Landmannalaugar Hike and Hot Springs from Reykjavik & Hella

Highland colors reward an early start. This 13-hour outing takes you from Reykjavík or Hella into Landmannalaugar, where striped rhyolite mountains, black lava, and obsidian create some of Iceland’s most unusual scenery. I especially like the small-group format and the chance to combine a guided walk with a soak in natural hot springs.

I also like that the hiking is described as accessible rather than extreme. The main drawback is clear: you spend many hours on the road for a fairly short visit, and the actual walk may feel brief if you are fit and hoping for a longer highland trek.

Key things to know

• The day starts early: Reykjavík pickups begin around 6:30 AM, with departure at 7:00 AM.
• The route is visually special: Expect rhyolite mountains, lava fields, obsidian, geothermal features, and excellent photo stops.
• The hike takes about five hours on the schedule: The route itself may be around five kilometers, with the walking pace and group affecting how much ground you cover.
• The hot spring is extra: Bring a swimsuit and towel. The bath is optional, and bathroom, shower, and hot spring costs are not included.
• You need your own lunch and water: Food and drinks are not supplied during the day.
• Guide quality matters: Carmen and Nacho received especially warm praise for their friendliness and explanations, while one English-speaking group found communication less effective.

Why Landmannalaugar is worth the long ride

Landmannalaugar is one of those Icelandic places where the road is part of the experience. The trip begins in the settled south, then heads toward the highlands, where the scenery becomes rougher, emptier, and more volcanic.

The reward is a setting unlike the black-sand beaches and green valleys closer to Reykjavík. Here, the mountains can show bands of orange, red, yellow, brown, and pale green. Dark lava and obsidian add a sharp contrast. Even if you are not a serious hiker, you get plenty to look at through the bus windows and during the walk.

The price is $190 per person. That is not a bargain if you measure value by walking time alone. It becomes easier to justify if you do not have a suitable highland vehicle, do not want to drive Iceland’s rough interior roads, and prefer a guide to handle the route and transfers.

I would think of this as a transport-and-access tour with a guided hike included, not as a full day of strenuous walking. The long transfer is the price of reaching a remote place without renting the type of vehicle needed for the journey.

The 6:30 AM Reykjavík start

Pickup in Reykjavík begins at about 6:30 AM, with the official departure scheduled for 7:00 AM. Pickup points include Bus Stop 2 at Tjörnin, Bus Stop 14 on Skúlagata, Hallgrímskirkja, the highland bus stop, Bus Stop 12 at Höfðatorg, and Reykjavík Campsite.

You need to be at your chosen stop before the pickup window. This is not the morning to stroll out of your hotel with coffee in hand. The bus may collect passengers at several points, so a few minutes of delay can affect the entire day.

The early departure has one major benefit: it gives you enough time for the long transfer and a useful stay in Landmannalaugar. The cost is a very early morning and a late return. The estimated Reykjavík arrival is around 8:00 PM, so plan a quiet evening afterward.

The vehicle includes Wi-Fi, which is useful during the long road sections. Still, I would bring a book, downloaded maps, music, or a podcast. Wi-Fi is a bonus, not a reason to expect constant connection in the highlands.

Joining from Hella at 8:30 AM

If you are staying in Hella or nearby, the tour becomes more practical. Pickup takes place at the Olís petrol station, with check-in around 8:30 to 8:40 AM and departure at 8:45 AM.

The Hella stop is also used on the way back. The bus is scheduled to return around 6:25 PM, with departure toward Reykjavík at approximately 6:40 PM. This option removes some of the early Reykjavík transfer and may suit you better if your accommodation is in the south.

The stop provides time for a toilet break, coffee, and last-minute food purchases. Do not treat this as your main meal stop, though. You still need to pack enough lunch and water for the hike.

The road into the highlands

From Reykjavík, the first transfer takes about 1.5 hours, followed by another road section of roughly 2 hours and 20 minutes. The full ride in both directions is a major part of the day.

