From Reykjavik: Landmannalaugar & Háifoss Waterfall Tour

Iceland gets wilder beyond the Ring Road. This 13-hour trip takes you into the southern highlands for colorful rhyolite hills, black lava fields, volcanic craters, waterfalls, and a warm geothermal pool. I especially like the Lauga-loop hike through Landmannalaugar and the chance to visit Hnausapollur, a turquoise crater lake surrounded by stark volcanic ground.

I also like the mix of famous sights and quieter stops, including Háifoss, Granni, Hjálparfoss, Frostastaðavatn, and the Fjallabak Nature Reserve. The main tradeoff is the long day: you spend many hours in a vehicle, and several people found the small bus cramped, particularly in the rear seats. Still, at $226 per person, this is a practical way to reach rough highland roads you may not want to tackle yourself.

Key points to know before booking

• Four hours in Landmannalaugar gives you time for the guided hike, photo stops, free time, and a soak in the hot spring.
• The 1.5 to 2-hour Lauga loop passes rhyolite hills, obsidian formations, lava fields, steaming ground, and the foothills of Bláhnúkur.
• Hnausapollur is a striking early stop, with turquoise water inside an old volcanic crater.
• Háifoss and Granni offer two powerful waterfall views, while Hjálparfoss adds a smaller, more peaceful setting.
• The ride is long and sometimes rough, with off-road sections, river crossings, and a reported total duration that can stretch beyond 13 hours.
• Bring your own lunch, drinks, swimwear, towel, hiking shoes, and warm waterproof clothing.

Why Landmannalaugar deserves a full day

Landmannalaugar is often called the pearl of Iceland’s highlands, and the reason is easy to understand from the route. The colors change constantly: red, yellow, green, brown, black, and pale gray appear in the hills and volcanic ground. This is not the soft, grassy Iceland of postcard farms. It is rougher, emptier, and more elemental.

The area is known for rhyolite, a volcanic rock that gives many of the hills their unusual colors. You also pass obsidian, the glossy black volcanic glass that can look almost metallic in the right light. A guide adds useful context here, explaining how the rocks formed and pointing out details you might otherwise walk past.

The tour gives you about four hours at Landmannalaugar. That is enough time for the main loop, a break, and the hot spring, but it is not enough to wander every trail in the area. I see that as a fair compromise for a day trip from Reykjavik. You get a real taste of the highlands without needing camping equipment or a multiday trek.

The long ride from Reykjavik into Iceland’s interior

The day begins with pickup or a meeting at Tour Bus Stop 12 at Höfðatorg on Þórunnartún, depending on the option you select. If you use pickup, allow up to 30 minutes for the vehicle to reach you. The route includes many Reykjavik drop-off points later, including BSÍ Bus Terminal, Hallgrimskirkja, Perlan, hotel areas, and several downtown bus stops.

The first stretch is road time, with breaks built in along the way. The Highland Center Hrauneyjar provides a short 10-minute stop, useful for the toilet and a quick snack. One practical point: food and drinks are not included, so bring supplies. You may also have a chance to buy something during a break, but I would not rely on that for every meal.

The vehicle has Wi-Fi, and the guide provides commentary in English. Several guides have been praised for adding Icelandic music, stories about local life, Viking tales, and explanations of the geology. Names that have received particular praise include Ottar, Beggi, Kalman, HBO, Siggi, Karla, Anna, Petur, and Hal. The exact guide varies, but good guiding is one of the strongest parts of this trip.

You should expect rough stretches. The road into the highlands is not a smooth city transfer, and the route includes off-road driving and river crossings. That is part of the appeal, but it can be tiring. One previous group experienced a vehicle breakdown that caused a four-hour delay and a return to Reykjavik around 1 a.m. This appears to have been an exceptional problem, not the normal schedule, but it shows why you should avoid booking an important early-morning flight or fixed evening plan after this tour.

Hnausapollur: turquoise water in volcanic country

Hnausapollur is one of the most memorable stops because of the contrast. The crater lake has blue-green water, while the surrounding ground is dark, dry, and almost desert-like. You stop for around 10 minutes, which is enough for photographs and a quick look from the viewpoint.

