Landmannalaugar Hiking, Hot-Springs & Haifoss Waterfall tour

Discover Iceland’s Landmannalaugar Beyond the Golden Circle

The Landmannalaugar Hiking, Hot-Springs & Haifoss Waterfall tour offers a full-day adventure into Iceland’s highlands for just $199 per person. Departing from Reykjavik at 7:00 am, this 13-hour trip takes you in a spacious vehicle with WiFi to an area far less crowded than the typical Golden Circle. It’s ideal for those who love outdoor exploration, stunning landscapes, and geothermal relaxation all in one day.

What sets this tour apart is its focused visit to Landmannalaugar, a renowned highland destination known for lava fields, rhyolite hills, and steam from geothermal pools. The itinerary also includes visits to Hjálparfoss, Haifoss, and Bláhylur crater lake, making it a comprehensive journey through some of Iceland’s most captivating natural sights. Keep in mind that, although reviews highlight excellent guides, occasional logistical hiccups like bus breakdowns have occurred, so flexibility is useful.

This tour suits active travelers who enjoy moderate walking and hiking, as well as those eager to see iconic waterfalls and hot springs without the hassle of organizing transportation. The small group size—capped at 15 travelers—ensures a more personalized experience, but the advance booking of around 46 days indicates strong interest and limited availability.

Key Points

• Full-day trip of approximately 13 hours departing from Reykjavik early in the morning
• Visit to Landmannalaugar with guided hiking amidst volcanic landscapes and geothermal pools
• Stops at Hjálparfoss, Haifoss, and Bláhylur for waterfalls and crater lake exploration
• Price of $199 includes all transport, fees, and a knowledgeable guide
• Hot spring bathing included before returning to Reykjavik, with ample time allocated
• Hassle-free pickup and drop-off from select Reykjavik hotels

How the Landmannalaugar Region Showcases Iceland’s Unique Highlands

The Landmannalaugar area is the highlight of this tour, offering a landscape unlike anywhere else in Iceland. Known for its colorful rhyolite hills, lava fields, and steam vents, it’s a hiker’s paradise. The guided walk in this region lasts about 3 hours and 30 minutes, giving enough time to enjoy easy trails through volcanic terrain and to relax in the natural hot springs afterward.

The scenery here changes with every step, with steam rising from geothermal pools and the colorful hills creating a vivid backdrop. The guides are praised for their knowledge and ability to share interesting facts about the geology and history of the area, making the experience both visual and educational.

While the terrain is generally accessible, a moderate level of fitness is recommended for the hike. The hot springs provide a perfect spot to unwind after walking, offering a warm relief in the cool highland air. Spending over an hour here enhances the overall value of the trip, giving you time to soak and enjoy the natural surroundings.

Hjálparfoss Waterfall: Basalt Formations and Turquoise Pools

The tour begins with a stop at Hjálparfoss, a spectacular waterfall where two rivers converge amidst striking basalt rock formations. The turbulent waters form a turquoise pool at the base, making it a photogenic location. With 20 minutes allocated, visitors can appreciate the contrast of colors and textures in this natural setting.

The basalt columns and intersecting streams offer excellent photo opportunities, and the short visit allows ample time to take in the surrounding scenery without feeling rushed. The free admission means no additional cost, making this stop a memorable introduction to Iceland’s geological artistry.

Haifoss and Granni: Iceland’s Fourth Highest Waterfall

Next, the tour takes you to the imposing Haifoss, standing 122 meters high, a feature exclusive to this tour. Set in a scenic countryside, the waterfall’s impressive vertical drop and surrounding lush landscape are remarkable. The nearby Granni waterfall is also visited, offering two stunning cascades in one stop.

30 minutes are spent here, providing enough time for a short hike and photos. This unique opportunity to see Haifoss, which isn’t part of other Iceland tours, makes this trip particularly special. The free admission allows visitors to enjoy the views without extra cost, and the location’s remote setting adds to its untouched charm.

