From Reykjavik: Landmannalaugar & Háifoss Waterfall Tour

Landmannalaugar is where Iceland seems to change scenery every few minutes. You move from black lava and desert-colored mountains to rainbow rhyolite hills, steaming ground, turquoise water, and a hot pool at the end of the hike. I like that this trip reaches remote highland country without asking you to handle rough roads or river crossings yourself. I also like the mix of major sights, such as Háifoss, and smaller stops such as Hnausapollur and Frostastaðavatn.

The price is $226 per person, which is fair for a 13-hour small-group journey into a difficult-to-reach part of Iceland, with guiding, transport, Wi-Fi, and Landmannalaugar facility fees included. The trade-off is the long day. The vehicle can feel cramped when full, and the ride becomes very bumpy on the highland roads.

Quick points to know before booking

• The Lauga Loop takes about 1.5 to 2 hours: Expect a moderate hike through lava fields, obsidian, colorful hills, and the foothills of Bláknúkur.
• The hot spring is a real reward: Bring swimwear and a towel, but do not expect changing rooms or lockers at the pool.
• Háifoss is only one of several waterfalls: You also visit Hjálparfoss and Glanni, with additional stops depending on the day and conditions.
• The drive is part of the experience: The route includes rough highland roads, long stretches in the bus, and possible river crossings.
• Guides shape the day: Guides including Ottar, Kalman, Beggi, HBO, Siggi, and Anna have been praised for stories, safe driving, music, and personal attention.
• Pack for fast-changing weather: Snow flurries, rain, wind, and sunshine can all occur in summer and early autumn.

Why Landmannalaugar earns a full day

I consider Landmannalaugar one of Iceland’s best choices if you have already seen the usual Reykjavík circuit and want something wilder. It lies in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve, deep in the southern highlands, where volcanic forces have painted the mountains in shades of red, yellow, orange, green, and brown.

The colors come from rhyolite, a volcanic rock that weathers into unusual tones. You will also see obsidian, the shiny black volcanic glass that gives parts of the trail a stark, almost polished look. The appeal is not one single viewpoint. It is the steady change from one type of rock and terrain to another.

This is a small-group tour, although the exact vehicle size can vary. Past departures have carried as many as 16 people, and a full van may feel tight, especially from the back row. Still, the small-group format gives you a better chance of hearing the guide and asking questions than you would on a large coach.

The guides are an important part of the experience. Ottar has been praised for explaining volcanic rocks and hot springs while staying close to the group on the hike. Kalman has earned warm comments for his driving, extra stops, and stories about Iceland. HBO, Beggi, Siggi, and Anna have also been singled out for clear explanations, humor, music, and care with the group.

The long ride from Reykjavík

Plan on roughly 13 hours, though some departures have taken closer to 14 or even 16 hours because of road conditions or delays. That sounds daunting, but the day feels less like one long transfer because the route is broken up by photo stops, short breaks, and the main four-hour stay at Landmannalaugar.

Pickup is optional. If you select it, the process can take up to 30 minutes. If you meet the tour directly, the stated meeting point is Tour Bus Stop 12 at Höfðatorg on Þórunnartún. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so check your voucher carefully and allow time to reach the correct bus stop.

The bus has Wi-Fi, which is useful during the longer stretches. You will want to bring your own food, drinks, and water. There is a short break at the Highland Center Hrauneyjar, and another break in Selfoss on the return journey, but this is not a food-included tour.

The ride gets rough once you reach the highlands. That is part of the price of seeing places that are not served by ordinary paved roads, but it can be tiring. One vehicle reportedly had mechanical trouble and caused a major delay on the return. That kind of problem is not a normal feature of the tour, but it is a reminder that remote Icelandic roads and long transport days require patience.

Hnausapollur and Frostastaðavatn

Hnausapollur is one of the first memorable stops. This old volcanic crater holds a striking blue-green lake, with dark, bare ground around it. The contrast is strong: vivid water set against the muted colors of the highlands.

You have about 10 minutes for the photo stop, so keep your camera ready and do not wander far. This is a quick introduction to the volcanic character of the day rather than a long walk.

