Landmannalaugar Hike and Hot Springs from Reykjavik & Hella

Landmannalaugar is one of Iceland’s most unusual day trips: striped rhyolite mountains, black lava, obsidian, and steaming ground gathered in one remote Highland valley. The ride is long, but the scenery begins changing well before the trailhead, and the final setting feels far removed from Reykjavik.

I like the small-group format and the chance to hike with a guide who can explain the geology, plants, and weather. I also like the easy access to the hot springs, a fine reward after walking. The catch is clear: this is a 13-hour day with many hours on the road and only about five hours at Landmannalaugar, including free time. If you want a longer hike, this may feel short for the price.

Key points to know before booking

• Colorful rhyolite mountains: Expect red, orange, yellow, green, and gray tones shaped by volcanic activity.
• A five-hour Highland visit: The guided hike and free time run from about 11:10 AM to 3:50 PM.
• Easy but uneven walking: The route is accessible for regular walkers, though trails can include rough ground and stream crossings.
• Natural hot springs: Bring a swimsuit and towel. The bath is optional, and related bathroom, shower, or hot spring charges are not included.
• Long transport day: Pickup begins around 6:30 AM in Reykjavik, with an estimated return near 8:00 PM.
• English and Spanish guiding: Guides associated with the tour include Carmen and Nacho, with the experience offered in both languages.

Why Landmannalaugar is worth the long ride

Landmannalaugar sits in Iceland’s southern Highlands, a region reached by a long road journey rather than a quick city transfer. That remoteness is part of the appeal. You are not simply stopping at a roadside viewpoint. You are heading into a volcanic area where the ground changes color, the mountains have soft rounded forms, and lava fields break up the walking route.

The area is famous for rhyolite, a volcanic rock that can produce striking bands of color. Here, the mountains may appear copper, mustard, rose, green, and charcoal depending on the weather and light. Dark obsidian formations add a sharp contrast, while geothermal activity reminds you that Iceland’s scenery is still shaped by heat below the surface.

I like this trip for people who want to see the Highlands but do not want to arrange a four-wheel-drive vehicle, study remote roads, or plan a full multi-day trek. The guide handles the route and transport, leaving you free to watch the views through the window and focus on walking once you arrive.

The trade-off is time. From Reykjavik, the morning pickup starts between 6:30 and 7:00 AM, and the return is expected around 8:00 PM. You will spend a large part of the day on the bus. That is not a flaw if you see the ride as part of the Highland outing, but it matters when comparing this with a shorter South Coast excursion.

The early pickup from Reykjavik

The tour uses selected bus stops in Reykjavik rather than door-to-door pickup at every hotel. Options include Tjörnin, Skúlagata, Hallgrimskirkja, Höfðatorg, the highland bus stop, and Reykjavik Campsite.

Be at your chosen stop by 6:30 AM. The official departure is set for 7:00 AM, so a late arrival can affect the entire day. Icelandic tour buses often work from fixed city pickup points because large vehicles cannot stop at every hotel entrance. Check your meeting point carefully and allow time to walk there in the early morning.

The first part of the ride lasts about an hour and a half. You may use this time to sleep, watch the scenery, or organize your lunch and water. Wi-Fi is provided on board, though the real value of the ride is reaching a part of Iceland that is difficult to visit independently without the right vehicle and road conditions.

Joining in Hella at the Olís station

If you are staying in Hella or nearby, you can avoid the Reykjavik pickup and join at the Olís petrol station. The pickup window is around 8:30 to 8:40 AM, with departure at 8:45 AM.

This is a useful option for anyone building a South Iceland itinerary rather than using Reykjavik as a base every night. Hella also gives you a chance to use the facilities, buy coffee, and pick up food or drinks before the Highland section of the day.

Do not treat this stop as a full meal break. Bring your main lunch and enough water with you. Food and drinks are not included, and the hike is long enough that relying on a snack bought at the last minute is not wise.

The journey into Iceland’s southern Highlands

After Hella, the ride continues for roughly two hours and twenty minutes before Landmannalaugar. The long transfer is easier to accept when you understand what it is buying you: access to a remote volcanic area without having to drive yourself.

The ride also gives you a gradual change of scenery. The settled areas near Reykjavik and Hella give way to more open ground, lava, volcanic ridges, and broad Highland views. Exact conditions can affect the journey, so keep your expectations practical. This is a remote excursion, not a quick city attraction.

