- The site offers geothermal hot springs open for public bathing and multi-coloured mountain scenery
- Hiking options include one-hour climbs and four-hour treks to crater lakes
- A parking reservation system runs from 8 AM to 3 PM daily during summer to manage congestion
Location and Access in the Highlands
Landmannalaugar lies within the Fjallabak Nature Reserve in Iceland's Highland. The area sits on the edge of the Laugahraun lava field, which formed around 1477.
Highland roads leading to the site close seasonally. Always check road.is and safetravel.is before setting out.
The Environment Agency introduced a parking reservation system starting in the 2024 season. You need a reservation between 8 AM and 3 PM daily during summer. The system aims to reduce congestion and traffic knots caused by limited parking capacity.
Many visitors join organised super jeep tours or bus tours to reach the highlands. Bookings for these tours go through GetYourGuide.
Landmannalaugar Highland Tours
More on GetYourGuide
Top ratedDay trip · 11 hoursReykjavík: Landmannalaugar Hike and the Valley of Tears★ 4.8 441 reviews✓ Free cancellation✓ Pickup availablefrom €201 per personSee availability →
Day trip · 11 hoursFrom Reykjavik: Day Tour to Landmannalaugar in a 4X4★ 4.7 150 reviews✓ Free cancellation✓ Pickup availableAvailable tomorrowfrom €285 per personSee availability →
Day trip · 14 hoursReykjavik: Landmannalaugar 4x4 Minibus & Hot Spring Tour★ 4.8 64 reviews✓ Free cancellation✓ Pickup availablefrom €210 per personSee availability →Geothermal Hot Springs and Bathing
Geothermal hot springs flow through the area and are open for public bathing. The hot river sits near the mountain hut and provides a warm soak after hiking.
You can enter the hot springs without booking. Bring a towel and swimwear if you plan to bathe.
Unlike commercial lagoons such as the Blue Lagoon, Landmannalaugar has no changing facilities or showers. The experience is entirely natural and unfiltered.
- Natural hot springs where you can bathe after a hike
- Starting point for the Laugavegur trail and routes to Hekla volcano
- Multiple day hikes ranging from one to four hours
- Horse riding trips reach valleys that are inaccessible by car
- Arctic char fishing available in nearby lakes
- Highland roads close seasonally, so check road.is before you go
- Limited parking requires advance reservation during summer peak hours
- No services on site apart from a mountain hut operated by the Iceland Touring Association
- Weather changes rapidly in the highlands, so bring layers
Hiking Routes and Trail Options
Landmannalaugar is at the northern end of the Laugavegur hiking trail, one of Iceland's most-walked multi-day routes. Day hikes from the base include several options across varied terrain.
The hike up Bláhnjúkur (Blue Peak) takes one hour. The route through the Laugahraun lava field to Brennisteinsalda (Sulphur Wave) shows colourful rhyolite slopes. The trek to Ljótipollur crater lake takes four hours.
| Route | Duration | Terrain |
|---|---|---|
| Bláhnjúkur (Blue Peak) | 1 hour | Mountain summit |
| Brennisteinsalda via Laugahraun | Variable | Lava field and sulphur slopes |
| Ljótipollur crater lake | 4 hours | Crater rim and valley |
You can also use Landmannalaugar as the starting point for the Hellismannaleið route at the base of Hekla volcano. The Sprengisandur route is available for hikers prepared to cross volcanic desert.
For those looking at other hiking areas, Skaftafell offers glacier views. Fjadrargljufur canyon has a shorter trail near the south coast.
Accommodation and Mountain Hut
The Iceland Touring Association runs a mountain hut at Landmannalaugar that accommodates hikers. The hut provides a base for those walking the Laugavegur trail or exploring day routes.
Always follow Leave No Trace principles in the nature reserve. Services on site are minimal, so bring your own food and water.
If you prefer staying near Reykjavík and joining organised day trips, check tour details on GetYourGuide.
Activities Beyond Hiking
Icelandic horse riding has been available in the area each summer. Horse trips visit places such as Jökulgil (Glacier Valley), which are difficult to reach on foot and inaccessible by car.
Arctic char fishing is a common activity in Landmannalaugar and nearby lakes. Check local regulations before casting a line. Cross-country skiing takes place in the area during winter.
For those interested in more horse riding elsewhere, horseback riding tours operate across Iceland. If you want a different highland experience, ATV tours cover rugged terrain.
Seasonal Weather and Planning
Weather in the highlands changes rapidly. Bring windproof and waterproof layers even in summer. Check the forecast at safetravel.is before you leave.
Highland roads close seasonally, so check road.is for current conditions. A parking reservation is needed between 8 AM and 3 PM during summer. A limited number of reservations are available in advance.
If you join a guided tour, check GetYourGuide for tour details. Plan for a full day if visiting from Reykjavík.
Tour Options and Booking
Super jeep and bus tours are available to the area. Check GetYourGuide for tour details, cancellation policies and inclusions.
Some visitors combine Landmannalaugar with other highland sites or the south coast. Multi-day itineraries often pair the area with south coast tours or glacier hikes on Vatnajökull.
If you book independently, confirm your parking reservation and check road status on the morning of your visit. Always carry extra food, water and warm clothing.
Landmannalaugar offers geothermal hot springs, colourful rhyolite peaks and hiking routes from one to four hours. Seasonal road closures and a summer parking reservation system require advance planning.
Compare prices, reviews and free-cancellation options before you book.
Check availability →More tours to compare
More on GetYourGuide
Day trip · 13 hoursLandmannalaugar Hike and Hot Springs from Reykjavik & Hella★ 4.7 189 reviews✓ Free cancellation✓ Pickup availablefrom €180 per personSee availability →
Guided tour · 11 hoursFrom Reykjavík: Landmannalaugar Super Jeep Day Tour★ 4.3 41 reviews✓ Free cancellation✓ Pickup availablefrom €210 per personSee availability →
BestsellerDay trip · 5 - 14 hoursReykjavik: Landmannalaugar Highland Hike & Hot Springs★ 4.7 773 reviews✓ Free cancellation✓ Pickup availablefrom €182 per personSee availability →Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to hike Bláhnjúkur at Landmannalaugar?
The hike up Bláhnjúkur (Blue Peak) takes one hour. The route offers views over the surrounding lava fields and rhyolite mountains.
Do I need a parking reservation to visit Landmannalaugar?
A parking reservation is needed daily between 8 AM and 3 PM during summer. The Environment Agency introduced the system beginning in the 2024 season to reduce congestion. A limited number of reservations are available in advance.
Can you bathe in the hot springs at Landmannalaugar?
Geothermal hot springs at Landmannalaugar are open for public bathing. There are no changing facilities or showers, so bring a towel and swimwear.
What is the Laugavegur trail and where does it start?
Landmannalaugar is at the northern end of the Laugavegur hiking trail. The multi-day route is one of Iceland's most popular long-distance treks.
When are the roads to Landmannalaugar open?
Highland roads to Landmannalaugar close seasonally. Always check road.is and safetravel.is before you go, as opening dates vary each year.