Frostastaðavatn follows soon after. The lake adds a quieter view before the main hike, and the short stop helps break up the drive. I like this part of the route because it shows you that Landmannalaugar is not an isolated attraction. The road through the highlands keeps presenting craters, lakes, lava, and open mountain views.

The timing here is practical rather than leisurely. You will have enough time for pictures, but not enough for a long exploration. Save your energy for the trail at Landmannalaugar.

The Lauga Loop through lava and rhyolite

Landmannalaugar itself gets about four hours, which is the heart of the tour. The usual plan includes the easy-to-moderate Lauga Loop, lasting around 1.5 to 2 hours. The trail passes through lava fields, obsidian formations, colorful rhyolite hills, and the lower slopes near Bláknúkur.

The word easy needs a little qualification. The hike is manageable for many reasonably fit people, but it is still described as moderate, and the surface can be uneven. Some sections may feel more demanding in wind, rain, snow, or poor visibility. One person described the loop as about 6 kilometers and suggested that the tour description should make the distance and difficulty clearer.

Wear proper hiking shoes with good grip. Trainers are a poor choice for rough volcanic ground, and wet conditions make the trail less forgiving. Bring water and clothing you can layer. Even in August, snow flurries have occurred, while other departures have enjoyed warm sunshine.

The rewards come quickly. You might walk beside dark lava, then turn toward striped hills that look almost painted. Steam rises near the geothermal areas, and the foothills of Bláknúkur add a bold backdrop. The guide may explain how the rocks formed and point out details you would likely miss on your own.

The group normally hikes together, with the guide accompanying the party. You should be prepared to maintain a steady pace and handle a moderate trail. This is not a casual stroll from a parking area to a viewpoint.

The hot spring after the hike

After the loop, you can bathe in Landmannalaugar’s natural geothermal pool. For many people, this is the best piece of timing in the entire day. Your legs have worked over uneven ground, and the warm water offers a pleasant pause before the long ride back.

Bring swimwear and a towel. There are no changing rooms or lockers at the hot pool site, so keep your expectations simple and protect your valuables. The information provided does not promise private facilities, showers, or a dedicated changing area.

You should also understand that the water is a natural hot spring, not a polished spa. The attraction is the setting: you are soaking outdoors in the highlands with views of volcanic hills around you. If the weather turns cold or wet, getting changed afterward may be less comfortable, so pack clothing that is easy to put on and keep your towel accessible.

The four-hour stop gives you time for both the hike and the pool, though you will need to manage your own pace. If you spend too long taking pictures early on, you may feel rushed later. I would hike first, keep lunch simple, and save enough time to enjoy the water without watching the clock every minute.

Waterfalls on the route

Háifoss is one of the tour’s strongest stops. At around 122 meters, it is one of Iceland’s tallest waterfalls and drops into a dramatic gorge. The nearby waterfall Granni adds a second falling stream, creating the double-waterfall view associated with the area.

The stop lasts about 20 minutes. That is enough for photographs and a good look, but not for a long walk around the gorge. Take care near edges and on wet ground, especially in wind.

Hjálparfoss offers a different mood. It is lower and more sheltered in appearance, with water splitting around dark rock formations before joining the surrounding river system. It makes a good contrast with the scale of Háifoss.

Glanni is also included in the route description, although the exact order and stops can change. Some departures have included extra waterfalls, canyons, lakes, Viking-related sites, or places such as Sigöldugljúfur and Gjáin. These additions are not guaranteed, so treat them as possible bonuses rather than promised features.

That flexibility is useful in Iceland. Guides have adjusted stops to suit weather and road conditions, and some have added a short visit when time allowed. Still, you should book this for the core route: Landmannalaugar, the hot spring, Hnausapollur, and the principal waterfalls.

Fjallabak and the return to Reykjavík

A short photo stop in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve gives you another look at the highland country beyond the main trail. The reserve is the setting that makes this trip feel different from standard southern Iceland day tours. Roads are rough, distances are broad, and the scenery is largely volcanic and open.

The return includes a longer bus stretch and a 10-minute break in Selfoss. You will probably be tired by then. That is not a flaw, but you should avoid scheduling an important evening activity immediately afterward.

The tour has many drop-off points around Reykjavík, including BSÍ Bus Terminal, Hallgrímskirkja, Perlan, several official bus stops, and a number of hotels. The exact drop-off depends on the option you choose, so confirm your location before booking accommodation around the return time.

