Landmannalaugar Hike and Hot Springs from Reykjavik & Hella

Landmannalaugar is one of Iceland’s most unusual day trips: rust-colored mountains, black lava, and steaming ground packed into one remote corner of the Highlands. This tour gives you a long scenic ride into that wild country, a guided walk, and time for a soak before the long ride home.

I like the small-group feel and the fact that you do not need serious hiking experience to see the area. I also like the practical route from both Reykjavik and Hella, with a useful morning stop in Hella for coffee, food, and restrooms.

The catch is simple: this is a 13-hour day with several hours on the road, and the actual walking can feel short for the price. If you want a demanding Highland trek, this is not it. If you want a manageable first look at Landmannalaugar, it makes more sense.

Key points at a glance

• Landmannalaugar’s orange route: The common walk is about five kilometers, with roughly half involving an uphill section.
• A full day from Reykjavik: Pickup begins around 6:30 AM, with return drop-offs expected near 8:00 PM.
• Colorful Highland geology: Expect rhyolite mountains, lava fields, obsidian, and geothermal features.
• Natural hot springs after the walk: Bring a swimsuit and towel, and budget for possible bathroom, shower, or hot spring charges.
• Guides who add personality: Carmen and Nacho are specifically praised for friendly service, humor, and enthusiasm for Iceland and the mountains.
• Best for easy walking: Uneven ground and possible stream crossings mean you still need proper shoes and weatherproof clothing.

Why Landmannalaugar is worth the long ride

Landmannalaugar is not a quick roadside attraction. It sits far inside Iceland’s Southern Highlands, and reaching it takes most of the morning. That distance is part of the appeal. The scenery changes as the coach leaves the more settled south and heads toward a place shaped by lava, ice, and geothermal heat.

The reward is scenery you do not get around Reykjavik. The mountains are formed from colorful rhyolite, a volcanic rock that can show shades of orange, red, yellow, green, and gray. Dark lava fields and patches of obsidian add a sharp contrast. You may also see steaming ground and other signs of geothermal activity.

I would not book this simply to check off another Iceland day trip. I would book it because Landmannalaugar looks and feels different from the usual waterfalls, black-sand beaches, and glacier viewpoints. The area gives you a closer look at Iceland’s volcanic character, with enough walking to get beyond the bus.

The early start from Reykjavik

Pickup in Reykjavik begins at about 6:30 AM, and the coach officially leaves at 7:00 AM. You choose from designated stops such as Tjörnin, Skúlagata, Hallgrimskirkja, Höfðatorg, the Reykjavik Campsite, or the Highland Bus Stop.

This early departure is not just a scheduling nuisance. Landmannalaugar is far away, and the road time is unavoidable. Still, you need to be organized the night before. Have your clothing, lunch, water, swimsuit, and towel packed before bed. If you arrive late at the stop, the vehicle cannot wait while the guide searches for you.

The ride from Reykjavik to Hella takes about an hour and a half. Hella is the main practical pause on the outward journey, not a sightseeing stop. You have time to use the facilities, buy coffee, and pick up food or drinks before heading farther into the Highlands.

Joining in Hella

Hella is a useful option if you are staying in the South Iceland area. Pickup is at the Olís petrol station, with check-in around 8:30 to 8:40 AM and departure at 8:45 AM.

This can save you a long backtrack to Reykjavik. It also cuts some transport time from your day, although the trip remains lengthy. The Hella stop on the return is scheduled for about 6:25 PM, with the coach leaving again at 6:40 PM.

If you join in Hella, arrive early and be ready outside the petrol station. The pickup window is narrow. Use the stop to buy anything you failed to pack, but do not count on it as a full meal break.

The road into the Southern Highlands

After Hella, the ride becomes part of the experience. You are heading toward a remote area where roads, weather, and access can vary. The tour includes coach transfers with several hours of driving in total, so I recommend treating the bus as recovery time rather than wasted time.