The bus is especially valuable for people who do not want to navigate Iceland’s Highland roads. You can enjoy the views instead of concentrating on directions, vehicle clearance, and changing road conditions. The downside remains the same: anyone who dislikes long transfers may find the day tiring before the hike even begins.

Arriving at Landmannalaugar around 11:00 AM

Arrival is scheduled for about 11:00 AM, with the walk beginning around 11:10 AM. That leaves little time for a leisurely breakfast at the base camp, so arrive with your clothing, water, and lunch ready.

The first sight of Landmannalaugar is the main payoff for the long drive. The setting combines broad lava fields with mountains in unusual colors and shapes. In one direction you may see smooth, folded slopes. In another, black volcanic rock or bright mineral bands. It is a place where the ground itself provides the drama.

This is also your chance to listen carefully to the guide’s introduction. Guides explain the route, point out geothermal features, and help you understand why the mountains look so different from the more familiar black-sand beaches and glacier views of southern Iceland.

Names associated with the guiding team include Carmen and Nacho. The strongest praise connected to the experience centers on guides creating a friendly atmosphere and explaining the area with humor and enthusiasm. Language ability can vary by individual guide, so if you book for English guiding, confirm that the English-language service is available for your departure.

What the five-hour hike is really like

The guided hiking portion is scheduled from about 11:10 AM to 3:00 PM. The advertised outing describes an approximately five-hour round trip, but the amount of actual walking can depend on the route, pace, and group.

One route described in the tour feedback is the orange trail, around five kilometers with roughly half involving an uphill section. That gives you a useful sense of scale. This is not a technical mountain climb, but it is not a flat stroll through a parking area either.

You should expect uneven trails and possible stream crossings. Wear sturdy footwear with good grip, and bring waterproof clothing even if Reykjavik is dry when you leave. Highland weather can change quickly, and the open terrain offers little shelter.

The hike is best described as accessible for people who are comfortable walking for several hours. It may suit you if you want a serious taste of Icelandic hiking without committing to a demanding multi-day route. It is less suitable if you need smooth, level paths or have limited mobility. Wheelchair users cannot take this tour.

Group pace matters. A mixed group may mean that the guide must keep the route manageable for everyone. That is good for safety and inclusion, but it can limit how far you walk. Some people may feel that the hiking time is too short compared with the distance traveled.

The geology, colors, and photo stops

Bring your camera, but do not spend the entire walk looking through it. Landmannalaugar rewards you with broad views that are difficult to capture in one frame, especially when colorful ridges sit behind black lava and pale gravel.

The rhyolite mountains are the main visual feature. Unlike the dark, sharp volcanic forms found in many parts of Iceland, these slopes can look almost painted. Mineral content creates the changing tones, and cloud cover can make the colors appear muted one minute and strong the next.

Obsidian adds another memorable detail. These black volcanic glass formations have a polished, hard appearance and can look almost metallic against the softer mountain colors. The guide can point out these features as you walk, giving the scenery more meaning than a simple photo stop.

Geothermal activity is another reason to pay attention. Steam, warm ground, and other signs of heat connect the scenery to Iceland’s volcanic forces. Stay with the guide and follow instructions around hot or unstable ground.

Hot spring time from 3:00 to 3:50 PM

After the hike, you have about 50 minutes of free time before the 4:00 PM departure. The natural hot springs are the obvious choice, especially if your legs are tired.

Bring a swimsuit and towel. The bath is optional, and the supplied information notes that charges for bathrooms, showers, and hot springs are not included. Some direct tour feedback describes the natural bath as free, but you should still be prepared for possible facility charges and bring any money you may need.

Fifty minutes is enough for a short soak and a quick change, but it is not a leisurely spa visit. You also need to keep track of the departure time. The bus doors open for check-in at about 3:50 PM, with the aim of leaving at 4:00 PM.

If you prefer not to bathe, use the time for a drink, a snack, photographs, or simply taking in the surroundings. After several hours of walking, sitting quietly beside the hot springs may be just as satisfying.

The long return to Reykjavik

The ride back to Hella is scheduled to take about two hours and twenty-five minutes, with arrival around 6:25 PM. The bus stops briefly for toilets and optional food purchases, then departs for Reykjavik around 6:40 PM.

