Landmannalaugar Hike & the Valley of Tears from RVK & Selfoss

Wild Iceland waits beyond the gravel roads. This 11-hour Landmannalaugar trip takes you into the highlands for colorful rhyolite mountains, lava fields, waterfalls, rivers, and a soothing geothermal pool. I like the small maximum group of 19 and the way the tour combines a proper hike with the Valley of Tears and Hjálparfoss. The main drawback is the long journey, including a rough final stretch of road and limited food and bathroom facilities.

I also like that you can choose your pace at Landmannalaugar. You may follow the guide on the main hike, take a shorter route, or finish the loop early and reach the hot springs sooner. Just bring lunch, sturdy outdoor clothes, a swimsuit, and a towel. The weather can shift quickly, and some parts of the trail are steep.

Key points to know before booking

• Landmannalaugar delivers the main spectacle: Expect colorful volcanic mountains, giant lava fields, rivers, geothermal features, and broad highland views.
• The Valley of Tears is a serious highlight: A string of waterfalls and dramatic views gives the final part of the day a strong finish.
• The road is part of the adventure: The last 24 kilometers can be rough and bumpy, so this trip suits you better than a self-drive in a standard 2WD rental car.
• The hot pool is worth planning around: Bring a swimsuit and towel, and use the bathroom building to change because there are no changing rooms beside the pool.
• The hike needs reasonable fitness: It is manageable for active people, but steep sections, wind, rain, snow, and a brisk guide can make it tiring.
• The $199 price buys access and ease: Transport, taxes, and Wi-Fi are included, which can make the cost fair if you do not want to tackle Iceland’s highland roads yourself.

Why Landmannalaugar deserves a full day

Landmannalaugar is one of Iceland’s most unusual outdoor areas. Its mountains are made largely of rhyolite, a volcanic rock that can show shades of red, orange, yellow, green, and gray. Add black lava, blue-green water, steaming ground, and wide empty valleys, and you get a setting that feels unlike the coastal Iceland most visitors see.

This is not a quick roadside stop. Getting there takes time, but that distance helps preserve the sense of remoteness. The tour gives you a way to reach the highlands without renting a specialized vehicle or worrying about rough roads, river crossings, navigation, and changing conditions.

I would choose this trip if you want to walk through Iceland rather than simply photograph it from a bus window. The hike lasts roughly one and a half to just over two hours, depending on the route and pace. You get enough time to see the area properly, though not enough to cover every trail.

That tradeoff matters. Landmannalaugar rewards a longer stay, and several people wished they had more time for walking or soaking. Still, for a single-day outing from Reykjavik or Selfoss, this tour covers a lot of ground.

The long ride from Reykjavik or Selfoss

The advertised start time is around 7:30 or 8 a.m., with a pickup window of up to 30 minutes. If you are staying in Reykjavik, be ready early and keep your phone available. In some city areas, a larger vehicle may collect you from a nearby designated bus stop rather than directly outside your hotel.

Pickup is also available in Selfoss, which is useful if you are based along Iceland’s South Coast. Confirm your exact meeting place carefully, since a missed pickup would be a poor start to a very long day.

The vehicle is air-conditioned and has Wi-Fi. A group of no more than 19 people keeps the outing smaller than a large coach excursion, although the actual group size can vary. The ride is broken up with comfort stops, snack opportunities, and scenic pauses, including a stop at Hjálparfoss.

Still, do not underestimate the drive. A significant part of the route runs over gravel roads, and the final 24 kilometers are especially rough. The road can shake the vehicle and make the journey uncomfortable, but an experienced driver is a real asset here. If you have only a regular 2WD rental car, this guided option is a sensible way to reach the area.

The bus has Wi-Fi, but I would treat it as a bonus rather than the reason to book. You are heading into a remote part of Iceland, and the scenery outside the windows is usually far more interesting than a screen.

Landmannalaugar: color, lava, and open mountain views

Once you reach Landmannalaugar, expect a short chance to use the facilities and buy snacks before beginning the walk. Food choices at the site are limited, so bring a packed lunch and enough water. You may be able to refill water at the base of the hike, but it is still wise to start with a full bottle.

