Landmannalaugar, deep in Iceland’s highlands, is a wonderland of colourful mountains, steaming sulphur vents and volcanic craters. Here is a breakdown of the best Landmannalaugar hikes.
LAST UPDATE: 21 Nov 2023
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Deep in Iceland’s highlands, Landmannalaugar effortlessly combines beauty and desolation. Black jagged lava fields surround colourful red and green mountains; sulphurous vents rise through scarred earth and bubbling rivers meander volcanic craters.
Dotted throughout this dramatic scenery is a myriad of captivating Landmannalaugar hikes; full and half-day trails that take you into an otherworldly Icelandic experience. Although not as dramatic as the current Fagradalsfjall volcano eruption, it’s still one of our favourite places in Iceland.
With a couple of visits to Landmannalaugar under our boots, here is our selection of the best hikes in the area. These range from a straightforward couple of hours, to more strenuous walks that will take most of the day and one epic multi-day experience.
It wouldn’t be an Iceland experience without a bit of logistical effort. To help with your planning read our guide to visiting Landmannalaugar which includes maps and useful information. We also have detailed instructions on getting to Landmannalaugar. For other achievable adventures read our guides to the best of the Iceland highlands.
IN THIS GUIDE // BEST HIKES IN LANDMANNALAUGAR, ICELAND
1 – LAUGAHRAUN LOOP
For a short hike that touches many of the highlights of this magnificent region, the Laugahraun Loop is a great place to start. In under 2 hours cross a lava field, amble past multicoloured mountains and head down a small canyon.
The path leaves the tourist information centre and rises onto the Laugahraun Lava Field (red markers). The trail requires a bit of concentration as the rock is hard and not always even, but it’s not long before you have dropped off the other side.
Following the trail up a small valley and across a moraine you come to the base of Brennistensalda. Also known as the ‘sulphur wave’ this yellow and red mountain rises before you as steaming vents surround it with an eerie mist.
The path skirts brown bubbling mud pots, before meeting a junction of other trails. Turn left (and follow the orange markers) heading back across the lava field.
Towering in front of you the green and blue rocks that cover Bláhnúkur’s flanks drop into a river that winds its way down the Graenagil Canyon (orange markers). The path follows a bubbling river along the valley floor and after just 1 hour and 45 minutes you are back to where you started.
Distance – 4.3 kilometre (2.6 miles) loop | Time -1 hour, 45 minutes | Elevation – 200 metres (+/-) | Difficulty – Easy.
2 – BRENNISTEINSALDA ‘SULPHUR WAVE’
Nicknamed the Sulphur Wave, Mount Brennisteinsalda is a colourful display of yellow and red slopes splatted with spots of blue ash. The base is surrounded by black lava covered in places with green moss.
This excellent hike is an extension of the Laugharaun loop in reverse. However, instead of walking around the eastern base of Mt Brennisteinsalda, this hike goes over the top. The result is an even closer look at the multitude of colours as well as excellent views over the surrounding landscape.
Begin at the campsite and head up the Graenagil Valley then across the western end of the lava field (orange markers). Turn left onto the Laugavegur Trail (red markers) and then right to take the steep short ascent up to the summit of Brennisteinsalda (white markers).
The views over the lava field from here are excellent. If you need an upgrade to capture the moment, check out these great cameras for hiking.
The path (white markers) heads over the other side and drops gently towards Vondugil. It’s a great section of easy walking alongside a wide valley with great views over the rhyolite mountains. Finally, reconnect with the Laugharaun Loop and take the path (red and white markers) over the lava field back to Landmannalaugar.
Please note // Periodically some of the paths around Brennisteinsalda are closed to allow this sensitive area to recover. In 2022 the path to the summit from the south was open, but it was not possible to complete the loop northwards. In the meantime return via the Laugahraun lava field trail.
Distance – 6.6 kilometres (4.1 miles) | Time – 3 hours | Elevation – 310 metres (+/-) | Difficulty – Easy – Medium
3 – BLÁHNJÚKUR MOUNTAIN, BLUE PEAK
The hike up Bláhnúkur Mountain (meaning blue peak) is the most challenging Landmannalaugar hike on this list. There’s a steep ascent with a narrow path that has precipitous drops on both sides as well as a river that you may need to wade across.
