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.
I remember hiking in Landmannalaugar from my youth.
It was 30 years ago since I was last here, but the memories are as clear. Deep in Iceland’s highlands, Landmannalaugar is a land that 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.
It’s a wild and rugged place that glows in soft Icelandic sunshine – dappled in a peculiar smoky atmosphere.
Dotted throughout this dramatic scenery is a myriad of captivating Landmannalaugar hikes; full and half-day trails that take you into a wonderous otherworldly Icelandic experience.
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.
It wouldn’t be an Iceland experience without a bit of logistical effort. Fortunately, we’ve put together some information to help you get to Landmannalaugar and navigate the challenging driving conditions in the highlands. The good news is that this is a very achievable adventure and one that will provide an excellent introduction into the remarkable environment of the Iceland highlands.
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IN THIS GUIDE
BEST HIKES IN LANDMANNALAUGAR
01 – LAUGAHRAUN LOOP
02 – BRENNISTEINSALDA
03 – BLÁHNJÚKUR MOUNTAIN
04 – BLÁHNJÚKUR BRENNISTEINSALDA LOOP
05 – LJÓTIPOLLUR CRATER
06 – LAUGAVEGUR TRAIL
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). In some places, it appears the magma has only just cooled, its deformed shapes covered with the lightest of crusts. In others black jagged spikes look like they have been there for millennia. 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. Catch it in the sun and its earthy hues glimmer in the light. The path skirts brown bubbling mud pots, before heading back across the lava field (yellow markers) towards Bláhnúkur mountain.
Towering in front of you the green and blue rocks that cover Bláhnúkur’s flanks drop into a charming 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. Perfect!
Distance: 4.3km loop | Time: 1 hour, 45 minutes | Elevation: 200m of ascent and descent | Difficulty: Easy.
2 – BRENNISTEINSALDA ‘SULPHUR WAVE’
Mount Brennisteinsalda is a mish-mash of colour nicknamed the Sulphur Wave. It’s slopes of yellow sulphur and red iron are splattered with spots of blue ash. The base is surrounded by black lava with green grasses and luminous 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 landscapes.
Begin at the campsite and head up the Graenagil Valley (white markers) and across the western end of the lava field (yellow markers). Then turn left onto the Laugavegur trail (red markers) and then right to take the steep short ascent up to the summit of Brennisteinsalda (green 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 (green and 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 that surround it. Finally, reconnect with the Laugharaun loop and take the path (red and white markers) over the lava field back to Landmannalaugar. The hike takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes.
Distance: 6.6 kilometres | Time: 3 hours | Elevation: 310m ascent and descent | Difficulty: Medium
3 – BLÁHNJÚKUR MOUNTAIN, BLUE PEAK
The hike up Bláhnúkur mountain (blue peak) is the most challenging Landmannalaugar hike on this list. But, if you like being up above everything else with majestic views then this is the one for you.
The mountain is bluey black in colour and covered in volcanic ash. The rocky path is steep with lots of small rocks, but there is nothing technically difficult on this hike. It’s simply a matter of crossing a small river and then putting one foot in front of the other as the trail zig-zags its way to the 916-metre peak.
The views from the summit are magnificent if you manage to score a clear day. With blue skies, stare across red-green mountains, black lava fields and a spot an astonishing five glaciers. Sadly, on both of our visits the clouds came in and we saw absolutely nothing.
The hike down the other side is steep and rocky so be careful with your foot placement. For this hike you’ll need decent hiking boots. But before long the path drops to the valley floor, crosses the river again and joins the top of the Graenagil canyon. From here, follow the last section of the Laugharaun Loop back to Landmannalaugar camp.
Please note: This walk requires you to cross a river twice, which in dry conditions is not a problem. However, after rain you may have to take your socks and shoes off to wade across.
Distance: 5.8-kilometre round trip | Time: 3 hours 30 minutes | Elevation: 380m ascent and descent | Difficulty: medium with some challenging steep ascents and descents
4 – BLÁHNJÚKUR BRENNISTEINSALDA LOOP
If you have a clear day with little cloud and you are up for putting in some strenuous effort, then this Landmannalaugar hike captures all the great things up for discovery in this incredible landscape.
Begin by going over Bláhnúkur mountain as described in walk three. When the hike drops down to the river at the top of the Graenagil Canyon, join walk 2 (instead of heading back to Landmannalaugar Camp). From here, head up to Brennisteinsalda before descending to the Laugahraun lava field, then follow the path 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. It’s a long day but what a day it will be.
The whole trail will probably take almost 6 hours with over 600 metres of ascent and descent but with views like this, who’s counting.
Distance: 9.7 kilometres | Time: 5 hours 30 minutes | Elevation: 630 meters ascent and descent | 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 really nice views over a less colourful but equally endearing part of Landmannalaugar 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 best way to start this Landmannalaugar hike is by parking at the northeast corner of Frostastaöavatn Lake. From here it is 2 hours and 30 minutes of easy walking on a path well signed with blue markers. But if you don’t have a car you’ll need to walk from the campsite along the road for 2.5 kilometres (5-kilometre round trip) to join the loop. This will add a couple of hours and turn an easy walk into a medium one.
Distance: 7.2-kilometre loop | Time: 2 hours 30 minutes | Elevation: 200 metre ascent and descent | Difficulty: Easy
6 – LAUGAVEGUR TRAIL TO THÓRSMÖRK
So, this is not really a half-day or full day hike, but 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 explores some of the finest landscapes in the country. For dedicated hardcore hikers, it’s a feather in the cap.
However, if you don’t have the time, inclination or footwear for a 55-kilometre walk, but want to take part in one of the most coveted outdoor adventures in Iceland, there’s an option for you.
Follow the well-marked path from the tourist centre at Landmannalaugar Camp starting the Laugahraun lava field loop. 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 and see if it might be for you on another visit.
Distance: 55 kilometres | Time: 3 to 4 days | Elevation: too much to mention | Difficulty: challenging multi-day trek
WHERE TO STAY
There are no hotels at Landmannalaugar but you can bring your own camping equipment or book a bed in the large hut that accommodates 78 people over 2 floors. You can find all the information you need here.
If you plan on visiting Landmannalaugar on a self-drive day trip, then the closest hotel is the basic but atmospheric Highland Centre Hrauneyjar. A little further afield, cottages are available to rent at Rjúpnavellir or you can go for a bit more luxury and try Hótel Laekur.
BASICS IN HRAUNEYJAR
THE HIGHLAND CENTER
With both private or shared bathrooms and basic facilities, The Highland Centre is a popular option for hikers in Landmannalaugar. At just 18 miles away, you’ll be relaxing in their complimentary sauna, and enjoying a hearty Icelandic dinner in no time. Fuel is available on-site.
COOL COTTAGES
RJÚPNAVELLIR
Featuring self-contained units, each with a terrace and kitchen facilities, Rjúpnavellir is an excellent option if you are self-catering. The rooms are big, yet cosy and feature impressive views of the surrounding landscape. They have a barbeque and pretty good WiFi given the remote location.
LUXE LANDMANNALAUGAR
HÓTEL LÆKUR
Set on a stunning horse farm, Hótel Lækur offers deluxe accommodation with views across the Hekla and Eyjafjallajökull volcanoes. An à la carte menu is available if you don’t feel like cooking after a long day hiking. There is a beautiful lounge overlooking the very photogenic Icelandic horses.
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 do not rely on it when you are hiking.
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. Although they don’t have all the walking trails, they will at least tell you if you are heading in completely the wrong direction.
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.
LANDMANNALAUGAR GEOTHERMAL POOL
Landmannalaugar means People’s Pool and there are few better ways to relieve sore hiking limbs than sitting in a geothermal pool. The scorching water that bubbles through the lava field mixes with cold surface water streams and forms a natural pool that varies in temperature.
But find the right spot and it’s a glorious 35 to 40 degrees of muscle-soaking natural bliss.
A narrow wooden boardwalk that crosses a meadow covered with flowers brings you to a wooden pole and railings. Hang up your clothes, get into your trunks and take the plunge. For modesty purposes, you can pay 500ISK to use the changing facilities and showers at the campsite.
It’s the perfect way to end your day in this scenic wonderland.
TIPS FOR HIKING IN LANDMANNALAUGAR
1 – Getting to Landmannalaugar can be tricky. You can take a bus or 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.
2 – 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.
3 – There is a small shop with food available at Landmannalaugar, but if you are day-tripping it’s better value to bring your own supplies.
4 – Check weather conditions and pack warm clothes and waterproofs. The highlands are colder than the coast and the weather can change quickly. It was 5 degrees when we were there in the middle of summer.
5 – 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.
6 – 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.
7 – Bring swimwear and a towel to enjoy the geothermal pool. There’s no better way to relax the limbs after a good hike.
8 – Don’t forget your camera, the scenery is stunning.
WHERE NEXT?
If you found this guide useful, please head over to Instagram and follow us to stay up to date with our adventures.
This day trip to Landmannalaugar is just one of the days in our 10 day Iceland itinerary. A holiday filled with truly great experiences. You can check out another day trips into the highlands on our Askja article.
OFF-THE-BEATEN-TRACK IN THE ICELAND HIGHLANDS
DRIVING THE F-ROADS IN ICELAND
KERLINGARFJÖLL EXCURSION
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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.