OVERVIEW

Boasting rainbow-colored mountains, geothermal hot springs, lava fields, and amazing hiking trails, Landmannalaugar is a natural paradise nestled in the remote corners of the Icelandic Highlands.

Reaching Landmannalaugar can be challenging due to the rugged and unmaintained roads, but the breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable experience make the journey truly worthwhile. The area’s dramatic landscapes and Mars-like geological features provide a grand welcome to visitors, underscoring why this is one of Iceland’s premier travel destinations.

The highlight of any visit to Landmannalaugar is the extraordinary hiking. Whether you’re taking on a short day hike or embarking on the challenging multi-day Laugavegur Trek, there’s a trail to suit every traveler. The rugged landscape and secluded setting of Landmannalaugar ensure that each hike feels like a thrilling adventure.

Planning a visit to Landmannalaugar can feel somewhat daunting. Hopefully this guide will help you navigate the Icelandic Highlands F-roads, find accommodations in the area, learn how to make a parking reservation at the campground, and identify some of the top activities to enjoy during your visit.

HISTORY AND STATISTICS

Geological History

Landmannalaugar is located in the remote Icelandic Highlands, within the Brennisteinsalda volcanic region. Over millions of years, consant volcanic eruptions led to the creation of the region’s geothermal activity, resulting in the formation of hot springs, steam vents, and boiling mud pots.

The mountains of Landmannalaugar contain an abundance of rhyolite, a type of volcanic rock formed from lava that is rich in quartz and silica. Rhyolite eruptions are generally large and violent, leading to imposing lava flows and depositing volcanic ash throughout the area.

As the ash and lava cooled, they formed intricate and vibrant rock formations, resulting in the unique and colorful landscape you see today. The Laugahraun Lava Field, accessible from the Landmannalaugar campground, was created from a particularly explosive eruption in 1477.

Glaciers advanced and retreated during the most recent Ice Age, carving out valleys and shaping the landscape of Landmannalaugar. When the glaciers receded, the exposed rhyolite became weathered and eroded from wind, water and ice, sculpting the landscape into valleys and canyons. 

The distinct red, yellow, and green hues of Landmannalaugar’s mountains are due to the specific mineral content in the rhyolite, most notably iron oxide and sulfur. The oxidation and alteration of these minerals over time created the vibrant and varied palette that defines the region’s striking appearance.

Human History

Due to its unique landscape and geothermal activity, Landmannalaugar attracted the attention of explorers and scientists in the early 1900s. It later gained in popularity as a tourist destination due to its incredible scenery and hiking opportunities.

Landmannalaugar falls within the Fjallback Nature Preserve and the development of infrastructure, including hiking trails and shelters, has made the region more accessible to visitors while preserving its natural beauty.

WHEN TO VISIT

Landmannalaugar experiences a subarctic climate, with harshly cold winters and relatively cool summers. Temperatures can range from -10°C (14°F) in winter to 15°C (59°F) in summer. In addition, the region experiences substantial snowfall during the winter months, rendering the roads inaccessible during that time if using your own vehicle. 

Buses cease their operations to Landmannalaugar outside of the mid-June to mid-September period. In some years, the roads may stay closed even longer if snow and ice linger in the area beyond what is typical. If you’re determined to visit Landmannalaugar during winter, a private Super Jeep tour is your best option.

In short, summer is the ideal time to visit Landmannalaugar. While the weather in Iceland’s interior can be highly unpredictable and volatile, you’ll benefit from long daylight hours and a good chance of experiencing pleasant days. The Icelandic Meteorological Office website is a reliable resource for an up-to-date forecast.

The vibrant landscapes of Landmannalaugar will be at their peak during the summer months. Colorful rhyolite mountains, lush green valleys, and clear blue skies create a striking contrast of colors which should be at their peak during this time.

LOGISTICS

Getting There

In order to get to Landmannalaugar you’ll need to have a vehicle capable of handling the Highland F-roads. These unpaved mountain roads can be steep, narrow, and contain uneven terrain as well as river crossings, making them unsuitable for ordinary vehicles. 

To reliably and safely reach Landmannalaugar, you will need a 4×4 vehicle. It’ll need to have tires with good traction, sufficient ground clearance, and a capable suspension. You might even consider renting a vehicle equipped with a snorkel to provide even more assurance of a successful river crossing.

We found the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration (IRCA) website to be a very reliable resource when venturing through the Highlands. It’ll provide up-to-date information on the conditions and potential closures of Iceland’s F-roads, helping to ensure a safe journey through this remote region of the country.

Routes

There are three different routes that lead to Landmannalaugar, each consisting of one or more F-roads. There is a northern, central, and southern route that differ in distance and difficulty, each offering its own set of pros and cons.

Easy Northern Route

The route begins east of the Golden Circle, on the paved Route 26. From there turn right onto F-208 heading south. The road is initially paved, but soon transitions into well-maintained gravel and reaches Landmannalaugar after about an hour. 