But if you are up for the challenge it is the most rewarding hike in the area. The views are simply majestic.
From the campsite head south towards the entrance of Graenagil Canyon, cross the wooden plank over a small stream and head towards path that climbs steeply up a green hill (yellow markers). As the path rises up a set of zig-zags, the green turns to bluey black volcanic ash and gravel. The rocky path is steep with lots of small rocks and steep drops on one or both sides.
There is nothing technically difficult on this hike but you’ll need a head for heights. After about an hour you’ll reach the 916-metre peak.
On a clear day the views from the summit are magnificent with red-green mountains, black lava fields and an astonishing five glaciers. The hike down the other side (yellow markers) is steep and often slippery so decent hiking shoes are essential.
Finally, the trail drops to the valley floor where you’ll need to cross the Brennisteinsoldukvisl River. Depending on the weather, this may involve taking your shoes and socks off and wading across.
From here, head into the lava field (yellow markers) until you come to a junction of paths. Turn right (orange markers) and keep alongside the Graenagil Canyon to return to Landmannalaugar.
Please note // If it’s wet and you are worried about crossing the Brennisteinsoldukvisl River, do the walk in reverse. Then if you can’t cross comfortably you can easily change your plans and tackle one of the other walks on this list.
Distance – 5.8-kilometre (3.6 miles) round trip | Time – 3 hours 30 minutes | Elevation – 380 metres (+/-) | Difficulty – challenging (steep ascents & descents plus a river crossing)
4 – BLÁHNJÚKUR / BRENNISTEINSALDA LOOP
If you have a clear day and you are up for some strenuous effort, combining Bláhnúkur and Brennisteinsalda is a wonderful Landmannalaugar hike.
Start by going over Bláhnúkur Mountain as described in walk three. When the hike drops into the lava field turn left at the junction (instead of right to head back to Landmannalaugar Camp) and follow the orange markers to a junction of paths. From here bear left onto the Laugavegur Trail (red markers) and after 5 minutes turn right up to Brennisteinsalda (white markers) and follow walk 2 back to Landmannalaugar camp.
By combining all the loops, you get the trifecta of Landmannalaugar vistas: magnificent views of Bláhnúkur; the other-worldly sulphurous vents and earthy hues of Brennisteinsalda; and the spiky lava field of Laugharaun.
The whole trail will probably take almost 6 hours with over 600 metres of ascent and descent but with views like this, it’s worth it.
Please note // Periodically some of the paths around Brennisteinsalda are closed to allow this sensitive area to recover. In 2022 the path to the summit from the south was open, but it was not possible to complete the loop northwards. In the mean time return via the Laugahraun lava field trail.
Distance – 9.7 kilometres (6 miles) | Time – 5 hours 30 minutes | Elevation – 630 meters (+/-) | Difficulty - Challenging
5 – LJÓTIPOLLUR CRATER, UGLY PUDDLE
Ljótipollur means ‘ugly pond’ but don’t let the name fool you. The shimmering blue lake that sits in the 4-kilometre diameter crater is nothing short of stunning. Sitting on the crater edge as the natural forces heat your butt through the clay is a great way to stay warm in this chilly country.
The highlight of this easy walk is the lake-filled volcanic crater, but the rest is good too. There are some stunning views across the Landmannalaugar mountains plus a short traverse over a lava field. There is also the possibility of climbing the cone of Stutur, a spiky peak of black lava.
The official route (blue markers) starts at Landmannalaugar, but it takes 2.5 kilometres to get to the best part of the hike and the same distance to get back at the end. Instead, park at the northeast corner of Frostastaöavatn Lake. From here it is 2 hours and 30 minutes of easy walking on a well-signed path (blue markers).
When the path comes back to the road, make sure you turn right and follow the road for 500 metres before coming back to the blue markers and turning right again.
If you don’t have a car you’ll need to walk from the campsite (5-kilometre extra round trip) to join the loop adding an hour and thirty minutes and turning an easy walk into a medium one.
