Ultimate Guide to Landmannalaugar

Have you considered visiting the Icelandic Highland region? If so, we’d recommend you focus your visit on Landmannalaugar, a standout spot that feels like it’s in the middle of nowhere as you immerse yourself in nature. In this article, we’ll explore why it’s one of the most enticing parts of the country’s interior, showcasing its must-see highlights.

We’ll take a look at how you can get there, dissecting the pros and cons of the various transport options including the famous Highland Bus and our Landmannalaugar super jeep tour, and also delve into the merits and logistics of travelling there in different seasons. After reading this guide, we’re convinced you won’t want to pass up the chance of incorporating Landmannalaugar into your Iceland itinerary and get your booking locked down.

If you’ve come to Iceland in search of epic landscapes, then Landmannalaugar is a must-see. Taking its name from the hot pool beneath Laugahraun lava field, it is best known for its must-see highlights such as the colourful rhyolite mountains and geothermal pools, but there’s much more to hold your attention. While it’s possible to visit for the day, Landmannalaugar is a place that richly rewards those who devote more time to it.

In centuries past, this would have been a stopping off point for those crossing through the centre of the country on foot. Shepherds tending their flocks on Landmannaafréttur would have also found themselves here as they rested their sheep and took a much-needed break themselves – the presence of hot water would have made this an especially appealing place to spend the night.

These days, motorised vehicles have revolutionised travel and now, the area’s main focus is tourism. A range of facilities have been built to encourage and accommodate both day and overnight visitors. Landmannalaugar lies within the Fjallabak Nature Reserve and its striking landscapes are among the most jaw-dropping in the country.

If you’re wondering when the best time to come to Landmannalaugar is, the answer is probably in summer. That’s not because it isn’t an extraordinary place in winter – under a blanket of snow the Icelandic Highland region is jaw-droppingly beautiful. But a significant proportion of Landmannalaugar’s annual visitors make their trip in summer because that’s when this part of the interior is most accessible.

In summer, you’ll be able to best appreciate the striking colours that characterise the hills and valleys within hiking distance of this spot. You’ll also find bathing in the "People’s Pools" (yes, that's a rough translation of Landmannalaugar) more enjoyable when the weather is – statistically at least – likely to be milder. There are plenty of other tourists around, and particularly if you choose to stay overnight, a good chance of socialising and making new friends.

In winter, the higher chance of encountering harsher weather and strong winds potentially make a visit more risky. However, the solitude and lack of other visitors make this an enchanting place if you get lucky. There’s a hit to your pocket, though, as super jeep tours are an expensive option.

What’s the easiest way to get to Landmannalaugar from Reykjavik in summer?

Summer’s by far the most straightforward time to visit Landmannalaugar as you can catch the Highland Bus that shuttles back and forth once or twice a day from Reykjavik. It departs from the capital first thing in the morning and later picks up passengers in Selfoss and Hella before continuing on to Landmannalaugar. Later in the day, it makes the same journey in reverse, arriving back in Reykjavik a little before 8pm.

The Landmannalaugar bus timetable allows for a day visit, so if you’re only able to factor in a short trip then it’s entirely doable. From mid-June to mid-September, you’ll have about four and a quarter hours at Landmannalaugar to do as you please. That’s sufficient to hike a bit and take a dip.

Of course, you can also plan to return on a different day to open up the possibility of spending more time in the area. The Iceland highlands bus also makes a lot of sense if you’re planning to hike the long distance Laugavegur Trail as you can book a single ticket for Landmannalaugar and a single ticket for Þórsmörk.

Though the Highland Bus is a scheduled service, this is no ordinary bus. Getting to Landmannalaugar involves navigating some rough gravel roads and fording rivers. The bus drivers are skilled at making such journeys and the bus has been modified to ensure it is equipped to cope with this kind of terrain. It’s an adventure in itself.

Can you drive yourself to Landmannalaugar?

Though your plans will need to coincide with the timetable, the Highland Bus is a great option if your driving experience is limited to regular roads and the thought of getting behind the wheel on such a challenging route is a daunting one. It’s also a more cost-effective option than a private super jeep tour which will better suit budget conscious visitors.

If you are still keen to reach Landmannalaugar under your own steam then you’ll need a 4x4 with decent clearance. You travel first along the F208 (Fjallabaksleið Nyrðri), before continuing along the F224 (Landmannalaugavegur). On the final approach to Landmannalaugar itself, it’s necessary to cross two rivers. But be warned, this is not an easy drive and truly requires skill and knowledge.

You have a choice to make, therefore. If you have rented a smaller 4x4 or you aren’t confident about fording rivers either because of the water level or through a lack of experience, you can opt to park at parking lot P1 and walk across a pedestrian bridge to reach Landmannalaugar. Those arriving between 9am and 4pm from mid-June to mid-September will need to reserve a parking space in advance; everyone, no matter when they reach Landmannalaugar, will need to pay a service fee.

Note that not every rental car company allows their vehicles to be driven on Iceland’s F-roads so be sure to confirm that it is possible and that your chosen rental car is suitable. It’s also worth ensuring that you know how to successfully navigate river crossings before embarking on any Highland drive.

