Reykjavík: Landmannalaugar Hike and the Valley of Tears

Landmannalaugar is Iceland at its most strange and beautiful: black obsidian fields, steaming pools, and mountains colored by sulphur, iron, and other minerals. This trip gets you there without renting a 4×4, then gives you more than three hours to walk, take photos, or soak in the hot pool.

I especially like the two-hour guided hike and the chance to adjust your day around your own energy. I also like the Valley of Tears, a lesser-seen stop filled with small waterfalls and clear streams. The catch is the long ride from Reykjavík, with rough highland roads that can be tiring and uncomfortable for anyone prone to motion sickness.

Key points to know before booking

• Landmannalaugar is the main event: Plan on about three hours there, including a guided walk and time at the hot pool.
• The trail reaches Brennisteinsalda: This Sulphur Wave is one of the best places to see Iceland’s colorful rhyolite mountains up close.
• The roads are rough by design: F-roads through the Highlands bring serious bumps, so sit near the front if you can.
• The Valley of Tears adds real variety: Expect small waterfalls, spring-fed streams, ponds, and unusual cliffs.
• Bring your own lunch: Food and drinks are not included, and the day begins early.
• The hike is friendly to beginners: It is generally manageable, but weather can change the experience quickly.

Why Landmannalaugar is worth the long ride

At $210 per person, this is not a cheap outing. Still, I think the price makes sense if you want to reach the Icelandic Highlands without hiring a 4×4, learning the mountain roads, or arranging several separate stops.

The journey takes you far beyond the usual ring-road sights. You get transport, a local driver-guide, a guided hike, a natural hot pool, Hjálparfoss, and Sigöldugljúfur in one long day. A private rental could offer more freedom, but it would also require a suitable vehicle and confidence on rough F-roads.

The most important point is this: you are paying for access as much as for sightseeing. Landmannalaugar is not a casual roadside stop. The road into the reserve is rough, remote, and subject to conditions. A capable 4WD vehicle and an experienced driver matter here.

The tour has a rating of 4.8 from 281 bookings, and that matches the main strengths of the day: striking scenery, kind guides, enough time at the main stop, and a good mix of walking and bathing. A few weaknesses also deserve attention. The vehicle can be noisy, the back seats may feel cramped, and commentary may be hard to hear if the headset or bus speakers are not working well.

The road from Reykjavík into Iceland’s Highlands

Pickup begins around 7:30 AM from selected Reykjavík bus stops and hotels. The minibus can take up to 30 minutes to arrive, so be ready early and keep your phone on. You need a working mobile phone with data access if possible, since the operator may need to reach you at the pickup point.

The ride is part of the experience, but it is not simply transport between attractions. The paved roads give way to rougher routes, open volcanic ground, and broad views around the southern interior. The changing terrain helps explain why Landmannalaugar feels so far removed from Reykjavík.

This is a small-group outing, which usually gives the guide room to answer questions and make photo stops. Guides such as Eddi, Tomasz, Sarah, Eddy, James, and Einar have been praised for their humor, safe driving, geological explanations, and willingness to help. Your exact guide will depend on the departure date, but the format is built around one driver-guide rather than a separate coach driver and lecturer.

The vehicle includes Wi-Fi and USB ports, useful on a long day. Do not mistake those comforts for a smooth ride, though. The road surface can be very bumpy, and several people have found the ride more comfortable near the front. If you often feel sick on rough roads, bring the medication you normally use and avoid sitting at the very back.

Hjálparfoss and the meaning of help

Hjálparfoss is an early scenic stop. This two-level waterfall drops into a broad pool framed by unusual basalt formations. It is a compact visit, but it gives you a strong first look at the volcanic forces that shaped southern Iceland.

The name means Help’s Fall. The nearby area, Hjálp, offered grass for horses after difficult journeys across the harsh Sprengisandur route through the Highlands. For people crossing that barren route, finding pasture was not a small convenience. It was a reason to keep going.

I like this stop because it gives the day a human detail before the huge scenery takes over. You get a waterfall, a short walk, and a bit of context without using up the main hiking time at Landmannalaugar.