The Volcanic Crater Lake of Bláhylur

A highlight for geology enthusiasts is the visit to Bláhylur, a crater lake formed 1200 years ago after a massive volcanic eruption. The 30-minute stop allows time to view the vivid blue waters and understand the volcanic activity that shaped this landscape.

The crater’s formation and its historical significance are explained by guides, adding context to the stunning visuals. This stop provides a peaceful break amid the highlands’ rugged terrain, emphasizing Iceland’s volcanic origins.

The Guided Easy Hike in Landmannalaugar

The main activity is an easy guided hike through the lava fields and rhyolite hills of Landmannalaugar. The 3 hours and 30 minutes of hiking include opportunities to admire steaming geothermal pools and colorful mineral deposits. The trail is designed to be accessible, making it suitable for most hikers with moderate fitness.

Guides are known for their enthusiasm and knowledge, sharing insights about the landscape’s geology and flora. The hot springs are a perfect conclusion to the hike, where visitors can rest and soak in the mineral-rich waters, adding a relaxing element to the adventure.

Transportation, Guides, and Group Size

The tour features air-conditioned vehicles with WiFi onboard, ensuring comfort during the long drive. The small group size of up to 15 travelers fosters a more personalized experience and allows guides to attend to individual needs.

The professional guides are often praised for their enthusiasm and knowledge, with reviews highlighting HBO, Roman, and Tom as excellent storytellers who enrich the trip with interesting facts. The pickup service from select Reykjavik hotels simplifies logistics, and the drop-off is at the same meeting point.

Practical Tips and Considerations

The tour begins early at 7:00 am from Bus Stop #12 at Höfðatorg. It’s advisable to dress in layers and wear comfortable hiking shoes, as the terrain can be uneven. While lunch and bottled water are not included, travelers often bring snacks to enjoy during stops.

Weather plays a crucial role; the trip is dependent on good weather to fully enjoy the scenery and hike. In case of poor weather, the tour may be canceled or rescheduled, with the option of a full refund if necessary. Be aware that occasional logistical issues, like bus breakdowns, have occurred, so flexibility is recommended.

Landmannalaugar Tour: A Balance of Scenic Wonders and Adventure

This tour offers a comprehensive look at Iceland’s highlands, combining waterfalls, volcanic craters, and geothermal landscapes. The guided hikes and hot springs bathing provide a mix of adventure and relaxation unlikely to be matched in a single day. The small-group format ensures a more intimate experience, led by knowledgeable guides.

While the bus breakdowns reported in reviews highlight the importance of well-maintained transportation, overall, the trip’s highlights—Haifoss, Landmannalaugar, and the geothermal hot springs—make it an attractive option for nature lovers. The price point and included experiences deliver good value for those seeking a full-day exploration outside Reykjavik.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The price of $199 covers all transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi, all fees and taxes, and knowledgeable guides throughout the day.

Are meals provided during the tour?
No, lunch, bottled water, and dinner are not included, so travelers should bring snacks or plan to purchase food during stops.

What is the duration of the trip?
The tour lasts approximately 13 hours, starting at 7:00 am and returning to Reykjavik around 8:00 pm.

What stops are part of the itinerary?
Stops include Hjálparfoss, Haifoss, Bláhylur crater lake, and Landmannalaugar for hiking and hot springs bathing.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
The guided hike is described as an easy walk, suitable for most visitors with moderate fitness. Some walking is involved, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour start time, with a full refund if canceled in time.

What should I bring for the hike?
Bring layers of clothing, comfortable hiking shoes, and any snacks or water needed, as these are not included.

Are guides knowledgeable and friendly?
Yes, reviews frequently praise the enthusiasm and expertise of guides like HBO, Roman, Tom, and others for their information delivery and personal care.

What is the group size?
The tour limits groups to 15 travelers, allowing for a more intimate and personalized experience.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is dependent on good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, you will be offered a reschedule or full refund.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Bus Stop #12 at Höfðatorg in Reykjavik and ends back at the same location after a full day of exploration.