Landmannalaugar: Hiking, Háifoss & Hot Springs Day Trip

Summary

Hiking wild lava fields and soaking in Landmannalaugar’s geothermal pools

You’ll meet locals who know every twist of Landmannalaugar’s trails, hike past steaming lava fields and up to Háifoss waterfall’s edge, then soak in natural hot springs with your group before heading back. Expect muddy boots, mineral air, and moments of real quiet you’ll remember long after.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Landmannalaugar hike and waterfalls visit

• Hike lava fields and rhyolite hills
• Relax in natural hot springs
• Visit Hjálparafoss waterfall
• See Háifoss and Granni waterfalls
• Explore Hnausapollur volcanic crater lake

Top questions

How long is the Landmannalaugar day trip from Reykjavik?

The tour is a full-day trip with several stops including hiking and hot springs before returning in the evening.

Is hiking in Landmannalaugar difficult?

The guided hike is about two hours and considered easy; you can also explore on your own if preferred.

Are there hot springs included on this tour?

Yes, you’ll have time to bathe in natural hot springs at Landmannalaugar before leaving.

Does this tour visit Háifoss waterfall?

Yes, this is the only day tour that includes both Háifoss and Granni waterfalls.

What should I bring for the Landmannalaugar hike?

Wear sturdy shoes for hiking; expect mud near lakes and changing weather conditions.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No lunch is mentioned; bring snacks or food for the day.

Are entry fees or transportation included?

Your ticket covers all fees and taxes plus transportation by air-conditioned vehicle.

Is there WiFi on board during travel?

Yes, WiFi is available on board during your journey through Iceland’s highlands.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup by an air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi onboard, all entry fees and taxes covered along the route from Reykjavik into Landmannalaugar’s highlands, plus guidance from knowledgeable locals who really seem to love these landscapes—and yes, time for a soak in those famous natural hot springs before heading back home again.

What’s the experience like?

I still remember how our guide, Jón, greeted us at the bus—he just handed me a coffee and grinned, like we were old friends. He joked about the weather (of course) and pointed out the sheep that somehow looked cleaner than I did after two days in Reykjavik. We started off toward Hjálparafoss, where two rivers crash together under these jagged basalt cliffs. The spray actually smells a little mineral-y, if that makes sense—almost metallic. I tried to get a photo but my lens fogged up instantly. Jón laughed and said it happens to everyone.

The drive into the highlands felt long but not boring. There’s this moment when you realize you’re surrounded by nothing but ancient lava fields and those weirdly colorful rhyolite hills—Iceland really does look painted sometimes. At Háifoss waterfall (it’s huge—122 meters), we stood there just listening to the roar for a while because nobody really wanted to talk over it. Granni waterfall is right next to it, almost as tall but thinner. It’s strange how quiet people get around waterfalls here, like everyone’s trying not to break the spell.

Later we hiked through Landmannalaugar itself—about two hours if you stick with the group, or you can wander off on your own (I stuck close because I have no sense of direction). The ground feels soft in places from all the moss and steam rises everywhere; it smells faintly of sulfur but not in a bad way. My boots got caked in red mud near Hnausapollur crater lake—Jón told us it was formed by an eruption 1,200 years ago, which made my problems feel pretty tiny for a second.

Sitting in the hot springs at the end was honestly surreal—the air was cold enough that my hair steamed but my legs were so warm I didn’t want to get out. Someone passed around chocolate biscuits and nobody said much; we just watched clouds drift over those crazy-colored hills. I keep thinking about that silence even now.