Are there guided tours to Landmannalaugar?

The Icelandic Highland region is often only accessible via super jeep, so yes, it is possible to arrange a guided tour of Landmannalaugar. On our tour, you’ll stop at Hjálparfoss and the Sigöldugljúfur canyon along the way, venturing further and further into this captivating wilderness area. It’s accurate to say that the journey is as mesmerising as the destination in this case as you traverse a rugged and uninhabited landscape.

The tour, which begins and ends in Reykjavik, stops long enough in Landmannalaugar for you to take a short hike or two. As you admire the views across lava fields, mineral-rich hills and volcanic deserts, you’ll get more of a sense of why this place is so special. In summer, the colours will make a lasting impression, while under a blanket of snow, the area takes on a magical quality. At any time of year, bring your swimsuit and towel so you can experience the Landmannalaugar hot springs.

How can active travellers best appreciate Landmannalaugar?

Browse the Icelandia website and you’ll quickly notice that we offer a range of Highland-based activities including multi-day tours. One of the most popular concerns the iconic Laugavegur Trail, which connects Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk over 55 glorious kilometres. It’s widely regarded as one of the country’s most thrilling long-distance hiking routes.

Our guided tour, available to book in summer and autumn, covers the ground in five marvellous days, a pace fast enough to be exciting but slow enough for you to absorb all the magnificent views. The two places couldn’t be more different: Landmannalaugar’s barren yet colourful terrain compared to the verdant landscapes and glacier views in and around pretty Þórsmörk.

The onset of colder weather opens up new possibilities. In winter and spring, we offer a wonderful four-day cross country skiing adventure. As a group, you’ll set out each morning to tackle pristine routes across snow-covered landscapes, including the Bjallahraun lava fields and of course Landmannalaugar’s geothermal pools. Staying in cosy mountain huts, this is an Icelandic journey few will have the privilege to embark upon.

• Take a hike

The primary reason travellers choose to visit Landmannalaugar is for the scenery and as such it makes sense that they’d want to explore on foot. There are a number of remarkable hikes beginning at Landmannalaugar, from short out and back or loop trails that can be accomplished in a few hours to more challenging treks.

Landmannalaugar hiking is as varied as it is interesting. Paths and trails snake up hills and along ridges, opening up sweeping panoramas across the surrounding countryside. Pair the twin trails to Bláhnjúkur (the Blue Peak) and Brennisteinsalda (the Sulphur Wave, streaked with yellow, green and red minerals) to combine some of the most breathtaking views reachable on foot.

Alternatively, walk the 4km loop around Laugahraun lava field, whose obsidian and basalt rock create a stark contrast with the surrounding colours. This is probably the easiest hike in the area – of all the trails it’s the most family-friendly. It’s generally considered a must-do for day trippers and a gentle introduction from which you can figure out your surroundings and the lie of the land if your plans have you staying a little longer.

• Bathe in a natural hot pool

Iceland isn’t short of geothermal baths but relatively few have the storied past that the one in Landmannalaugar has. The People’s Pools were so named as they provided the place for a warm soak for anyone travelling across the country’s interior – just the thing after an arduous trek through such inhospitable terrain.

Today, there are basic facilities nearby which means there’s a place where bathers can hang their clothes and steps leading down into the water. The setting remains rustic and unspoilt, however, with delightful views of the surrounding hills and lava field. This being Iceland, it’s entirely possible to gaze out over snow-capped peaks across a flower strewn grassy meadow. It’s a world away from upscale spas.

While it’s safe to bathe here, you’ll need to employ a modicum of common sense. Surfaces can become slippery and water temperatures vary from spot to spot. Never immerse yourself in a place where you can’t be sure of how hot it is; ask if you need to or watch where others are congregating. Showering thoroughly before and after will minimise any risk of any potential irritation, particularly if you have sensitive skin.

• Spend the night

Though you’ll get to say you’ve been to Landmannalaugar if you book a super jeep tour or return on the Highland bus the same day, staying the night has its merits. For starters, you can enjoy the People’s Pools after the day-trippers have left, giving you a much greater sense of how it would have been used in the past.

Spending the night here means you can do more of the short hikes or take longer walks to explore this part of the Highlands more fully. Overnight guests can bring their own tent (or camper van) and camp, or opt to book a bed in the mountain hut managed by Ferðafélag Íslands (The Iceland Touring Association).

This approach is really straightforward – all you need to do is book the Highland bus for the following day. It also has the advantage of allowing you to hedge your bets when it comes to the weather; if it’s throwing it down with rain one day, there’s a chance (though no guarantees) that the storm might have passed by the next morning. That’s a real bonus if you’re planning to hike.

Icelandia is a well-respected company and when you travel with us, you can be confident that you are doing so comfortably and safely. We’ve covered Landmannalaugar in depth in this article if you’re keen to learn more. Why not make a booking for our Highland Bus or a Landmannalaugar super jeep tour and see for yourself why Landmannalaugar earns such rave reviews from those who reach this spectacular, off the beaten track Icelandic destination?