Reykjavík: Landmannalaugar Hike and the Valley of Tears

Landmannalaugar looks less like a normal hiking destination than a volcanic planet. Rhyolite mountains streaked with iron and sulphur rise around black obsidian lava, while steam drifts from small hot springs. I like the mix of a real Highland drive and enough free time to hike, take photos, or soak. I also like the final stop at Sigöldugljúfur, the Valley of Tears, a canyon threaded with clear streams and many waterfalls. The drawback is the long, rough ride from Reykjavík, which can be tiring and uncomfortable if bumpy roads bother you.

• A two-hour route through Laugahraun leads across the black obsidian lava field toward Brennisteinsalda, the Sulphur Wave.
• More than three hours at Landmannalaugar gives you room to hike, choose another trail, or spend time in the hot pool.
• Hjálparfoss adds a handsome two-tier waterfall and unusual basalt formations near the start of the day.
• Sigöldugljúfur’s spring-fed waterfalls are a special extra, not just a quick roadside stop.
• A 4WD vehicle, small group, Wi-Fi, and USB ports make the long Highland transfer easier.
• The $210 price is fair if you do not have a 4×4 and want transport, guiding, a hike, and a hot spring in one day.

Why Landmannalaugar Feels Like Another Iceland

Most first-time visitors see Iceland along the Ring Road, where waterfalls, black beaches, glaciers, and volcanic peaks arrive in a steady procession. Landmannalaugar gives you a different country altogether. It lies in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve, far inside the southern Highlands, where the roads are rough and a normal rental car cannot simply wander in.

The reward is an extraordinary mix of color and texture. The mountains are made from rhyolite, a volcanic rock containing quartz and silica. Iron and sulphur add reds, yellows, oranges, and muted greens to the slopes. In front of them, the Laugahraun lava field spreads out as a mass of black obsidian.

This obsidian formed during the 1477 eruption. It is smooth, glassy, and sharp-edged, and its dark appearance explains why the material was used as Dragon Glass in Game of Thrones. You do not need to be a geology fan to appreciate it. The ground looks broken, polished, and frozen in place, a sharp contrast to the soft-colored mountains behind it.

I like this tour because it does not reduce Landmannalaugar to a photo stop. You have over three hours in the area, including an optional guided hike of about two hours. That is enough time to see the main terrain without spending the entire day rushing from one viewpoint to another.

The 7:30 AM Pickup and Highland Ride

Pickup is offered at selected Reykjavík hotels and bus stops, including City Hall, the Reykjavík Bus Terminal, Miðbakki, Snorrabraut, Höfðatorg, and the Culture House. You should be ready at 7:30 AM, but the vehicle can arrive up to 30 minutes later depending on the pickup point.

Keep your phone switched on and connected to mobile data. The driver needs to find you, and missing the vehicle because you could not be reached would be a costly start to the day.

The ride to the first major stop takes about two hours, followed by the long approach to Landmannalaugar on Highland roads. This is not a smooth motorway transfer. The F-road sections can be very bumpy, and the journey takes much of the day. One useful piece of advice is to avoid the very back of the vehicle if you are sensitive to jolts or engine noise. The rear seats can also feel cramped on a full vehicle.

Still, the 4WD transport is a major part of the value. You get into terrain that is difficult to reach without your own capable vehicle, and you do not have to worry about driving unfamiliar gravel roads in changing weather. The guides handle the route, while you watch the scenery change from settled country to open volcanic desert.

The vehicle includes free Wi-Fi and USB ports, though the main reason to choose this trip is access to the Highlands, not onboard comfort. Bring water, lunch, and snacks. Food and drinks are not included, and you may not want to rely on finding lunch once the day is underway.

Hjálparfoss, a Waterfall Named for Relief

Hjálparfoss is the first listed sightseeing stop. This two-tier waterfall drops into a broad pool surrounded by distinctive basalt formations. It is not Iceland’s largest waterfall, but the setting is pleasing and the rock around the water gives it a character of its own.

The name means Help’s Fall. The surrounding area, Hjálp, was an important relief point for people crossing the difficult Sprengisandur route through the Highlands. After a hard journey across a barren stretch, arriving at grass where horses could feed felt like a rescue.

