Landmannalaugar Hike & the Valley of Tears from RVK & Selfoss

The Highlands reward the effort. This full-day trip takes you deep into Iceland’s interior, where rhyolite mountains, lava fields, rivers, and geothermal water create scenery unlike anything near Reykjavik. I like the mix of a guided hike and a hot-spring soak, and I also like that an experienced driver handles the rough highland roads. The main drawback is the long day, with several hours spent on bumpy gravel roads and limited food and bathroom access.

I especially like the way the tour combines Landmannalaugar with Sigoldugljufur and Hjálparfoss. You get more than one dramatic stop, yet the day still has a clear focus: hiking through one of Iceland’s most unusual mountain areas and ending in naturally warm water.

The tour costs $199 per person and lasts about 11 hours. That is a fair price if you do not have a suitable 4WD vehicle, do not want to drive unfamiliar mountain roads, or want a guide to explain the geology and keep the group moving. It is less appealing if you want a slow, independent hike with lots of time in the hot pool.

Key points to know before booking

• Landmannalaugar is the main event: Expect colorful rhyolite peaks, giant lava fields, river views, geothermal features, and a hike of roughly 1.5 to just over 2 hours.
• The Valley of Tears adds a powerful finale: This area is known for a series of waterfalls and striking views, making it one of the most praised stops of the day.
• The road is part of the adventure: The final highland section includes rough gravel roads, and the ride can be uncomfortable.
• Pack for changing weather: Rain, snow, sun, strong wind, and cold conditions can all occur on the same outing.
• Bring a swimsuit and towel: The natural hot pool is a major highlight, but changing facilities are limited near the water.
• The small group matters: The vehicle carries no more than 19 people, giving the outing a more personal feel than a large coach tour.

Why Landmannalaugar is worth a long day

Landmannalaugar is one of those Icelandic places that feels almost unreal without being polished for sightseeing. The mountains are made of rhyolite, a volcanic rock that produces unusual shades and patterns. Depending on the weather and light, you may see red, yellow, brown, gray, green, and orange tones across the slopes.

The area also has lava fields, valleys, streams, and geothermal activity. You are not simply walking to one viewpoint, taking a photograph, and returning to the bus. The appeal comes from moving through several types of terrain in a short hike.

I like this trip for active visitors who want to see Iceland beyond the familiar Golden Circle and South Coast stops. You get a taste of the highlands without arranging your own vehicle, route, navigation, or road conditions.

The excursion is also useful for anyone with a regular 2WD rental car. The rough approach to Landmannalaugar is not a place to treat casually, and driving there requires the right vehicle and confidence on remote roads. Here, the driver handles that work while you look out the window.

The tradeoff is time. The total outing runs about 11 hours, and the journey includes a significant amount of driving. You need to accept that some of the day will be spent seated, often on uneven roads, to reach scenery that is far from Reykjavik.

The ride from Reykjavik or Selfoss

Pickup begins around 7:30 am, with a stated pickup window that can run up to 30 minutes. In practice, you should be ready early and keep your phone available. Some Reykjavik pickups use designated bus stops because larger vehicles cannot reach certain downtown streets, so check the exact meeting point carefully.

Pickup is also available in Selfoss on the South Coast. That can make the trip useful if you are staying outside central Reykjavik or planning a South Coast itinerary.

The vehicle is air-conditioned and has Wi-Fi. All fees and taxes are included, so there are no standard entry charges to add later. Lunch is not included, however, and food options in the highlands are limited.

You may have a chance to buy snacks during the drive or at Landmannalaugar, but do not count on a proper meal. One practical approach is to bring a packed lunch, water, and extra snacks from Reykjavik or Selfoss.

The drive itself can be scenic, but the information provided about commentary is mixed. Guides such as Sara, Eddie, Ignacio, Keren, and James have been praised for their humor, local explanations, geology knowledge, safe driving, and care with the group. At the same time, one person wanted more information during the quieter parts of the ride instead of music.

That is a useful expectation to set. Your guide may offer plenty of detail at the main sites, but the amount of commentary during the long transfers can vary.

Landmannalaugar hike: colorful rock and changing weather

The hike is generally around 1.5 to just over 2 hours, depending on the route, pace, stops, and group. It passes between mountains and across or beside large lava fields, with views of valleys, rivers, and volcanic formations.

The walking is manageable for an active person, but it is not a flat stroll. Some sections can be steep, and the weather can change quickly. A decent level of fitness will make the outing much more comfortable, particularly if you want to keep up with the group and still have time for the hot pool.

