Here we recommend some exciting tours for you to enjoy this truly awesome location
Tours & Excursions in Landmannalaugar
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Landmannalaugar lies in the heart of the Southern Highlands of Iceland and is a mecca for hikers. As part of the Fjallabak Nature Reserve just north of the Ring Road, this territory is known for its colourful rhyolite mountains, an extensive network of hiking trails, and natural hot spring activity. In fact, Landmannalaugar means “the people’s pools” in Icelandic, thanks to a large number of geothermal hot springs and hot pots in the area. There are plenty of tours and excursions in Landmannalaugar for nature lovers and adventurers alike.
This breathtaking zone rests at the edge of the Laugahraun lava field, which was created during a volcanic event nearly 550 years ago. The colourful mountains and gorgeous scenery combined with a plethora of outdoor activities make a Landmannalaugar hike or Super Jeep excursion a must-do on any trip to Iceland. Whether exploring Landmannalaugar by bus, staying in mountain huts along the trails or simply taking a day trip from Reykjavik, there’s something for everyone here.
Tours and Activities in Landmannalaugar, Iceland
Landmannalaugar tour options change according to the season as the Highlands are not fully accessible all year round. The roads in this part of the country are F-roads (mountain roads), so you need a 4WD vehicle to access them when they open up for the summer tourist season. You’ll either need to rent a 4x4 vehicle of your own or go with an official tour operator.
The main road leading to Landmannalaugar is F208 if you plan on making the drive yourself. There are plenty of Icelandic tour packages to choose from if you prefer to leave the planning and logistics up to someone else. Summer tours include Landmannalaugar by bus from Reykjavik , Hella, and Leirubakki. There’s also Landmannalaugar by Jeep and Super Jeep tours of Thórsmörk.
Winter tours offer a different side of the region, with the glaciers and glacial rivers of Thórsmörk Valley on full display. Depending on Landmannalaugar’s weather, you might be able to take a small detour to the beautiful waterfall of the striking Stakkholtsgja Canyon. There are also special tours to nearby sights like Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, the secret ice cave, and horseback riding. Whatever time of year you choose for Iceland travel, it will no doubt be an enchanting voyage.
Landmannalaugar Tours and Excursions
Some of the most popular tours and excursions in the area are the Landmannalaugar Jeep tour, the Northern Lights Tour from Reykjavik, and the Thórsmörk tour. These three very different options give you the chance to discover the diverse parts of Iceland’s interior.
A Super Jeep tour of Iceland sees you traverse the country’s rugged and often snowy terrain. You’ll travel with a trained, experienced guide who will show you the different types of territory in the region. Crossing rivers and valleys or driving past windswept mountains and rolling hills will no doubt be a highlight of your Iceland vacation.
The Northern Lights are Mother Nature’s magical nighttime light show in the sky. See the dazzling waves of emerald and violet undulating high above. An Aurora Borealis hunt will take you in search of the natural phenomenon unique to the most extreme ends of our planet.
Thórsmörk is a stunning valley in Landmannalaguar named after the Norse god Thor. Be sure to bring your camera on this five-hour adventure packed with glaciers, volcanoes, and other out of this world scenery. And of course, be prepared to do some light hiking. This area is a top destination for hikers who come to Iceland thanks to the large number of trails and diverse landscape.
Day Trips from Reykjavik
Taking a day trip from Reykjavik is a wonderful way to explore Landmannalaugar by bus. For travelers who only have one or two days to enjoy the charms of this region, a Landmannalaugar day tour is the perfect choice. The bus departs Reykjavik early in the morning and makes stops at Hveragerði, Selfoss, Hella, Leirubakki, Rjúpnavellir and Landmannalaugar. After arriving around noon, you’ve got six hours to hike, explore, and bathe in geothermal pools.
You’ll have the option to head back to Reykjavik that evening or stay at one of the area’s mountain huts. If you choose to spend the night, you'll need to arrange your accommodation separately. Taking a Landmannalaugar tour from Reykjavik is a wonderful way to visit the Icelandic Highlands even if you don’t have your own rental car.
Hiking and Trekking in the Icelandic Highlands
Hiking and taking a dip in Landmannalaugar hot springs are another favourite pastime of visitors to the area. With mountain huts and hiking trails abound, this is a great zone for grabbing your backpack, hiking boots, and hiking pole and hitting the paths if you want to take a Landmannalaugar Hike. Looking at a Landmannalaugar trek map, you’ll see that it’s the starting point of the northern end of the Laugavegur Trail. The rhyolite mountains, multicoloured volcanic scenery and a wide variety of landscapes make the Laugavegur hiking trail Iceland’s most popular. From crackling black lava fields to colourful rolling hills, outdoor lover’s will marvel at the geological diversity contained in such a small area. Some of the terrains are quite uneven, so make sure you’ve packed the right shoes for this activity.
The seemingly endless number of hiking trails in Thórsmörk means you can select an easy and short two to three-hour trek or a longer, multi-day hiking adventure. The Thórsmörk hike (Þórsmörk in Icelandic) on the Laugavegur Trail goes from Landmannalaugar to Thórsmörk (Thor’s Valley) and is perfect for experienced hikers. This 55 km (34-mile) trek takes most people three to five days to complete. Some adventurers even extend it to Skógar on the southern side of Eyjafjallajokull volcano. When hiking in the area, be sure to bring your swimsuit in case you want to take a dip in a Landmannalaugar hot spring.
Got anything special in mind?
One of the best things about visiting the Icelandic Highlands is stopping to rest and spend the night at a campsite or mountain hut. This is really a roughing it, get back to nature type of experience. The huts are like cabins with hard sleep surfaces where you unroll your sleeping bag and spend the night. The Landmannalaugar camping price for the huts ranges from 5500 to 9000 ISK per person per night. The huts are in high demand, so make your booking as soon as possible. You can also camp close to the huts but will have to pay to use their facilities.
The Famous Ferðafélag Íslands Mountain Huts
The Icelandic Touring Association (Ferðafélag Íslands or FÍ) is in charge of around 40 mountain huts all around the island. Be sure to book your accommodation along popular routes, such as the Laugavegur trail, far in advance. The facilities are usually minimal and you’ll have to bring and cook your own food with you on your hike.
Many of the huts have running water and water toilets. The smaller ones of 10-20 beds may require you to use an outhouse or latrine. You may also have to fetch your own water from a nearby water source like a stream or river.
Visit their website to learn more. There’s information about prices, booking, when the huts are open, frequently asked questions, and more. When visiting Landmannalaugar, be sure to include sleeping bags on your packing list. The mountain huts provide anywhere from 10-72 beds for travellers but do not provide bedding or blankets. They are relatively warm, so an Arctic-grade sleeping bag isn't required.
A visit to Landmannalaugar, Iceland is something you have to do while visiting our beautiful country. You’ll be amazed by the unforgettable landscapes and incredible views you find here. Be sure to take a tour or excursion and take a trek along one of the famous hiking paths, such as the Laugavegur Trail to Thórsmörk.