Landmannalaugar Hike & the Valley of Tears from RVK & Selfoss

Landmannalaugar is the sort of place that makes the long Icelandic road feel worthwhile. After a rough stretch of highland driving, you reach colorful rhyolite mountains, black lava fields, rivers, and steaming ground that look unlike the scenery around Reykjavik. The day also includes the waterfall-filled Valley of Tears and a natural hot pool.

I like two things in particular: the tour handles the difficult roads for you, and it gives you a chance to combine a proper hike with a warm soak. Guides including Sara, Eddie, Ignacio, and Keren have been praised for being funny, careful, and strong on local geology. The main drawback is simple: this is a long day, with limited food and bathroom facilities and some uncomfortable gravel-road travel.

Key points to know before booking

• Landmannalaugar is the main event: Expect colorful rhyolite mountains, lava fields, rivers, geothermal features, and a hike of roughly 1.5 to just over 2 hours.
• The highland road is rough: A capable driver matters here, especially during the final 24 kilometers on bumpy gravel roads.
• The hot pool needs planning: Bring a swimsuit and towel, and change in the bathroom building because changing rooms are not located beside the pool.
• You can choose your hiking pace to a point: Some departures offer a shorter route for an earlier soak, while faster walkers may have limited time to explore farther.
• The day covers three scenic areas: Landmannalaugar, Sigöldugljúfur, also called the Valley of Tears, and Hjálparfoss.
• The group stays fairly small: With a maximum of 19 people, the experience is more personal than a large coach excursion.

Why Landmannalaugar is worth the long ride

Landmannalaugar sits in Iceland’s highlands, far from the easy-access sights along the main South Coast. That remoteness is part of the appeal. You are not simply pulling off the Ring Road for a quick photograph. You are heading into an area of colorful mountains, giant lava fields, rivers, and geothermal water.

The colors come from the area’s rhyolite mountains. In changing weather, the slopes can look red, yellow, green, gray, or brown. Add black volcanic ground, mist, snow, and bright streams, and the scenery can change every few minutes.

The road is the price of admission. Much of the route involves gravel and off-road travel, and the final 24 kilometers can be especially rough. A reviewer described the driving as uncomfortable, but also said the views made it worthwhile. That is a fair way to think about it. You are trading comfort for access to a part of Iceland that is difficult to reach in a normal rental car.

This is also why the tour makes sense for visitors with a 2WD vehicle. A capable guide and a vehicle suited to the terrain remove much of the worry about getting lost, damaging a tire, or handling winding highland roads yourself.

The 7:30 am start and the journey from Reykjavik

The day begins early, with pickup listed around 7:30 am. Pickup can take place in Reykjavik or Selfoss, and the company allows a 30-minute arrival window. In practice, you should be ready before the stated time and expect some waiting while the vehicle works through city pickups.

Reykjavik pickup arrangements can sometimes use a nearby designated bus stop rather than the entrance of your hotel, especially in areas where larger vehicles cannot drive. Keep your phone working and check the exact pickup point carefully. One guest had a rough start because of a changed pickup location, although the guide made up time later.

The vehicle is air-conditioned and has Wi-Fi. That matters on a day with many hours on the road, though Wi-Fi should be viewed as a useful extra rather than the reason to book. The best part of the ride is the changing scenery outside the windows.

The drive includes comfort stops, snack opportunities, and the waterfall stop at Hjálparfoss. Food access is limited once you reach the highlands, so bring a packed lunch and extra snacks. There may be a snack stand at Landmannalaugar, but the selection is not especially broad.

Hiking through Landmannalaugar’s colored mountains

At Landmannalaugar, the guide explains the route and the day’s timing. The main hike generally lasts between about 1.5 and just over 2 hours, depending on the route and pace. You will walk among colorful rhyolite mountains, across or beside lava fields, and past rivers and geothermal features.

The hike is not just a viewpoint walk from a parking area. You need to be comfortable walking over uneven ground, and some parts can be steep. Several people found it manageable with a decent level of fitness, while one older participant pointed out that the route requires good shape. That is useful advice. You do not need to be an elite hiker, but sturdy footwear, steady footing, and reasonable endurance are important.

Weather can change quickly. One day may bring rain, sun, snow, and strong wind during the same walk. Even on a wet day, the mountains remain striking, but you need waterproof layers and warm clothing. Do not judge the weather in Reykjavik as a guide to conditions in the highlands.

Guides set a pace intended to keep the group together and allow photo stops. Ignacio was praised for making sure everyone stayed together, while other feedback suggests that some guides moved quickly and could have added more water breaks. If you hike slowly, tell the guide early. If you are fast and experienced, you may find the group pace limits how far you can go.

That tradeoff is important. This is a guided day trip, not a free-form hiking shuttle. You get safety, navigation, and local explanation, but you do not get unlimited time to explore every trail.

The natural hot pool after the hike

The hot spring is one of the best reasons to choose this particular outing. After walking in cold wind or rain, sitting in naturally warm water is a memorable finish to the main stop. The setting is open and scenic, with hot water flowing into the pool and the weather moving around you.

Bring a swimsuit and towel. There are no changing rooms directly beside the bathing area, so plan to change in the nearby bathroom building before heading to the water. This small detail can save you a chilly scramble after the hike.

The bathing time depends on the group schedule and route. Some guides lead a shorter hike so the group can reach the pool earlier. Other departures may give the hike more attention, leaving less time to soak. If the hot spring is your top priority, make that clear to your guide and pay attention to the timing explanation at the start.

The pool is natural and basic rather than a polished spa. That is exactly its charm, but it also means limited facilities and an outdoor setting. The cold air can be uncomfortable when you get out, so keep warm, dry clothing easy to reach.

