate waterfall excursion. The benefit is variety and convenience. You see it without arranging another drive.

What the $199 price really covers

At $199 per person, the tour is not cheap, but the cost is easier to judge when you consider what it replaces. You receive round-trip transport from Reykjavik or Selfoss, an air-conditioned vehicle, Wi-Fi, a guide, and access to a remote region that can be awkward and risky to reach independently in a small rental car.

You also avoid paying for a larger suitable vehicle, fuel, and the stress of reading rough-road conditions yourself. The tour includes fees and taxes, so the main extra expense is lunch and any snacks or drinks you buy along the way.

The value is strongest for people who want one full highland day but do not want to rent a suitable 4WD vehicle or plan the route themselves. It is less compelling if you already have several days for the interior and prefer slow hiking with long stops. Independent hikers will probably want more trail time than this fixed schedule allows.

A maximum of 19 people keeps the group smaller than a large coach excursion, though it is still a group tour. That size allows the guide to manage different walking speeds and safety needs, but you should not expect a private guide or complete freedom over the schedule.

Food, clothing, and useful packing advice

Lunch is not included. Bring a packed lunch and snacks, since highland food choices are limited. There may be a snack stand, but selection can be modest, so do not rely on it for a full meal.

Bring:

• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Warm layers, even in summer
• Sturdy walking shoes
• Swimsuit and towel
• Water bottle
• Packed lunch and snacks
• Phone or camera with enough battery
• A small bag for wet swimwear

Water bottles can be refilled at the base of the hike according to the information provided. Bathroom stops are limited, so take advantage of each one.

The weather can shift from sunshine to rain, snow, and strong wind. A clear morning does not guarantee a dry afternoon. Dress for conditions rather than the calendar.

Who should book this tour

I would choose this trip if you want to see Iceland’s interior but have only one day, especially if you are staying in Reykjavik or Selfoss. It suits active people who enjoy a moderate hike, dramatic scenery, rough roads, and a natural bath more than polished facilities.

It also suits cautious renters. If your car is a 2WD model, this organized trip may be the sensible way to see Landmannalaugar rather than attempting roads that are difficult for an unsuitable vehicle.

Families with older children can enjoy it, provided everyone is comfortable with a long day and uneven walking. The small group size, guide support, and flexible shorter route help, but the hike still requires reasonable fitness.

I would think twice if you dislike long drives, get uncomfortable on gravel roads, need frequent bathroom access, or want several hours of independent hiking. This is an efficient introduction to the highlands, not a slow wilderness holiday.

Booking details and cancellation

The tour is offered in English, and confirmation is provided at booking. Most people can participate, but the steep and uneven sections mean you should judge your own fitness honestly.

Free cancellation is available until 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made inside that 24-hour period are not accepted for a refund. The tour can also be canceled because of poor weather or because the minimum number of participants is not reached. In those cases, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

Should you book the Landmannalaugar day trip?

Book it if you want maximum highland scenery in one day and accept the rough road, limited facilities, and long hours. The combination of Landmannalaugar’s colored mountains, the Valley of Tears, Hjálparfoss, and a hot-spring soak gives you a lot for the time and money.

Before booking, make sure you can handle a two-hour hike, steep sections, unpredictable weather, and a lengthy bus ride. Bring lunch, arrive early for pickup, confirm the meeting point, and pack your swimsuit.

For an active visitor with limited time, this is one of the stronger ways to reach Iceland’s interior without driving there yourself. For a serious hiker, it may feel too short and too tightly scheduled. Know which kind of day you want, and the decision becomes clear.

FAQ

How long does the Landmannalaugar tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 11 hours, including travel time.

What time does pickup begin?

The stated start time is 7:30 am, while the pickup information says pickup starts at 8:00 am. Allow a 30-minute pickup window and be ready early.

Can I be picked up in Selfoss?

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

Is hotel pickup offered?

Pickup is offered, though central Reykjavik pickups may use a nearby designated bus stop because larger vehicles cannot reach certain downtown areas.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, so bring a packed meal and snacks.

Is there Wi-Fi on the vehicle?

Yes. The vehicle has Wi-Fi and air conditioning.

How large is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 19 participants.

Should I bring a swimsuit and towel?

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

How difficult is the hike?

The hike includes uneven ground and some steep sections. Most people can participate, but a decent level of fitness is needed.

What happens if the weather is too poor for the tour?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered a different date or experience, or a full refund.