Distance – 7.2-kilometre (4.4 mile) loop | Time – 2 hours 30 minutes | Elevation – 200 metre (+/-) | Difficulty – Easy
6 – SUDURNAMUR
This hike leaves the crowds behind and takes you to the summit of Sudurnamur, a fine peak on a ridgeline that runs along the northern edge of the lava field. It’s a challenging half-day hike, but once you are up on the ridge there are continual views across the lava field, Brennisteinsalda and Mount Bláhnjúkur.
The hiking trail begins at the campsite and heads out along the F224 for about 1 kilometre until you see red posts pointing towards Sudurnamur. Following the signs, the trail rises steadily, flattens onto a plateau, and then rises again. After another flat section, there’s a second push to the summit.
The path down descends steadily until it reaches a series of creeks and small rivers cutting through the gravel valley floor. Most days these are easy enough to jump across or use stepping-stones, however, after heavy rain, you may need to wade. The path joins up with the end of the Brennisteinsalda loop (white markers) before crossing back over the Laugahraun lava field (red & white markers)
Note // The route over Sudurnamur is well-marked with red posts, but we have marked it on the map in purple (to avoid confusion with the Laugavegur trail). Also, in 2022 the path down Sudurnamur and passed Brennisteinsalda was closed due to soil erosion so until it reopens you can only attain the summit from the east and then return the way you came. Ask at the information desk for the latest updates.
Distance – 9.8 kilometres (6 miles) | Time – 4 hours 30 minutes | Elevation – 440 meters (+/-) | Difficulty – Challenging
7 – LAUGAVEGUR TRAIL TO THÓRSMÖRK
The Laugavegur trail from Landmannalaugar to Thórsmörk is one of the great multi-day walks in Iceland. Taking 3 to 4 days and covering 55 kilometres, it was chosen as one of the “20 Best Hikes in the World” by National Geographic.
Over the course of 3 days, the hike delivers some outstanding scenery including lava fields, colourful rhyolite mountains, canyons, glaciers and active volcanoes. There are also hot springs to soothe the aching limbs along the way. It can be difficult to coordinate your accommodation, so this is a good hike to do as an organised tour.
If your Iceland itinerary doesn’t allow enough time to do the whole walk you can do a small section of it from Landmannalaugar.
Follow the well-marked path (red markers) from the tourist centre at Landmannalaugar Camp that passes through the Laugahraun lava field. Pass under Brennisteinsalda and continue west for as long as you like before turning around and retracing your steps.
It’s not the best hike in Landmannalaugar (the circular trails above are better) but it’s a good way to road test the famous Laugavegur Trail.
Distance: 55 kilometres | Time: 3 to 4 days | Elevation: too much to mention | Difficulty: challenging multi-day trek
MAP / BEST HIKES IN LANDMANNALAUGAR
The map below has an overview of the best hikes in Landmannalaugar. It’s a useful guide to get your bearings but please follow the coloured signposts.
The ranger at the Landmannalaugar information hut can provide advice for hiking and two maps: a comprehensive yet expensive 1:50,000 Iceland hiking Map covering Landmannalaugar, Laugavegur, Thórsmörk & Fimmvörðuháls and a cheap hand-drawn map for 300kr.
If you are doing the low-lying easy walks in good conditions, the hand-drawn map will do. If you are hiking all day up the mountains you may want the higher quality map.
Finally make sure you have Google Maps, or maps.me downloaded offline onto your phone before leaving.
How to use this map / Click on the top left of the map to display the list of locations, then click on the locations to display further information. Click on the top right corner of the map to open a larger version in a new tab or the star to save to your Google Maps.
BEST TIME FOR HIKING IN LANDMANNALAUGAR
The hiking season in Landmannalaugar is short, running from late June to mid-September, depending on weather conditions that determine when the mountain roads are open.
Even in the height of summer, there may be snow on the paths making the trails harder to see and hiking more challenging. At times trails may be closed, so check in advance before you leave.
We have more practical tips for booking your vacation on our guide to planning your Iceland trip.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION FOR HIKING IN LANDMANNALAUGAR
For more information about visiting Landmannalaugar including where to stay, and other great things to do in the area, read our complete guide to Landmannalaugar.