Bring water, food, and something small to occupy you. Wi-Fi is provided on board, which is handy, but the main value of the ride is the view outside. Keep your camera ready for the changing colors and broad open scenery.

The long transfer creates the tour’s central trade-off. You get access to a spectacular place without having to arrange a Highland vehicle or navigate the route yourself. But you spend much of the day sitting down. Anyone who dislikes long road journeys should think carefully before paying $190.

Arriving at Landmannalaugar around 11:00 AM

Arrival at the Landmannalaugar base camp is scheduled for about 11:00 AM. The guided walk begins roughly ten minutes later, giving you a short chance to gather your things and prepare.

This is not a polished visitor attraction with a long list of indoor facilities. It is a remote mountain base camp. Conditions can be basic, and the ground around you may be rough. That makes the setting feel more genuine, but it also means you should not arrive expecting comfort or a neatly paved route.

Your guide leads the group through the area and points out the geology, geothermal features, plant life, and animal life. Carmen has been praised for creating a relaxed atmosphere and explaining the scenery with humor. Nacho is noted for his enthusiasm for Iceland, mountains, and cold-weather conditions. Guide quality matters here because the scenery can look abstract at first. A good explanation helps you see why the rocks have different colors and how the area was formed.

The tour is offered in English and Spanish. If you are booking specifically for English, it is worth confirming that your guide can provide the full commentary in that language. One past experience reported weak English delivery, with much of the explanation given in Spanish. That may not reflect every departure, but it is a fair point to keep in mind.

What the hike is really like

The walking portion is described as an approximately five-hour guided activity, but that time includes the overall visit and can vary with group pace and route. The orange route is about five kilometers, with around half of it uphill. Some people may walk for closer to two hours on the trail, while the rest of the scheduled time includes stops, slower movement, and time around the base camp.

This is why I would call the hike accessible rather than strenuous. You do not need to be an expert trekker, but you do need to manage uneven ground. Stream crossings are possible, and the weather can change quickly. A route that feels easy in dry sunshine can feel much less casual in wind or rain.

The payoff comes in frequent changes of color and texture. You may move from soft-looking rhyolite slopes to sharp black lava, then past obsidian formations and geothermal ground. The guide helps you notice details that are easy to miss when you are focused only on reaching the next viewpoint.

Do not assume the tour will take you on a long section of the famous Laugavegur trail. The experience gives you a taste of Landmannalaugar, not a full multi-day trek. If your main goal is distance, elevation, or solitude, you will likely want a longer hiking plan.

Clothing, food, and water

I would treat clothing as a safety issue, not a style choice. Wear layers so you can adjust as the temperature changes, and bring waterproof outerwear even if the forecast looks promising. Waterproof trousers can make a big difference on a wet day.

Good hiking shoes are important because the route may include uneven surfaces and stream crossings. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users, and it is not designed for anyone who needs a fully smooth, step-free path.

Food and drinks are not included. Pack enough lunch and water for the walk, since the base camp should not be treated as a place where you can rely on a full meal. The Hella petrol station is your best chance to make last-minute purchases.

I would also pack a small dry bag or waterproof pouch for electronics. That is useful for both wet weather and the hot spring stop.

The hot spring break

After the walk, you have free time from about 3:00 to 3:50 PM. This is your chance to sit in the natural hot springs, buy a drink if available, or simply rest and take in the mountains.

Bring a swimsuit and towel. The hot spring is a pleasant contrast to the cool Highland air, especially after walking. It is also a good reason to avoid filling every minute with photography. Give yourself time to sit still and enjoy the setting.

The cost details need a little care. The experience information says bathroom, shower, and hot spring entry fees are not included, while a recent account describes the natural springs as free. I would budget for possible facility charges rather than assume everything is free. Also, do not confuse a natural bathing area with a full-service spa. Facilities may be basic.

