Reykjavík: Landmannalaugar Hike and the Valley of Tears

Iceland gets wilder past the last paved road. This 11-hour trip reaches Landmannalaugar by four-wheel-drive minibus, with a hike through black obsidian and brightly colored rhyolite mountains. I love the combination of Brennisteinsalda’s volcanic scenery and the warm natural pool afterward. I also like that Sigöldugljúfur, the Valley of Tears, adds a second major sight instead of making the day all about one stop. The tradeoff is simple: the highland road is rough, and Reykjavík is a long way from the interior.

You spend more than three hours at Landmannalaugar, so you have room to hike, take photos, or slow down at the hot spring. I like that flexibility, especially if you are not a serious hiker. Just bring lunch, because food and drinks are not included, and do not sit in the very back if bumpy roads bother you.

At a Glance: What Makes This Day Special

• Landmannalaugar’s black lava and colored mountains: Walk across the Laugahraun lava field, formed in the 1477 eruption, and see sharp obsidian known in popular culture as dragon glass.
• A two-hour guided walk to Brennisteinsalda: The route leads through unusual volcanic ground toward the Sulphur Wave, with hot springs and steam in the area.
• A real soak after the hike: The natural pool gives you a warm, easy finish to the main activity, so pack swimwear and a towel.
• The Valley of Tears: Sigöldugljúfur has spring-fed streams, small ponds, clear waterfalls, colorful plant life, and steep cliffs.
• A capable highland vehicle: The Super Jeep or four-wheel-drive minibus handles rough F-roads that ordinary rental cars cannot use.
• A long but well-filled day: Hjálparfoss breaks up the drive, while the route to and from the Highlands supplies changing scenery.

Why Landmannalaugar Is Worth the Long Ride

Landmannalaugar is one of Iceland’s best places to see how volcanic activity can produce wildly different colors and textures in a small area. The ground shifts from dark lava to orange, yellow, red, and greenish mountain slopes, created by rhyolite and minerals such as iron and sulphur.

You do not need to be an experienced trekker to enjoy the visit. The standard guided walk lasts about two hours and is described by several visitors as manageable for beginners. Still, this is outdoor Iceland, not a paved city walk. Rain, wind, loose volcanic ground, and fast-changing weather can make the same route feel much harder.

The trip is especially useful if you do not have a four-wheel-drive vehicle. The Highland roads are rough and remote, and driving them yourself requires the right vehicle and confidence. Here, your guide handles the road while you watch the scenery, listen to local stories, and save your energy for the walk.

The vehicle is comfortable enough for a full day, with Wi-Fi and USB ports. Yet comfort has limits. The road can be noisy and very bumpy, and one person found the back cramped during the long ride. If you are prone to motion sickness, bring suitable medicine and choose a seat toward the front if possible.

The Morning Ride Through Iceland’s Interior

Pickup begins around 7:30 AM from selected Reykjavík bus stops and hotels. The minibus may take up to 30 minutes to arrive, so keep your phone working and stay connected to mobile data. If the driver cannot find you or reach you, you risk missing the departure.

The first major part of the day is the road itself. The trip takes about 11 hours in total, with roughly two hours listed for the main drive each way. In practice, stops, road conditions, and the group can affect the timing.

This is not a quick hop from Reykjavík. You are giving up most of a day, and the ride back may feel tiring after the hike. The reward is access to a part of Iceland that is difficult to reach without a specialist vehicle. The route can feel almost lunar at times, especially around the volcanic areas near Hekla.

Guides have made a strong impression on this experience. Eddi has been praised for clear geological explanations, jokes, and a friendly manner. Tomasz has been described as a careful driver who gave people time to walk and enjoy the pool. Sarah, Eddy, Bessi, Ignacio, and Einar have also been singled out for helpful guiding and safe driving.

The quality can depend on the individual guide and the vehicle. One account described poor sound from the microphone and too little commentary, while another found the bus engine so loud that it was hard to hear. That is worth keeping in mind if you book this mainly for detailed narration. The scenery remains the star, but the guide can make the long road much more enjoyable.

Hjálparfoss: A Useful First Stop

Hjálparfoss is a two-level waterfall that drops into a broad pool surrounded by unusual basalt formations. It is a short sightseeing and photo stop, not the main event, but it gives you a fine introduction to Iceland’s volcanic character before the Highland roads get rougher.

The name means Help’s Fall. The surrounding area, Hjálp, once offered grass and water to horses crossing the harsh Sprengisandur route between northern and southern Iceland. After a difficult crossing through barren terrain, this greener area was a welcome resource.

You will not spend hours here, so think of Hjálparfoss as a scenic pause rather than a full attraction. It breaks up the ride, gives you a chance to stretch, and adds a waterfall before the more unusual sights later in the day.

Hiking Across Laugahraun to Brennisteinsalda

Landmannalaugar is the heart of the trip. You spend more than three hours in the area, with about two hours set aside for the guided hike through the Laugahraun lava field toward Brennisteinsalda.

Laugahraun formed during an eruption in 1477. Its black obsidian has a smooth look and sharp edges, which explains why it has been compared with the fictional dragon glass from Game of Thrones. Do not treat it like ordinary gravel. Watch your footing, wear proper hiking shoes, and avoid rushing across the rougher sections.

Brennisteinsalda means the Sulphur Wave. The mountain shows the effects of rhyolite, quartz, silica, iron, sulphur, and other minerals. Steam rising from nearby hot springs adds to the strange feeling of the place. You might find yourself stopping often, not because the route is difficult, but because every few steps changes the view.