While not a difficult route, that doesn’t contain any major river crossings, it’s also quite ordinary and mundane. Two attractions, Sigoldufoss Waterfall and Sigöldugljúfur Canyon are must-see attractions along the drive.

Moderate Central Route

This route also departs from Route 26, but further south than the northern approach. The F-225 (Landmannaleið) departs from Route 26 and continues east for about 90 minutes before reaching Landmannalaugar. 

F-225 features a few small river crossings and some rough terrain, but most 4×4 vehicles should be able to navigate it without too much trouble. On the bright side, the moss-covered volcanic mountains and mesmerizing glacial lakes in the central part of this drive are absolutely magnificent. 

Some of the notable attractions along the drive include the pink Rauðaskál Crater, orange Rauðufossar Waterfall, and Landmannahellir Cave. In addition, on clear days you’ll even get to see Hekla, a frequently erupting volcano and one of the most prominent peaks in Iceland.

Difficult Southern Route

Departing from the Ring Road (Highway 1) on the southern Icelandic coast, the southern section of F-208 snakes its way up through one of the most beautiful stretches of the Highlands. 

Although a much longer and more challenging route, the road features colorful mountain ranges, moss-covered lava fields, and several spectacular waterfalls. There are a few moderately large river crossings along the route, but if conditions are good most 4×4 vehicles should be able to handle them without difficulty.

Regardless of the route you choose to take, all visitors will need to travel the short (1.5 mile or 2.4 kilometer) but very rough F-224 road that leads to the Landmannalaugar campsite from F-208. Prepare for your vehicle to get jostled around along the way, where you’ll also encounter two moderate sized river crossings just before the campground.

If you don’t care to drive yourself, there are several companies that offer bus services between Reykjavik and Landmannalaugar. The journey takes about 4 hours one way and has few stops along the way. They only operate during the summer months, when the roads are free of snow. In addition, several tour companies offer transportation to Landmannalaugar and guided hikes through some of its many trails.

Where to Stay

Due to its remote location in the Highlands, Landmannalaugar has very few places to stay on-site. A two-story, primitive mountain hut was built in 1969 and contains several dorm rooms and a kitchen. You’ll also find a large campground next to the hut with basic facilities. Make sure to book your spot at the lodge well in advance. The campground, however, is first come first serve.

While you can make a day trip to Landmannalaugar from Reykjavik, the one-way drive is over 3 hours just one way. This wouldn’t leave much time to hike the trails and would lead to a very long day. However, there are a few smaller towns and accommodations available on the eastern half of the Golden Circle, which would cut down on the commute significantly.

We stayed at the Highland Center Hrauneyjar on Route 26, not far from the F-208. From the lodge, it was only about an hour drive to Landmannalaugar using the northern route. We found the rooms to be basic but comfortable while the complimentary breakfast was sufficient. They also serve lunch and dinner for a reasonable price. We enjoyed our stay here and its convenient location made visiting Landmannalaugar very easy.

Parking

Due to the increase in popularity of Landmannalaugar, advanced parking reservations are required to visit the area as of 2024. The reservations are only needed between June 20 and September 15, during the hours between 8 AM and 3 PM. If you arrive outside of those dates or times, no reservation is necessary. The reservations can be made online on the Environment Agency of Iceland (EAI) website.

Landmannalaugar has two parking lots not far from one another but separated by two moderate-sized river crossings. One lot is located along the campsite while the other is about a quarter mile further away, before the river crossing. You’ll need a high clearance 4×4 to comfortably cross the river, so if there’s any hesitation, just park at the first lot and walk across the pedestrian bridge.

Facilities

A few basic facilities are located in Landmannalaugar near the campground. A small tourist information desk serves as a hub for visitors, providing information on hiking trails, the weather forecast, and assistance with camping reservations and travel arrangements. You can also purchase a trail map if interested.

Adjacent to the information desk and main hut are basic bathroom facilities, consisting of flush toilets, showers, and washrooms. A fee is required to use the toilets and showers, however, to cover the maintenance costs of the facilities. There is generally access to potable water and waste disposal in this area as well.

While you won’t find any restaurants at Landmannalaugar, there is a unique general store called the “Mountain Mall”. Three green buses have been converted into a convenience store that sells basic food items, camping supplies, and even souvenirs.  

BEST THINGS TO DO

Landmannalaugar Hot Spring 

Located near the Laugahraun Lava Field, the Landmannalaugar Hot Spring, nicknamed the “People’s Pool”, is a naturally occurring geothermal hot spring nestled beneath colorful rhyolite hills. Just a short walk from the main campsite, this is one of the Landmannalaugar’s most popular attractions.

Unlike some of the more developed hot springs in Iceland, the People’s Pool remains largely untouched by modern infrastructure. The natural setting gives it a raw, unspoiled feel and it’s the perfect spot to relax after a long day of hiking through the rugged mountains of the area.

