no alt text

Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 16 December, 2022
Expert travel writer: Oliver Berry

Around a four-hour drive from the centre of Reykjavik, the Landmannalaugar region is like an oasis in the otherwise barren highlands. A hot spring and cold river converge in a large pool overlooked by orange mountains, pastures and looming volcanoes.

It’s the start of the Laugavegur Trail, but also a day-trip destination in its own right for hikers and nature lovers. In season you can camp or stay at the camping hut.

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
Frequency: monthly
When: All year around
Duration: 1 night

Getting there & doing it

Getting there can be tricky, so it’s better to go on a super jeep tour, coach tour or take the bus here than drive yourself.

You can camp overnight, but the campsite and camping hut get busy, so book in advance via the website below. Routes to Landmannalaugar are only opened in the early summer and close for winter in September.

There’s a café at Landmannalaugar where you can buy tea, coffee and snacks. Don’t forget to take mosquito repellent and sun cream – you won’t be able to buy them here, and may need both.

When to do it

Routes to Landmannalaugar are only opened in the early summer (June) and close for winter in September.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Landmannalaugar Hiking Tour - Highlands of Iceland

Landmannalaugar Hiking Tour - Highlands of Iceland

South Iceland

Hike through one of Iceland’s most beautiful geothermal landscapes on this full-day Landmannalaugar hiking trip from Reykjavik. Travel by co...

€157 | Rating 4.74 / 5 [127 ratings]

Website >

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Adventure in Landmannalaugar and Hot Springs - Reykjavík, Selfoss and Hella

Adventure in Landmannalaugar and Hot Springs - Reykjavík, Selfoss and Hella

Reykjavik

Enjoy this adventure into Iceland's colorful interior. We will depart from Reykjavik on this 12-hour tour to enjoy a day full of vibrant lan...

€160 | Rating 4.84 / 5 [73 ratings]

Website >

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Geothermal Jeep Tour in Landmannalaugar with Hiking

Geothermal Jeep Tour in Landmannalaugar with Hiking

Reykjavik

Discover one of Iceland's natural gems, the Landmannalaugar geothermal area, on this luxurious jeep tour. See stunning waterfalls and otherw...

€364 | Rating 4.62 / 5 [27 ratings]

Website >

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Full-Day Private Jeep Tour to Landmannalaugar from Reykjavík

Full-Day Private Jeep Tour to Landmannalaugar from Reykjavík

Reykjavik

Landmannalaugar in Iceland is an absolute unique place Landmannalaugar in Iceland is a magnificent place. Lava field surrounded by mountains...

$1,760 | Rating 5 / 5 [8 ratings]

Website >

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Magma Hotel

Kirkjubaejarklaustur, Iceland[56 miles]

A smart south coast hotel, with cosy, turf-topped cottages on the edge of a lake.

Official star rating:

Skalakot Manor

Hvolsvollur, Iceland[58.1 miles]

An elegant manor on a working farm that offers brilliant Icelandic horseback rides, ranging from day trips to multi-day adventures.

Official star rating:

Hotel Ranga

Hella, Iceland[64.5 miles]

A quirky, ranch-style hotel that’s your best base for exploring SW Iceland. The in-house restaurant is excellent, as is the stargazing and Northern Lights viewing.

Official star rating:

Torfhus Retreat

Selfoss, Iceland[66.9 miles]

Experience a night in a traditional Icelandic turf house – only with all the modern luxuries you could ask for, including a renowned neo-Nordic restaurant and a basalt hot pool.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Iceland

Iceland

From volcanoes and glaciers to black beaches, geothermal pools and the Northern Lights, Iceland is one of the world’s wildest, weirdest destinations. A paradise for adventurous travellers.

Website >
Overview >

Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Hike the Laugavegur Trail

Icelandic Highlands, Iceland[24.7 miles]

Iceland’s most famous trek and one of the world’s great long-distance hikes – a jaw-dropping 4-day, 55km hike across mountains, volcanoes, glaciers and hot springs.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free | 4 days

Geysir (& Gulfoss)

Iceland[70.1 miles]

The world’s most famous water spout, and the geyser that gave all other geysers their name. It’s one of Iceland’s ‘Golden Circle’ sights, including Gullfoss and Thingvellir.

Best for ages: 4+ | Free | 1 night

Website >
Overview >

Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

Eyjafjallajokull volcano
Experience

Eyjafjallajokull volcano

Iceland[47.5 miles]

This notorious volcano brought Iceland’s air traffic to an abrupt halt when it blew its top in 2010, sending huge age clouds up into the atmosphere. The volcano is concealed beneath a huge ice cap that’s clearly visible as you drive along the south coast towards Skaftafell. If you want to get closer, you’ll need to arrange a guided snowmobile tour.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free | 1 night

Website >
Overview >
Skogafoss Waterfall
Experience

Skogafoss Waterfall

Iceland[54.7 miles]

At 200ft (60m) high, this mighty column of water is one of the most impressive of all Iceland’s waterfalls. Local legend claims that there is treasure hidden behind the falls.

Best for ages: 4+ | Free

Website >
Overview >
Seljalandsfoss
Experience

Seljalandsfoss

Iceland[61 miles]

Another impressive 60m-high cascade on the south coast which has one unique reason to visit: it’s one of the only waterfalls in Iceland which you can walk behind. Be prepared to get wet.

Best for ages: 4+ | Free

Website >
Overview >
Lava Centre
Experience

Lava Centre

Hvolsvollur, Iceland[62.7 miles]

You probably wouldn’t be wise to get too close to a real-life volcanic eruption – but this immersive museum gives you a pretty good idea of what it might be like through interactive displays, spectacular films and live camera feeds from Hekla, one of Iceland’s most active volcanoes. Open daily.

Best for ages: 6+ | £22

Website >
Overview >