Rhyolite ridges hold the morning light, hot springs hold the silence.
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The rhyolite mountains of landmannalaugar took roughly 70,000 years to streak themselves red, ochre, and green, painted by mineral oxidation across cooled volcanic lava. The site sits within the Fjallabak Nature Reserve, reachable only by the F225 and F208 highland tracks, fordable rivers and all.
For centuries these geothermal pools served travelers crossing the interior on foot and horseback; the name itself means "the people's pools." Today the area anchors the famous Laugavegur trail and draws hikers toward Bláhnúkur's obsidian slopes and the steaming Brennisteinsalda. A landmannalaugar super jeep tour, a landmannalaugar jeep tour, or a 4x4 hiking route remains the practical way in — the rivers and rough surface defy ordinary cars. The reward is a landscape where lava field, glacier melt, and warm spring converge in one valley.
"These were the people's pools long before they were a destination — warmth pooled at the edge of a lava field."
A step-by-step walkthrough of Landmannalaugar tickets — what you'll see, how long each stage takes, and the details that matter.
You leave Reykjavík early, the highland tracks unspooling past lava and braided rivers until your super jeep fords the last shallow crossing into the valley. You lace your boots and climb Bláhnúkur, the "blue peak," where obsidian glitters underfoot and the rhyolite ridges fan out in rust and moss.
You descend past steaming vents toward Brennisteinsalda, the air sharp with sulphur. By mid-afternoon you wade into the natural hot spring where cold stream water meets the geothermal current, finding the exact warm seam. Arriving by 09:00 keeps the pools quiet and the parking simple. On a landmannalaugar super jeep tour you trade the trailhead crowds for that clean morning light, then ride back out as the valley colors deepen.
Secure your pre-booked parking space at P1 or the main lot. If arriving by Trex bus, alight at the campsite stop. Walk across the pedestrian bridge (P1 to campsite is ~966 m).
Wade into the natural pool where geothermal water (36–40°C) mixes with cold mountain streams at the edge of the Laugahraun lava field. Swimwear required.
Follow the marked easy loop across the black obsidian and jagged lava formed by a Brennisteinsalda eruption in 1477, reading interpretive signs on volcanic geology.
Choose the 6.7 km Brennisteinsalda circuit (yellow, rust, and green rhyolite; steam vents at 855 m) or the 8.4 km Bláhnúkur route to the 943 m summit with views of up to five glaciers.
The landmarks, rooms, and views travelers on Landmannalaugar tours remember — all visible on a single visit.
Hot water rising under the Laugahraun lava field creates a natural bathing pool held at 36–40°C, used by Icelanders for centuries as a resting point during highland sheep drives.
At 855 m, this active geothermal peak layers rust-red iron deposits, sulphur-yellow vents, blue obsidian, and vivid-green lichen across a single summit — arguably the most multicoloured mountain in Iceland.
Formed by a volcanic eruption in 1477, this jagged black obsidian and basalt field stretches across the valley floor; crossing it is the standard approach route from the car park to the hot spring.
Rising to 943 m, the Blue Peak is a rhyolite cone formed approximately 60,000 years ago; on clear days its summit offers sightlines to up to five glaciers including Mýrdalsjökull and Torfajökull.
Located just north of Landmannalaugar along the F225 access road, this explosion crater filled with deep-blue water sits inside a rim of vivid red volcanic scoria — its Icelandic name translates as 'Ugly Pool', a deliberate irony.
Every Landmannalaugar tour side-by-side — duration, what's included, how you redeem.
| Experience | From | Duration | Transfers | Pickup | Lunch | Tax inc. | Free cancel. | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Skip-the-line Most popular
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— | — | — | — | — | — | ✓ | €235 | Book → |
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Standard Entry
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— | — | — | — | — | — | — | €150 | Book → |
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Guided Experience
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— | 2 hr | — | — | — | — | — | €435 | Book → |
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Landmannalaugar campsite area, Fjallabak Nature Reserve
Large black hut with red signage; main reference point for all trails and the hot spring
Open in Google MapsTrex and Reykjavik Excursions run daily highland buses from Reykjavik BSÍ terminal; stop at Hella on request
4WD mandatory; take Route 26 north to F208, then F224 to the parking area; northern approach (F26/F208) has no river crossings
Landmannalaugar sits at roughly 600 m elevation in the Icelandic highlands, where temperatures average around 11°C (52°F) in summer and wind and rain can arrive without warning. Dress in moisture-wicking base layers, an insulating mid-layer, and a waterproof outer shell. Sturdy waterproof hiking boots with ankle support are essential for the volcanic terrain and river-bank paths around the geothermal pools.