Landmannalaugar, where color comes from fire

Landmannalaugar sits in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve and is famous for rhyolite mountains, lava fields, hot springs, and walking routes. Rhyolite contains quartz and silica, while minerals such as iron and sulphur give the rock its red, yellow, orange, and green tones.

These colors are not painted on the mountains. They come from volcanic activity and the minerals in the rock. Brennisteinsalda, whose name means Sulphur Wave, is a fine example, with strong bands of color and steaming ground nearby.

You will have more than three hours in the area. The guide offers an approximately two-hour walk through Laugahraun toward Brennisteinsalda, but you do not have to follow the full guided route. You can choose a different marked trail, stay closer to the huts, take photos, or spend more time at the hot pool.

That flexibility is one of the tour’s best features. Some people use the time for a serious walk, while others prefer a shorter outing followed by a bath. You are not locked into one pace, provided you return at the agreed time.

Walking across Laugahraun’s obsidian

The hike through Laugahraun is the visual heart of the experience. This lava field formed during an eruption in 1477 and contains large areas of black obsidian. The rock is smooth in places but can also have sharp edges, so proper hiking shoes are important.

Obsidian is volcanic glass. Its dark, polished appearance is the reason it is often called dragon glass by fans of Game of Thrones. You do not need to know the television connection to appreciate it, but the comparison is easy to understand once you see the black rock scattered across the trail.

The walking is generally beginner-friendly, and one sedentary visitor found it manageable. Still, beginner-friendly does not mean weather-proof. Rain, wind, and cold can turn an easy path into a harder day. In late September, heavy rain and strong wind led one person to skip the walk and spend time in the hot pool instead.

That is a sensible option. Icelandic weather can change your plans even when the trail itself is not difficult. Bring waterproof outerwear, gloves, a hat, and warm outdoor clothing. A small daypack lets you carry those layers, water, snacks, and your camera without weighing yourself down.

The guide may offer alternative routes, and some groups have had time for both Brennisteinsalda and Bláhnjúkur when conditions and pace allowed. Do not count on completing every possible route. The advertised walk is about two hours, and the main value is seeing the rock, colors, steam, and open spaces at a comfortable pace.

The natural hot pool after the walk

The bathing stop is not a decorative extra. It changes the rhythm of the day. After walking over rough volcanic ground, you can sit in naturally warm water near the huts and let the cold air and tired legs fade for a while.

Bring a swimsuit and towel. They are not supplied as part of the tour. The pool is natural, so it is not the same as a polished spa, and you should expect a simple outdoor setting. That simplicity is part of its appeal.

Time in the pool depends on the group schedule. Several people wished they had a little longer, while others felt the overall timing was well judged. You have enough time for a real bath, but you should not expect an unlimited soak.

If you do not want to swim, use the time for photos, a snack, or a shorter walk. The tour does not force you into the water. The main requirement is returning to the vehicle on time.

Sigöldugljúfur, the Valley of Tears

Sigöldugljúfur is one of the most memorable stops because it looks so different from the black lava field. The canyon contains spring-fed streams, small ponds, clear waterfalls, colorful plant life, and steep, unusual cliffs.

It has become popular for photography, but the place earns more than a quick social-media stop. The water cuts through a dry volcanic setting with an almost improbable blue-green clarity. Small falls appear throughout the canyon rather than in one single dramatic drop.

This is mainly a sightseeing and photo stop, not another long hike. That matters after the Landmannalaugar walk and the long drive. You can stretch your legs, take pictures, and enjoy a fresh change of scenery without committing to another demanding trail.

For many people, the Valley of Tears becomes the surprise favorite of the day. Landmannalaugar has the stronger name and the longer visit, but Sigöldugljúfur supplies a quieter, more delicate kind of beauty.

What the 11-hour schedule feels like

This is a full day, not a quick excursion. The ride out and back takes several hours, and the highland roads make the journey feel longer than the clock suggests. You should be comfortable spending a good part of the day in a vehicle.