The 50-minute window is enough for a short soak, but not for a long, leisurely bathing session if you need to change, dry off, and repack before departure. Keep an eye on the clock. The coach leaves at about 4:00 PM.

The long return to Reykjavik

The return drive begins in the afternoon and reaches Hella around 6:25 PM. After a short stop, the coach leaves for Reykjavik at about 6:40 PM, with drop-offs expected near 8:00 PM.

This final ride can feel long after an active day. That is the price of seeing Landmannalaugar as a day trip. The advantage is that you can return to a Reykjavik hotel the same evening without arranging another overnight stay in the Highlands.

Drop-offs use the same general Reykjavik area as the morning pickup, including Tjörnin, Skúlagata, Hallgrimskirkja, Höfðatorg, the campsite, and the Highland Bus Stop. Check your chosen stop carefully when booking, especially if you have evening plans.

Is $190 good value?

At $190 per person, this is not a cheap excursion. The price pays for a full day of transport, a certified guide, bilingual guiding, the guided hike, and Wi-Fi on board. Most important, it gives you access to a remote Highland area without requiring you to handle the transport yourself.

The value is strongest if you are staying in Reykjavik for a short visit, do not have a suitable vehicle, and want to see Landmannalaugar without committing to a multi-day hike. It is also useful for people who prefer a guide to explain the geology and manage the route.

The value is weaker if you measure a tour by hiking time alone. Some departures may cover only the shorter orange route, and the actual trail time can feel limited compared with the hours spent on the coach. If you are an experienced hiker, you may leave wishing you had more distance and more time on the trail.

The free cancellation window up to 24 hours before departure and the reserve-now, pay-later option make the booking less rigid. Still, those conveniences do not change the core question: are you happy to trade a long ride for a short introduction to one of Iceland’s most striking mountain areas?

Who should book this excursion?

I would recommend it to:

• You want to see the Highlands but do not want to drive or plan a remote route.
• You prefer an easy or moderate walk rather than a hard mountain day.
• You enjoy volcanic geology, unusual colors, and photo stops.
• You are staying in Reykjavik or Hella and can handle an early start.
• You like having a guide who adds context and keeps the group moving.
• You would enjoy a short soak in a natural hot spring after walking.

I would think twice if you want a full day of hiking, dislike long bus journeys, need accessible paths, or expect polished spa facilities. The tour’s strength is access and variety, not trail mileage.

Should you book the Landmannalaugar tour?

Book it if Landmannalaugar is high on your Iceland wish list and you want a practical, guided introduction. The colored mountains, lava fields, obsidian, and hot spring make this a memorable day, and guides such as Carmen and Nacho can add warmth and useful local detail.

Do not book it expecting a deep hiking expedition. You may walk only a few hours, and the route can be shaped by the group’s pace. At $190, the tour makes the most sense when you value simple transport, a certified guide, and the chance to reach a remote place without doing the planning yourself.

FAQ

How long is the Landmannalaugar tour?

The tour lasts about 13 hours. Reykjavik pickup begins around 6:30 AM, the official departure is at 7:00 AM, and return drop-offs are expected around 8:00 PM.

Can I join the tour in Hella?

Yes. Pickup is at the Olís petrol station in Hella. Check-in takes place around 8:30 to 8:40 AM, with departure at 8:45 AM.

What languages are available?

The tour is guided in English and Spanish.

Is the hike difficult?

The walk is described as easy and accessible, but trails can be uneven and may include stream crossings. The orange route is about five kilometers, with roughly half involving an uphill section.

What should I bring for the hike?

Bring lunch, enough water, layers, waterproof clothing, suitable hiking shoes, a swimsuit, and a towel. Food and drinks are not included.

Are the natural hot springs included in the price?

The hot spring visit is part of the free-time period, but entry fees for hot springs, bathrooms, and showers are not included. Bring money for possible charges.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users because of the uneven outdoor trails and possible stream crossings.