This is not a long walk or a major hiking stop. Its value comes from the color and setting. If the weather is clear, the water can look especially vivid against the bare volcanic soil. Clouds, rain, or low light will change the effect, but the crater remains an interesting example of Iceland’s volcanic character.

The short stop also breaks up the drive before Landmannalaugar. Keep your camera ready, but do not expect a long visit. The schedule moves on.

Frostastaðavatn and the changing highland scenery

The next photo stop is Frostastaðavatn, another highland lake surrounded by open volcanic terrain. You have about 10 minutes here. It is a simple stop, but it helps show how quickly the scenery changes as you travel farther inland.

This part of the route is valuable because the drive itself is part of the experience. You cross broad, empty areas where the colors come from rock, water, snow, and moss rather than buildings or cultivated fields. In poor weather, the views may be muted. In clear weather, the open terrain feels enormous.

Several people found even cloudy conditions rewarding, while one August outing included snow flurries near Landmannalaugar. That is a useful warning: Icelandic summer weather is a suggestion, not a promise. Bring layers and waterproof clothing even if Reykjavik is mild when you leave.

The Lauga loop through Landmannalaugar

The main hike is the heart of the day. The Lauga loop takes about 1.5 to 2 hours and is described as moderate and manageable for people in reasonable hiking condition. One detailed account estimated the route at roughly 6 kilometers, so you should not treat it as a casual stroll around the bus.

The trail passes through lava fields and obsidian formations, then climbs toward colorful rhyolite hills and the foothills of Bláhnúkur. You also pass steaming geothermal areas and views across the surrounding highlands. The colors are the star, but the ground underfoot gives the walk its character: black rock, uneven lava, gravel, and changing slopes.

The hike is not presented as technical, but it can feel challenging in wind, rain, snow, or poor visibility. One person described the walking as difficult at an older age, while another found it steady and rewarding. Your fitness, footwear, and weather will make a big difference.

Wear proper hiking shoes with good grip. Bring water and keep your rain jacket accessible. The guide accompanies the group and explains the volcanic rocks, hot springs, and surrounding peaks. Some guides have also added extra stops at places such as Gjáin, Sigöldugljúfur, a second lake, or another waterfall when time and road conditions allowed. These additions are not guaranteed, so consider them pleasant bonuses rather than part of the promised schedule.

The hot spring reward after the hike

After the walk, you can bathe in Landmannalaugar’s geothermal hot spring. For many people, this is the perfect ending to the hiking portion. The water offers a warm, relaxing contrast to the cool highland air and tired legs.

Bring swimwear and a towel. The practical detail that matters most is that there are no changing rooms or lockers at the hot pool site, so keep your changing plan simple and secure your belongings carefully. The supplied information also notes that food and drinks are not included, so pack lunch and perhaps a snack to eat before or after the soak.

You do not have to swim, but it is worth planning for the possibility. Even in rain, the warm water can be one of the most enjoyable parts of the day. If the weather turns cold, you will appreciate having dry clothes ready for the ride afterward.

Háifoss, Granni, and Hjálparfoss

The waterfalls make the route more than a single-destination hike. Háifoss is the major stop, with about 20 minutes for sightseeing and photographs. It is Iceland’s fourth-largest waterfall and drops dramatically into a rugged gorge. The scale is impressive, particularly when you compare the water to the surrounding cliffs.

Nearby Granni adds a second waterfall view. Together, Háifoss and Granni create the kind of paired sight that makes a short stop worthwhile. You will want sturdy shoes around the viewpoints, since wet or uneven ground can make quick photo stops less comfortable.

Hjálparfoss offers a different mood. It is beautifully set in open country and feels calmer than Háifoss. The water divides around rock formations before flowing onward, making it a pleasing stop after the bigger waterfall. The exact order and timing can vary with road conditions, but the route allows you to see several types of Icelandic waterfall rather than repeating the same view.

The schedule also includes a brief photo stop in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve. This gives you another chance to see the highland terrain away from the main trail.