The long ride is easier when the guide fills it with stories, Icelandic music, and explanations of local life. Several guides have done exactly that. I would still bring headphones, snacks, and something warm for the bus. A 13-hour outing gives you plenty of time to enjoy the scenery, but also plenty of time to notice an uncomfortable seat.

What the $226 price gets you

At $226 per person, this is not a cheap day trip. It is also not an ordinary sightseeing loop. You are paying for access to a remote region where driving conditions are demanding, navigation is less simple, and a suitable vehicle matters.

The price includes transport from Reykjavík, an English-speaking guide, Wi-Fi on board, and Landmannalaugar facility fees. Food, drinks, hotel pickup, and hotel drop-off are not included. Add the cost of buying lunch and snacks, or pack them yourself.

I see the value in the trip if you want the highlands but do not want to rent a four-wheel-drive vehicle or manage the route yourself. The guide and driver handle the difficult roads, while the guide adds context to the geology and local culture.

The value is weaker if you dislike long drives, rough roads, or fixed schedules. You could spend less on a shorter southern coast outing, but you would not get the same combination of rhyolite hills, volcanic lakes, highland trails, and geothermal bathing in one day.

Who should book this day trip

I would recommend it to you if you want:

• A first taste of Iceland’s southern highlands
• A guided hike rather than a self-guided route
• Volcanic geology, unusual colors, and open mountain views
• A natural hot spring after walking
• Several major stops packed into one demanding day
• Help with highland roads and river crossings

You should think twice if you have limited mobility, since the tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. Children under 8 are not accepted. You also need to be comfortable with a moderate hike and changing weather.

This trip suits an active couple, a small group of friends, or a solo visitor who wants company and guidance in remote country. It is less suited to anyone looking for a relaxed coach tour with short, paved walks and long meal stops.

Practical packing advice

I would pack more carefully for this tour than for a normal day around Reykjavík.

• Hiking shoes
• Waterproof and warm outer layers
• Extra socks
• Swimwear and a towel
• Water
• Packed food and drinks
• Small valuables pouch, since lockers are not provided at the hot spring
• Phone or camera with spare battery power

Do not trust the forecast in Reykjavík to describe conditions in the highlands. The tour can encounter rain, strong wind, sunshine, or snow in the same day. The right clothing will make the difference between a memorable hike and a miserable one.

The tour allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and offers reserve-now, pay-later booking. Those terms are useful when Icelandic weather or your wider schedule is still uncertain.

Should you book the Landmannalaugar and Háifoss tour?

Book it if Landmannalaugar is high on your Iceland wish list and you want the safest, simplest way to reach it from Reykjavík. The colorful rhyolite hills, lava trail, crater lake, waterfalls, and hot spring give you a remarkably varied day.

Skip it if 13 to 16 hours in a vehicle sounds exhausting, or if you need generous personal space and smooth roads. A full van can be cramped, and the return may run late.

For the right person, this is one of the strongest highland day trips available from the capital. Go prepared for a rough ride, bring your own food, wear serious footwear, and treat the hot spring as the final reward rather than the only reason to go.

FAQ

How long does the tour take?

The stated duration is 13 hours. Some departures have lasted longer because of road conditions, vehicle trouble, or additional stops.

Where do I meet the tour in Reykjavík?

The stated meeting point is Tour Bus Stop 12, Höfðatorg, on Þórunnartún. Pickup is optional, and the pickup process can take up to 30 minutes if selected.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. The tour has several Reykjavík drop-off locations, depending on the option selected.

What language is the tour conducted in?

The live guided tour is conducted in English.

How difficult is the hike?

The hike is described as moderate and follows the Lauga Loop for about 1.5 to 2 hours. One description places the distance at about 6 kilometers. You should be able to manage uneven highland terrain.

Can I bathe in a hot spring?

Yes. You have the opportunity to bathe in the geothermal pool at Landmannalaugar after the hike. Bring swimwear and a towel.

Are food and drinks included?

No. You need to bring or buy your own food and drinks. Water is also listed among the items to bring.

Is the tour suitable for young children or people with mobility impairments?

No. The tour is not suitable for children under 8 or for people with mobility impairments.