There are several different ways to access Landmannalaugar if you are self-driving, each with different degrees of difficulty. Read our guide to getting to Landmannalaugar before you set off which also includes bus details and organised tours.
TIPS FOR HIKING IN LANDMANNALAUGAR
01 – Getting to Landmannalaugar can be tricky. You can take a bus or a super-jeep tour from Reykjavik. But if you’re feeling adventurous, self-driving over the highlands is the best way to go. All the information is on our getting to Landmannalaugar article.
02 – If you plan to take a day trip, leave early. The drive takes a couple of hours each way and you’ll want to maximise your time there. For more general information on driving the mountain roads, read our article about the F-road in Iceland before you go.
03 – There is a small shop called the Mountain Mall at Landmannalaugar for basic supplies, but if you are day-tripping it might be a good idea to bring your own lunch.
04 – Check weather conditions and pack warm clothes and waterproofs. The highlands are colder than the coast and the weather can change quickly.
05 – Wear good hiking boots/shoes with thick soles and good grip. The paths can be stony and the lava can be spiky. After rain the trails will be slippery and if you are walking up Bláhnúkur mountain, be prepared to take your shoes off to cross the river.
06 – Buy a map at the information centre and download online maps (and our map) for the area onto your phone. Your GPS will work even if you do not have data. It can be invaluable for tracking your progress if the cloud comes down.
07 – Bring swimwear and a towel to enjoy the geothermal pool. There’s no better way to relax the limbs after a good hike.
08 – Don’t forget your camera, the scenery is stunning.
OTHER GREAT DAYS OUT IN ICELAND’S HIGHLANDS
Landmannalaugar is the most popular day trip into the highlands but there are plenty of others that are not hard, just as rewarding, and even more off the beaten track. Read about all our favourite places to visit in Iceland’s Highlands, but in particular, you may want to consider the following:
Complete guide to visiting Thórsmörk
Guide to hiking in Kerlingarfjöll and Hveradalir, Iceland
How To Visit Maelifell & Rauðibotn
How to bath in Reykjadalur Hot Springs
Tips and instructions for self-driving to Askja Caldera
ICELAND TRAVEL TIPS
All you need to know about driving in Iceland
Our complete Ring Road itinerary
15 useful travel tips for visiting Iceland
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From barren landscapes, to lava fields, through rivers and rugged terrain — sounds like quite the destination for hikers and explorers. I keep hearing about Iceland’s thermal baths — I guess they’re not all as warm as one would think! It’s great that you could return to Iceland as an adult and make new impressions! And thanks for sharing them with us! Gorgeous photos too!
Thanks, Stefanie. It’s a fantastic spot for some exploring and interesting hiking. The landscape keeps you guessing at every turn. The thermal baths are generally warm, you’ve just got to be up the right end in some of them!
Wow! This is exciting and very much worth the trip. This is so beautiful and breathtaking. I would love to take this hike in the future. Checking out the tour guide packages. Thank you for sharing them.
Hiking through patterned colorful mountains and craters of Landmannalaugar is really a splendid tour. Bathing in clear and sparkling Geo-thermal pools is the first thing I would love to do in Iceland. Thanks for sharing tips on 4×4 vehicle, leaving out early due to glacial rivers overflow in the afternoon and other important stuff.
It’s a beautiful spot and a great thing to do in Iceland. Hitting the geothermal pools is a very popular pastime for travellers to Iceland – such a unique thing to be able to do.
Iceland is one o f the most beautiful nature places I have ever seen. This isle is pure magic and I can understand how these impressions feel like. Your photos are absolutely stunning! I love how you caught the magic and the beauty of this place in your pictures. It makes me even wanting to go there back right now a bit. Especially the south of Iceland with the region around Vik to Landmannalaugar is one big experience. Thanks for sharing this amazing Hiking adventure!
Thanks for your comments Hendrik, very nice of you to say. Iceland is a fantastic spot to explore with such interesting geography. Hope you make it back there sometime soon.
This literally does look like your on the set of Tarzan. This is incredible. Also, your post is beyond useful. I’ve been planning a trip to Iceland but unsure of the ways of doing this – so thank you for laying this out so well for us!
HA! Thanks, I thought so too! Glad you found it useful, you’re in for a treat, Iceland is fantastic.