The guided walk is a good choice if you want context. A local guide can explain why the mountains have their colors, how the lava formed, and what you are seeing beneath your boots. It also helps you stay oriented in an area where the terrain can look similar in several directions.

You are not locked into the group hike. The schedule allows you to take another trail, explore independently, or remain near the huts and hot pool. One person used the time for both the Brennisteinsalda and Bláhnúkur hikes, though that depends on your pace, the weather, and the guide’s plan. Treat that as a possibility, not a promise.

The flexible time is one of the best features here. You can choose a more active visit, a gentler walk, or a quiet break with your camera. The guide may suggest alternatives for different abilities, and the standard hike has been described as beginner-friendly. Still, you should be comfortable walking outdoors for around two hours and managing uneven ground.

The Natural Pool After the Walk

The hot pool is not a decorative spa built for visitors. It is a natural bathing spot in the Highland setting, and that makes it a memorable finish to the walk. Warm water feels particularly welcome if the wind has picked up or rain has passed through.

Bring a swimsuit and towel. A daypack is useful for keeping those items separate from your rain gear and camera. You should also carry a packed lunch and drinks, since they are not included in the $210 price.

Your time in the pool depends on the group, the schedule, and how long people take on the hike. One person wished for more time in the water after other members of the group went the wrong way and the guide had to collect them. That is a useful reminder to follow the meeting instructions carefully.

The pool is a major reason this works well for mixed groups. Strong hikers can spend more time on the trails, while others can take the easier route and still enjoy a special Highland experience. You do not need to choose between hiking and bathing, but you should listen closely to the guide’s return time.

Sigöldugljúfur, the Valley of Tears

The final major sight is Sigöldugljúfur, often called the Valley of Tears. It is a canyon filled with spring-fed streams, small ponds, clear waterfalls, green plant life, and colorful cliffs.

The name sounds dramatic, but the place is more delicate than fierce. Water appears in many small channels, creating a layered view that rewards a slower look. The blue water and scattered waterfalls contrast sharply with the dark volcanic ground seen earlier.

This stop is mainly for sightseeing and photos. It does not replace the Landmannalaugar hike, but it gives the day a second visual high point. Several people consider it their favorite stop, partly because it feels so different from the lava fields and rhyolite mountains.

You should keep your expectations realistic. The itinerary lists this as a photo stop, so you are not spending hours exploring every part of the canyon. Its value comes from the short visit and the contrast it adds to the day.

Is $210 a Fair Price?

At $210 per person, this is not a cheap day trip. I think the price is reasonable if you lack a four-wheel-drive vehicle and want Landmannalaugar without arranging the complicated driving yourself.

The cost covers Reykjavík pickup and drop-off, a specialist vehicle, an English-speaking local guide, the guided hike, the natural pool visit, and several scenic stops. You also get a small-group format, Wi-Fi, USB charging, and help with photos. Food is extra, so buy lunch before departure.

You are paying mainly for access and driving. The route into the Highlands is not suitable for a standard rental car, and the driver’s experience matters on rough roads and in strong wind. A flat tire has caused a delay on one past trip, but the vehicle carried a spare and continued safely. Conditions can affect the day, so flexibility matters.

The value is strongest for a first Iceland visit with one free day for the interior. It is less compelling if you dislike long drives, need a quiet vehicle, or want a full-day strenuous trek. Independent hikers with a suitable vehicle may prefer more control, but most visitors will not have that option.

What to Pack and Who Should Go

Pack for a cold, wet, windy day even if Reykjavík is sunny. The Highlands can feel very different from the city.

Bring:

• Hiking shoes with good grip
• Rain gear and warm outdoor clothing
• Gloves and a hat
• Swimwear and a towel
• A daypack, camera, lunch, and drinks
• A working mobile phone with data access

This trip suits adults and children aged 10 or older who can manage a long day and an outdoor walk. It is not suitable for wheelchair users. You can choose a gentler pace at Landmannalaugar, but the vehicle ride and rough road remain part of the experience.

Solo visitors should find the small-group setup comfortable, since the schedule creates natural chances to meet other people. Couples and families may also appreciate the freedom to split up briefly, as long as everyone follows the return time.

My Verdict: Book It If the Highlands Matter Most

I would book this tour if you want an efficient first taste of Iceland’s interior and do not have a four-wheel-drive vehicle. The strongest combination is the two-hour Brennisteinsalda walk, the warm pool, and Sigöldugljúfur’s many waterfalls.

I would skip it if a rough four-hour road journey sounds miserable or if you want a polished coach tour with constant, perfectly audible commentary. Ask for a front seat if possible, bring motion-sickness medicine if needed, and prepare for weather that may change your plans.

For most active visitors with one full day available, the price buys access to scenery that is hard to reach on your own. The road is part of the adventure, the bath softens the effort, and the Valley of Tears gives you one more reason to remember the day.

FAQ

How long is the Landmannalaugar day trip?

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

What time does pickup begin?

You should be ready at 7:30 AM. The minibus may take up to 30 minutes to arrive, depending on your pickup location.

Is pickup included in the price?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are available from selected Reykjavík hotels and bus stops.

Is the hike difficult?

The guided hike lasts about two hours and has been described as suitable for beginners. You still need hiking shoes and outdoor clothing because the ground is uneven and weather conditions can be challenging.

Can I skip the hike?

Yes. You may explore on your own, choose another route, or spend more time near the huts and natural pool within the allotted schedule.

Should I bring a swimsuit and towel?

Yes. The trip includes the option to bathe in Landmannalaugar’s natural hot pool, so bring both a swimsuit and a towel.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. You should buy lunch before the tour and bring drinks for the day.

Can children join the tour?

Children under 10 are not permitted. The experience is also not suitable for wheelchair users.