Landmannalaugar Hike & the Valley of Tears from RVK & Selfoss

Rhyolite mountains and hot water in one day. This Landmannalaugar hike plus Valley of Tears trip bundles highland scenery, guided walking, and geothermal relaxation into a single, long day, with stops that go beyond the usual ring-road highlights. It is a great fit if you want rugged Iceland without planning multiple drives and connections.

I especially like the small group setup, capped at 19 people, which helps the day feel organized and not chaotic on bumpy roads and tight trail spots. I also like the practical touches, like Wi-Fi on the bus and round-trip transportation from Reykjavik (and pickup in Selfoss on the South Coast).

The main drawback to weigh is that it is a long day, with a significant chunk on gravel roads that can be uncomfortable, and only limited bathroom and food options once you are out in the highlands.

Key points before you go

• Full highlands package in one outing: Landmannalaugar hiking, canyon scenery, and waterfall time, all tied together with scheduled stops.
• Hot springs depend on your gear: bring a swimsuit and towel so you can actually use the natural pool.
• Steep trail moments happen: even if the pace is manageable, some parts can feel steep, so good walking fitness helps.
• You control how long you hike: you get time to explore at your own pace within the group plan.
• Pick-up takes patience: you’ll start around 7:30am, with pickup starting at 8:00am and a possible wait of up to 30 minutes.
• Family-friendly adventure, with limits: many people can participate, but this is outdoors first, so expect weather, wind, and cold-wet conditions.

Why Landmannalaugar plus the Valley of Tears makes sense from Reykjavik

This is the kind of tour that saves you from doing logistics the hard way. Landmannalaugar sits deep in Iceland’s highlands, which means you need a long drive, and once you get there, weather and trail conditions can shape your day. By bundling transportation with hiking and set viewpoints, you get a focused slice of the interior without juggling multiple day trips.

The biggest appeal is variety. You are not only hiking through dramatic rhyolite mountains and geothermal areas, you also get waterfall scenery later at the Valley of Tears and a bonus stop at Hjálparfoss. If you like seeing several “Iceland wow” moments in one stretch, this format does that well.

It is also a good reminder that Iceland’s interior is not just postcard scenery. The stops are built around real geology and water systems, so the tour can turn a tiring drive into something you understand as you go. Guides you might meet, such as Sara, Eddie, Ignacio, Keren, and James, were praised for linking what you see to where it comes from, and for paying attention to the group on rugged roads.

Price and value: what $199 buys you in the highlands

At $199 per person, you are paying for three things that add up fast if you do it alone: long-distance transport, a guide who keeps the schedule working, and entry to the geothermal hot-spring area at the right time. Lunch is not included, so plan on food as an extra cost. But most of the big-ticket value is covered.

The true value here is time saved. A DIY day to Landmannalaugar means figuring out road access rules, rental car suitability, fuel planning, and weather risk. Even if you are comfortable driving in Iceland, the highland portion is exactly the kind of place where a guided day trip feels calmer, because the driver is handling the tough segments.

Also, this is capped at 19 travelers. That matters more than you might think. On trails that are steep or uneven, and on the gravel roads where motion can be rough, smaller groups usually mean fewer bottlenecks and more attention from the guide during key moments.

Getting picked up in Reykjavik and Selfoss, and how to plan your morning

The day starts early, with pickup beginning around 7:30am and the tour time set for 11 hours total including travel. You’ll have a pickup window of about 30 minutes, with pickup starting at 8:00am, so plan to be ready and not schedule anything else that morning.

You can be picked up in Reykjavik, and pickup in Selfoss on the South Coast is also available. Since the vehicles used for downtown pickup can have access limits, you may use designated pickup points rather than door-to-door transfers. The fix is simple: keep your phone available and double-check the pickup details you receive after booking.

This is also where the small-group size becomes your friend. With fewer people, the guide can coordinate timing more tightly, and you can get to the highlands without the day turning into a waiting game.

The ride into the interior: gravel reality and comfort breaks

Most of your day is road time, because Landmannalaugar is far from Reykjavik. Expect the drive to include comfort stops and scenic breaks, and a chunk of the route on bumpy gravel roads. That bumpy segment is the tradeoff for the access you get.

If you are sensitive to motion sickness, bring what works for you. The reviews on similar days also point out that food and bathroom options are limited once you’re out in the highlands, so you will feel the benefit of early comfort stops and snack breaks along the way.

One practical tip: pack snacks even if you plan to buy something at the start of the hike. There is snack food available at the Landmannalaugar site, but the selection may not be what you want. And if you prefer a specific meal or drink for the hike, having it with you removes stress.

Stop 1, Landmannalaugar: rhyolite colors, geothermal water, and a hike you can pace

Landmannalaugar is the whole reason you are here. The area is known for colorful rhyolite mountains and geothermal features, which means your walk is not just exercise, it is also geology you can see and understand. Expect views of mountains, valleys, and rivers in the wider highland setting, plus plenty of photo moments where your guide helps you orient what you are looking at.

How long you walk can vary by group pace and route conditions, but the hike portion is often around 1.5 to 2 hours. The good news is you can personalize your experience and explore at your own pace as long as you stay within the group timing plan. That gives you room for quick detours for photos or a slower look at the details underfoot.

Do note the terrain reality. Some sections can be steep, and the tour is best for active walkers. If you are traveling with seniors or anyone who struggles on inclines, pack for extra effort and bring trekking poles if you use them. One review described a faster pace on the hike and no water breaks in between, so you will feel better if you plan ahead with water and a steady rhythm.