The schedule generally works because the main stop receives the most time. Hjálparfoss and Sigöldugljúfur break up the ride, while Landmannalaugar gives you room to walk and bathe rather than forcing you through a rushed photo stop.

There can be unexpected delays. Sheep or horses may block the road, and one trip lost about an hour to animals and activity along the route. A flat tire has also been dealt with successfully using a spare. These incidents are not typical sightseeing features, but they show why you should avoid booking anything immediately after the tour.

The return to Reykjavík includes drop-off at selected bus stops and hotels. Exact timing will depend on road conditions, stops, and the group. Keep your evening open.

What to bring and who should skip it

Pack for an exposed outdoor day, not a city excursion:

• Hiking shoes with a firm sole
• Swimsuit and towel
• Waterproof rain gear
• Warm outdoor clothing
• Hat and gloves
• Daypack
• Camera
• Food and drinks

Buy lunch before departure or bring your own. Food and drinks are not included, and there is no promise of a meal stop that suits your preferred schedule.

This outing suits you if you want to see the Highlands without driving, enjoy a moderate walk, and like combining geology with a hot bath. It is also a good choice for solo visitors, since the small group gives you a ready-made social setting without requiring you to book a private tour.

It is less suitable if you need a smooth ride, dislike long road days, or want a strenuous full-day trek. Children under 10 are not accepted, and the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users. If you need full control over stops and walking time, renting a suitable 4×4 or staying closer to the Highlands may fit better.

Is the $210 price good value?

I would call it fair value for the right person. You get a difficult-to-reach part of Iceland, transport in a 4WD vehicle, a local English-speaking guide, a guided hike, the hot pool, and two worthwhile scenic stops.

The cost feels especially reasonable if you do not have access to a 4×4. Landmannalaugar is one of those places where the vehicle is part of the practical problem. The tour removes that concern and lets you focus on the scenery.

The value drops if you mainly want a short walk or dislike sitting in a vehicle. You will spend many hours getting there and back, and the road is noisy and rough in parts. Sit near the front when possible, bring snacks, and treat the drive as part of the Highland adventure rather than dead time.

Should you book this Landmannalaugar trip?

Book it if Landmannalaugar is high on your Iceland list and you have one full day to spare from Reykjavík. The combination of colorful rhyolite, black obsidian, a natural pool, Hjálparfoss, and the Valley of Tears gives you a broad taste of the Highlands in one outing.

I would be especially keen to book in stable summer weather, when the walking and bathing are most likely to work as planned. Go prepared for rain and wind, since the mountains will not adjust the schedule for you.

Skip it if you want comfort above all else or if a rough, long ride would spoil the day. For everyone else, this is one of the more practical ways to reach Iceland’s interior, and the scenery earns the bumps in the road.

FAQ

How long is the Landmannalaugar tour from Reykjavík?

The tour lasts about 11 hours, including the drive from Reykjavík, stops, the Landmannalaugar visit, hiking, swimming, and the return journey.

What time should I be ready for pickup?

You should be ready at 7:30 AM. The minibus may take up to 30 minutes to arrive, depending on the distance from the starting point.

Is pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included at selected hotels and Reykjavík bus stops.

Is the hike difficult?

The planned hike lasts about two hours and is generally suitable for beginners. You still need hiking shoes and outdoor clothing because rain and wind can make the walk harder.

How much time do I get at Landmannalaugar?

The tour spends more than three hours at Landmannalaugar, including the guided hike and time for the natural hot pool or independent exploring.

Can I skip the guided hike?

Yes. You can explore another trail, remain near the huts, relax, take photos, or spend more time at the natural pool within the available schedule.

Should I bring a swimsuit and towel?

Yes. Bring both if you want to use the natural hot pool. They are not included.

Is lunch included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, so buy lunch before departure or bring food with you.

Is the road to Landmannalaugar bumpy?

Yes. The route includes rough highland F-roads, and the ride can be noisy and bumpy. Sitting near the front may be more comfortable, especially if you get motion sickness.

What language is the tour conducted in?

The live tour guide speaks English. The guide shares information about geology, local stories, and the places along the route.