From Reykjavik: Landmannalaugar & Háifoss Waterfall Tour

One day, three worlds of Icelandic water and stone. This tour strings together Landmannalaugar rhyolite colors, turquoise volcanic water, and big-name waterfalls like Háifoss into one long, satisfying run through the highlands. I love the guided hike through steam and volcanic rock, especially knowing you’ll get a soak at the end. I also like how the stops are chosen for geology, not just pretty views, with Hnausapollur and the Háifoss waterfall set. The main drawback is simple, it is a long 13-hour day with a moderate hike and plenty of time on the bus.

If you like Iceland that feels remote, not rushed, this is a solid match. The tour includes a live English guide, onboard Wi-Fi, and Landmannalaugar facility fees, so you are paying for access and interpretation, not just transport. You will want to be comfortable in unpredictable weather, and ready for rocky roads that can make the ride bumpy.

Key moments worth centering your day on

• Lauga-loop hike at Landmannalaugar, an easy trail (about 1.5 to 2 hours) that still feels otherworldly
• Geothermal hot-spring soak after hiking, a real reward, so pack swimwear and a towel
• Hnausapollur crater lake stop, famous for its striking turquoise color against black desert sands
• Háifoss plus the waterfall pair, with Granni and Hjálparafoss added to the water drama
• Fjallabak Nature Reserve scenery stops, photo breaks that keep the day moving without feeling like a sprint
• Guide-led detours in some departures, with examples like Gjain or additional waterfall stops mentioned by guests

From Reykjavik To The Fjallabak Highlands: The Long, Scenic Ride

You start in Reykjavík and head out toward the southern highlands. Pickup is optional, and the process can take up to 30 minutes, but if you skip pickup you meet at Tour Bus Stop 12 at Höfðatorg (Þórunnartún). Either way, plan for a full day.

Once you leave the city, the driving time matters because it shapes the whole feel of the trip. You get break time at the Highland Center Hrauneyjar (about 10 minutes), and later another stop for a break at Selfoss. Between those, you are mostly in transit with photo opportunities and short sightseeing stops along the way.

A few reviews point out that the vehicle can feel cramped and that the roads can be rough, which makes sense for the back-country access you are buying. I think of it as part of the deal: you are paying to reach places most people do not reach on their own driving days. The tradeoff is comfort, so bring a neck pillow if you are picky, and expect to be jostled when conditions demand it.

Hnausapollur And Frostastaðavatn: Crater Lakes That Look Unreal

Before you even reach Landmannalaugar, you get two crater-lake style moments that set the tone for the day.

First up is Hnausapollur, a crater lake formed by volcanic eruptions, with a photo stop that focuses on the color contrast. The water is described as a vivid turquoise blue, sitting against desolate sand around it. This kind of stop is more than a quick postcard, it is a geology lesson in one glance. You start to understand how Iceland builds its scenery: fire makes the shape, and the water makes the color.

Next comes Frostastaðavatn, another photo stop. It is a shorter moment, but it keeps the rhythm of the day from feeling like you are only traveling toward one destination. The practical value is that you get multiple “wow” moments without needing to hike every time.

If you are the type who likes to photograph geology, these stops are especially good. If you hate waiting around, keep your expectations realistic. The stops are brief, but they are placed early enough that you will feel like the trip starts strong, not after the big hike.

Landmannalaugar Lauga-Loop Hike: Colorful Rhyolite Hills And Steam Pools

The heart of the day is Landmannalaugar, often called the pearl of the highlands for a reason: the area changes every time you turn, with rhyolite hills and volcanic textures that look hand-painted from one angle to the next.

You get about 4 hours at Landmannalaugar, including the guided hike and time to relax afterward. The hike is described as an easy Lauga-loop trail, around 1.5 to 2 hours. You follow the route through colorful rhyolite hills and past obsidian-type rock formations, then you climb toward steaming geothermal pools. It is not a tough technical hike, but it is still a real walk in Icelandic weather.

One useful detail is that the route is about 6 km according to guest feedback, and there are reports that lunch may happen partway through the overall Landmannalaugar time. That means it pays to eat something early before you get caught up in the trail rhythm. If you go in hungry, you will feel it later.

I also like that the guide does more than point. Several guests mention guides like Ottar, Beggi, and Kalman talking about hot springs and the volcanic rocks you are seeing. That kind of explanation changes the experience from scenery viewing into understanding what you are looking at.

The icing on the cake here is that Landmannalaugar is built for short pauses. You can stop for photos, notice steam drifting up, and then move on. It is a hike that rewards attention, not just speed.

Hot Springs Time: How To Plan Your Dip Like a Pro

After the hike, you have the chance to bathe in the geothermal hot-spring pool. This is why I think the tour design works so well. You earn the soak, and you also get a clear endpoint to the hike mentally, so you do not feel like you have to keep hiking to make the day “worth it.”

The experience is typically relaxing, with plenty of time for views while you linger in warm water. That matters because Iceland’s weather can change fast, and hot springs are one of the few places where your body gets a break from the cold.

A practical heads-up from reviews: some guests note there are no changing rooms or lockers at the hot pool site. So I would plan for quick towel use, keep swimwear ready, and bring dry layers for the walk back. If you are sensitive to cold wind, consider packing an extra pair of socks too.

Also remember that the tour does not include food and drinks. If you are planning to swim, eat when you can and keep your water bottle full. It is easy to underestimate how quickly you get hungry on a long day that includes both hiking and bus time.