Laugahraun Lava Field

An epic volcanic eruption in 1477 led to a highly fluid basaltic lava flow, which later hardened into what is now known as the Laugahraun Lava Field. The lava field’s rugged terrain consists of lava tubes, moss and lichen-covered lava formations, and smooth basilic plains. 

The Laugahraun Lava Field is near Landmannalaugar’s campground and facilities. You can explore it via a 40-minute out-and-back trail or from a bird’s-eye view at the summit of Mt. Bláhnúkur. This is a fascinating destination for anyone interested in volcanic geology and offers a distinctive glimpse into Iceland’s dynamic landscape.

Blahnúkúr Brennisteinsalda Loop Trail

If you only have the time and energy for one activity during your time in Landmannalaugar, make sure it’s hiking the Blahnúkúr Brennisteinsalda Loop Trail. Summiting both Mt. Blahnúkúr and Mt. Brennisteinsalda as individual and less demanding trails is possible, but combining the two mountains into one epic 5-6 hour trail will leave you spellbound for days. 

Bláhnúkur, commonly referred to as the “Blue Peak“, is renowned for its striking blue and green tones, which are the result of volcanic ash and lava deposits. Brennisteinsalda, otherwise known as the “Sulphur Wave” or “Orange Mountain”, is characterized by colorful hills with vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges, resulting from sulfur deposits.

The stunning 6.8-mile (11 kilometer) hike offers a blend of dramatic landscapes, including colorful rhyolite mountains, steaming fumaroles, boiling mud pots, and sweeping views of Iceland’s rugged interior. Though the 2,657 feet (810 meters) of elevation gain can be challenging, the breathtaking vistas along the way make every step worth the effort.

Stútur Crater

Stútur is a small, but colorful volcanic cinder cone found along the northern section of the F-208 in Landmannalaugar. It’s a popular attraction for visitors due to its convenient location and the short trail that leads directly to the crater rim.

It only takes about 10 minutes to summit the moss-covered crater. The pink ash around the crater’s central vent creates the perfect contrast to the neon green moss-covered peaks, a sight even more impressive from the perspective of a drone or the nearby viewpoint.

Ljótipollur

Ljótipollur, which translates to “Ugly Puddle,” is a striking lake in Landmannalaugar, characterized by its deep blue waters surrounded by steep, vividly red crater walls. The lake is easy to reach and a popular attraction for those visiting the Fjallabak Nature Reserve.

From the small parking lot at the crater’s base, a 10 minute steep trail leads to the top, where you’ll enjoy phenomenal 360° panoramas of the Icelandic Highlands. If you’re feeling more adventurous, an 8.3-mile (13.3 kilometer) trail leads across the crater’s scoria and lava rocks while circumnavigating the calm lake.

Hnausapollur (Bláhylur) View Point

Bláhylur is another mesmerizing glacial lake found in Landmannalaugar. A short mountain road leads to the Hnausapollur View Point, where you’ll enjoy yet more extraordinary views of the moon-like Icelandic Highlands.

Sigöldugljúfur

Although Sigöldugljúfur is technically just north of Landmannalaugar, it’s worth visiting the secluded canyon if you plan to travel along the northern route. The canyon is accessible from a short gravel detour off F-208, where you can simply park on the side of the road.

The canyon is one of Iceland’s most recognizable landmarks, characterized by dozens of small waterfalls tumbling down from green moss-covered cliffs above them. A few miles north of Sigöldugljúfur is Sigoldufoss, another captivating waterfall worth seeing.

Laugavegur Trail

Landmannalaugar is home to one of Europe’s most iconic multi-day treks, the Laugavegur Trail. Spanning about 34 miles (55 kilometers), the breathtaking trail runs from Landmannalaugar in the north to Þórsmörk Valley in the south. 

Over the course of 3-4 days, you’ll pass through a variety of extraordinary terrains, including geothermal areas, vibrant rhyolite mountains, black sand deserts, obsidian fields, lush valleys, glacial rivers, and numerous otherworldly landscapes.

The Laugavegur Trail is considered one of the most rewarding hikes in Iceland, offering an unparalleled opportunity to experience the country’s diverse landscapes in a single journey. 

FINAL IMPRESSIONS

Despite its reputation as one of Europe’s marquee trekking destinations, Landmannalaugar surpassed our expectations while providing spectacular scenery, stunning natural attractions, and several adventurous hiking trails.

We had to navigate Iceland’s notorious, remote, and potentially treacherous F-roads in order to get to Landmannalaugar. But they were in relatively good condition and appeared to be safe for travel with even a basic vehicle. While only a few hours from Reykjavík, this is certainly a destination that belongs in most Iceland itineraries.

From moss covered lava fields and pristine glacial lakes to geothermal wonders and mountain ranges of every color imaginable, Landmannalaugar showcases some of the country’s most magnificent landscapes.

Along with Kerlingarfjöll, Þórsmörk, and Þakgil, Landmannalaugar is one of the most extraordinary regions of the Icelandic Highlands. If you’re fortunate enough to visit, prepare for an epic adventure and an unforgettable experience.