Guides normally set a group pace and allow photo stops. That is helpful because the scenery deserves time. Several people have also wanted more hiking time, especially faster walkers who felt ready to explore farther.

This is one of the tour’s central compromises. A group itinerary must keep everyone together and arrive at the later stops on time. A shorter route may leave more time for bathing, while a longer route may reduce the time available at the hot springs or the Valley of Tears.

Some outings may offer a choice partway through the walk. You might stay with the group on a shorter route, or continue along an orange loop trail back toward the starting point and reach the geothermal baths earlier. The precise arrangement can depend on the guide, conditions, and the pace of the group, so do not treat independent hiking time as guaranteed.

Bring sturdy walking shoes, waterproof outer clothing, warm layers, gloves, and a hat. The supplied information does not specify equipment rental, so arrive prepared. A sunny forecast is not enough protection here. One outing included rain, sunshine, snow, and strong wind in a single day.

The natural hot pool after the hike

The hot pool is one of the best reasons to choose this particular outing. After walking through exposed mountain country, warm geothermal water gives you a chance to rest while still surrounded by the highlands.

Bring a swimsuit and towel. There are no changing rooms next to the pool, so plan to change in the bathroom building before walking to the water. That small detail can save you a cold, awkward scramble after the hike.

The pool is naturally heated, but the surrounding air may be cold and windy. The water flowing into the bathing area keeps it warm, while the open setting gives you views and a strong sense of place. This is not a spa with polished facilities. It is a simple outdoor soak in a remote setting.

Time can feel short here. The tour has several stops and a long return drive, so you may get less bathing time than you want. If soaking is your top priority, ask how much time is planned on the day and be ready to follow the schedule.

Some people enjoy a hot and cold plunge during the stop. That may depend on the conditions and the exact bathing area available, but you should expect a natural pool rather than a developed swimming facility.

Sigoldugljufur and the Valley of Tears

Sigoldugljufur gives the route another change of scenery. The area is associated with water, rivers, and striking highland views, and it helps break up the day after the main hike.

The Valley of Tears is often the emotional high point after Landmannalaugar. The name suits the area’s long series of waterfalls and dramatic views. It is the kind of stop where you may want to stay longer than the schedule allows.

You may see waterfalls spilling through a broad, rugged setting, with distant mountains and open space around them. The stop feels different from Landmannalaugar because the focus shifts from colored volcanic slopes and walking trails to water and wide views.

The day may also include Hjálparfoss, a waterfall that adds another worthwhile pause. It is not the main reason to book the outing, but it gives you a rewarding sight during the return route or transfer between highland areas.

The value here is variety. You are not spending the entire day at one trailhead. You see geothermal water, volcanic mountains, lava, rivers, and waterfalls, all within one organized route.

The downside is that these stops can feel brief. A few people have wished for more time at each place, but adding extra minutes everywhere would make an already long outing considerably longer.

A closer look at the road conditions

The final stretch to Landmannalaugar includes rough gravel roads. The last 24 kilometers have been described as particularly bumpy, and the ride can be uncomfortable even when the views are superb.

That is not a flaw unique to this company. Remote highland access is simply demanding. Still, you should know what you are buying: this is not a smooth sightseeing transfer on paved roads.

A skilled driver matters here. James, Ignacio, and other guides have received strong praise for handling the rough sections carefully and confidently. That can be a major benefit if you are uncomfortable driving narrow, winding, or uneven roads yourself.

Take motion sickness medication if you normally need it, though the tour information does not promise that the road will be comfortable. Keep essential items close rather than buried in luggage, and use the scheduled bathroom stops because facilities are limited once you reach the remote areas.

The rough ride is easier to accept when the scenery is the reason for the journey. If you dislike long transfers or gravel roads, this may not be the right day trip. If you see the drive as part of reaching a remote part of Iceland, the inconvenience is more likely to feel worthwhile.

Group size, guides, and the pace of the day

The maximum group size is 19 people. That is small enough for the guide to keep an eye on the walking group and give the day a more relaxed feel than a large bus outing.

Guide quality is an important part of this experience. Sara has been praised for being funny, engaging, and informative. Eddie received similar praise, while Ignacio was noted for upbeat explanations, strong driving, and keeping the group together. Keren was described as funny and well informed, and James was praised for his driving and guiding.

The guide may set an easy pace, but pace can vary. One person found the hike too fast and wanted more water breaks, while another found it easy with a good level of fitness. If you are a senior or have concerns about steep ground, be realistic about your walking ability.