The walk takes you among colorful mountains and large lava fields. The setting changes constantly, with dark volcanic rock beside softer bands of color and open views toward valleys, ridges, and rivers. This is the sort of place where frequent photo stops make sense, and the guide generally allows time for them.

The walking pace is intended to keep the group together. Some guides have been praised for taking an easy pace and making sure no one is left behind. Other departures have felt brisk, particularly on uphill sections, with too few pauses for water. Your experience may depend on the guide and the makeup of the group.

Several guides have earned warm praise for their attitude and ability. Sara was described as funny and engaging, while Ignacio was singled out for his upbeat explanations and careful driving. Eddie, Keren, James, and other guides have also been praised for their care, humor, and handling of the rough roads.

The tour description says you can personalize the experience and walk at your own pace, but the practical version is more structured than a fully independent hike. The guide needs to keep the group moving so the later stops fit into the schedule. If you walk quickly, you may wish for more freedom. If you prefer company and route guidance, that structure will feel reassuring.

At one point, the group may have the choice of staying with the main route or taking an orange loop back toward the starting area. This can let faster walkers or people eager for the hot pool adjust their day. Ask about the route early, and pay attention to the meeting time. Icelandic highland tours cannot wait long for late walkers.

What the hike feels like under Icelandic weather

You need reasonable fitness for this outing. Most active people should find the hike manageable, but it is not a flat stroll. There are steep sections, uneven ground, wind, and changing weather. A day can bring rain, sunshine, snow, and strong gusts in quick succession.

That variety is part of the experience, but it also affects comfort. Wear waterproof outer layers, warm layers underneath, and shoes suited to uneven trails. Cotton clothing and casual sneakers are poor choices here. The company does not list lunch as included, so pack food that survives a long day and a few jolts on the bus.

If you are an older hiker, be honest about your fitness. One account described the route as quite doable for active people but warned that some climbs require good shape. Families with children aged 10 to 15 have completed the hike, though each child’s stamina and weather tolerance will differ.

A guide who explains the geology can add a lot. The mountains are not just pretty colored slopes. Their volcanic origin, lava formations, geothermal activity, and water systems help explain why the area looks so strange. Some outings have included detailed explanations, while one experience would have benefited from more commentary during the drive. If you enjoy facts, ask questions rather than waiting silently for a lecture.

The natural hot pool after the hike

The geothermal pool is one of the best reasons to bring a swimsuit. After a cold, windy walk, sitting in naturally warm water is a fine reward. Hot water flows into the pool, helping it stay comfortable even when the air feels raw.

The setting is simple and outdoorsy. There are no changing rooms right beside the pool, so change in the bathroom building before heading over. Bring a towel, keep your clothes organized, and expect a basic facility rather than a polished spa.

You may not get as long in the water as you would like. The full day has a strict schedule, and the group must still reach the Valley of Tears and return to Reykjavik. Some routes allow you to finish the hike early and enjoy more pool time, but that choice can mean less time walking.

I would make the hot pool a priority if you enjoy outdoor bathing. It is not an optional extra in spirit, even though you can choose how long to stay. The contrast between cold air and warm water is one of the day’s most memorable moments.

Hjálparfoss and the Valley of Tears

Hjálparfoss is a welcome stop on the return route. This waterfall forms where streams meet, producing a broad, divided cascade surrounded by volcanic ground. It is a relatively quick visit, but it breaks up the drive and adds another strong water feature to the day.

The Valley of Tears is the other major stop, and the name hints at the setting. Expect a series of waterfalls, channels, and wide views rather than a single isolated cascade. Several routes through the area reveal one beautiful drop after another, with the water cutting through the highland terrain.

This stop can feel especially rewarding after the long ride and the hike. You are not simply ticking off a famous viewpoint. The waterfalls and open views give you a final chance to slow down, take photographs, and appreciate how much the day has covered.

Time is the limitation. A few people wished they had longer at each site, while others felt the schedule successfully included every advertised stop. The guide may need to keep a firm watch on the clock, especially when traffic, weather, or slow road conditions delay the group.

Is $199 a fair price?

At $199 per person, this is not a cheap sightseeing outing. The price makes more sense when you consider what it removes from your planning: highland transport, route finding, rough-road driving, parking concerns, and the risk of taking an unsuitable rental car into difficult terrain.