I must say the pictures of this place that I struggle to pronounce are simply out-of-the-world. I’d love to put these as rotating wallpaper! Your poetic description of the journey is very refreshing to read.
Wow, thank you very much, what a nice comment! It was a beautiful and interesting place, so very easy to photograph.
I liked this article so much that I pinned it on my Iceland board for when I’m planning my trip. I really enjoyed your ability to tell us your childhood memories of some of these places compared to your current experience. The 3 old ladies wouldn’t give up their heat, huh? Hilarious! Are most roads numbered or is that only in the park?
Thanks, Annick, glad you found it useful. It’s a great destination to feel slightly adventurous. Yep, all the roads are numbers and there aren’t many of them, so it’s an easy place to navigate.
What an amazing destination where the landscape keeps changing at every point. The post is detailed and will certainly help anyone planning a trip to Landmannalaugar Would love to stop by the geo thermal pool. There seems plenty of places to enjoy breadth taking views. Great post thanks.
Thanks Amar! Yes, there are breathtaking views at every point on this trip. Highly recommend the thermal pools, but make sure you snatch the hot end!
You make hiking in Landmannalaugar sound really exciting. I’ve heard many beautiful things about Iceland and reading your post makes me want to visit this country even more. The landscape looks a little barren in some areas, but very intriguing nonetheless. Beautiful pictures! #TheWeeklyPostcard
Thank you very much. It’s a very interesting place to visit, the scenery is unlike anything we’ve ever seen before.
What a fascinating part of Iceland I have yet to read about. Clearly, not many tourists make it here! Those 3 little old ladies made me laugh! We just visited Reykjavik for a short layover, and said if we ever return to Iceland, we’ll be bringing a suitcase of food because it’s so expensive there! Thanks for linking up with #TheWeeklyPostcard
That’s a good idea. My advice would be to eat before you go to Iceland! But, apart from the cost, it’s a fantastic location. So many interesting places to see.
I don’t know what to say, I am totally speechless. I just love your Photos! Island is one of my biggest great and I can’t put it on my travel schedule. Definitely pinned for later I must to this trail. Thanks for sharing. #TheWeeklyPostcard
Thanks, Tomas! Hope you make it there soon, you’re in for a treat.
Oh my gosh! These landscapes are just too amazing! I think I’ll gasp at such beautiful sights. Landmannalaugar looks like my kind of a place.
Nice to hear, it’s an awesome place to visit.
I love your photos of an absolutely gorgeous landscape! Even the barren areas look beautiful. I would love to experience this, the drive and the hikes you describe. Great post! Thanks for sharing. #TheWeeklyPostcard
Absolutely! The barren areas are some of the most beautiful. Certainly a destination worth making the effort to get to if you ever get the chance.
The landscape is just surreal; stark and beautiful. Not to mention unpronounceable. And your photographs are incredible. Fording rivers in your car is so macho. I’d like to know how old those “old ladies” were, and I need to have a talk with your dad 😉
We are so macho you have no idea! I didn’t even know what fording was until Mark told me. But the landscape is incredible and it was well worth it. The ladies were pretty vintage.
What stunning landscapes! It looks very remote and peaceful, too. It seems like you’re far off the beaten path, driving down dirt roads and fording streams. But those views! Looks totally worth it. We have yet to visit Iceland, but we see more and more posts about it, and it’s really starting to move up our bucket list.
It’s a great drive because it’s remote and off the beaten track a bit but still not too difficult. Iceland is a fantastic country to explore, we highly recommend it when you get the chance.
Thanks for this article! We have followed the Lagahraun loop yesterday (September 2021) and it was breathtaking. One thing though, we got stuck searching for the white markers. We found out that the path was discontinued, since the only white marker we saw was covered by an arrow leading further along the yellow path. You might want to change the route into first following the fed markers and after you descent from Brennistensalda, follow the orange markers. That will take you back to the visitors center. You will miss the view from the foot of Bláhnúkur though.
Hi Arnout, Thanks very much for your kind comment and updating us on the new route. As you can imagine it’s tricky to keep everything fresh. I will amend the post as you suggest. Thanks again and glad you had a great trip.