If you want to make this part smoother, wear layers you can adjust. Highland weather changes fast, and even in good conditions, wind can hit hard near geothermal areas.

Sigoldugljufur canyon stop: a short break with a big sense of place

After Landmannalaugar, the itinerary includes a stop at Sigoldugljufur. This part of the day functions like a reset for your legs and a chance to take in more raw highland scenery without committing to a long extra hike.

What makes a stop like this valuable is context. You get the sense that you are walking through one system of landforms, not isolated points on a map. The canyon setting also helps you understand why Iceland’s interior feels so wild and dramatic, even when you are only doing a short stop.

The drawback is timing. This is a day trip, so you should expect brief sightseeing windows rather than a long hangout. If you like slow travel, keep your expectations realistic, and save the slower exploring for a multi-day trip later.

Hjalparfoss and the Valley of Tears: waterfall time at the end of the day

Later, you will reach Hjálparfoss and the Valley of Tears area, which is famous for waterfall scenery. This is a great moment to shift from hiking muscles to camera and legs-rest mode.

In particular, the Valley of Tears can deliver a chain of waterfalls and jaw-dropping views in a compact area. Even on days when weather is moody, the water still does its job, because the waterfalls are the main attraction. If you get wind-driven spray, it can be chilly, so keep a warm outer layer handy.

This also works well for a mixed group. People who want more walking can focus on the earlier hike, while others who prefer viewpoints can enjoy the waterfall stops without feeling they missed out.

Hot springs wrap-up: what to bring, what it feels like, and how to get ready

The end of the day is the payoff. After hiking and sightseeing, you head to the natural hot pool at Landmannalaugar. This is why you should bring a swimsuit and towel, because you cannot count on being able to improvise quickly once you are there.

Plan for a change setup that is practical rather than fancy. There are no changing rooms next to the baths, so you will likely need to change in the bathroom building. That is an easy detail to forget when you are excited to soak, so pack for it like an outdoor activity.

Weather can matter here. Even in a great day, the wind can be annoying, especially if you take a break standing still before you get into the water. The good news is that the hot spring water is naturally warm, and it helps you stay comfortable once you are in.

A smart trick for the soak itself: keep your towel dry until you need it, and bring something for your feet if the surface feels slippery. Also, give yourself a few minutes before and after the soak to let your body adjust. It can feel amazing, but it is still cold Iceland air around you.

What to pack so the day feels easy, not stressful

Because this is outdoors first, packing smart matters more than packing a lot. Here’s a practical checklist based on what the day requires.

• Swimsuit and towel for the hot pool
• Layers (wind-resistant outer layer helps), plus an extra warm layer for after the soak
• Comfortable hiking shoes with grip for steep, uneven sections
• Water bottle, plus snacks for the hike since lunch is not included
• Phone with a working number, and ideally offline maps as backup
• A small, quick-dry bag to keep damp items separate

Also, if you refill water is available at the hike base on your date, great. If not, you do not want to be stuck. Bring enough so you are not rationing on steep bits.

Who should book this tour, and who might prefer a different pace

This tour is best for you if you want a single, structured day trip into the highlands. You love hiking but you also want the reward factor, hot springs plus waterfall scenery. The schedule is tight, but it is tight in a good way, meaning you see multiple highlights without wasting time.

It also fits active families and mixed groups, as long as everyone understands the outdoors rules: wind, wet ground, steep spots, and a return to Reykjavik the same day. A smaller max group size helps keep the day manageable.

Choose a different option if you hate long drives, get motion sick easily, or need long breaks at each stop. This is not a slow wandering day. It is a “get in, see the highlights, soak, and head back” plan.

If you are an experienced hiker and want maximum trail time, you might wish the hike had more duration. But if you are happy with a solid highland walk plus hot springs, this is a strong use of one day.

Should you book the Landmannalaugar hike and Valley of Tears day trip?

I think you should book it if your goal is to see Landmannalaugar and the Valley of Tears within one day, with transport handled and a guide keeping everything on track. The value comes from getting to remote areas safely and efficiently, then capping the hike with a soak at the natural hot pool.

I would hesitate if you know you will struggle with a long day, bumpy gravel driving, and limited time at each stop. In those cases, a more flexible multi-day highlands plan might fit better than stacking everything into 11 hours.

If you do book, treat it like an outdoor day trip, not a casual sightseeing stroll. Dress for wind, pack for the hot springs, and keep your pace steady. Do that, and this outing can turn Iceland’s interior from something you watch on screens into something you feel, step by step.

FAQ

How long is the Landmannalaugar hike and Valley of Tears tour?

The total duration is about 11 hours, and travel time is included in the total time.

Where does pickup happen?

Pickup is available in Reykjavik, and you can also be picked up in Selfoss on the South Coast.

What time does the tour start?

Start time is 7:30am. Pickup has a 30 minute window, and pickup starts at 8:00am, with you possibly waiting up to 30 minutes for the bus to arrive.

Do I need lunch, or is it included?

Lunch is not included.

Are there hot springs, and what should I bring?

Yes. You’ll have time to relax in a natural hot pool at the end, so bring a swimsuit and a towel.

Is Wi-Fi available during the tour?

Yes, Wi-Fi is provided on the bus.

What if the weather is bad or I need to cancel?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance of the start time.