What the 13-hour schedule feels like

The published duration is 13 hours, but past departures have sometimes lasted 14 to 16 hours. Delays can come from road conditions, extra viewpoints, weather, traffic, or mechanical trouble. Most of the day is rewarding, but you should be honest with yourself about how you handle long rides.

The small-group format is a real advantage. You get more personal attention than on a large coach, and the guide can sometimes adjust stops to suit conditions. The downside is less personal space. One person found the vehicle cramped, especially with 16 people and limited room in the back row.

I would choose this trip only if you are comfortable with a full day out and several hours of driving. It is not the right choice for anyone hoping for a relaxed sightseeing loop with frequent long breaks. It is right for you if reaching the highlands is a priority and you want someone else to handle the difficult roads.

A short break at Selfoss helps on the return journey, with around 10 minutes to stretch and use facilities. The final drop-off can be at one of the listed Reykjavik locations, but you should still allow flexibility because the return time depends on the road and the day’s pace.

Is $226 a good value?

At $226 per person, the tour is not cheap, but the price covers transportation from Reykjavik, an English-speaking guide, Wi-Fi, and Landmannalaugar facility fees. The biggest value is access. You reach roads, river crossings, and highland terrain that many visitors would not want to drive independently.

You also get several major sights in one day: Hnausapollur, Frostastaðavatn, Landmannalaugar, Fjallabak, Háifoss, Granni, and Hjálparfoss. A self-drive trip could offer more freedom, but it would require a suitable vehicle, careful route planning, confidence on rough roads, and responsibility for changing conditions.

The price does not include meals, drinks, hotel pickup and drop-off, swimwear, towels, or hiking equipment. Budget for those separately. If you already have a flexible schedule and want to explore the highlands at your own pace, staying longer in the region may offer better value. If you have only one day and want a guided route, the cost is reasonable for what it covers.

Who should book this highland trip?

I would recommend it to fit hikers, photographers, geology fans, and anyone who has already seen Reykjavik’s easier day-trip sights. It is particularly useful for solo visitors or couples who do not want to rent and drive a highland-capable vehicle.

You should be at least 8 years old to join, and the experience is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. The hike is moderate, not a technical climb, but you need to manage uneven ground, changing weather, and a long day.

I would think twice if you dislike bumpy roads, need a guaranteed return time, or want a generous lunch break. Also consider your seat carefully if possible, since the vehicle can feel tight when full.

Final verdict: book it for access, not comfort

Book this tour if your main goal is to see Landmannalaugar without driving into Iceland’s demanding interior yourself. The colorful hills, obsidian, lava fields, crater lake, hot spring, and waterfalls make a strong case for the long day.

Skip it if comfort and a predictable schedule matter more than remote scenery. For most capable hikers, though, this is one of the better ways to reach Iceland’s highlands from Reykjavik. Pack lunch, dress for four seasons, bring your towel, and keep the next morning free.

FAQ

How long is the Landmannalaugar and Háifoss tour?

The advertised duration is 13 hours. Some departures have taken 14 to 16 hours because of weather, road conditions, extra stops, or delays.

Where is the meeting point?

The stated meeting point is Tour Bus Stop 12, Höfðatorg, on Þórunnartún in Reykjavik.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is optional, depending on the selected booking option. Pickup can take up to 30 minutes from the time shown on your voucher.

What language is the tour conducted in?

The live guided tour is conducted in English.

How much time do you get in Landmannalaugar?

You have about four hours at Landmannalaugar for the guided walk, sightseeing, free time, and swimming in the geothermal pool.

How difficult is the hike?

The hike is described as moderate. The Lauga-loop trail takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, and one account places it at approximately 6 kilometers.

Can you swim in a hot spring?

Yes. You have the opportunity to bathe in the geothermal pool at Landmannalaugar after the hike.

What should you bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, food, drinks, water, hiking shoes, and clothing suitable for changing Icelandic weather.

Are meals included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, so you should bring your own supplies.

Is the tour suitable for children?

The activity is not suitable for children under 8 years old. It is also not suitable for people with mobility impairments.