That small story gives the stop more meaning than a quick picture of falling water. Your guide may also explain how the area fits into Iceland’s old north-south routes and volcanic terrain. It is a short stop, so treat it as an introduction to the day rather than a full hike.

The Landmannalaugar Hike Through Laugahraun

At Landmannalaugar, the guide offers a hike of about two hours through the Laugahraun lava field toward Brennisteinsalda. The route brings together the area’s best features: black obsidian underfoot, steam from geothermal spots, and multicolored rhyolite rising around you.

Brennisteinsalda translates as the Sulphur Wave, and it is one of the clearest examples of the area’s unusual colors. Sulphur and iron help create yellow, red, and orange shades, while the volcanic rock changes from one patch to the next. This is the kind of place where you should stop often, not simply march to the next viewpoint.

The hike has been manageable for people with modest fitness, and one person who described being sedentary still found it beginner-friendly. That does not mean you should treat it as a city walk. The ground is volcanic and uneven, weather can change quickly, and wind or heavy rain can make even an easy route feel demanding.

The guide can offer alternatives, and you are not required to stay with the group for the whole Landmannalaugar visit. You can take another trail, remain near the huts, take pictures, or simply enjoy the hot pool. That flexibility is one of the strongest parts of the day.

A few people have used the extra time to combine Brennisteinsalda with a Bláhnjúkur hike, but you should only attempt more than the offered route if conditions and your energy allow. The schedule is generous, not limitless.

The Natural Hot Pool After the Walk

The geothermal pool is a simple and welcome feature. After two hours over rough lava and mountain paths, warm water gives you a chance to rest rather than immediately climb back into the vehicle.

Bring a swimsuit and towel. They are not supplied, and forgetting either one would remove one of the day’s most enjoyable options. The pool is natural, so do not expect the polished feel of a Reykjavík spa. Its appeal comes from sitting in warm water among volcanic mountains, with the day’s hike still fresh in your legs.

The available time is generally enough for a bath, though some people would prefer a longer soak. Since the group has to leave together, you should keep an eye on the meeting time. Also remember that the pool is an option, not a requirement. If cold, wet weather makes you want dry clothes and shelter, you can skip it.

Sigöldugljúfur and the Valley of Tears

Sigöldugljúfur is the tour’s most distinctive extra stop. The canyon is known as the Valley of Tears because numerous spring-fed streams and waterfalls spill through it. Clear water gathers in small ponds, runs between colorful vegetation, and drops over the cliffs in a series of little falls.

The scene differs from Landmannalaugar. There, the drama comes from broad volcanic forms and stark black lava. Here, water provides the motion and color. The blue river, bright falls, and surrounding cliffs make this an excellent place for photographs.

This is also why the tour can be a better choice than a basic Landmannalaugar transfer. You are not only paying to reach the reserve. You also get Hjálparfoss and a stop at a canyon that is not always included in other day trips. The Valley of Tears may be brief compared with the main Highland visit, but it adds a second kind of scenery to an already varied day.

Allow time for the stop to depend on road conditions and the overall schedule. It is a sightseeing visit rather than a second long hike, so wear shoes that let you walk safely around viewpoints and uneven ground.

Guides, Commentary, and the Small-Group Feel

The tour is conducted in English and includes a local guide who drives, leads the hike, explains the geology, and shares stories about Iceland. Guides named in the feedback include Eddi, Tomasz, Sarah, Eddy, Eddie, Ignacio, Bessi, James, Kalman, and Einar. The strongest guiding experiences combined safe driving with clear explanations, humor, and help choosing a suitable route.

Eddi was especially praised for making the day easy and fun, while Tomasz was noted for giving people time to hike and for handling the vehicle safely. Einar Samuelsson was also praised for managing a difficult day that included a flat tire and strong wind. These details matter because the driver is not a minor part of a Highland trip. You are depending on that person for both road judgment and timing.

The quality of commentary may vary. At least one passenger found the speaker difficult to hear and felt the guide offered too little explanation. If you cannot hear, say so early rather than waiting until the end of the drive. A headset that sits poorly or a noisy vehicle can make good information disappear.