You should also be punctual. The guide must keep the whole schedule moving, and late departures could mean losing time at a later stop. That is especially important because the itinerary includes three named areas plus the hike and bathing stop.

A map may be available for people who want to walk partly on their own, but do not assume you will receive a detailed personal hiking map. The safest plan is to stay clear about the meeting time and route options before separating from the group.

Is $199 a good value?

At $199, this is not a cheap day trip, but it covers a difficult-to-reach part of Iceland. The price includes round-trip transportation from Reykjavik, possible pickup in Selfoss, an air-conditioned vehicle, Wi-Fi, and all fees and taxes.

You are also paying for access without having to arrange a suitable highland vehicle or take responsibility for a remote route. For a visitor with a 2WD rental car, that can make the tour particularly useful. The cost may compare favorably with upgrading a rental, paying for fuel, and accepting the risk and stress of driving unfamiliar roads.

The value is strongest if you want a sample of Landmannalaugar rather than a full multi-day trek. You get the major visual rewards in one day, plus the Valley of Tears, Sigoldugljufur, Hjálparfoss, and the hot pool.

The price is less convincing if you want hours of unhurried hiking. The trip gives you a well-chosen introduction, not unlimited time. Lunch is extra, food choices are modest, and the bathing stop may feel short.

The high rating of 4.9 from 68 ratings, with 100 percent recommending the experience, fits the strongest parts of the outing: the scenery, the guides, the driving, and the sense of reaching a remote place safely.

Who should book this highland outing?

I would choose this tour if you:

• Want Landmannalaugar but do not have a suitable highland vehicle.
• Enjoy active sightseeing and can manage steep or uneven walking.
• Prefer a guide who can explain geology and local scenery.
• Want to combine mountains, waterfalls, rivers, and hot springs in one day.
• Are comfortable with a long ride and rough gravel roads.
• Have limited time in Iceland but want to reach the interior.

I would think twice if you:

• Need a smooth, short transfer.
• Want a long independent hike with no fixed pace.
• Expect a full meal or plentiful facilities in the highlands.
• Have limited fitness for steep sections.
• Want to spend most of the day in the hot pool.
• Dislike changing weather and exposed conditions.

The trip suits families with active older children too. Ages 10 to 15 have managed the hike, but every member of your group should be prepared for weather changes and uneven ground.

Practical packing advice

Bring a swimsuit, towel, packed lunch, snacks, and a refillable water bottle. Water bottles can be refilled at the base of the hike, but it is still wise to start the day with enough water.

Wear waterproof hiking shoes and layers that can handle wind, rain, and cold. Pack a dry layer for after the hot pool. A small daypack is easier than carrying loose items on the trail.

Arrive early for pickup, especially in Reykjavik. The pickup window can last up to 30 minutes, and a designated stop may be used instead of your hotel entrance.

The activity is offered in English, confirmation is received at booking, and most people can participate. The minimum age or a formal fitness requirement is not specified, so contact the provider if someone in your group has a particular mobility or health concern.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not refunded, and poor weather or an insufficient number of bookings may lead to a new date or a full refund.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if Landmannalaugar is high on your Iceland wish list and you want a practical way to reach it without driving the highlands yourself. The combination of colorful volcanic mountains, a real hike, natural hot water, the Valley of Tears, and Hjálparfoss gives you a full day of memorable scenery.

Go in with clear expectations: it is a long outing, the road is rough, food options are limited, and hiking time is shaped by the group schedule. For an active person who values access and variety more than comfort or independence, $199 is a sensible price. If you want a slower, deeper exploration, look for a longer Landmannalaugar trip instead.

FAQ

How long does the Landmannalaugar tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 11 hours, including travel time.

What time does pickup begin?

The listed start time is 7:30 am. Pickup has a window of up to 30 minutes, so you should be ready early.

Can I be picked up in Selfoss?

Yes. Pickup is available in Selfoss as well as Reykjavik.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, and you should bring food and snacks because choices in the highlands are limited.

Is Wi-Fi available on the vehicle?

Yes. Wi-Fi is included on the bus, along with air conditioning and all fees and taxes.

Do I need to bring swimwear?

Yes. You should bring a swimsuit and towel if you want to use the natural hot pool after the hike.

How large is the tour group?

The tour has a maximum of 19 participants.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel for a full refund at least 24 hours before the experience begins. If poor weather or an insufficient number of bookings causes the provider to cancel, you will be offered another date or a full refund.