There are no bag-check or security screening facilities at this open highland reserve. Keep valuables locked in your vehicle, as the car parks are unsupervised. A daypack with a hip-belt is the most practical option — you will cross rough lava fields and potentially ford shallow streams between the P1 parking area and the main campsite area.
Photography is freely permitted throughout the Fjallabak Nature Reserve, including on the rhyolite slopes and at the geothermal pool. Drone flights require a permit from the Icelandic Transport Authority (Samgöngustofa) and are subject to no-fly zones near wildlife nesting areas; check regulations before flying. Early-morning light between 07:00 and 09:00 offers the best colour contrast on the multicoloured mountains with minimal crowds in frame.
Landmannalaugar is a remote highland natural area with no paved paths; the terrain consists of volcanic gravel, lava rock, and uneven ground throughout. Wheelchair and pushchair access is extremely limited — the geothermal pool area is reachable via a short rough track from the main hut, but most hiking trails involve steep gradients and boulder fields. Visitors with mobility challenges are advised to contact Ferðafélag Íslands (FÍ) in advance at fi.is for the most current information on accessible routes.
Mobile coverage in the Landmannalaugar highland area is patchy; Síminn (Iceland's primary network) offers the most reliable signal but dead zones exist on higher trails. Download offline maps via Maps.me or Gaia GPS before departing. The FÍ hut has a landline and emergency radio in case of urgency.
The natural geothermal hot spring pool is a highlight for families with older children; water temperature ranges between 36°C and 40°C and the pool is unsupervised, so adult supervision is essential. The easy Laugahraun lava field trail (1–2 hours round trip, relatively flat) suits children aged 8 and above. Children aged 0–15 receive a 20% discount on Trex highland bus tickets when travelling with adults.
A small tourist-service hut near the campsite sells basic provisions, hot drinks, and snacks during the peak summer season, but opening hours and stock vary. Hut guests have access to a fully equipped kitchen with gas stoves and utensils. Day visitors should bring all food and sufficient drinking water for their planned hike — there are no restaurants or supermarkets within the highland reserve, and the nearest town with shops is Hella, roughly 90 km away on Route 26.
Dogs and other pets are permitted in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve but must be kept on a lead at all times to protect ground-nesting birds and local sheep during the herding season. Pets are not permitted inside the FÍ mountain hut. Owners are responsible for removing all waste.
The F-roads to Landmannalaugar typically open in mid-June and close in early to mid-September; exact dates depend on snowmelt and ground conditions, and the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration (Vegagerðin) publishes real-time road status at road.is. Visitors intending to start the Laugavegur Trail south to Þórsmörk should book hut accommodation along the route well in advance, as berths sell out months ahead of peak season.
Landmannalaugar campsite area, Fjallabak Nature Reserve
Large black hut with red signage; main reference point for all trails and the hot spring
Get directions
F224 road, ~966 m north-east of campsite
For small 4WDs or those not crossing the river; pedestrian bridge leads to main area
Get directionsBest time to go, insider tips, nearby landmarks, and the cancellation fine print — flip through to skim what matters to you.
How crowds, weather, and events shift across the year.
F-roads are open, geothermal pool and huts are operational, and Trex buses run daily to the highland area.
Warmest and most reliably dry weeks; longest daylight; Laugavegur Trail hikers are at peak numbers.
Shoulder dates with fewer visitors than peak July; wildflowers bloom on rhyolite slopes, but F-road opening depends on snowmelt.
No regular bus service; F-roads closed to standard 4WDs; accessible only on guided super-jeep tours departing from Reykjavik.
Small details that turn a good visit into a great one.
Parking reservations for Jun 20 – Sep 14 open April 1 each year on parka.is and sell out quickly for July and August weekends — book as soon as the window opens.
Driving in before 09:00 means you avoid the mandatory reservation window and find the geothermal pool far less crowded; the highland light at this hour is also ideal for photography.
The 1,200 ISK parking service fee can be paid online via parka.is in advance; if you miss the pre-booking window, the fee is still due on arrival — card payment is accepted.