The final stretch to Reykjavik takes about 80 minutes, with arrival near 8:00 PM. Drop-off points include Tjörnin, Skúlagata, Hallgrimskirkja, Höfðatorg, the highland bus stop, and Reykjavik Campsite.

Plan dinner around the late finish. You may be hungry after the walk, and you should not count on having time for a proper meal during the Hella stop. This is one reason I recommend carrying a packed lunch, substantial snacks, and a refillable water bottle.

The return ride can feel long, especially after an active day. Still, it lets you enjoy the Highlands without arranging a second night outside Reykjavik or managing the drive yourself.

What to pack for this specific day

The tour is easier and more enjoyable if you prepare for a hike, not just a bus excursion.

• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Warm layers that can be added or removed
• Sturdy walking shoes with good grip
• Swimsuit and towel
• Lunch, snacks, and enough water
• A small bag for wet swimwear
• Camera or phone with enough battery
• Money for possible bathroom, shower, hot spring, food, or drink costs

Do not dress only for the weather at your Reykjavik pickup point. The Highlands can feel colder, windier, or wetter. Layers give you much more control than one heavy coat.

Is $190 a fair price?

At $190 per person, this is not a cheap day out. You are paying for a full-day transfer, a certified guide, a guided hike, selected pickup and drop-off points, and Wi-Fi on board. You are also paying for access to a remote area that can be awkward to reach independently.

The value is strongest if you would not otherwise visit Landmannalaugar. A guided bus trip removes the need to arrange a suitable vehicle and gives you a planned route in an area where conditions and access matter.

The value is weaker if your main goal is maximum hiking time. The schedule gives you about five hours at the site, with free time included, and the actual walking distance may be limited by the group. Some hikers will feel that the long transfers outweigh the short visit.

For casual walkers and first-time Highland visitors, the price can make sense. Experienced hikers who want a full day on the trail may prefer a longer Landmannalaugar program, if available, rather than this compact visit.

Who should book this Landmannalaugar trip?

I would choose this tour if you want dramatic Icelandic scenery, a manageable guided walk, and the option of a natural hot bath without renting a vehicle. It is also a good fit for people staying in Reykjavik who have only one day available for the Highlands.

The tour suits you best if you can handle an early start, a long bus ride, uneven ground, and a full 13-hour schedule. It also works well for people who appreciate a guide’s help with route finding and local explanations.

I would think twice if you want a relaxed day, dislike long transfers, or expect several hours of independent hiking. The orange route can be beautiful, but the overall program is designed as an introduction to Landmannalaugar, not an extensive trek.

The tour has an overall rating of 4.7 from 109 ratings, and the most consistent praise centers on the scenery and the guides. Carmen and Nacho are singled out by name in the available feedback, with particular appreciation for warm, informative guiding. Still, one important caution is language: the tour is offered in English and Spanish, but the quality of English explanation may depend on the individual guide assigned that day.

Final recommendation

Book this if Landmannalaugar is a priority and you want the simplest way to reach it from Reykjavik or Hella. The colorful volcanic mountains, black lava, geothermal features, and hot springs make the destination worth serious consideration.

Skip it if you need a short outing or want a long, demanding hike. At $190, the tour earns its value through access and convenience, not through a large amount of trail time. Pack your lunch, dress for wet weather, bring swimwear and a towel, and treat the bus ride as part of the Highland experience rather than an inconvenience.

FAQ

How long is the Landmannalaugar tour?

The full experience lasts about 13 hours. Reykjavik pickup begins around 6:30 AM, the official departure is at 7:00 AM, and arrival back in Reykjavik is estimated for about 8:00 PM.

Can I join the tour in Hella?

Yes. Pickup is at the Olís petrol station in Hella between about 8:30 and 8:40 AM, with departure scheduled for 8:45 AM.

What languages are available?

The tour is guided in English and Spanish.

How long is the hike?

The guided hiking period runs from about 11:10 AM to 3:00 PM. The experience describes it as an approximately five-hour round trip, though the actual walking distance can depend on the route and group pace.

Is the hot spring included?

The hot spring visit is optional. Food and drinks are not included, and charges for bathrooms, showers, and hot springs are also not included. Bring a swimsuit and towel.

What should I bring for the hike?

Bring lunch, snacks, enough water, warm layers, waterproof clothing, sturdy walking shoes, a swimsuit, and a towel. The route can include uneven trails and stream crossings.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.