That may sound tedious, but it also explains why this outing is useful. Landmannalaugar is not a quick side trip from Reykjavík. You are paying to reach a remote area, and a guided vehicle lets you enjoy the scenery without worrying about navigation or highland driving.

I would use the ride to settle into the day. Keep water, snacks, waterproof clothing, and camera gear where you can reach them. Avoid packing everything deep in a large bag that stays inaccessible during the transfer.

The route itself provides changing scenery, but the main visual payoff comes after arrival. If you dislike long bus journeys, the time commitment should weigh heavily in your decision.

Arriving at Landmannalaugar around 11:00 AM

The scheduled arrival at the base camp is around 11:00 AM. The hike begins at approximately 11:10 AM, leaving little time to reorganize.

Use the ride to put on suitable layers before arrival. Landmannalaugar can feel very different from Reykjavík, and highland weather can change quickly. Bring waterproof gear even if the morning looks clear.

The terrain is uneven, with possible stream crossings. This is not a paved park walk. You do not need to be an expert mountaineer for the advertised route, but you do need steady footing and sensible clothing.

The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users. That limitation reflects the rough paths and natural conditions.

Five hours among rhyolite and lava

The planned guided hiking period runs from about 11:10 AM to 3:00 PM. The route takes you through colorful rhyolite mountains, broad lava fields, obsidian formations, and areas of geothermal activity.

This is the heart of the day. The scenery changes quickly, and the dark volcanic ground makes the mountain colors especially striking. I would keep your camera ready, but do not spend the whole walk looking at a screen. The unusual colors are best appreciated in person, where you can see the scale of the mountains and lava fields.

The advertised hiking block is approximately five hours, but the actual walking distance and pace can vary. One route described in the available feedback was the orange route, about five kilometers with roughly half involving an uphill section. That is a useful guide to the level of walking, although the group’s pace can affect the final route.

This is also where the small-group promise matters. A group with mixed abilities may move at different speeds. One slower section can shorten the walking time or limit how far the guide takes you. If you are hoping to cover several trails, this tour may feel too restrained.

For most people, the advantage is comfort and access. The guide can explain the geology, point out geothermal activity, and help the group handle uneven ground and stream crossings. Guides Carmen and Nacho were singled out for friendly service, good humor, and enthusiasm for Iceland and mountain conditions.

There is one practical caution about language. The tour is offered in English and Spanish, but the quality of spoken English may vary by guide. One reported experience found the English explanations difficult to follow. If detailed guiding in English is essential to you, confirm the language arrangement before booking.

The hot spring from 3:00 to 3:50 PM

After the hike, you have about 50 minutes of free time, with the bus scheduled to leave around 4:00 PM. This is your chance to visit the natural hot spring, buy a drink if available, or simply sit and take in the surroundings.

Bring a swimsuit and towel if you want to bathe. The hot spring is optional, and the bathing cost is not included. Bathroom and shower charges are also excluded, so carry some money for those extras.

The timing makes the bath more of a pleasant finish than a long spa session. You will need to change, wash, and return to the vehicle on time. I would not count on having a leisurely soak if the group is preparing to leave.

Still, the contrast is excellent: first a walk over volcanic ground, then warm water in the open air. That combination gives the day a satisfying shape and helps take the edge off tired legs.

The return journey and late finish

The bus leaves Landmannalaugar around 4:00 PM. The return transfer to Hella takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes, followed by another section of roughly 80 minutes toward Reykjavík.

The Hella stop around 6:25 PM provides another toilet break and a chance to buy food. Reykjavík drop-offs are expected around 8:00 PM at the same general meeting points, including Tjörnin, Skúlagata, Hallgrímskirkja, Höfðatorg, the highland bus stop, and Reykjavík Campsite.

By this point, you will probably be tired. That is normal. This is a remote full-day outing, not a quick afternoon excursion. If you have an early flight or a major evening booking, leave plenty of room for delays.