The small-group format helps the day feel more personal and allows some flexibility. The guide can suggest different walks and make photo stops along the route. It does not guarantee constant conversation or a private tour, but it is more adaptable than a large coach excursion.

Is $210 a Fair Price?

At $210 per person, this is not a cheap day out. The tour lasts 11 hours, and a large share of that time is spent driving from Reykjavík and back. If you only want a short walk or a single waterfall, this is the wrong use of your money.

The value improves if you do not have a 4×4 vehicle. You avoid rental costs, fuel, insurance questions, and the stress of Highland roads. The price also includes pickup and return, the guided hike, stops at three notable areas, the hot-pool option, and a small group.

I see it as good value for someone who wants a one-day introduction to Iceland’s Highlands rather than a serious multi-day trek. You get a strong sample of the region, though not a complete exploration. The long ride is the price of reaching this remote terrain from Reykjavík.

If you are already staying near Hella, one person correctly noted that starting there would make more sense than coming all the way from Reykjavík. Based on the stated arrangements, however, this experience is organized around Reykjavík pickup and drop-off.

What to Bring for a Changeable Day

The weather can make the same hike feel easy or serious. One September outing had heavy rain and strong wind, and the hot pool became the most comfortable way to spend part of the time. Pack for that possibility even if the forecast looks friendly.

Bring:

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

Dress in layers so you can adjust during the drive, hike, and swim. The volcanic ground can be sharp, and ordinary trainers are a poor choice for a wet, uneven trail. A small daypack keeps your hands free for balance and photos.

The activity is not suitable for children under 10 or wheelchair users. You should also be comfortable walking on uneven ground and getting in and out of a 4WD minibus.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

I would choose this for you if you want dramatic scenery but do not want to arrange a Highland vehicle yourself. It suits a first visit to Iceland, solo visitors who want an organized day, couples, and anyone who wants both a short hike and a hot spring.

It is also a good match for people who enjoy geology. You can see how lava, obsidian, geothermal heat, water, iron, and sulphur have shaped the area, rather than simply photographing colorful peaks without context.

You may want another option if you dislike long vehicle days, suffer badly on rough roads, or want a full-day hike. The drive is part of the experience, but it is still a drive. The trip is tiring, and the vehicle may be noisy, especially toward the back.

The hike itself is accessible for many beginners, yet Icelandic weather remains the deciding factor. You need outdoor clothing and a willingness to alter your plans if wind or rain arrives.

Should You Book the Landmannalaugar Day Trip?

Book it if Landmannalaugar is high on your Iceland wish list and you want a practical way to reach it from Reykjavík. The combination of rhyolite mountains, obsidian lava, geothermal bathing, Hjálparfoss, and Sigöldugljúfur gives you a full picture of the southern Highlands in one demanding but rewarding day.

Do not book it expecting luxury transport, a quiet ride, or a long, advanced trek. Bring lunch, choose a seat away from the back if possible, keep your phone available at pickup, and pack for rain and wind. At $210, the tour earns its price through access and variety, not comfort.

For most people with one free day and no 4×4, I would make the trip. The Valley of Tears is an especially useful bonus, and the time at Landmannalaugar gives you enough freedom to make the day your own.

FAQ

How long does the Landmannalaugar tour last?

The experience lasts 11 hours, including pickup and drop-off in Reykjavík and the driving time to and from the Highlands.

Where does pickup take place in Reykjavík?

Pickup is available at selected hotels and bus stops, including City Hall, Reykjavík Bus Terminal, Miðbakki, Snorrabraut, Höfðatorg, the Culture House, Hilton Reykjavík Nordica, Storm Hotel, ODDSSON hotel, and Vesturbugt.

What time should I be ready for pickup?

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

Is swimming included at Landmannalaugar?

You have the option to bathe in the natural hot pool. Bring your own swimsuit and towel because they are not provided.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, so bring lunch, snacks, and water for the full-day outing.

Is the hike suitable for beginners?

The offered hike is about two hours and has been suitable for people with modest fitness, but the volcanic ground, wind, rain, and changing weather can make conditions harder. Hiking shoes and outdoor clothing are required.