Landmannalaugar Day Trip: Highlands Hike & Hot Springs Pickup

Summary

Vivid landscapes, mountain hikes and natural pools in Iceland’s heart

You’ll hike volcanic trails in Landmannalaugar with a small group and guide, see Hekla volcano up close, and soak tired legs in wild hot springs before heading back to Reykjavík—all with pickup included. Expect laughter, muddy boots, maybe some sheep traffic jams—and moments that stick with you long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll just say it: I almost missed the pickup because my rain jacket zipper jammed. The driver waited, grinning like he’d seen this a hundred times (probably has). Reykjavik faded behind us and suddenly the world turned to lava fields and moss, the kind of green that looks fake in photos. Our guide—Álvaro, from Spain but living here for years—kept pointing out things I’d never have noticed, like how the sheep seem to ignore all traffic rules.

We stopped near Hekla volcano and honestly, I didn’t expect it to look so… quiet? There was this weird silence except for wind scraping over the rocks. The hike up Brennisteinsalda was muddy in spots—someone slipped and we all laughed (they were fine)—but then you get these stripes of red and yellow earth under your boots. At the top, Álvaro handed out chocolate and told us stories about trolls hiding in the steam vents. Lunch tasted better than usual, probably because I was freezing by then.

The hot springs at Landmannalaugar are half miracle, half prank—the water near my feet was almost too hot but if you drift sideways it’s cold enough to make you yelp. Steam everywhere, mixing with that sulfur smell (not my favorite), but after hiking it felt like sinking into another planet. Some locals were there too; one woman taught me how to say “takk fyrir” properly. I definitely butchered it but she just laughed.

On the drive back through Hella and Selfoss, everyone got quiet—tired or just thinking. My boots were caked with mud and my hair smelled like minerals for days after. But yeah, I still think about that view from the top, when everything felt huge and silent except for our little group eating sandwiches in the wind.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Highlands tour with hiking and hot springs

• Depart from Reykjavík and pick up travelers
• Pick up passengers in Selfoss and Hella
• Enjoy views of Hekla volcano from vehicle
• Hike up Brennisteinsalda in Landmannalaugar
• Rest and have lunch at the summit
• Relax in natural hot springs
• Return to Hella, Selfoss, and Reykjavík

Top questions

How long is the Landmannalaugar day trip from Reykjavik?

The tour lasts about 13 hours including transport to and from Reykjavík.

Is hotel pickup included for this Landmannalaugar tour?

Yes, pickup is included from Reykjavík as well as stops in Selfoss and Hella.

What should I bring on a Landmannalaugar hiking day trip?

You should bring warm layers, a waterproof jacket, sturdy hiking shoes, lunch and snacks.

Are there hot springs at Landmannalaugar?

Yes, you can bathe in natural hot springs at Landmannalaugar after hiking.

Is lunch provided on this day trip?

No, you need to bring your own lunch and snacks for the hike.

What languages does the guide speak?

The tour is guided in English, Italian and Spanish.

Can children join this tour?

No, children under 8 years old are not allowed on this tour.

Is this Landmannalaugar tour suitable for beginners?

The hike is suitable for most fitness levels but not recommended for those with certain health conditions or injuries.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and dropoff from Reykjavík (with stops at Selfoss and Hella), transport by private Arctic Yeti vehicle with WiFi onboard, a small group size for a more relaxed vibe (max 16 people), plus a certified guide who leads hikes in English, Italian or Spanish—and time to soak in natural hot springs before heading back home again.