What to pack for the walk

The tour does not include food or drinks, so pack a proper lunch and enough water. The Hella stop helps with last-minute purchases, but you should not depend on it for all your supplies.

I would bring:

• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Warm layers that you can add or remove
• Sturdy walking shoes with good grip
• Lunch and snacks
• Plenty of water
• Swimsuit and towel
• Small day bag
• Camera or phone with spare battery
• Money for bathrooms, showers, and the hot spring

The most important item is waterproof clothing. The route can include uneven ground and stream crossings, and highland weather is not always polite enough to match the forecast.

Is $190 good value?

At $190, this is a costly day, but Iceland tours often need to cover long distances, specialist vehicles, fuel, and guide time. The fee includes selected pickup and drop-off, a certified guide, the guided hike, English or Spanish guiding, and Wi-Fi on board.

The value is strongest for you if:

• You do not have a highland vehicle
• You want a guide for the route
• You are staying in Reykjavík or Hella
• You want scenery and a moderate walk rather than a demanding trek
• You like the idea of finishing with a hot spring

The value is weaker if you are already comfortable driving into the highlands or want a long, challenging hike. Some people found the walking portion too short for the price, especially because Landmannalaugar offers many possible routes.

The small-group approach helps, but it cannot remove the basic limitation: this is a long-distance day trip with a fixed return time.

Who should book this outing?

I would recommend it to first-time visitors who want to see Landmannalaugar without arranging a highland vehicle. It also suits you if colorful volcanic scenery matters more than covering a large number of hiking kilometers.

It is a good match for walkers who are comfortable on uneven trails but do not want an extreme route. The guided format offers reassurance around stream crossings, route choices, and changing conditions.

I would be more cautious if you are a strong hiker hoping to spend most of the day on the trail. You may leave wishing the tour had allowed more time. I would also think twice if you need highly detailed English commentary, since guide communication can vary.

The tour has an overall rating of 4.7 from 109 ratings, and the strongest praise centers on the spectacular setting, kind guides, and memorable feel of the day. Carmen and Nacho are particularly good names to look for when checking current guide arrangements.

Should you book the Landmannalaugar tour?

Book it if you want a straightforward way into one of Iceland’s most unusual highland areas and you accept the long transfers. The colorful mountains, lava fields, optional hot spring, and guided access make the day special.

Skip it if $190 feels high for a short walk, or if your main goal is a serious full-day hike. Pack lunch, water, waterproof clothing, a swimsuit, and patience for the road. With those expectations in place, this is a strong choice for scenery and access, not a cheap or intensive hiking day.

FAQ

How long is the Landmannalaugar tour?

The tour lasts about 13 hours. Reykjavík departures begin in the morning, and the estimated return to Reykjavík is around 8:00 PM.

Where can I join the tour in Reykjavík?

Pickup is available at selected points, including Bus Stop 2 at Tjörnin, Bus Stop 14 on Skúlagata, Hallgrímskirkja, the highland bus stop, Bus Stop 12 at Höfðatorg, and Reykjavík Campsite.

Can I join the tour from Hella?

Yes. Pickup in Hella takes place at the Olís petrol station around 8:30 to 8:40 AM, with departure scheduled for 8:45 AM.

How long is the hike?

The guided hiking period is scheduled from about 11:10 AM to 3:00 PM, described as an approximately five-hour roundtrip hike. The route and walking distance can vary with the group.

Is the hike difficult?

The experience is presented as accessible trekking, but the trails are uneven and may include stream crossings. Sturdy footwear and waterproof clothing are important.

Is the hot spring included in the price?

No. The hot spring is optional, and entry fees for the hot spring, bathrooms, and showers are not included.

Should I bring a swimsuit and towel?

Yes, bring both if you want to use the natural hot spring during the free time after the hike.

Are food and drinks included?

No. You need to bring your own lunch, snacks, and water. There is an opportunity to buy food or drinks during the Hella stops.

What languages are available?

The tour is guided in English and Spanish. It includes a certified guide and Wi-Fi on board.