Háifoss Waterfall And The Double-Pronged Water Drama

After Landmannalaugar, the day shifts gears from geothermal pools to waterfalls. The tour includes photo and sightseeing stops at Hjálparafoss, Granni, and then Háifoss.

Háifoss is described as Iceland’s fourth largest waterfall, and the highlight is its distinctive look: a famous double-pronged drop. Even if you have seen waterfalls before, Háifoss has a specific feel. It is not just about volume, it is about the shape and the way water splits and falls.

The other two stops help round out the story. Hjálparafoss is often treated as a quieter partner, giving you a different scale and mood than Háifoss. Granni keeps the momentum and makes sure you are not only waiting for the biggest name.

One pattern I like from the way guides run these stops is that you are not just herded. Some reviews mention guides taking extra time at key points and adjusting where possible based on weather. That is valuable because wind and cloud cover can change how water sounds and looks.

Photo lovers will also appreciate that you are stopping, driving a bit, then stopping again. It keeps the day from turning into one long “look and go” session.

Comfort, Timing, And Value for $226

The price is $226 per person for a 13-hour day, and it includes transportation from Reykjavík, onboard Wi-Fi, a tour guide, and Landmannalaugar facility fees. Food and drinks are not included.

So what are you really paying for? Access and interpretation. Reaching Landmannalaugar from Reykjavík means a long drive plus the right setup to get you into remote areas safely. You are also paying for a guide who can tell you what you are seeing, especially on the hike where details about rock types and geothermal behavior matter.

The value gets better if you are not comfortable driving those roads yourself. Several guests mention that having a driver and guide means they could focus on the experience instead of route-finding through rugged terrain with minimal direction and no GPS.

Now the not-so-fun part: time and comfort. It is a long day, and a few reviews flag that the vehicle can be cramped. If you are prone to motion sickness, consider bringing meds or ginger, and sit where you feel most stable.

There is also a small risk factor typical of Iceland road travel. One review mentioned a bus breakdown causing a delay, later pickup around 1 AM. That is not the plan you should assume, but it is good to know the day is big enough that delays feel huge.

Overall, if you want one full day that hits Landmannalaugar, crater lakes, and Háifoss, the cost looks reasonable compared with piecing together multiple one-off transport options plus entrance fees plus guide time.

What To Bring For Landmannalaugar And The Waterfalls

The tour gives you a clear packing list, and it is worth taking seriously because conditions can flip quickly.

Bring:

• Swimwear and a towel for the hot pool
• Hiking shoes with grip
• Water and weather-appropriate clothing
• Food and drinks, since they are not included

If you want my practical approach, I would treat the day like this: wear layers you can hike in, keep a warm layer ready for after the hot pool, and bring a snack in case the day’s timing means you are waiting longer than expected between stops.

Also note the hike level is moderate. One guest suggestion called out that the hike is about 6 km, and that matters for pacing. If you are comfortable walking 6 km on mixed ground, you should be fine with the moderate rating. If you are not, you might struggle when the wind picks up.

Finally, it is not suitable for children under 8 or people with mobility impairments, based on the tour rules.

Who Should Book This Tour (And Who Might Want Another Plan)

This tour fits best if you want a day that feels like a geology field trip with comfort stops. You will like it if:

• You enjoy guided hikes and want explanation, not just free time
• You want hot springs and waterfalls in the same day
• You prefer small-group attention and a structured route through remote Iceland

You might rethink it if:

• You do not like long travel days, the drive time adds up to the full 13 hours
• You are not comfortable with a moderate hike in unpredictable weather
• You need strong accessibility accommodations

It is also a good tour for people who are visiting Reykjavík with limited days and do not want to choose between waterfalls and highlands. The route is designed to cover both, with Landmannalaugar as the anchor.

Should You Book This Tour?

Yes, I would book it if you want one day that delivers Landmannalaugar’s rhyolite colors, a guided loop hike, and the geothermal soak, plus major waterfall stops at Háifoss and the nearby partners. The included guide service plus facility fees make it feel like real value for your time.

I would not book it if your main goal is a relaxed, short excursion. This is a long day with a moderate hike and some rough-road realism. If you have limited stamina or you cannot handle hikes in wind and rain, look for a different Iceland plan that matches your pace.

If you do book, my best advice is simple: come prepared for a cold, wet, sometimes bumpy day, and treat the hot-spring soak as a scheduled recovery time, not an optional extra.

FAQ

Where do I meet the tour if I am not using pickup?

You meet the tour at Tour Bus Stop 12, Höfðatorg (on Þórunnartún).

Is pickup included?

Hotel pickup is optional. If you choose it, pickup starts at the time on your voucher, and the process can take up to 30 minutes.

How long is the tour?

The duration is 13 hours.

What is included in the price?

Transportation from Reykjavík, Wi-Fi on board, a tour guide, and Landmannalaugar facility fees are included.

What is not included?

Food and drinks are not included.

What do I need to bring for Landmannalaugar and the hot springs?

Bring swimwear, a towel, food and drinks, hiking shoes, water, and weather-appropriate clothing.

How hard is the hike?

The tour includes a moderate-level hike.

Is the hot-spring bathing time guaranteed?

The schedule gives you time at Landmannalaugar that includes an opportunity to bathe in the geothermal hot-spring pool.

Does this tour run in English?

Yes, the live tour guide provides English.

Who should not join this tour?

It is not suitable for children under 8 and it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.