Bucket list experience:
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.
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Destination Guide >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.
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
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Kirkjubaejarklaustur, Iceland[56 miles]
A smart south coast hotel, with cosy, turf-topped cottages on the edge of a lake.
Official star rating:
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:
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:
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
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.
Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
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
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
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
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
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
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
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