Sigöldugljúfur, the Valley of Tears

The stop at Sigöldugljúfur is often presented as the Valley of Tears. It is known for a striking series of waterfalls, clear water, rivers, and broad highland views. Several parts of the trip are scenic, but this stop can be the day’s surprise highlight because it offers a different mood from the colorful mountains at Landmannalaugar.

At Landmannalaugar, your attention is pulled toward slopes, lava, and geothermal ground. At Sigöldugljúfur, the focus shifts to water. The waterfalls spread through the valley, creating a long series of bright drops and channels. It is a strong place for photographs, especially when weather opens up the views.

Time at each stop is limited. One person wished for longer visits, while another found the selection of stops excellent. That tension is normal on an 11-hour outing covering remote roads. You see several major sights in one day, but you cannot linger as you would on a private tour.

Keep your expectations practical. The Valley of Tears is not a quick roadside waterfall in the style of some South Coast stops. It is part of a full highland route, and the effort of reaching it is part of what makes the place feel remote.

Hjálparfoss adds a worthwhile waterfall stop

Hjálparfoss is another attractive break on the route. It gives you a chance to stretch your legs, take photographs, and see a beautiful waterfall without adding another difficult hike to the day.

The stop also helps break up the long drive. This matters more than it might sound. The route to Landmannalaugar includes extended time in the vehicle, and a waterfall visit makes the journey feel like a series of experiences rather than one long transfer.

Do not expect hours here. The schedule needs to account for the hike, bathing, highland roads, and return to Reykjavik. Think of Hjálparfoss as a well-chosen scenic pause.

What the $199 price really buys you

At $199 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a day in Iceland. The value comes from access and practical handling. The price includes an air-conditioned vehicle, Wi-Fi, taxes and fees, round-trip transport, and a guide who knows how to manage the highland roads.

You are also avoiding the expense and stress of arranging a vehicle suited to rough terrain. A standard 2WD rental is not a good substitute for this route, and driving in the highlands requires more confidence than following the Ring Road.

The maximum group size is 19 people. That is small enough for guide interaction and group management without the price of a private trip. The compromise is that your schedule follows the group. Faster hikers may want more trail time, while hot-spring fans may prefer a shorter hike and longer soak.

For an active visitor with only one day available, I think the price is reasonable. You get three major scenic areas, a highland hike, and a natural bath without having to plan the route yourself. It is less compelling if you dislike long drives, rough roads, or fixed timetables.

Guides make a real difference

The strongest guides add more than directions. Sara was described as funny, engaging, and informative. Eddie was praised for his driving and upbeat explanations. Ignacio helped recover a delayed start with calm driving and lively commentary, while Keren combined humor with useful information for a family group.

Good highland guiding means watching the weather, keeping the group together, explaining the ground under your feet, and driving carefully over rough roads. The best feedback points to guides who were attentive, safe, and strong on geology.

The commentary may vary. One person wanted more explanation about the sights along the drive and less quiet music time. If you enjoy learning about Iceland’s geology and history, ask questions. Guides have been praised for their geology knowledge, but the amount of commentary can depend on the guide and the rhythm of the day.

Food, bathrooms, and what to pack

Facilities are limited, so pack with the highlands in mind. Lunch is not included, and food choices at the Landmannalaugar snack stand may be modest. Bring a packed meal, snacks, and a refillable water bottle. Water bottles can be refilled at the base of the hike.

Bathrooms are available at selected stops, but not continuously. Use comfort stops when they appear, even if you do not yet feel the need.

Pack:

• Waterproof outer layers and warm clothing
• Hiking shoes with good grip
• Swimsuit and towel
• Packed lunch and snacks
• Refillable water bottle
• Dry clothes for after the hot pool
• A charged phone for pickup communication

The weather can shift from sun to rain, snow, and strong wind. Dress for the highlands, not just the forecast in Reykjavik.

Who should book this Landmannalaugar day trip?

I would choose this tour if you want to see Iceland’s highlands but have no time for a multi-day trek. It suits active adults, fit older hikers, and families with children who can manage a hike of this length. One family with children aged 10 to 15 found the route manageable.

It is also a good choice if you have a 2WD rental and do not want to risk rough roads or navigation problems. The driver and guide are a major part of the value.

I would think twice if you need frequent bathroom access, dislike bumpy roads, or want several hours of independent hiking. The day is long, and some people would prefer more time at Landmannalaugar or in the hot pool.

The experience requires good weather and a minimum number of participants. If poor weather cancels the trip, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time.

Should you book it?

Book this Landmannalaugar tour if you want a big highland experience in one day and are willing to accept a long, rough ride to reach it. The colorful mountains, Valley of Tears waterfalls, Hjálparfoss, and natural hot pool give the day real variety.

I would not book it as a relaxed sightseeing outing. You need fitness, patience, warm clothing, food, and punctuality. But for an outdoorsy visitor looking for scenery far beyond the usual Reykjavik circuit, the combination of expert driving, a guided hike, and geothermal bathing makes $199 a fair price.

FAQ

How long is the Landmannalaugar tour?

The tour lasts approximately 11 hours, including travel time.

Where can I be picked up?

Pickup is offered in Reykjavik, and pickup can also be arranged in Selfoss on the South Coast.

What time does the tour start?

The listed start time is 7:30 am. Pickup uses a 30-minute window, and the vehicle may arrive up to 30 minutes after pickup begins.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, so bring a packed meal and snacks. A snack stand may be available at Landmannalaugar.

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 many people are in the group?

The tour has a maximum of 19 participants.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached.