Complete Guide to Visiting Landmannalaugar (+ Map & Tips)

Set in the highlands and formed from volcanic activity, Landmannalaugar is one of the most stunning places to visit in Iceland. Hike over colourful mountains, bathe in geothermal pools and discover natural wonders in a unique and colourful landscape.

Landmannalaguar is a wild and stunning area in the Iceland highlands.

Situated within a massive caldera, the volcanic eruption that formed the area released rhyolite lava, rather than the much more common basalt.

The result is an area of sweeping colourful mountains stained burnt orange and red; sandy-coloured gravel cut by glacial rivers and bubbling mud pots within steely-black lava fields.

The striking array of contrasting colours and shapes makes this one of our favourite places to hike in Iceland.

Access to Landmannalaguar involves travelling over bumpy, rock-strewn tracks and through the occasional river. But getting here is half the fun, and there is nothing unachievable for anyone with a suitable 4×4 vehicle.

This guide covers everything you need to know about visiting Landmannalaugar, including how to get there, what to see on the way, what to do, and where to stay.

WHERE IS LANDMANNALAUGAR?

Landmannalaugar is in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve in the southern part of Iceland’s Highlands, about 180 kilometres (111 miles) from Reykjavík.

It’s a remote region of Iceland that can only be reached by driving on the mountain roads or F-roads.  

The area is centred around Landmannalaugar Campground, which is the starting point for several stunning hikes.

From here you can walk along valleys cut by glacial rivers, cross lava fields and climb colourful rhyolite mountains.

HOW TO GET TO LANDMANNALAUGAR?

Landmannalaugar is one of the best places to visit in Iceland’s Highlands, but to get here, you’ll need to travel on the mountain roads or F-roads.

F-roads are unpaved gravel tracks that are not regularly maintained and often include river crossings, driving over sand and very bumpy conditions.

Read more about the F-roads in our comprehensive guide to driving the F-roads in Iceland.

There are four ways to get to Landmannalaugar: self-drive, the highland bus, a private tour, or a long hike in from Thórsmörk.

OPTION 1: SELF-DRIVING TO LANDMANNALAUGAR

Only 4WD vehicles are permitted to drive on F-Roads, so you must have a 4×4 if you want to drive yourself to Landmannalaugar.

There are three routes to choose from, each of varying difficulty.

Route 1: F26/F208 from the South – This is the easiest route, with most of the driving on easy-to-drive gravel tracks with a few short bumpy sections. There is nothing too challenging, and there are no river crossings. It takes 1 hour and 30 minutes from the junction of Route 26 and Route 32.

Route 2: F225 from the West – This route is not very bumpy or rough, but there are three or four river crossings. In normal conditions, they are relatively easy (not very deep or wide) and could be done in any-sized 4×4. Allow 1 hour and 20 minutes from the junction of Route 26 and F225 to Landmannalaugar.

Route 3: F208 from the South – This is the most challenging route, involving three sizeable river crossings which can be deep. In normal conditions, they can be crossed with a large 4×4 vehicle. Allow 2 hours, 30 minutes from the junction of Route 209 & 208.

For more details on each, read our How To Get To Landmannalaugar guide, including detailed self-drive instructions.

OUR RECOMMENDED ROUTE

Having driven to Landmannalaugar several times, we suggest you take the F26/F208 (easiest) and ask the ranger at the information hut about the return conditions on the F225.

If they say it’s OK, you’ll have a great circular trip; if not, you can return via the F26/F208.

RIVER CROSSING BEFORE THE CAMP

Immediately before reaching Landmannalaugar Campsite, there is a medium-sized river crossing.

But don’t worry, you do not need to cross it. You can park before the river crossing (Parking lot – P1 Námskvísl), then cross the pedestrian walkway over the river and walk into camp (5 minutes).

RESERVING PARKING AT LANDMANNALAGUAR

The Environment Agency for Landmannalaugar has recently implemented a parking reservation system.

You will need to reserve parking in advance between 20 June and 15 September if you arrive between 9 AM and 4 PM.

You can book your parking in advance without adding your car registration. A few days before your arrival date, you’ll receive a reminder to add your car registration details to your booking.

There is also a service fee to enter the park during these times, which is paid when you reserve the parking.

Book your Landmannalaugar Parking here.

FUEL AT LANDMANNALAUGAR

Please note: there is no gas station at Landmannalaugar, so make sure you fill up before entering the highlands or at the Hrauneyjar Highland Centre on the northern section of the F208.

DRIVING TO LANDMANNALAUGAR: MAP

We have put the 3 different routes you can take to drive to Landmannalaugar on the map below.

OPTION 2: HIGHLAND BUS

If you have not hired a 4×4 or don’t want to drive on the F-roads, a regular bus service, the Highland Bus, operates from Reykjavík.

There is a 7 AM bus from Reykjavík each day. It stops at Selfoss and Hella before arriving at Landmannalaugar at 11.30 AM. The return bus leaves Landmannalaugar around 3:45 PM, giving you 4 hours to explore the area.

This usually leaves plenty of time to try one or two of the amazing hikes in Landmannalaugar and have a soak in the hot springs.

Tickets are not cheap —around £160 return ($214 US) —but it’s an incredible experience without the hassle of driving yourself.

You should book tickets for the Highland Bus in advance.

OPTION 3: TOURS TO LANDMANNALAUGAR

There are some great tours to Landmannalaugar that let you see this remarkable landscape without the stress of getting there.

GetYourGuide – This well-rated tour includes pickup from Reykjavík and visits the Hekla Volcano area and Landmannalaugar.

Viator – This tour also includes pickup from Reykjavík, but spends more time hiking around the Landmannalaugar area.

GetYourGuide (Super Jeep) – This Super Jeep tour includes Thjórsárdalur, Hjálparfoss Waterfall, Hnausapollur and Frostastadavatn, before reaching Landmannalaugar.

Viator (Super Jeep) – This Super Jeep tour includes a drive around the base of one of Europe’s most active volcanoes—Hekla, the Laugarhraun lava field and Landmannalaugar.

OPTION 4: HIKE INTO LANDMANNALAUGAR

The most energetic way to reach Landmannalaugar is to hike in from Thórsmörk. The 3-day Laugavegur Trail covers some of the most unique and spectacular landscapes in Europe.

This guided hike tour includes all meals and accommodation, an expert Icelandic guide and luggage transportation – so you only carry what you need for the day.

WHAT TO DO AT LANDMANNALAUGAR?

TRY A HIKE

While getting to Landmannalaugar is an adventure in itself, most people make the journey to hike. The trails that spread out from Landmannalaugar Camp are well-marked and easy to follow, and the views are simply sensational.

You can find more detailed descriptions and route directions of the trails in our guide to the best hikes in Landmannalaugar, but here’s a quick overview.

Laugahraun Loop – This is a wonderful short hike that collects many of the highlights of Landmannalaugar. It’s a 4.3km loop that took us around 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Brennisteinsalda Loop – This is an extension of the Laugahraun hike, except the trail goes over the top of Mount Brennisteinsalda. The 6.6km trail took us around 3 hours.

Mount Bláhnjúkur – One of the most challenging hikes in Landmannalaugar with precipitous drops on both sides of a narrow trail. However, the views are excellent. The 5.8km route took us 3.5 hours.

Bláhnjúkur & Brennisteinsalda Loop – Combine all three of the above walks on this long but very rewarding day. The 9.7km route took us around 5.5 hours.

Ljótipollur Loop – The shimmering blue lake that sits in the red-stained 4-kilometre-diameter crater of Ljótipollur is nothing short of stunning. The 7.2km trail takes around 2.5 hours.

Sudurnamur – Leave the crowds behind on this excellent ridgeline walk that runs along the northern edge of the lava field. It’s a challenging 9.8km trail which takes around 4.5 hours.

Laugavegur Trail – The 3-day Laugavegur Trail from Landmannalaugar to Thorsmork is often ranked among the best multi-day hikes in Europe.

All the details, including maps for each of these hikes, are in our guide to hiking Landmannalaugar.

VISIT THE HOT SPRINGS

After exploring Landmannalaugar on foot, one of the best ways to unwind is in the geothermal pool – one of our favourite hot springs in Iceland.

Tucked into a scenic corner under the edge of the lava field and surrounded by green banks, it’s a beautiful spot for a relaxing soak.

The temperatures in this naturally occurring hot spring range from 36°C to 40°C (97°F to 104°F), and you’ll most likely find people huddled near the warmest section towards the far edge of the pool.

There’s a wooden platform to change and a partition to hang up some clothes and a towel, but otherwise, there’s no privacy.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION & TIPS

FACILITIES AT LANDMANNALAUGAR

There is no hotel at Landmannalaugar, nor is there a gas station – so make sure you fill up before you leave. There are, however, a few basic facilities.

LANDMANNALAUGAR MOUNTAIN HUT

Landmannalaugar Hut sleeps 78 people over two floors in dormitory-style accommodation. There’s a shared kitchen that’s fully equipped with the essentials to make your own delicious meal, as well as a toilet and shower block, and a covered communal dining area.

The hut is open from mid-June to mid-September, and the campground is first-come, first-served.

WARDEN’S OFFICE

The Warden’s Office is next to the hut and staffed by rangers who can provide information about the area, including road and hiking-trail conditions.

The office is open from 8 AM to 7 PM and 8 PM to 10 PM.

MOUNTAIN MALL SHOP

The Mountain Mall is a large green bus set up as a shop throughout the summer. You’ll be able to buy snacks for your hike, including sandwiches, chocolate bars, and crisps (chips).

After you’ve finished your hike, you can grab a beer from the bus (or a coffee or hot chocolate) and enjoy it on the tables set up out the front. They also have a few essentials such as mosquito repellent and sunblock.

WHERE TO STAY?

Even if you’re just visiting Landmannalaugar on a day trip, it’s a good idea to base yourself near the start of the F-roads, so you don’t have too far to travel once you’re back on the main roads. This will give you more time to enjoy the area.

Below are some suggestions from us. For more, read our guide on Where To Stay In Iceland.

Álftröð Guesthouse ($$) – A great value guesthouse with basic but well-sized rooms and complimentary breakfast. It has great access to Landmannalaugar via the F26/F208.

Afternoon Cottages ($$$) – Self-contained apartments under the flanks of Hekla Volcano with a well-equipped kitchen and good access to Landmannalaugar and Thórsmörk.

Glacier View Guesthouse ($$) – The selling point in this well-appointed lodge is the excellent home-cooked dinner served in the communal dining area. It’s well located for accessing Landmannalaugar via the F208 from the south.

WHEN TO VISIT LANDMANNALAUGAR?

The best time to visit Landmannalaugar is from mid-June to mid-September, when the snow has melted, the roads are generally open, and hiking is at its best.

If you plan to self-drive to Landmannalaugar, you can only do this over the summer months as the F-Roads are closed for the rest of the year. The F208 from the north opens around early June, and the F225 and F208 from the south open in late June.

All F-Roads close when the snow comes around mid-September.

The Highland Bus usually starts in mid-June and runs daily until mid-September.

Super jeeps can take you on the journey year-round and let you see this amazing landscape covered in snow. However, hiking outside the summer months is a challenge, and the colourful mountains may be blanketed over.

HOW LONG DO YOU NEED?

Landmannalaguar can be visited as a day trip, provided you stay nearby. However, there are plenty of walks and interesting sights in the area, so you would have plenty to do over 2 or 3 days.

WHAT TO SEE ON THE WAY TO LANDMANNALAUGAR?

Landmannalaguar remains one of our favourite places to visit in the highlands. On the journey there, stop off at these great locations to complete a fantastic day out in Iceland.

Sigöldugljúfur Canyon – This stunning gorge features a turquoise river running along its base, with several waterfalls cascading over moss-covered edges. It’s an easy 5-minute detour off the F208 from the north and well worth a visit.

Ljótipollur Crater – If you don’t have time to do the Ljótipollur Crater walk, stop off at the new car park and walk up to the rim (about 5 minutes). The blue waters under the red rim of Ljótipollur Crater from the viewpoint are a great sight, as are the views of the Landmannalaugar mountains behind it. The junction to the car park is on the F208 between the junctions of the F224 and F225.

Haifoss – Visit one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland on an easy detour on the way to Landmannalaugar. The car park is around 20 minutes along Road 332, off Route 32 (marked in orange on the map above). It’s closer to the F26/F208 route; however, it’s not much further if you’re taking the F225 from the west.

Stutur Crater – Towards the end of the long drive on the F208 from the south is the red-coloured crater of Stutur. It’s an excellent spot for a drone.

WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU?

Weather conditions can change quickly in Iceland, and it can be much colder in the highlands. As you will probably be hiking most of the day, bring a waterproof jacket and trousers, as well as good-quality hiking shoes or boots with a decent grip.

The weather can change significantly throughout the day, so bring warm but light layers, including a woolly hat and gloves.

There are snacks available at the Mountain Mall, but it might be wise to bring lunch and other supplies with you.

Pack swimming gear and a towel to use the geothermal pool. There’s no privacy here, so either bring a large towel or a changing robe.

Don’t forget to bring your camera.

The insects can be tenacious in Iceland, particularly around water, so bring some insect repellent with you.

DAY TRIP ITINERARY TO LANDMANNALAUGAR

Our day trips to Landmannalaugar have been long but immensely rewarding.

We spent the night at Brautarholt and headed off early, taking Route 30 and then Route 32 eastwards.

Just before joining the F26, we took the detour on Route 332 to Haifoss (allow 1 hour), then continued on the F26, turning right on the F208.

We made brief stops at Sigöldugljúfur Canyon (about 30 minutes) and Ljótipollur Crater Viewpoint (about 30 minutes) before continuing to Landmannalaugar.

Once there, we hiked up Mount Bláhnjúkur and returned through the Laugahraun Lava Field (3 hours) before having a well-earned soak in the geothermal pools.

Finally, we had a hot chocolate from the Mountain Mall, then returned on the F225 after checking the conditions of the river crossing with the ranger at the Information Desk.  

MORE REMOTE ICELAND GUIDES

• All you need to know about driving the F-roads in Iceland.
• Explore the stunning Iceland highlands and get off the tourist trail.
• Enjoy breath-taking scenery on these incredible Landmannalaugar hikes.
• Test yourself on this challenging drive to Askja.
• Take an easy F-road to magical Kerlingarfjöll.
• Explore the Valley of the Gods with our complete guide to Thórsmörk.
• See the under-visited green volcano of Maelifell.
• Make sure you visit the best viewpoints at Stuðlagil Canyon.
• Get off the beaten track and see the sights of the Westfjords.
• We have 6 epic Iceland itineraries to help you plan your trip.
• Looking for remote accommodation? Here’s where to stay in Iceland.