The fee includes an air-conditioned vehicle, Wi-Fi, taxes, and other listed fees. Lunch is not included, and you should budget for your own packed meal and any snacks purchased along the way.

For a group of two or more people, compare the cost with a suitable highland rental vehicle, fuel, insurance questions, and the stress of driving unfamiliar gravel roads. The tour also gives you a guide who can explain the area and manage the day’s timing. That is useful in a place where weather and road conditions can complicate an independent plan.

The value is strongest if Landmannalaugar is a priority and you have only one day. If you are a strong hiker with several days available, staying in or near the highlands would give you more walking time. If you want a relaxed day with minimal walking, the price may feel high for an outing that still involves a long bus ride and rough roads.

The 4.9 rating from 68 reviews, with 100 percent recommending the experience, points to consistent satisfaction. I would still read the practical details behind the praise: the drive is long, the facilities are basic, and the hike is more demanding than a casual nature walk.

Who should book this highland adventure?

I would recommend it to active visitors who want dramatic scenery and a real outdoor day without self-driving. It suits couples, friends, and families with older children who can manage several hours of travel and a moderate hike.

It is also a good match if you rented a 2WD car but still want to see the interior. The guide and vehicle handle terrain that may be a poor fit for an ordinary rental car.

You should think twice if you dislike bumpy roads, need frequent bathroom access, or want a slow, flexible schedule. The day is packed, and the transport time is unavoidable. You also need to accept that the weather may change the feel of the outing, even if the tour operates.

I would not book it without checking the forecast, packing proper layers, and preparing for limited facilities. But poor weather does not always ruin Landmannalaugar. One wet outing still produced spectacular scenery, and the highlands can look especially powerful under shifting clouds.

Practical details for a better day

• Start with a packed lunch, snacks, and water. Food at Landmannalaugar is limited.
• Bring a swimsuit and towel for the geothermal pool.
• Change in the bathroom building, not beside the pool.
• Wear waterproof layers and shoes with good grip.
• Keep your phone on and confirm the pickup point, especially in Reykjavik.
• Arrive early because pickups can take up to 30 minutes.
• Listen closely to the return time and meeting instructions.
• If you walk at a different pace from the group, ask for a map and route guidance early.
• Expect travel time to count toward the roughly 11-hour duration.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes made within 24 hours are not accepted, and no refund is offered for late cancellations. The tour may also be canceled for poor weather or because too few people have booked. In those cases, you can receive another date or experience, or a full refund.

Should you book the Landmannalaugar tour?

Book this tour if you want one concentrated day of Iceland’s highlands, colorful volcanic mountains, a worthwhile hike, the Valley of Tears, Hjálparfoss, and a natural hot pool. The scenery is the star, but the experienced driver, small group, and route planning make the $199 price easier to justify.

Skip it if you want a leisurely schedule or dislike rough roads. For most active visitors with limited time, though, this is a strong way to reach a part of Iceland that is difficult to visit independently. Pack for bad weather, bring lunch, protect your knees on the steep sections, and save room in your day for a very memorable soak.

FAQ

How long does the Landmannalaugar tour last?

The experience lasts approximately 11 hours, including travel time between Reykjavik, the highlands, the stops, and the return journey.

What time does pickup begin?

The stated start time is 7:30 a.m. Pickup starts around 8 a.m., and there may be a waiting window of up to 30 minutes.

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, so bring a packed meal and snacks. Limited food may be available at Landmannalaugar.

Is the geothermal pool included?

The tour includes time to relax in the natural hot pool after the hike. Bring a swimsuit and towel. There are no changing rooms beside the pool, so use the bathroom building to change.

How difficult is the hike?

The hike includes some steep sections and uneven ground. Most active people can participate, but good fitness is recommended, especially in rain, snow, wind, or cold conditions.

How many people are in the group?

The tour has a maximum of 19 travelers.

Is Wi-Fi available?

Yes. Wi-Fi is available on the bus, and transportation is provided in an air-conditioned vehicle.

What happens if the tour is canceled because of weather?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. A full refund is also available if the minimum number of participants is not reached and the tour is canceled for that reason.