Day trip to Landmannalaugar from Iceland
Landmannalaugar is Iceland's most spectacular Highland area — rainbow rhyolite mountains, lava fields, and a natural hot river to soak in after hiking. It is only reachable June to September and requires a 4x4 or a specialist bus.
Rhyolite mountains in shades of orange and green at Landmannalaugar
How to get there
Landmannalaugar sits on the F208 F-road, 190km from Reykjavik. You cannot drive it in a standard car — the road includes river crossings. Options: rent a proper 4x4 like a Dacia Duster ($150 a day) or take the Reykjavik Excursions Highland bus for about $130 return.
The bus leaves BSI at 7am and gets you back by 9pm, giving 4-5 hours on the ground. Book at re.is.
What to do there
The Laugahringur circular trail is 5-6km and takes 2 hours — it climbs the multi-coloured Brennisteinsalda mountain and drops through lava field Laugahraun. Well-marked, moderate difficulty.
The real reward is the natural hot river next to the campsite — free, changing hut on-site, water around 36-40C. Bring towel and flip-flops for the rocky bottom. Combine hike then soak.
Practicalities
Pack layers — weather changes fast in the Highlands and it can snow in July. No cafe, so bring lunch and water. There is a small shop in an old bus at the campsite selling coffee and instant noodles at inflated prices.
If you are into serious hiking, Landmannalaugar is the start of the 55km Laugavegur trail to Thorsmork — 4 days with mountain huts (book months ahead through Ferdafelag Islands). For most people, the day trip is plenty.
Frequently asked questions
What people ask before they set off on this one.
Roughly mid-June to mid-September, weather depending. Check road.is for F208 status before setting out.
No. F-roads legally require a 4x4 and there are unbridged river crossings. Rental insurance is void on F-roads with 2WD.
About $130 round-trip from Reykjavik BSI terminal with Reykjavik Excursions.
Yes — it is one of the few natural, free geothermal soaks you can access easily. Small and shallow but the setting makes it.
Hotels in Iceland
More guides to Iceland
All guides
Itineraries · 7 min read
48 hours in Iceland
Two days is tight, but enough for the Golden Circle, a soak in a geothermal pool, and one long night out in Reykjavik. Here is how to spend 48 hours without wasting a single one.
Itineraries · 9 min read
One week in Iceland
Seven days is the sweet spot for the full Ring Road — 1,332km of black beaches, glaciers, fishing towns and hot pots. Here is a realistic day-by-day loop starting and ending in Reykjavik.
Itineraries · 7 min read
Iceland in 3 days on a budget
Iceland is expensive but not impossible. Three days for under $500 excluding flights is doable if you sleep in hostels, cook, and swim in municipal pools instead of the Blue Lagoon.
Pick a town on the Ring Road, check real prices, and know that every booking funds a verified tonne of carbon removal.