Temperature at 600 m elevation can swing 10°C within an hour; even on sunny June days, wind-chill on Brennisteinsalda's open ridges can be significant without an insulating layer.
The Laugahraun lava field is fragile and legally protected within Fjallabak Nature Reserve — walking off marked paths crushes slow-growing mosses that can take centuries to recover.
F-road conditions change overnight after rain or snowfall; check vegagerdin.is or the road.is app on the morning of your visit before setting out.
Non-bookable sights within a short walk — free to visit, easy to pair.
Red volcanic crater filled with vivid blue water; name means 'Ugly Pool' in Icelandic
Highland lake ringed by red and black volcanic mountains, visible from F225 route
One of Iceland's most active volcanoes, visible from the F225 approach road on clear days
Flexible, no hidden fees.
Parking reservations made via parka.is can be cancelled or modified before the reserved date; the 1,200 ISK service fee is non-refundable once the visit date has passed. Tour operators (Trex, Reykjavik Excursions) typically offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure — confirm the specific window at booking.
Hand-picked options within walking distance — pick a district for vibe, or a specific hotel for convenience.
78-bed bunk hut with kitchen, showers, and WCs; operated by Ferðafélag Íslands; book via fi.is
Designated tent camping beside the hut and hot springs; basic facilities including showers at 900 ISK
Full-service hotel in Hella; offers Trex bus pick-up point in car park
Landmannalaugar is an open highland nature reserve and has no set closing time — the area is accessible 00:00 – 23:59 every day of the week. Note that the Trex highland bus service operates only from mid-June to early September.
A parking reservation is mandatory for vehicles arriving between 09:00 and 16:00 from June 20 to September 14. Reservations open on April 1 each year via parka.is. Arriving before 09:00 means no reservation is required, though the service fee still applies.
The parking service fee is 1,200 ISK per vehicle with up to 5 seats. This covers the day and includes use of toilet and changing facilities. Larger vehicles (6–9 seats) pay 2,000 ISK.
The quietest period is early morning before 09:00, when the mandatory reservation window has not yet opened. Arriving at the Iceland highland geothermal valley between 07:00 and 09:00 gives access to trails and the hot spring before day-trip buses arrive. Early August weekdays see moderate crowds; weekends in July are the busiest.
Trex and Reykjavik Excursions both run daily highland buses from Reykjavik BSÍ terminal during the summer season (approximately mid-June to early September), with the journey taking around 4–5 hours. Seats sell out so advance booking is recommended for any Landmannalaugar tour by bus.
Layer up for the Icelandic highlands: a moisture-wicking base layer, fleece or down mid-layer, waterproof shell jacket and trousers, and waterproof hiking boots with ankle support are the minimum for any Landmannalaugar hiking tour. Temperatures average around 11°C in summer with frequent wind.
Yes — the natural geothermal pool at the edge of the Laugahraun lava field sits at 36–40°C and is free to use for all visitors. Bring swimwear and a quick-dry towel. No soap or shampoo is permitted in the pool to protect the highland water source.
Children are welcome at the Fjallabak Nature Reserve geothermal area. The easy Laugahraun lava field loop is suitable for children aged 8 and above. Children aged 0–15 receive a 20% discount on Trex highland bus fares when travelling with adults.
Landmannalaugar is an unimproved volcanic landscape with no paved paths, making access very difficult for wheelchairs and pushchairs. The short route from the hut to the geothermal pool involves uneven volcanic gravel; most trails require agility and sturdy footwear. Contact Ferðafélag Íslands (fi.is) for the latest guidance.
The two most popular day hikes from Landmannalaugar are the Brennisteinsalda circuit (6.7 km, 3–4 hours, colourful rhyolite ridges and steam vents) and the Bláhnúkur route (8.4 km, 3–4 hours, summit at 943 m with glacier panoramas). The Laugavegur Trail begins here for multi-day trekkers heading 55 km south to Þórsmörk.
Dogs are permitted in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve but must be kept on a lead at all times; they are not allowed inside the FÍ mountain hut. Owners must remove all waste.
Tour operator bus passes (Trex, Reykjavik Excursions) are typically refundable up to 24 hours before departure — verify the exact window with your operator at booking. The 1,200 ISK parking service fee paid via parka.is is non-refundable once the visit date has passed.
